In a dramatic escalation of tensions between U.S. federal authorities and Harvard University, President Donald Trump’s administration has frozen US$3.2 billion in federal grants and contracts, directly impacting hundreds of researchers and international students — including 52 Taiwanese nationals currently studying at the prestigious university.
Among the collateral victims of this political standoff are Taiwanese students whose scholarships and teaching assistant stipends have either been suspended or are under threat, creating immense financial pressure. As a response, Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has swiftly rolled out government-backed emergency student loans.
💸 Financial Support Offered by Taiwan
To mitigate the impact, Taiwan’s MOE announced on Wednesday that affected students can apply for government-guaranteed loans under specific eligibility criteria:
- Families earning below NT$2 million annually (approx. US$66,858)
- Families with two or more children studying abroad
The loan caps are:
- NT$1.2 million for Master’s students
- NT$2.4 million for Doctoral students
Applications can be processed via seven designated banks in Taiwan. The MOE also emphasized that these loans are meant to cover daily living expenses, such as food, transport, and rent — beyond what academic funding typically provides.
🧪 Research Disrupted, Anxiety Grows on Campus
Taiwanese student Li Tien-chang (李典璋), currently at Harvard, told CNA that some research labs have already felt the effects, with uncertainty looming over funding longevity and salaries. While some labs still function using residual funds, the question remains: for how long?
He noted that “many students are anxious and have no clear idea whether their stipends or assistantships will resume — even temporarily.”
✈️ Fear of Leaving the U.S. and Not Returning
A bigger concern for many students is whether they’ll be allowed back into the U.S. if they return to Taiwan for summer break. Amid Trump’s broader crackdown on international student policies, there’s growing fear they could be denied reentry.
Although Harvard has filed a lawsuit against the federal decision, and a temporary suspension of the international enrollment ban has been granted, students remain cautious.
Taiwan’s Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Boston urged students to “stay calm and monitor updates,” reassuring that no deportation orders have been issued for Taiwanese students.
🖥️ Remote Learning and Credit Transfer Plans
If students are ultimately forced to return home, the MOE outlined contingency options:
- Remote learning arrangements coordinated with Harvard.
- Credit transfers through MOUs signed between Harvard and domestic Taiwanese universities.
- Partial course completion through joint academic programs or digital platforms.
🛂 Rising Visa Restrictions and Social Media Vetting
Further complicating matters, U.S. outlet Politico reports the Trump administration is considering:
- Social media vetting for all student visa applicants
- A pause on scheduling new visa interviews
However, Taiwan’s Lee Yu-jiuan (李毓娟), head of the MOE’s international division, said that as of Wednesday, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) has not halted interviews.
AIT also reassured the public that:
- “Visa applicants may continue submitting applications”
- Interview scheduling is dynamic and flexible, depending on staffing and national guidance
- Social media screening has been in place since 2019, and is a routine security measure
🔍 Original Insights
This escalating situation represents more than just a funding cut — it illustrates the fragile position international students occupy within U.S. domestic politics. Harvard, a symbolic academic institution, has become a battlefield in a war over immigration, funding, and ideological control.
For Taiwan, the challenge is to support its students abroad without inflaming bilateral tensions, while ensuring their education continuity. The loan program, though helpful, is a short-term solution. Long-term policies may need to consider international education diversification, reducing overreliance on politically volatile nations like the U.S.
❓ FAQs
How many Taiwanese students are studying at Harvard?
52 students, including incoming ones, are currently studying or preparing to study at Harvard.
Why were the federal funds to Harvard frozen?
President Trump alleges financial mismanagement and ideological bias at Harvard, leading to a US$3.2 billion freeze.
Can Taiwanese students still apply for U.S. visas?
Yes. According to the American Institute in Taiwan, interviews are ongoing and visa applications are being processed.
What financial aid is available for affected students?
Taiwan’s MOE offers loans up to NT$1.2M for master’s and NT$2.4M for PhD students through designated banks.
What is the MOE’s advice to students now?
Stay calm, avoid leaving the U.S. unless necessary, and monitor updates from Harvard and AIT.
