Taiwan’s Ministry of Education announced Wednesday that Taiwanese students at Harvard University, facing financial difficulties after former U.S. President Donald Trump froze federal funding to the school, can apply for government-supported student loans.
Last month, the Trump administration halted approximately $3.2 billion in grants and contracts to Harvard, and sought to restrict its ability to admit international students, according to The New York Times.
Li Dianzhang, a Taiwanese graduate student at Harvard, told CNA that some labs are struggling due to the funding freeze. While professors still have some funds, it is unclear how long salaries can be covered, creating anxiety among researchers.
Li added that some admitted students had their scholarships suspended, causing serious economic hardship. Even if aid is restored, students urgently need support for daily expenses like food and housing.
In response, Taiwan’s Ministry of Education said eligible families—those earning under 2 million New Taiwan dollars (about $66,800) annually or with two or more children studying abroad—can apply for government loans through seven designated banks. Loan caps are 1.2 million NTD for master’s students and 2.4 million NTD for doctoral students.
Currently, 52 Taiwanese students study at Harvard, including newcomers preparing to enroll.
Some students worry about returning to the U.S. after summer break due to the administration’s tough stance. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston said Harvard has sued to block the funding freeze and the ban on admitting international students; a federal judge has temporarily halted the ban.
The office urged students to stay calm and await updates.
As of Wednesday, Taiwan’s Ministry of Education confirmed no students had been forced to leave Harvard. If the ban persists and students return to Taiwan, plans include remote learning and credit transfers via agreements with Taiwanese universities.
Meanwhile, U.S. news outlet Politico reported the administration is considering social media screening for all foreign student applicants and has directed U.S. missions abroad to pause new visa interviews.
At a legislative hearing, the Ministry’s Li Yujuan said Taiwan’s American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) had not been instructed to suspend visa interviews. Visa processing for Taiwanese students continues as normal.
An AIT spokesperson told CNA that visa interview schedules adapt dynamically to ensure full legal review. Since 2019, visa applicants must provide social media identifiers for screening, and all applicants undergo continuous review.
Applicants are encouraged to keep submitting applications as scheduling adjusts to allow thorough vetting.
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