ADMISSIONS | Overview

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.


Admissions Standards


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 2025 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 2022-2025 intake. To learn more about the Test Optional policy, please refer to the FAQs



WBB Class of 2024 Freshman Profile 


  • Mean GPA (unweighted, 4.0 scale): 3.90
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1460-1550
  • Middle 50% ACT: 33-35
  • Middle 50% Predicted IB (Out of 45): 42 - 44
  • Female: 60%
  • Male: 40%

ADMISSIONS | Tuition & Fees

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 actual costs are subject to change.
YEAR 1 @ USC YEAR 2 @ HKUST YEAR 3 @ BOCCONI YEAR 4
Tuition USD 69,904 HKD 250,000
Euro 25,000 The fourth-year tuition fee will be charged based on the institution attended.
Housing USD 20,203* HKD 100,000** Euro 8,000**
*Estimated yearly living expense (two semesters of rent, default required full meal plans and optional parking).
**Varies based on availability and selection. No meal plans are required at HKUST or Bocconi.

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.

ADMISSIONS | Application Timelines

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.

STEP1 August 1 Apply via CommonApp.org
  • Select Regular Decision
  • Select World Bachelor in Business (WBB) as your 1st Choice Major
STEP2 August 1 - November 30 Complete all application components:
STEP3 December 1 Regular Decision (RD) Application and Document deadline for WBB admissions and scholarships consideration
STEP4 May 1 Deadline for offer acceptance

ADMISSIONS | Scholarships & Financial Aids

WBB Admissions Scholarships
All applicants will be automatically considered for scholarships based on their application, academic merit, distinguished accomplishments and skills.


WBB is targeted for students with an outstanding academic record. The WBB universities offer merit-based scholarships covering one-half or one-quarter of annual tuition fees. Once awarded, they can be renewed from year to year, if academic requirements are upheld. All applicants will be automatically considered for scholarships based on their academic merit, distinguished accomplishments and skills.


There is no need to file a separate scholarship application. Students should check for other country-specific scholarships, financial aid packages and loans on the websites of the three partner schools. Candidates for regionally accepted merit programs should inquire if the award program can be applied toward the WBB program.


Applicants from Hong Kong SAR may also consider applying for the following scholarships:


Financial Aids
Students are encouraged to investigate country-specific scholarship opportunities, financial aid packages and loans on the websites of the three partner schools. Candidates for regionally accepted merit programs should inquire if the award program can be applied toward the WBB program.


Previous and current WBB students have received financial aids through the following channels:


ADMISSIONS | Admitted Students

Upon admission, students must reserve their space in the class by May 1. New freshman orientation/registration begins in May and runs through August. Students will move into USC campus housing by late-August. Students will receive a welcome package with details on all of the above and more.