"We Will Help Talented Students"... University of Tokyo Considers Temporarily Accepting Harvard Students

Opportunity to Audit Certain Classes and Receive Certificates of Completion
Three Years Ago, 20 Ukrainian Students Were Allowed to Attend Classes

The University of Tokyo in Japan is considering a temporary measure to accept Harvard University international students who may have to suspend their studies due to the Trump administration's policy of blocking foreign student enrollment.

According to reports from the Asahi Shimbun and others on the 26th, the University of Tokyo stated, "We will help talented young students continue their studies without interruption." Specifically, the university is considering offering Harvard international students the opportunity to audit certain classes and issuing certificates of completion so that credits can be recognized when they return to Harvard or transfer to another university in the future.

University of Tokyo campus. University of Tokyo official website

The University of Tokyo previously accepted 20 Ukrainian students who had to suspend their studies due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, allowing them to attend classes.

Meanwhile, on the 22nd (local time), the Trump administration notified Harvard University of the cancellation of its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. In response, on the 23rd, Harvard argued that this measure violates the Constitution and would have a serious impact on the lives of nearly 7,000 international students, filing a lawsuit and requesting a preliminary injunction to suspend the effect of the certification cancellation. The court granted Harvard's request for a preliminary injunction, allowing Harvard international students holding F-1 student visas and Harvard researchers holding J-1 exchange visitor visas to maintain their residency status during the trial period.

The Japanese government announced that, following the Trump administration's decision to cancel Harvard's certification to accept international students, it is in discussions with the U.S. government to minimize the impact on Japanese students at Harvard. According to Kyodo News, on the 23rd, government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi, a Harvard alumnus, stated at a press conference, "There are many Japanese students at Harvard University," and added, "We are closely monitoring the situation with great interest." He continued, "The Japanese government will take necessary measures, including dialogue with the United States."

Harvard University has international students and scholars from more than 140 countries, including 260 Japanese students. By nationality, Chinese students make up the largest group with 2,126 enrolled, followed by 788 from India and 769 from Canada.