The School of Business and Management at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is commonly known to the MBA community as HKUST. Established hardly three decades ago in 1991, the school is one of the youngest schools ranking amongst the Top 25 business schools in the world. It is also one of the top 10 business schools in the Asia-Pacific region.
HKUST provides students with a full-time MBA and an EMBA in collaboration with the Kellogg School of Management.
The MBA class of HKUST is one of the smallest in the business school community with just around 80 students. The full-time MBA program at the school lasts 12 months with an option to extend it to 16 months to provide more flexibility and a tailored MBA experience.
MBA students at HKUSt also get access to the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM). This is a network of top business schools around the world.
Students get the opportunity to pursue courses and receive credits for Small Network Online Courses (SNOC). Schools affiliated with GNAM include Yale School of Management, Berkley Hass, IMD, and INSEAD.
HKUST Cost of Attendance 2021
| Expense | USD (APPROXIMATE) |
| MBA Program Fee | $75,300 |
| Accommodation on campus (average for 12 months) | $12,300 |
| Books and supplies | $1,300 |
| Living expenses (12 months) | $10,800 |
| Miscellaneous | $3,800 |
| Optional field trips | $1,900 |
| Total | $105,400 |
HKUST Application Process 2021
| Application Checklist | Requirement |
| Essay Questions | The application consists of the following questions.
Question1: The HKUST MBA mission is to inspire and transform individuals to be future business leaders for Asia and the world. We embrace diversity and are looking for ambitious and open-minded candidates with a passion to contribute. It is the first day of orientation. Please introduce yourself to your classmates, highlighting what drives you in your personal and professional life. (500 words)* Question 2: Tell us about your post-MBA goals and based on that, why is the HKUST MBA the ideal program for you and how do you plan to engage and enrich our community? (500 words)* Question 3: How do you plan to nance your MBA? (500 words)* |
| Professional Resume | A current professional resume must be attached to the application. |
| Letters of Recommendation | The Letters of Recommendations are available as a form which will be sent to your selected recommenders. Each applicant must submit two LORs; one from a current supervisor or any professional or social acquaintance who can add value to your candidacy. |
| Transcripts | The applicant must fill the transcripts section of the MBA application form as guided. |
| GMAT/GRE | The applicant must report their valid (no less than 5 years old) GMAT/GRE score on the application.
GMAT Code: PRW-WT-99 GRE Code: 3834 |
| TOEFL/IELTS/PTE | Every applicant whose language of instruction for undergraduate/post-graduate degree was not English is required to submit valid TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores during the application process. |
| Application Fee | HKD 1,000 |
HKUST Application Deadlines 2021
| Round | Application Deadline | Decision Notification |
| Round 1 | Nov 18, 2020 | Feb 12, 2021 |
| Round 2 | Jan 13, 2021 | Apr 9, 2021 |
| Round 3 | Mar 17, 2021 | May 14, 2021 |
What does the HKUST admissions committee look for?
Have a global-mindset
This would probably be the most important part of these tips. HKUST endorses a Global education with a semester abroad or international project/seminar opportunities offered to the students every year.
So, even if you have no international exposure, you would still require to have a mind that is open and welcoming to all the new experiences and cultures that the school will expose you to throughout your MBA.
If an admissions committee member, or the interviewer sense hostility, in your application or interview, for any culture or community your application might be turned down even if the rest of it seems perfect.
Show Integrity
The quality that an applicant can portray to show the admissions committee their commitment to HKUST is Integrity. It is listed as one of the values that the school resonates with.
But you won’t have too much space in your profile to do so. This is where your recommendations come in.
One of the most important questions that an HKUST applicant’s recommender can answer is about the applicant’s integrity. Make sure your recommender is someone that would rate you high in this virtue, as HKUST admissions committee members have revealed that they often reject applicants whose recommenders don’t.
Another way to showcase integrity is through community projects or involvement. Make sure you mention each community activity that you have ever been a part of.
Diversity
We keep talking about what a school can do for an applicant. Even schools emphasize the same through their “Why this school?” essay. However, you are encouraged to inform the school how you can add value to their culture as well.
We have all heard about the averages in regards to the MBA classes at business schools. Most applicants think being way off the averages, be it GMAT scores, GPA, or work experience, would play against them. However, that’s not the case. Business schools love diversity. They really value the input that candidates from different backgrounds bring through their varied life and professional experiences.
With over 90% of its class being international students from over 15 countries, diversity is in the fabric of HKUST.
So, when writing the HKUST MBA application make sure to mention what you bring to the table. Tell them what different views and experiences you’ll be able to share with your class and how those would add value and bring diversity to HKUST’s community.
For over 15+ years as an Entrepreneur, and India’s Top Educationist, Jatin has led a range of initiatives in the Education Industry. In this role, he has created many successful educational services and products geared towards generating success for professionals aspiring to join IVY League and global Top Tier Universities for MBA Programs, Masters Programs, and undergraduate courses. He is the Founder and CEO of PythaGURUS Education, and has been recognized as a thought leader in the Higher education sector. Economic Times, Hindustan Times, Times of India, India Today, Business Today, Tribune, and many other national newspapers have recognized his work, and have given him numerous opportunities to be a regular columnist. He has also served as a panelist for NDTV, and other national news channels.
