Frequently Asked Questions

Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the oldest institution of higher education in Hong Kong and an internationally acclaimed institution of higher education. HKU has been ranked 11th globally in the 2027 QS World University Rankings and 1st in the 2026 QS Asia University Rankings, and is a pioneer in "lifelong learning" in Asia, with research, teaching, and knowledge transfer as its three main directions.

The HKU Institute for China Business (HKU ICB) promotes interdisciplinary lifelong studies with "the depth of professionalism, breadth of knowledge, and height of future development" as the direction and goal of nurturing talents, which is in line with the founding slogan of HKU -- "Establishing for China". In 2023, the HKU Institute for China Business embarked on a new chapter in its development. Transitioning from HKU SPACE, the Institute was formally established as an educational institution within the University of Hong Kong and serves as an important platform for HKU in advancing lifelong education in China.

To better support Chinese Mainland's economic development and meet the needs of executives seeking further education, HKU ICB has launched a series of Postgraduate Diploma Programmes and Short Programmes, targeting the trends and needs of Chinese Mainland's development, and has repeatedly become a leader in many interdisciplinary professional programmes. Over the past decade, HKU ICB has nurtured more than 20,000 senior management talents with outstanding strategic thinking, in-depth professional knowledge, and a broad international perspective.

Based on HKU's 100 years of academic accumulation and the learning characteristics of administrators in Chinese Mainland, HKU ICB advocates the "3-3-3" open learning model; emphasises the "4P" education philosophy of "Professional, Prospective, Practical, and Problem-solving"; insists on the "5i" talent-nurturing philosophy of independence, innovation, internationalisation, integrity, and impact, with emphasis on vertical thinking and interdisciplinary integration, aiming to nurture the interdisciplinary talents needed in the 21st century.

Guided by an innovative interdisciplinary lifelong education approach, HKU Institute for China Business (HKU ICB) offers a portfolio of Postgraduate Diploma programmes, Short Programmes and Customised Programmes designed to cultivate practical business management capabilities and innovative thinking.

Professional  Programmes - Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)

• PgDip in Artificial Intelligence and Business Transformation (AIBT)
• PgDip in Finance and Business Management (FBM)
• PgDip in Financial Markets and Portfolio Management (FMPM)
• PgDip in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC)
• PgDip in Integrated and Practicing Management (IPM)
• PgDip in Managerial Psychology (MPSY)
• PgDip in Product Innovation and Growth Marketing (PIGM)
• PgDip in Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Executive Programmes - Short Courses

• Creative Industries and Value Creation (EPCC)
• Cross-Border Healthcare Operations and Investment (EPHC)
• Global Capital Market and IPO Planning (EPGI)

Short Programmes

• Family Office Management (FOM)
• Multi-Asset Investment (MAI)
• Eastern and Western Psychology: Science and Wisdom (EWP)
• Women’s Leadership Excellence (WLE)
   

A Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip or PgD) is a postgraduate-level qualification awarded by higher education institutions in former Commonwealth countries and regions, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland and Hong Kong SAR. The qualification places greater emphasis on professional application and practical implementation.
As a formal academic qualification, a Postgraduate Diploma carries academic credits in the same way as a Master's degree. Since the two qualifications are generally at a comparable academic level, credits may be transferable between programmes. Any decision regarding credit transfer or exemption is subject to the final approval of the receiving university.
 

Professional Programmes - Postgraduate Diploma programmes are offered on a part-time basis with intensive classes, with four consecutive teaching days approximately every two months. The overall duration is about 18 months. Classes are primarily conducted in Hong Kong, with some modules delivered online. Before the commencement of professional programme modules, students from different cities are required to attend the Inauguration Ceremony-cum-Residential Workshop. To enrich the learning experience, HKU ICB also organises government and corporate visits in Hong Kong, industry networking activities, interdisciplinary sharing sessions and exchanges with enterprises in Chinese Mainland.

Executive Programmes - Short Cources (Academic Year 2026-2027) are also conducted on a part-time basis with intensive classes. Each teaching block consists of approximately 3.5 days, and the overall duration is around 6-8 months. Classes will be held in Hong Kong and overseas, with bilingual instruction in Chinese and English. Simultaneous interpretation in Putonghua will be provided for English-taught sessions. Students are required to attend the Residential Workshop before programme commencement. HKU ICB may also arrange PPES (Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Science) classes and overseas study trips.

The Institute reserves the right to make adjustments to teaching arrangements, including venue and commencement dates, in the event of special circumstances or unforeseen factors.
 

HKU ICB emphasises case-based learning and classroom interaction. Teaching methods also include:

• Group discussions
• Experiential learning
• Business simulations
• Interactive and application-oriented activities
   

Programmes are delivered primarily in Putonghua, supplemented with English. Teaching materials are mainly provided in Chinese. Assignments, examinations and Final Projects may be completed in either Chinese or English.
 

No dissertation is required.
Upon completion of all required modules, students must complete a Final Project in order to graduate.
The Final Project consists of both a written report and an oral presentation, completed in teams. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and tools acquired throughout the programme to develop a systematic and feasible solution to a real-world business challenge. Each team must prepare a project report and present its proposal through an oral presentation.
 

HKU ICB recruits students from Chinese Mainland and overseas, with Spring and Autumn intakes each year.
Most programmes are delivered in Hong Kong, with centres located in:
•    Beijing
•    Shanghai
•    Shenzhen
•    Guangzhou
•    Chengdu
As commencement dates vary by programme, applicants are advised to submit their applications before the relevant application deadline. Please refer to the individual programme page for details.
 

For Postgraduate Diploma programmes, the application fee is RMB 500.
For tuition fees of Postgraduate Diploma programmes, Executive Programmes and Short Courses, please refer to the relevant programme information page.

Our students come from diverse industries and professional backgrounds with substantial management and work experience.

HKU ICB faculty members include accomplished business leaders and management practitioners with extensive experience in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and international markets. The teaching team combines a global perspective with deep local expertise, bringing together excellence in both professional practice and academic research.
Approximately:
•    30% are full-time professors and lecturers of the University of Hong Kong or professors from internationally renowned universities.
•    70% are senior executives from multinational corporations with over 15 years' management experience.
 

Professional Programmes - Postgraduate Diploma
Applicants should possess:

• A bachelor's degree or above and at least 3 years' relevant work experience; or
• An associate degree / diploma qualification and at least 5 years' relevant work experience.

Executive Programmes - Short Courses

• Admission requirements vary by programme. Please refer to the relevant programme description for details.

In addition to the minimum requirements, HKU ICB evaluates candidates holistically based on academic background, professional experience, achievements and overall potential to maintain the quality and diversity of the participant cohort.
 

Applicants should complete and submit the online application form and provide all required supporting documents by post or email.
Please refer to the relevant Application Guidelines:

• Professional Programmes - Application Guidelines
• Executive Programmes - Application Guidelines
• Short Programmes: Please refer to the relevant programme description for details.

Please contact us for details about our programmes and enrollment information.

Applicants without any work experience will generally not be considered for admission.

Deferral is generally not permitted.
Applicants who are unable to commence their studies on the date specified in the offer letter are normally required to submit a new application. Under special circumstances, admitted students may apply for a one-year deferral for personal reasons, subject to review and approval. Applicants should consult the Institute for details.