The move by US President Donald Trump's administration to halt new visa interviews for students has triggered widespread concern within academic communities worldwide, with educators in the UAE leading calls to uphold academic freedom and promote international collaboration in education.

According to reports, the US has instructed its embassies to suspend scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants. The State Department is also preparing to expand social media vetting of foreign students .

Earlier, the Trump administration also barred Harvard University from enrolling international students - a policy that potentially threatens the dreams and futures of thousands of aspiring scholars worldwide.

Meanwhile, numerous students and professors at Harvard University came out in support of foreign students and protested Trump's attempts to withdraw funding from the university .

Undermining intellectually rich environment

Many regional academicians and education consultants emphasised the damaging consequences of such policies - not just for students, but for institutions, local and global academia as a whole.

Highlighting the economic and academic value international students bring to US campuses, Varun Jain, CEO, UniHawk said,“Harvard is home to over 10,000 international students who contribute significantly to the university's revenue and academic diversity. A ban on admitting international students would not only affect financial stability but also undermine the competitive and intellectually rich environment that they help foster.

"The core mission of academia and university collaborations has always been to enhance the education system and promote global outreach by providing access to all. Such a restriction contradicts the very ideology of 'education without borders' putting at risk the progress made in building inclusive and globally connected learning communities.”

Others note a shift in student mindset - as learners explore broader opportunities beyond the traditional Ivy League route. Rema Menon Vellat, Director at Counselling Point Training and Development, said, "Students are now looking at other options, not just the Ivy leagues. Many are also exploring other education destinations. I am disheartened by this move because many students have worked really hard to attain places in such selective institutions."

School leaders across the UAE echoed concerns over the politicisation of academic access, reinforcing the need for openness and diversity in education.

Simon Crane, Head Master at Brighton College Dubai, said,“Policies that restrict access to education based on nationality are deeply concerning. They undermine the very essence of academia, which thrives on openness, diversity, and the free exchange of ideas. The global academic community is interconnected - when opportunities are closed off in one part of the world, it weakens the whole system.”

Crane further underlined the UAE's strong positioning as an international education hub, rich in diversity and ambition. "In our school and across many schools in the UAE, we value and celebrate the diversity that defines our communities - our school alone brings together 77 nationalities. The UAE has positioned itself as a forward-thinking hub for international education, and we're proud to be part of that.”

“We can continue to strengthen partnerships with universities and schools around the world, promoting exchange programmes, collaborative research, and shared curriculum development. Our Sixth Form and Upper Sixth pupils benefit from comprehensive university guidance that supports applications to top institutions globally, including Ivy League US universities such as Harvard, Yale and Brown,” he added.

Industry professionals believe the UAE is well-placed to benefit from these global shifts, provided there is continued investment in academic support systems.

“As indicated by KHDA stats, there is already a 20 per cent increase in students studying here (at universities). We will know the exact figures after September. Furthermore, with the government's initiative of granting golden visas for high academic performance, will also help retain talented minds,” added Menon.

Beyond policies and permissions, many also credit the UAE's reputation for safety and stability as key factors drawing international students.

Chris Goodbourn, Director, GEMS for Life, said,“We recognise the importance of global academic collaboration and the pivotal role international study plays in shaping well-rounded, future-ready graduates. We are proud that our students have successfully progressed to leading universities around the world, including Ivy League institutions, which continue to represent academic excellence for many families.”

Educators also observe a diversification in students' global preferences, with more graduates now setting their sights on Europe, other parts of Asia, and the UAE itself.

Goodbourn added,“This shift reflects a growing emphasis among students and families on long-term stability, value for investment, and the ability to make flexible, well-informed decisions about their future. Over the past few years, approximately 11 per cent of GEMS Education graduates have gone on to study in the United States, drawn by the country's renowned institutions and broad academic offerings. While interest remains, students are increasingly exploring a wider range of global options and keeping pathways open until they feel confident in the overall value and clarity of the post-study experience.”

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