After months of uncertainty, Belgium's Crown Princess Elisabeth will be allowed to resume her studies at the prestigious Harvard University in the United States after all.
The Belgian princess began a two-year master's programme in Public Policy at Harvard in September 2024, but had to temporarily suspend her studies in May 2025 after US President Donald Trump's administration abolished the student-abroad programme. Now, that decision was reversed by a judge.
"All indicators are green," palace spokesperson Lore Vandoorne confirmed to Belga News Agency on Tuesday, after the magazine Soir Mag broke the news. "There are no concrete reasons why she would not be able to continue her studies in September."
What happened?
At the end of May, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that she was revoking the certification of Harvard University's SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor) program.
The measure was part of Trump's wider offensive against higher education in the US. Harvard, the country's most prestigious private university, which he accused of being too left-leaning and of failing to protect Jewish students during protests over Israel's war in Gaza.
Due to Trump's measure, international students were unable to enrol for the new academic year, and some 6,800 international students were at risk of losing their residency in the United States.
Harvard successfully challenged the measure in court. A federal judge blocked Trump's decision to deny international students admission to Harvard.
Harvard University.
"I can confirm that 15 Belgian citizens have received grants under the Fulbright program for the 2025-2026 academic year," said Erica Lutes, director of Fulbright, which awards grants for academic exchanges between the US and Belgium.
In addition to passing the Harvard entrance exams, the Crown Princess was selected for an Honorary Award from the Fulbright Program. While accepted students normally receive funding (such as a scholarship or travel stipend), this is not the case for those with an Honorary Award.
"Most applicants are receiving their visas with some delay because the US embassy was behind in issuing visas," Lutes added.
This provides clarity for Belgian students at American universities, including Crown Princess Elisabeth, who did not want preferential treatment, the Royal Palace always stressed.
