IBCE is a transfer-in programme for CUHK Year 1 students.

Q1. What is the admission quota each year?

The admission quota is 20. (The ratio may vary depending on the academic performance of the students.)

Q2: What are the minimum requirements for tranfer-in applicants?

- Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above

- IELTS overall score of 7.0 or TOEFL score of (Paper: 600 / Computer: 250 / Internet: 100) or above

Q3: When will the application process begin and interviews be hold?

IBCE will invite applications in every January, shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview by late February.

Q4: What format will the interview take?

The interviews will be conducted in English, Cantonese and/or Putonghua. The format may vary from year to year.

Q5: What is the weight of interview?

Students will be selected for interview based on their academic results. Interviewers will be impressed by candidates’ strong language abilities, positive attitude, interests in IBCE, enthusiasm in U.S.-China trade and leadership.

Q6: Would students who transfer into IBCE need to defer their studies?

Transfer-in students will join IBCE starting from their second year of study.

Q1: How many units are required for graduation?

Students shall complete at least 123 units before graduation.

Q2: What is the programme structure of IBCE?

IBCE is a “4+1″ programme, i.e. four-year undergraduate degree at CUHK and one-year Master of International Business (MIB) at UofSC. CUHK students will have their one-year undergraduate exchange at UofSC during their third year of study. In the first year of study at CUHK, students are required to take more non-business courses (e.g. Chinese, English, IT, General Education, Physical Education) to fulfill other University requirements.

Q3: Can students take any minor programmes or double majors?

Yes. Students can take elective courses at both CUHK and UofSC to meet the requirements of a minor programme or second concentration.

Q4: Do IBCE students need to choose a concentration area?

No. IBCE is their concentration area. Yet, students can develop a second concentration such as General Finance, Financial Engineering, Insurance and Risk Management, Human Resources Management and Marketing.

Q5: Is it a must for IBCE students to study Putonghua?

Yes. IBCE students will be required to sit for Putonghua benchmark tests before graduation and be proficient at the intermediate high level.

Q6: What is the GPA requirement for IBCE students at CUHK?

IBCE Students are required to obtain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in CUHK. If a student’s overall GPA is below 3.0, he/she will be transferred to the Integrated BBA Program.

Q7: Is GMAT required for admission to the Master of International Business?

Yes. The suggested minimum GMAT score is 650.

Q1: Why University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business?

It is top-ranked for International Business for 21 consecutive years and it has been the top 3 for International MBA for 31 consecutive years. UofSC also boasts numerous modern sports and recreational facilities, perfect for an enjoyable exchange experience.

Q2: Is the exchange guaranteed? Are there any prerequisites?

The exchange is guaranteed, and in fact, compulsory for IBCE students. Students are expected to have obtained ANY ONE of the following internationally recognized English language certification:
IELTS: 7.0 or above
TOEFL (paper): 600 or above
TOEFL (computer): 250 or above
TOEFL (internet): 100 or above

The certification(s), once obtained, will remain valid for exchange eligibility. (Students need not worry about the expiry of certification(s).

Q3: Do we have a hostel when studying in UofSC?

Yes. In fact, students must stay at the hostels provided by UofSC. The cheapest hostel costs around US$6,700 a year. IBCE students are not necessarily assigned to the same hostel, but many of them chose Maxcy College. More information can be found here

Q4: Do we get to choose what we want to study in UofSC?

IBCE students are required to take 3 International Business courses at UofSC. Other than those courses, IBCE students are free to choose what they want to study at UofSC, with a maximum of 32 credits a year in total.

Q5: How will the courses in UofSC be graded?

Courses in UofSC will not count towards CUHK's GPA. Students are encouraged to explore different interests during their exchange year.

Q1: Will the Faculty arrange hostel for students studying in the US?

Yes. Hostel will be arranged by the UofSC.

Q2: How much are the tuition fees and estimated living cost for HKDSE students?

The current tuition fee for CUHK is HK$42,100 per year. The hostel and living cost in Hong Kong are estimated at HK$4,000 per month. The living costs in the US, including airfares, food, hostel fee, local transportation and study trips, totals US$15,600 approximately. Therefore, the total cost is about HK$434,080 (42,100 x 4 + 4,000 x 12 x 3 + 15,600 x 7.8).

Q3: The US$15,600 is for one year or four years?

It is the total estimated expenses for studying in the US for one academic year, including airfares, living, accommodation, local transportation and study trips.

Q4: Will financial aid be granted to students in need?

Yes. There are different forms of scholarships offered by the University, Faculty, Colleges and other institutions. In addition, financial assistance in the form of a loan will be provided on a need basis to cover all expenses.

Q5: What are the strengths of CUHK IBCE Programme when compared to other local business programmes?

International Business and Chinese Enterprise (IBCE) is offered by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in collaboration with the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina (UofSC) in the United States. Founded in 1919, the Darla Moore School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in international business research and education. It has been ranked No.1 in undergraduate international business education by U.S. News & World Report for 18 years.

IBCE is characterized by its great emphasis on advanced understanding of international business, in particular the business activities between China and the United States. The two institutions admit around 40 students in each year. Students of the two universities share courses and experiences together at both CUHK and UofSC. There is a unique blend of business courses taught by a pool of regional expertise and professors at two top-ranked business schools. Students will mainly take thematic and functional international business courses during their one-year exchange at UofSC and China-focused courses at CUHK.

In addition to classroom learning, students will be provided with plenty of opportunities to learn outside classroom. They will be encouraged to complete summer internships in the United States, Mainland China and/or Hong Kong to apply what they have learned. They will participate in overseas field trips in Asia and North America to personally experience the impact of culture on business practices and gain broader international exposure. They will also attend international business seminars which offer an exclusive platform for students to meet business leaders, senior executives and industry practitioners who share their experiences and work practices in the real business world.

IBCE students will build long lasting personal relationships with the outstanding students from the partner institution after spending three years together. This cross-cultural network prepares students to think and act globally. When they pursue careers in international business, this network will be a valuable asset.

Upon completion of their bachelor’s degree at CUHK, eligible students will continue with the one-year Master of International Business (MIB) offered by UofSC. The MIB curriculum focuses on the political, economic and cultural aspects of international business.

Q6: Any summer internships? When?

IBCE students may work as interns during the summer holiday. There are many local internship opportunities, and some students even worked outside Hong Kong in cities such as New York and Shanghai.

Q7: How would IBCE help in students’ future career?

Top multinational companies, international financial institutions, consulting firms and other corporations are targeting IBCE graduates who possess strong communication skills, extensive international exposures, a global mindset and a strong background and understanding of the US and Chinese markets.