Harvard students in limbo due to visa uncertainties to be accommodated at University of Toronto
The University of Toronto, ranked 29th globally according to the 2026 QS World University Ranking, has announced a unique international student contingency plan to assist returning students from Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). This move comes in response to recent changes proposed by the US Department of Homeland Security regarding international student enrollment.
Under this agreement, affected students will be able to continue their studies in Canada, specifically at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. They will be enrolled as full-time, non-degree special students, and will have access to co-curricular activities at the Munk School.
To be eligible for a Canadian study permit, international students need to have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from an eligible Designated Learning Institution, in this case, the University of Toronto's Munk School. Other required documents include a Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter, proof of financial support, and may also require biometrics, an immigration medical exam, and/or one or more police certificate(s).
Students will be able to take a mix of online and in-person courses taught by both HKS and UofT faculty. They will have the option to enroll in HKS Global, a blended program combining online learning with in-person sessions in select locations.
Upon completion of their program requirements, they will be able to graduate with their HKS master's degree. It is worth noting that the University of Toronto was ranked favourably for academic reputation, employment outcomes, employer reputation, and international student diversity.
The contingency plan will move forward if there is sufficient demand from affected international students and pending approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The presence of Harvard students at UofT will not reduce the number of spaces available for UofT students in any academic programs or in university housing.
Students who choose to participate in this contingency program and later resolve their visa issues may return to the Harvard Kennedy School campus in Cambridge at any point up to September 11, 2025. After that date, students will generally be expected to remain in their chosen program - either HKS Global or HKS at Munk - until the end of the semester.
This is the first time one of Harvard's schools has introduced an international student contingency plan, marking a significant step towards cross-university collaboration in supporting international students. However, the search results do not provide information about which institution requested Angus Reid's opinion regarding the possibility of international Harvard students being supervised by the University of Toronto.
For students interested in this option, they will need to apply for a Canadian study permit, following the standard application process. It's important to note that each case is unique, and applicants should carefully review the requirements and guidelines provided by the Canadian government.
In conclusion, the University of Toronto's initiative to assist international students from Harvard Kennedy School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive environment for global learners, fostering academic excellence, and promoting cross-border collaboration.
Read also:
- CEO Efe Cakarel of film platform Mubi addresses controversy regarding new investor and Israeli military ties, establishes advisory board and fund to safeguard artists under threat.
- Magnesium-Rich Beverages: Origins, Advantages, and Potential Hazards
- Chinese Rare-Earth Mining Endangers the Mekong River's Integrity
- Deteriorating munitions are submerged in the Baltic Sea, and Germany aims to retrieve them before it's too late.
