Growing interest in UK universities due to Trump’s Harvard policies

Recent policies targeting Harvard University by the Trump administration have sparked a surge in American students looking to study in the UK. The administration has frozen over $2.6 billion in Harvard’s research funding and attempted to block international students from enrolling, citing issues like campus antisemitism. These moves, though temporarily halted by courts, have created uncertainty for students, especially from the Middle East, pushing them to explore other options.

In the UK, universities are seeing a notable increase in applications from US students. For instance, Mattias Frey, a department head at a UK university, reported that applications for their creative writing program tripled in 2025. While students don’t always mention politics directly, Frey senses a desire for a welcoming environment that feels safer than the current US climate.

Similarly, Amer Mourad, a London-based education consultant, noted that Middle Eastern students, like an Egyptian worried about US visa issues over social media posts, are increasingly choosing UK schools. This shift could benefit UK universities, which have faced financial challenges due to flat domestic tuition fees and fewer international students. An influx of US students, who often pay higher fees, may help ease these strains.

Meanwhile, Boston-based consultant McMillan observed that about half of his Middle Eastern clients now plan to apply to English-speaking universities outside the US, a sharp rise from previous years. As Trump’s policies continue to stir debate, UK universities are becoming a popular alternative for students seeking quality education in a stable environment.