In the wake of recent uncertainties surrounding U.S. university admissions for international students, a notable shift is occurring among Hong Kong students and parents. Many who initially prioritized American universities are now turning their attention to the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on elite institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge.
The shift follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent directive to Harvard University to suspend admission of international students, a move temporarily halted by a court injunction. Nonetheless, the announcement has heightened concerns among families about the stability of U.S. higher education prospects.
According to education consultant Chen Siming, Executive Director of Yingzhi Education, inquiries about applications to the UK’s prestigious G5 universities have surged by 70% in recent days. “Parents are deeply worried about the current uncertainties in the U.S. and are actively revising their children’s academic plans. The UK’s relative stability has made its universities a popular alternative,” Chen said.
Chen Yanzhang, a former admissions officer at Oxford University and former instructor at both Harvard and Oxford, noted that the U.S. policy turbulence is likely to drive more international students to apply to British universities. He warned that this increased demand will intensify competition at top-tier institutions. “Even students meeting academic requirements will face tougher competition in areas such as extracurricular achievements, academic performance, and interviews,” Chen explained. “International applicants should start early to highlight their academic strengths and specific interests to stand out.”
One prospective applicant, Mr. Liao, who plans to apply to Oxford next year, expressed concern over rising admission thresholds at Oxford and Cambridge. “Many students who originally considered the U.S. are now concentrating their applications on the UK, which will make the competition unprecedentedly fierce,” he said. “Even predicted grades meeting the standard may not be sufficient, adding pressure to our preparation.”
Chen Siming advised students to maintain a balanced approach by preparing for A-Level or IB exams alongside standardized U.S. tests like the SAT or ACT. He also emphasized the importance of dedicating time to UK university interview preparation. “Given the rapidly changing admissions landscape, flexibility and early planning for both UK and U.S. applications are essential,” he concluded.
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