Fact Check: Harvard's contingency plan allows students to study at the University of Toronto.

Fact Check: "Harvard's contingency plan allows students to study at the University of Toronto."

What We Know

In June 2025, Harvard University and the University of Toronto (U of T) announced a contingency plan aimed at supporting international students from Harvard who might face visa restrictions due to ongoing political tensions in the United States. This plan specifically targets students enrolled in the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) who are unable to return to the U.S. for their studies. Under this agreement, these students would have the opportunity to continue their education at U of T's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. The program would allow students to take courses taught by both Harvard and U of T faculty, either online or in-person, ensuring academic continuity despite potential travel restrictions (Reuters, CBC).

The initiative was prompted by the Trump administration's controversial immigration policies, which had previously threatened the ability of Harvard to enroll international students. The plan is contingent on sufficient demand from students who are unable to enter the U.S. due to these restrictions (India Today, CTV News).

Analysis

The sources reporting on this contingency plan are credible and include major news outlets such as Reuters, CBC, and India Today, which are known for their journalistic standards. The information provided is consistent across multiple reports, confirming that the partnership between Harvard and U of T is designed to address the challenges faced by international students amid changing U.S. immigration policies (Reuters, CBC, The Globe and Mail).

The plan's implementation is dependent on demand, as noted by HKS Dean Jeremy Weinstein, who emphasized that the program would only proceed if enough students expressed interest in studying in Canada (India Today, CTV News). This reflects a cautious approach by both institutions, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively based on student needs.

While the plan is still in its early stages and requires approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education, the commitment from both universities to provide educational continuity is clear (CBC, The Globe and Mail).

Conclusion

The claim that "Harvard's contingency plan allows students to study at the University of Toronto" is True. The evidence indicates that Harvard and U of T have indeed established a framework to support international students who may be unable to travel to the U.S. due to visa restrictions, allowing them to continue their studies in Canada.

Fact Check: Harvard's contingency plan allows students to study at the University of Toronto.