HKUST MBA Diversity Award 2025

The HKUST MBA Merit Scholarship Awards for 2025-2026, offered by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School, are prestigious merit-based scholarships designed to attract and support exceptional candidates enrolling in the Full-Time MBA program. Valued at up to 100% of the tuition fee (HKD $600,000, approximately USD $76,930), these awards recognize candidates with outstanding academic achievements, professional work exposure, international experience, and leadership potential. HKUST Business School, ranked #1 in the Asia-Pacific by Bloomberg Businessweek and #46 globally in QS Full-Time MBA Rankings 2025, is renowned for its diverse cohort (90% international students), customizable curriculum, and global exchange opportunities with top universities in North America, Europe, and Asia. The scholarships aim to foster transformative leaders who contribute to the vibrant HKUST MBA community.

To be eligible for the HKUST MBA Merit Scholarship Awards 2025-2026, applicants must:

• Be admitted to the Full-Time MBA program (12-month or 16-month track) at HKUST Business School for the 2025 intake (starting August 2025).

• Demonstrate outstanding academic and professional achievements, including:

  • A strong bachelor’s or postgraduate degree (minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent recommended).

  • Competitive GMAT (650+, average 672 for Class of 2025) or GRE scores (optional but recommended for scholarship consideration).

  • Minimum of two years of full-time work experience (average for Class of 2025: 5 years).

• Exhibit a track record of leadership and continued leadership potential, assessed through essays, references, and admissions interviews.

• Have extensive global professional or academic experience, such as:

  • Non-Asians with Asian exposure or proficiency in Chinese or another Asian language.

  • Asians with international exposure (e.g., work or study abroad).

• Be open to all nationalities (domestic and international students).

• Exclusions:

  • Candidates cannot combine the Merit Scholarship with other HKUST MBA scholarships (e.g., Jebsen Educational Foundation Scholarship, Terry Tsang MBA Admissions Scholarship) except the HKUST MBA Community Succession Scheme.

  • Students enrolled in part-time, Executive MBA, or Digital MBA programs are ineligible.

  • Applicants failing to meet admission or scholarship criteria (e.g., insufficient work experience) are not considered.

• Value: Up to 100% of the tuition fee, covering HKD $600,000 (approximately USD $76,930) for the Full-Time MBA program (52 credits, applicable to both 12-month and 16-month tracks).

• Disbursement: Applied as a tuition fee reduction, deducted from the program fee (HKD $600,000) after the non-refundable deposit (HKD $65,000, approximately USD $8,300) is paid.

• Duration: Non-renewable, covering the entire MBA program duration (12 or 16 months).

• Additional Coverage: Includes textbooks and course materials for core courses and certain self-enrichment activities (elective course materials excluded).

• Note: The award does not cover living expenses (estimated at HKD $120,000–$150,000/year), accommodation, travel, or visa fees. Total financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance, and adjustments may be made if combined with external funding. Scholarships are mutually exclusive, except for the Community Succession Scheme.

No separate application is required for the HKUST MBA Merit Scholarship Awards; candidates are automatically considered during the MBA admission process. Follow these steps:

1. Apply to the Full-Time MBA Program: Submit a complete application for the 2025 intake via the HKUST MBA admissions portal (hkust.force.com) or www.mba.hkust.edu.hk.

2. Submit Required Documents:

   • Official academic transcripts and degree certificates (bachelor’s or postgraduate).

   • GMAT (650+ recommended) or GRE scores (optional but strengthens scholarship consideration).

   • Resume/CV detailing at least two years of full-time work experience.

   • Two essays (e.g., career goals, leadership experiences, typically 500 words each).

   • Two professional recommendation letters.

   • For non-native English speakers: English proficiency scores (e.g., TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5).

   • For international students: Passport copy and financial documentation for Hong Kong student visa.

3. Complete Admissions Interview: Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview (in-person or virtual), assessing academic fit, leadership potential, international exposure, and overall application quality.

4. Scholarship Evaluation: The Admissions Committee holistically reviews applications, focusing on academic performance, work experience, leadership, references, essays, and interview performance. Exceptional candidates are selected for the Merit Scholarship.

5. Notification: Recipients are notified of the scholarship award alongside their admission offer, typically within 4–6 weeks of the application deadline.

6. Accept Offer and Pay Deposit: Accept the admission offer, pay the non-refundable deposit (HKD $65,000), and enroll full-time to activate the scholarship.

Note: Apply by Round 2 (January 14, 2025) for international students to allow visa processing time and maximize scholarship consideration. Early applications (Round 1) increase award chances due to limited funding. HKUST reserves the final decision on scholarship awards.

• Completed Full-Time MBA application form (via hkust.force.com).

• Official academic transcripts and degree certificates.

• GMAT or GRE scores (optional).

• Resume/CV detailing work experience.

• Two essays (per MBA application requirements).

• Two professional recommendation letters.

• English proficiency test scores for non-native speakers (e.g., TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5).

• For international students: Passport copy and financial documentation for visa purposes.

• Note: Unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores are accepted initially, but official documents are required upon admission. Documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.

• MBA Application Deadlines (2025 Intake):

  • Round 1: November 12, 2024 (decision by December 17, 2024).

  • Round 2: January 14, 2025 (decision by February 18, 2025, recommended for international students).

  • Round 3: March 18, 2025 (decision by April 22, 2025).

  • Round 4: May 13, 2025 (decision by June 17, 2025, primarily for domestic students).

• Scholarship Notification: Rolling with admission offers, typically December 2024–June 2025.

• Deposit Deadline: HKD $65,000 non-refundable deposit due within 2–4 weeks of admission offer.

• Enrollment Deadline: Enroll by the start of the MBA program (August 2025).

• Note: Deadlines are subject to change. Verify on www.mba.hkust.edu.hk or contact mbaadmissions@ust.hk.

• Email: mbaadmissions@ust.hk (for admissions and scholarship inquiries).

• Phone: +852 2358 7538 (MBA Admissions Office).

• Address: MBA Office, School of Business and Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (HKT).

• Website: www.mba.hkust.edu.hk