Selection for WBB is competitive. The program aims to provide a small cohort of 45 truly international students with a solid preparation in the field of business management. The strongest candidates will have an outstanding academic record and an ability to adapt and thrive in different environments. Students’ academic history and writing prompts help us determine preparedness for this rigorous and rewarding program.

Applicants are evaluated on the content and rigor of their high school course work, their grades, standardized test scores, activities summary, essay, and counselor/teacher recommendations.

• High school transcripts from grades 9 to 12
• SAT Reasoning Test or ACT with writing component scores (Optional for Fall 2026 intake*)
• TOEFL, IELTS or other English language certificates
• Activities summary
• Personal statement
• Counselor or teacher recommendations
• Online Interview

At the discretion of the admission committee, personal interviews may be required for admission consideration. Other supplementary materials and information may also be required. It is incumbent upon each applicant to visit the appropriate school’s website to understand the filing deadline and materials required.

*We understand that this is a stressful and uncertain time for senior students who are applying to universities. Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) will be optional for WBB applicants applying for Fall 2026 intake. To learn more about the Test Optional policy, please refer to the FAQs. 

• Mean GPA (unweighted, 4.0 scale): 3.95
• Median SAT: 1520
• Median Predicted IB (Out of 45): 44
• Female: 53%
• Male: 47%

Students will pay the tuition and fees of the university where they are in residence. The followings are the estimated costs for a student attending the WBB program at HKUST in Fall 2025. Keep in mind that prevailing tuition level and housing fee is only for reference, and actual costs are subject to change.

Keep in mind that the actual costs are subject to change. Please also take into consideration that other costs will occur each year, such as travel expenses (related to moving from one country to another), books, supplies, medical insurance and personal expenses. WBB advisors will work with families and students to help them define these costs.

Please be aware that, for admission to USC, international students are legally required to demonstrate that they are able to support themselves financially, including tuition, accommodations and other expenses, for one year.

The WBB admission committee is comprised of program and admission directors from each school acting as full and equal partners. The committee selects the incoming WBB cohort. Applicants are evaluated on the content and rigor of their high school coursework, their grades, standardized test scores, activities summary, essay and counselor/teacher recommendations. Careful adherence to application filing instructions and dates will insure eligibility for admission consideration. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Interested students are encouraged to visit each school’s website to learn about the specific WBB application processes and recruitment programming. WBB applicants will apply through the Common Application. Applying to WBB will not influence chances for admission to any of the three universities or other programs of interest.

If you are also interested in other programs at HKUST in addition to WBB, please apply directly at join.hkust.edu.hk.