PETALING JAYA: Students who have gained admission to Harvard University should check latest developments and talk to their respective sponsors before making further decisions, says the Higher Education Ministry.
In an advisory to students headed to the embattled Ivy League school, it said that no one had reported problems related to their student exchange visa programme or had their visas cancelled.
This comes after the US State Department’s instruction to consulates worldwide on Friday (June 6) to resume processing visa applications of international students admitted to Harvard.
The ministry said this comes as a relief to about 7,000 foreign students enrolled at Harvard.
The US State Department's instruction reversed an earlier order by the US government to reject admission applications by international students to Harvard.
The US government directive was rescinded one day after it was issued and less than an hour before a judge blocked the Trump White House from restricting international students from entering the country to attend Harvard.
The ministry said it is closely monitoring the development through its Education Malaysia Washington D.C. (EMWDC) office, it said.
Currently, there are 54 Malaysian students at the university, comprising 16 scholarship holders and 38 self-funded students
“This decision allows international students, including Malaysian students, to continue their studies without disruption to their visa status for the time being. The ministry and EMWDC office have contacted the relevant sponsors and US education authorities,” it said in a statement on Sunday.
The ministry also welcomed the commitment of these parties to collaborate to ensure that updated information is provided on the optional practical training programme and to handle immigration matters.
The statement added that cross-border higher education is the best platform for talent development, knowledge exchange and strategic cooperation among nations.
It urges all parties to remain calm and act based on factual information.
