HKUST

This review was written by Nirvan Gandhi on 12th September 2025

HKUST MBA Review: Is Hong Kong’s Top Business School Worth It

The first time I visited HKUST, I didn’t think much about the 30-minute drive from Hong Kong Island. But when I stepped onto the campus, I stopped mid-walk. On one side rolling green hills. On the other, the South China Sea glittering in the distance. It felt less like a finance hub and more like a retreat. That contrast, intensity inside the classrooms, calmness outside captures HKUST perfectly.

For many applicants, HKUST is a big question mark. It shows up in the QS and FT rankings. People whisper about its consulting and finance strengths. But is it worth betting your 55K - 65k USD MBA budget on a school in Hong Kong? Let’s break it down. No brochure talk. Just real insights.

Location & Campus: Hong Kong Without the Chaos

HKUST isn’t in the middle of Central or Kowloon. It’s tucked away, about half an hour’s drive from the heart of Hong Kong Island. And honestly? That’s a blessing.

The campus is massive and self-contained. You’ve got 29 restaurants, Starbucks, 7-Eleven, even Indian and South Asian food spots. MBAs have their classes at the Lee Shau Kee Business Building, separate, professional, and buzzing with energy.

But here’s the catch: unlike undergrads, MBAs don’t get on-campus housing. You’ll need to hunt for an apartment off-campus (the school helps, but you’re on your own). Hong Kong rents are not cheap, so budget carefully.

Still, when you’re sipping coffee overlooking the sea, or grabbing lunch surrounded by students from 60+ countries, it doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Program Structure: 12-Month vs. 16-Month

HKUST offers two formats: a 12-month MBA and a 16-month MBA. On paper, they look similar, same curriculum, same professors. But there’s one big difference: the internship.

Here’s my blunt advice: if you’re an International applicant looking to break into the Hong Kong job market, pick the 16-month option. Without an internship, your chances of landing a local role shrink dramatically. With it, you’re in the game.

That’s why I tell clients, don’t treat the 12-month MBA as a shortcut. Think of it as skipping the one thing that makes your post-MBA job search easier.

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Class Profile: Small, Global, Selective

The average class size? Around 60–65 students. That’s tiny compared to US or even European MBAs. But the small size is intentional.

Nearly 80% of students are international, coming from across Asia, Europe, and North America. This makes the classroom discussions rich, and forces you to step up socially. You can’t hide in a group of 900 like at Wharton. Everyone knows you. Everyone remembers you.

For applicants exploring Asian MBAs, whether it’s NUS, ISB, or others, HKUST stands out for one big reason: its unmatched international diversity. In a class of just 60–65, nearly 80% are international students. That mix makes HKUST’s classroom one of the most globally dynamic in Asia — and that diversity is the school’s hidden advantage.

Careers: Finance & Consulting Dominate

Here’s the real talk: HKUST placements are regional.

~40% of graduates work in Hong Kong
~30% head to Mainland China
A small minority go to Singapore, the Middle East, or Europe

But don’t expect US or UK placements to fall into your lap. If you’re dreaming of a Wall Street or London consulting role, HKUST isn’t your gateway.

Instead, think of HKUST as a specialist in finance and consulting within Asia. Global banks, MBB, and regional firms actively recruit here. If that’s your career direction, this school makes sense.

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Admissions: Not GMAT-Obsessed

HKUST doesn’t play the numbers game the way US schools do. Yes, they’ll look at your GMAT (or GRE). But unlike some schools, they’re open to waivers and even conditional admits.

What they care about more is:

Why you’re doing an MBA. Do you have clarity on your career goals? Or are you just running from your current job?
Why HKUST. Can you articulate why Hong Kong and this program specifically fit your plans?

If you nail these two, even a modest GMAT won’t kill your chances.

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Scholarships: Case by Case

Scholarships at HKUST exist, but they’re merit-based and tied to what you bring to the classroom. Leadership roles, unique experiences, standout academics, and yes, higher GMAT scores can help. But don’t bank on a full ride. Treat it as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Language: Do You Need Mandarin or Cantonese?

This is one of the biggest concerns Indian applicants have. The short answer: No, you don’t need Mandarin or Cantonese to survive or succeed.

All classes are taught in English. Most corporate roles, especially in finance and consulting, use English as their primary working language. You can absolutely get placed in Hong Kong without local languages.

The nuance? If you’re gunning for client-facing roles with Mainland Chinese or local Hong Kong clients, basic Cantonese or Mandarin helps. It’s not mandatory, but it’s an edge. Think of it like working in France, English is fine, but French opens more doors.

The Brand & Alumni Network

HKUST is consistently ranked among the top MBAs in Asia. But rankings aside, what stands out is its alumni network in finance and consulting across Hong Kong and China.

One fun detail: the CEO of NVIDIA, Jensen Huang, is an HKUST alum (not MBA, but PHD). His signed jacket sits proudly on campus, and when I visited, students were lining up to click photos with it. That tells you something about brand power.

HKUST vs. HKU vs. CUHK

Let’s clear this up: among Hong Kong’s three big schools, HKUST, HKU, and CUHK HKUST is the clear winner for MBAs.

Better placement outcomes
More international class
Stronger alumni in finance and consulting
More global recognition

HKU and CUHK have their merits, but if you’re looking at ROI, career opportunities, and campus experience, HKUST comes out on top.

What No One Tells You About HKUST

Internship = lifeline. Skip it at your own risk.
Housing is a headache. Start your search early.
Placements are regional. If Asia (Hong Kong/China) isn’t your target, think twice.
Small class = spotlight. Be ready to show up in every discussion, every project.

Final Word

I remember standing outside the Lee Shau Kee Business Building, watching students laugh, eat, and plan their futures. A group nearby was photographing that NVIDIA jacket like it was the Mona Lisa. That moment made me realize what HKUST really is: a school that quietly punches above its weight especially if your career ambitions point towards Asia.

Is it for everyone? No. If your dream is New York or London, look elsewhere. But if you’re serious about making a mark in finance or consulting in Hong Kong or Mainland China, HKUST might just be the smartest bet you’ll ever make.

And if you’re still unsure about your fit or chances, don’t overthink it — you can always reach out directly to the HKUST admissions team for clarity.

P.S. If you still can’t get through, we can help. At Applicant-X, we often connect curious applicants with current students and alumni for 1-on-1 conversations. Sometimes, hearing it straight from someone living the experience is the best way to know if a school is right for you.

FAQs

Is HKUST hard to get into?
Not as much as US M7 schools. HKUST is competitive, but it emphasizes clarity of goals over raw GMAT numbers. If you have a well-thought-out career vision and a strong story, you stand a good chance.
What is the ranking of HKUST university in the world?
HKUST regularly ranks among the Top 50 global MBAs and is often in the Top 3 in Asia (depending on the ranking body FT, QS, or Bloomberg).
Is HKU better than HKUST?
For MBAs, no. HKUST has stronger placements, international exposure, and a sharper brand in finance and consulting. HKU is a great overall university, but when it comes to MBA, HKUST leads.