A Complete Guide to the HKUST MBA Program

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is globally regarded as the number one MBA program in Asia. The renowned faculty, customizable curriculum, and networking opportunities attract many diverse students from a variety of professional backgrounds, including engineering, consulting, finance, and technology, among others. Close to 90% of students at HKUST are non-local, which encourages cross-cultural connections and collaborative class discussions.  

HKUST offers a full-time MBA, part-time MBA, and a Digital MBA for Global Leadership. The full-time MBA program has a 16-month mode for students hoping for a career or location change and a 12-month mode for those who hope to advance within their current career.

The 16-month mode includes an optional full- or half-term overseas exchange at one of HKUST’s partner universities in North America, Europe, or Asia. HKUST’s part-time MBA program offers a weekly or bi-weekly mode, the standard mode lasting 24 months and the accelerated mode lasting 18 months. Finally, HKUST has a Digital MBA program (DiMBA) perfect for working professionals who require a flexible schedule and do not want to relocate. The DiMBA offers the same MBA certificate as the full-time and part-time programs. 

The HKUST admissions process prioritizes diversity, selecting candidates based on their individual fit within the program and with their classmates rather than relying on a “one size fits all” checklist. However, there are specific requirements for applicants, including an undergraduate degree, good English language skills, a “satisfactory” GMAT or GRE score, and a required amount of full-time work experience, at least 2 years for full-time, 3 years for part-time, and 5 years for the DiMBA. Applicants must also illustrate their ability to contribute to the MBA community both during and after the program. 

HKUST MBA Class Profile

Average Age	29 years
Average Work Experience	6 years
Diversity	Female: 41% Non-local: 87%

HKUST MBA Employment Report & Careers

Salary Average	$135,912
Offers upon Graduation	Does not disclose
Offers at 3 months	100%
Post-MBA Industries	Financial Services: 10 Asset/Investment Management: 5 Auditing/Accounting: 1 Commercial Banking: 1 IB Division/M&A Advisory: 1 Other Alternative Investments: 1 Private Wealth Management: 1 Consulting: 4 Consumer Packaged Goods: 1 Healthcare: 2 IT/Technology: 1 Manufacturing: 2 Media/Entertainment: 1 Retail: 1 Others: 2
Post-MBA Locations	Does not disclose
Post-MBA Companies	Does not disclose
Career Development Resources	HKUST MBA Career Resources

HKUST MBA Academic Programs 

MBA Curriculum

HKUST’s full-time MBA program lasts either one year or 16 months, depending on student goals, and requires students to complete 52 credits through core courses, electives, and credit-bearing professional and career training. The part-time MBA and DiMBA programs are each made up of 45 credits, lasting 2 years for standard study or 18 months for students who opt for accelerated study. 

The full-time mode begins with an immersion program to orient students, which includes leadership and career training workshops. The curriculum begins with three pre-MBA non-credit-bearing online courses: Accounting, Data Analysis, and Python Programming. Although each student is required to complete certain core courses, they can tailor their MBA through elective courses. 

Core Curriculum

The focus of HKUST’s core curriculum is to teach students about general management and versatile modes of leadership through multidisciplinary courses. Required core courses make up about 25% of the credits earned during the HKUST MBA program, building students’ business knowledge. All core courses are listed below. 

• Information and Technology Management
• Marketing Strategy & Policy
• Strategic Management
• Corporate Finance
• Financial Accounting
• Operations Management
• Managerial Microeconomics
• Responsible Leadership and Ethics
• Preparing to Lead

Elective Curriculum

Electives make up close to 60% of the curriculum, illustrating the highly flexible and personalizable nature of the HKUST MBA program. HKUST has many different course offerings in disciplines such as strategy, technology, and entrepreneurship, among others. These are a few examples of elective course offerings: 

• Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and Their Business Applications
• Applied Merge & Acquisitions for Corporates
• Deep Learning Business Applications with Python
• Transforming Business with Artificial Intelligence
• ESG investing and green finance strategy for portfolio management
• Digital and Social Media Strategy

HKUST’s most popular elective is Enhancing Professional Skills (EPS), which teaches students presentation skills, business problem-solving approaches, and pitching new ideas. 

Credit-Bearing Professional and Career Training

HKUST supplements their curriculum by exposing students to industry veterans, mentors, and coaches. Students are encouraged to attend these events as some offer credit toward their MBA degrees. 

Research Centers

HKUST hosts many research and professional development centers. There is a diverse range of subjects covered by the research centers, including Business and Social Analytics, Economic Policy, Investing, and Business Case Studies. 

MBA International Study Programs

HKUST has unique and extensive opportunities for global engagement, including optional international exchange programs for full-time MBA students at top universities such as the Wharton School, London Business School, Kellogg School of Management, and HEC Paris. 

HKUST’s 12-month full-time MBA program offers a concurrent degree program with the Yale School of Management. This program, the Master of Advanced Management (MAM), allows students to enrich their global perspective by studying at a prestigious US-based university.

HKUST MBA Application

The latest application requirements set by the HKUST MBA admissions office are described in the links below.

Essays

The HKUST application requires applicants to complete two short essays and offers one optional essay. These are the questions on HKUST’s sample full-time application form:

• What are your strengths? Please also share an example of how you have used your strengths to make a difference at work or outside of work. (Max 350 words)*
• What are your long and short-term goals? How do you plan to use HKUST’s MBA program to help you achieve these goals? (Max 350 words)*
• (Optional): What else would you like the admissions committee to know about you and your application? (Max 250 words)   

Letters of Recommendation 

HKUST MBA applicants are asked to submit two recommendation letters in addition to their application form, and CSS applicants are required to submit three references. The application form can be submitted before the recommenders have submitted their online reference form. 

The HKUST MBA reference form asks recommenders to assess the applicant in the following areas:

• Communication 
• Self Awareness  
• Leadership Ability
• Strategic Thinking
• Motivation / Proactive Mentality 
• Flexibility / Openness 
• Results Orientation
• Teamwork

Additionally, recommenders are required to explain the reasoning behind their recommendation in the form. 

HKUST MBA Admissions Interviews

All shortlisted candidates are required to complete one panel interview, which is typically conducted online. HKUST uses conversational interviewing techniques to determine an applicant’s interest and potential fit for the MBA program. Here are a few examples of frequently asked questions:

• Tell me something about yourself.
• Discuss your resume.
• Why do you want an MBA? Why is HKUST the right school for you?
• What are your goals?
• What are your strengths? Examples?
• What are your weaknesses? Examples?
• How can you add value to HKUST?
• What is one reason we should not select you?
• Do you have any questions?

Interviewers may also ask about your interests and hobbies and your reasoning for doing specific activities, in addition to behavioral and case questions. 

What Makes HKUST Unique?

Students are offered built-in enrichment opportunities at HKUST including professional development and networking activities. The inventive student culture at HKUST contributes to the diverse range of student clubs, which have included a Finance & FinTech club, Global Networking club, and Social Impact club. Further, the case competitions at HKUST give students a unique opportunity to work with their classmates and professors to put their learning into practice. 

HKUST’s curriculum’s focus on electives makes it stand out from other MBA programs which emphasize core courses and thus appeals to students who want to tailor their education to their career goals. Further, HKUST has extensive global exposure opportunities, including an optional exchange program, using cross-culture experiences to supplement learning. Students who choose to remain in Hong Kong will still gain global exposure as HKUST hosts many exchange-in students from top universities all over the world. 

Further, HKUST is the first Asian MBA program to offer an online MBA degree program. This program breaks from the expectations of online programs, offering immersive learning opportunities, optional global exposure and on-campus activities, and access to a large MBA network. 

HKUST Useful Links

Admissions Info	MBA Program Home Page Admissions Home Page
How to Apply	Request Information Start an Application
Meet HKUST Business School	Admissions Events – Upcoming Student Enrichments
Do Your Research	HKUST MBA News Living in Hong Kong Fees & Financing

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