PETALING JAYA: The Higher Education Ministry has advised students enrolling at Harvard University for the September intake to get in touch with the university and their respective sponsors for information on the latest developments before making further decisions.
At this time, the ministry reported that there are no issues related to the Student Exchange Visa Program or the cancellation of visas.
This follows the US State Department’s directive to consulates globally to restart the processing of visa applications for international students accepted into Harvard.
The ministry noted that this development is a relief for the nearly 7,000 foreign students enrolled at the Ivy League institution.
The ministry is closely monitoring developments through its Education Malaysia Washington DC (EMWDC) office.
Currently, there are 54 Malaysian students at the university, of which 16 are scholarship holders and 38 are self-funded.
“This decision allows international students, including Malaysian students, to continue their studies without disruption to their visa status for now. The ministry and EMWDC office have contacted the relevant sponsors and US education authorities,” it said in a statement yesterday.
The ministry also expressed appreciation for the commitment of these parties to working together to provide updated information regarding the optional practical training programme and address immigration matters.
Malaysia believes that cross-border higher education is the best platform for talent development, knowledge exchange and strategic cooperation among nations.
It also urged all parties to remain calm and act based on true information.
On June 6, the US State Department instructed consulates worldwide to resume processing visa applications for international students admitted to Harvard University, reversing guidance issued a day earlier ordering such requests to be rejected.
The new directive rescinded one issued a day earlier, less than an hour before a judge blocked the Trump administration from restricting international students from entering the country to attend Harvard.
