Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions should be more proactive in reaching out to SAR and other overseas students studying at Harvard University, a concern group said, after the US government revoked certification which enabled the prestigious school to enrol foreign students.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology became the first school in Hong Kong to openly invite existing and prospective Harvard students last week, offering them streamlined admission procedures and transition support.

Mervyn Cheung, chairman of the Hong Kong Education Policy Concern Organisation, felt that was only the first of many steps local universities can take to lure this batch of elite talent.

“Instead of just transmitting the messages electronically or through the press media in Hong Kong, they can reach out to the Harvard campuses and get in touch with the students who are worrying about their futures at Harvard,” he told RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme.

Cheung noted prospective students who've received Harvard offers are also facing enormous pressure.

"Unless they are graduating this summer, they also face a risk of deportation if [US President Donald] Trump's decision is really to be implemented," he added.

"The public opinion... in the US seems to be rather unfavourable to students coming from other countries to do the university studies in the US, especially Chinese students."

Meanwhile, an educational consultant gave prospective students some tips on their application procedures.

"I would say the second semester or term in their second to last year of high school, then we can actually talk together and discuss what kind of school [they should] apply for,” said Jonathan Ma, regional manager and senior academic adviser at Crimson Education.

Harvard students seeking transfers should study not just the overall ranking of target institutions, but also the ranking of the subject they're doing, he said.

"If students manage to get into Harvard, then they will potentially be looking at Ivy (League) schools…if not, then Ivy Plus.

"If they're doing STEM subjects, then maybe I would say MIT or Stanford will be very good alternatives as well."