Introduction
The recent decision by President Donald Trump and the U.S. government to cancel international student visas for Harvard has sent shockwaves through the academic world. For many students and parents, the Harvard Visa ban has shifted their attention to UK universities, particularly Oxford and Cambridge. With growing numbers of international students looking to the UK, competition for places at these elite institutions is set to become even tougher.
Table of Contents
What Happened with the Harvard Visa Ban?
The US government’s recent policy shift has had major repercussions for international students. In a sudden move, President Trump announced the cancellation of international student visas and stopped new approvals for foreign students at Harvard University.
This decision came as part of a wider crackdown on immigration and visa programmes during his administration. It shocked the academic community, leaving many international students in limbo and unsure of their future in the US.
The ban has driven many students, especially from Hong Kong and East Asia, to rethink their educational plans. For many, the UK’s universities, seen as more stable and welcoming, have become the new top choice.
Rising Demand for UK Universities
Samuel Chan, Managing Director of Britannia StudyLink, reports a significant rise in interest for applications to the UK’s top universities. “We’ve seen a 70% increase in inquiries about G5 universities in the past few days,” Samuel says. “Parents are anxious about the uncertainty in the U.S. and want to secure places for their children in the UK.”
This change comes as UK universities are seen as more stable and reliable compared to the uncertainty in the U.S. The UK’s established academic standards and proven record of success have made it the new top choice for many international students.
Tougher Admission Standards at Oxford and Cambridge
The influx of applications is expected to push admission standards higher at Oxford, Cambridge and other top universities. Entry to these universities is already demanding. Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London require entrance exams, and UCL will introduce a new test, TARA, in 2026. These exams focus on critical thinking, logical reasoning and subject knowledge.
Samuel says, “Even if students meet the grade requirements, universities will now pay closer attention to how well they perform in interviews and extracurricular activities. The competition is going to be fierce, and students will need to show more than just good grades.”
Major Changes to UCAS Applications
Adding to the challenge, UCAS will reform its application system in 2025. The current personal statement will be replaced by a structured Q&A format. Samuel notes this will put more pressure on students to demonstrate their commitment to their chosen subject.
“While U.S. universities value personal stories and broader experiences, UK universities look for genuine passion for a subject,” Samuel says. He advises students to strengthen their applications by taking part in subject-based competitions or research projects.
Calvin Chan’s Advice for UK Admissions Success
Calvin Chan, a former Oxford admissions officer, says students need to prepare early to succeed in this competitive environment. “Oxford and Cambridge interviews are designed to see how students think, not just what they know,” he says. “Students need to show they can think on their feet and approach problems with clear reasoning.”
He suggests that working with a university prep tutor or a knowledgeable advisor can be a smart way to build confidence and improve performance in entrance exams and interviews.
Meet Calvin Chan, Oxford Admissions Expert and University Prep Tutor
Calvin Chan, a former Oxford admissions officer and lecturer at Harvard, now helps students gain entry to the UK’s most competitive universities. His background gives him deep insight into how these elite institutions select their candidates.
Calvin works with students to develop strong academic profiles, build confidence for entrance interviews, and prepare for the intense competition at G5 universities. He advises students to start early, focus on critical thinking skills and academic performance, and develop a passion for their chosen subject.
His expertise and experience make him a valuable resource for students aiming for places at Oxford, Cambridge and other top UK universities.
A Need for Proactive Planning
Experts agree that early, focused preparation is the best way for students to handle the growing competition. Students should balance their public exams like A-Levels or the IB with the new demands of entrance exams and interviews. Developing a well-rounded profile through subject-based activities will also be important.
By acting early and taking a clear, structured approach, students can improve their chances of gaining admission to these competitive universities.
Conclusion
The shift from U.S. to UK universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, is already making entry more competitive. Due to the Harvard visa ban and other uncertainties, students and parents should take proactive steps now. Careful planning, building a strong academic profile and getting the right guidance will be key to securing places at these elite institutions.