HKUST and CUHK Business Schools Announce 26Fall Early Application Dates, Kickstarting 'Big Three' Talent Race

发布时间：Date: 2025-05-29 返回新鲜资讯Back to News

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business Schools have officially announced their early application arrangements for the 2026 fall intake, marking the escalation of the talent war among the top three Hong Kong universities. CUHK Business School expects to open its online application in June 2025, covering ten popular master's programs such as Accounting, Finance, and Business Analytics. While GRE/GMAT scores are not mandatory, a strong score will significantly enhance competitiveness. HKUST Business School has confirmed its early application window from July 2 to August 15, 2025, offering programs in Accounting, Economics, Business Analytics, and more, also recommending GRE/GMAT submission to strengthen one's profile.

For candidates aiming for top Hong Kong universities, the early round is not only a critical window to secure a spot but also an important strategy to avoid intense competition later. CheersYou（清柚教育）reminds students and parents to closely monitor the specific date updates on both universities' official websites and to prepare language test scores and soft background materials as early as possible. Given that HKU Business School has also launched its early selection plan, applicants are advised to position themselves accurately based on their qualifications and plan a reasonable timeline so as to take the initiative in the upcoming application season and successfully secure their desired offers.

Both CUHK Business School and HKUST Business School recently released teasers for their 26Fall early applications.

HKUST will begin accepting early applications on July 2, 2025; CUHK will open its early online application in June 2025, with the exact date to be announced.

Combined with HKU Business School, which has already launched its early selection plan and will soon announce its early round, the competition among the top three Hong Kong universities has officially entered a white-hot stage.

Source: hkust

Early Application Details for the Top Three Hong Kong Universities 26Fall

CUHK Business School Early Application Details

Application Period: June 2025 (exact dates to be announced)

Enrollment: September 2026

Source: cuhk

Basic Application Requirements

A bachelor's degree with at least second-class honors or a grade of B or above
Proof of English proficiency
GRE/GMAT scores are not mandatory, but a good score will enhance your competitiveness

Source: cuhk

Programs Available for Early Application

Master of Accountancy
MSc in Actuarial Science and Insurance Analytics
MSc in Business Analytics
MSc in Finance
MSc in Information and Technology Management
MSc in Information Science and Technology Management
MSc in Management
MSc in Marketing
MSc in Real Estate
MSc in Sustainable Global Business

HKUST Business School Early Application Details

Application Period: July 2, 2025 – August 15, 2025

Enrollment: September 2026

Source: hkust

Basic Application Requirements

A bachelor's degree from a recognized institution or equivalent qualification
English language requirements
GRE/GMAT is not mandatory but highly recommended
Some programs have requirements for relevant work experience, prerequisite courses, etc.

Source: hkust

Programs Available for Early Application

MSc in Accounting
MSc in Business Analytics
MSc in Economics
MSc in Family Office and Family Business
MSc in Finance
MSc in Global Operations
MSc in Information and Cyber Security Management
MSc in Information Systems Management
MSc in International Management
MSc in Marketing

HKU Business School Early Application Details

HKU Business School has not yet announced its 26Fall early application details; please refer to 25Fall information for now.

Application Period: August 16 – August 24

Enrollment: September of the following year

Source: hku

Programs Available for Early Application

Master of Accounting
Master of Climate Governance and Risk Management
Master of Economics
Master of Finance
Master of Finance in Financial Technology
Master of Global Management
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Master of Science in Marketing

*HKU Business School also announced this year the inaugural Elite Summer Camp, HKU Business School Future Leaders Camp, to be held from May 6 to 8, 2025.

Outstanding participants will be granted admission for 2026 and have the opportunity to receive the Dean's Master Scholarship of up to HK$250,000, as well as internship opportunities at top companies.

Source: hku

Basic Application Requirements

Resume
Transcripts / Graduation certificate and/or degree certificate
Internship proof
TOEFL/IELTS scores
A short video (within 3 minutes) answering specific questions about the chosen master's program
Personal statement
Other supplementary materials demonstrating relevant skills or experience

Advice for Early Applications to the Top Three Hong Kong Universities

Priority review, early admission, and generous scholarship opportunities are common features of the early application rounds at the top three Hong Kong universities.

All three schools adopt rolling admissions, so the earlier you submit your application, the greater your chance of receiving an offer. Some programs may invite applicants for an interview; a strong interview performance can help improve your admission odds to some extent.

We recommend that students whose backgrounds are well-matched and who have all materials ready, and who have a clear intention to study at Hong Kong institutions, consider applying through the early round.