Topic 1: Internship and Career Development
Can I undertake a part-time internship during regular semesters?
Answer: While the School encourages students to prioritise their academic studies, we also understand that gaining career experience is valuable for business students. You may undertake a part-time internship during the regular semesters, provided that it does not conflict with any academic commitments, including but not limited to lectures, tutorials, tests/quizzes, and examinations.
If you are a non-local student, please ensure that you have obtained a No Objection Letter (NOL) issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department before engaging in any part-time work in Hong Kong.
Can I undertake a full-time internship?
Answer: If you wish to undertake a full-time internship during the regular semesters, you are required to apply for a leave of absence. Please submit the following documents to the Faculty Office BEFORE the end of the add/drop period of the semester concerned:
- A completed Application Form for Leave of Absence (BE86/713 re-amended), downloadable at https://ug.hkubs.hku.hk/support-and-development/useful-info/downloadable-forms.
- For non-local students, please also submit a copy of the current student visa and the latest landing slip.
- An internship contract clearly stating:
- the internship period (start and end dates);
- the exact working days & hours and duties (e.g. Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.);
- any honorarium specified; and
- the working location.
Please note that the application and all supporting documents must be submitted to the Faculty Office and will be subject to approval by the relevant authorities. Processing time is approximately 14 working days, counted from the date when all required documents have been received.
Faculty Office Contact Details
Email: fbe.undergrad@hku.hk
Address: Room 401, K.K. Leung Building, The University of Hong Kong
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, University holidays and public holidays.)
Are there any internship opportunities for Business School students?
Answer: The School’s Career Development and Training Team provides dedicated career support and exclusive opportunities for HKU Business School students. Please visit the Career Portal (https://careers.fbe.hku.hk/careers/) to explore the latest job openings, career training sessions and upcoming events. Kindly note that the portal is exclusively accessible to HKU Business School students.
Does the School offer training for job interviews, CV coaching, or career planning?
Answer: Yes. The School’s Career Development and Training Team provides dedicated career support and exclusive opportunities for HKU Business School students. Please visit the Career Portal (https://careers.fbe.hku.hk/careers/) to explore the latest career training sessions and workshops.
In addition, undergraduate students can access an exclusive one-on-one career consultation service, offering personalized guidance and support tailored to individual needs. You may discuss your career goals, receive feedback on your CV or résumé, and gain valuable advice on job search strategies. Our experienced consultants are dedicated to helping you navigate the complex job market and achieve your professional aspirations.
Please note that the Career Portal is exclusively accessible to HKU Business School students.
I am a non-local student who will graduate in the second semester of this academic year. Am I allowed to take up any internship after completing my final-year assessments?
Answer: If you have completed all the requirements for graduation, you may only undertake summer internships or employment before your current student e-Visa/entry permit expires. After graduation, non-local students are advised to apply for the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) if they wish to take up employment in Hong Kong. For matters related to student visas, please visit: https://studentvisa.hku.hk/
Topic 2: Leave of Absence
What documents are required for leave of absence on medical grounds?
Answer: For leave of absence on medical grounds, please submit the following to the Faculty Office:
- A completed Application Form for Leave of Absence (BE86/713 re-amended), downloadable at https://ug.hkubs.hku.hk/support-and-development/useful-info/downloadable-forms.
- The original medical certificate(s) issued by a registered medical practitioner, clearly stating the recommended sick leave period (start and end dates); the period of recommended sick leave must cover the leave of absence period.
Please note that the application and all supporting documents must be submitted to the Faculty Office and will be subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
Faculty Office Details
Address: Room 401, K.K. Leung Building, The University of Hong Kong
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, University holidays and public holidays.)
Topic 3: Credit Overload / Underload
How do I apply for credit overload or underload?
Answer: To apply for a credit overload or underload, please submit the following documents to Faculty Office:
- A completed Application Form for Credit Overload/Underload (BE84/713 amended), downloadable at https://ug.hkubs.hku.hk/support-and-development/useful-info/downloadable-forms.
- A study plan for the current academic year (including Winter and/or Summer Semester, if applicable), specifying: semester(s), course codes and credits, and total number of credits to be taken.
Please refer to the Regulations of your programme and your intake year, as well as the “Important Notes on Course Selection” sent to your HKU email, for details on the permissible study load range applicable to your programme.
(Note: Credits transferred during the winter break will not count towards any individual semester but will contribute to the whole academic year.)
Faculty Office Contact Details
Email: fbe.undergrad@hku.hk
Address: Room 401, K.K. Leung Building, The University of Hong Kong
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, University holidays and public holidays.)
Topic 4: Course Enrolment
How can I apply for a time clash?
Answer: Time clashes are not permitted in the Faculty of Business and Economics. Applications for timetable clashes will not be considered, regardless of how short the overlapping period may be.
Topic 5: Unable to Attend Examination on Medical Grounds
What should I do if I cannot attend an examination due to medical reasons?
Answer: For absence for examinations on medical grounds during assessment period, please note that students are required to submit the completed “Form of Medical Certificate”, together with the original of the sick leave certificate issued by the attending doctor to the Examinations Office (address: Room 239B, 2/F, Main Building, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam) and must reach it within seven calendar days of the examination concerned (the examination date is counted as the first day). To complete the form, you should consult the doctor on the same day of the examination concerned and also fill in Part I of the Form and give it to your doctor for completion of Part II of the Form. The Form of Medical Certificate is available from the Examinations Office and downloadable from its website http://www.exam.hku.hk. Late or incomplete submission will NOT be accepted.
Besides, please email a copy of the completed “Form of Medical Certificate” (with Parts I and II duly completed by you and your attending doctor respectively), together with the sick leave certificate, to the Faculty Office. Please be reminded that the issue date of the sick leave certificate and the recommended sick leave period should match with the date(s) of the examination(s) concerned.
What is the deadline for submitting medical documents if I miss an examination due to medical reasons?
Answer: For absence for examinations on medical grounds during assessment period, please note that students are required to submit the completed “Form of Medical Certificate”, together with the original of the sick leave certificate issued by the attending doctor to the Examinations Office (address: Room 239B, 2/F, Main Building, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam) and must reach it within seven calendar days of the examination concerned (the examination date is counted as the first day). To complete the form, you should consult the doctor on the same day of the examination concerned and also fill in Part I of the Form and give it to your doctor for completion of Part II of the Form. The Form of Medical Certificate is available from the Examinations Office and downloadable from its website http://www.exam.hku.hk. Late or incomplete submission will NOT be accepted.
Besides, please email a copy of the completed “Form of Medical Certificate” (with Parts I and II duly completed by you and your attending doctor respectively), together with the sick leave certificate, to the Faculty Office. Please be reminded that the issue date of the sick leave certificate and the recommended sick leave period should match with the date(s) of the examination(s) concerned.
Topic 6: Graduation
When will I receive my graduation certificate?
Answer: Please note that the graduation certificate will be available for collection after the Congregation Ceremony (latest arrangement for graduation certificate collection will be announced at https://www4.hku.hk/congreg/certificate.). If you are in urgent need of the graduation proof, please consider applying for the Certificate of Graduation (CoG). A CoG certifies that a student has successfully completed the requirements for the conferment of a degree at the Congregation Ceremony before the issuance of the graduation certificate. Please be reminded that application has to be submitted online at least 3 weeks before the Congregation Ceremony. Please refer to Academic Services Office, Academic Support and Examinations Section, The Registry, The University of Hong Kong (https://ase.hku.hk/asoffice/) for the application details.
I am currently in my fourth year of study but will not be able to fulfil all the graduation requirements by the end of this academic year. How can I apply for a deferral of graduation, or can I continue my studies?
Answer: Students who are unable to fulfil all graduation requirements by the end of their fourth year of study will be promoted to year five. No separate application is required.
Topic 7: Major/Minor related
When can I change my major(s) and/or minor(s), and when must they be finalised?
Answer: You may change your major(s) and/or minor(s) declaration during the pre‑enrolment, course selection, or add/drop periods. All major(s) and/or minor(s) must be finalised during the September add/drop period in the first semester of your fourth year of study. No additions or changes will normally be accepted after this period.
For BBA, BBA(Law), and BBA(Law)&LLB students, you may change your major(s) and/or minor(s) during the specified periods mentioned above.
For students in other programmes, the above periods only apply to changes to your optional second major and/or minor(s). If you wish to change your first major, you must submit an application for Internal Transfer instead.
What happens if I fulfil graduation requirements but fail to complete an optional major or minor?
Answer: Students who have fulfilled all compulsory curriculum requirements will be recommended for graduation, and any unfulfilled optional major and/or minor(s) will be removed by the Faculty Office without further notice. Students with outstanding requirements for the optional major and/or minor(s) are not allowed to defer their studies.
Where can I find the requirements for a non‑FBE major or minor?
Answer: For non‑FBE majors or minors, students should contact the relevant offering Faculties, Schools, or Departments directly for information on the requirements.
Topic 8: Academic Advice
I have questions about my programme, academic planning, internships, exchange opportunities, study skills or looking for academic advice. Who should I contact?
Answer: For academic guidance, please contact your Faculty Academic Adviser (FAA). You can find the name of your FAA in SIS (Self‑service → Student Center → Adviser).
If you would like peer advice from senior students, you may reach out to the Student Academic Advisers (SAAs) of HKU Business School. SAAs provide support on academic planning, achieving academic excellence, internships, exchange opportunities, CV coaching, and time management.
SAAs’ information and contact details (HKU Portal login required) can be found here:
Student Academic Advisers – HKU Business School
https://ug.hkubs.hku.hk/support-and-development/first-year-experience-and-academic-advising/student-academic-advisers
For administrative support, please contact the respective Faculty Office teams:
- Programme Administration (e.g. Leave of Absence): fbe.undergrad@hku.hk
- Enrichment Activities (e.g. Exchange, Scholarships, Competitions): fbe.ugenrichment@hku.hk
- Career Development (e.g. Internship opportunities, Career training, Career consultation): ugfbecareer@hku.hk
- Internal Transfer:fbe.ugenquiry@hku.hk
In addition to Faculty support, you may also seek advice from:
- Academic Advising & Scholarships Office (AASO):https://aas.hku.hk/
- CEDARS:https://www.cedars.hku.hk/
Topic 9: Tuition Fee / Composition Fee
I have been approved to take Leave of Absence (LoA) for the whole semester. Do I have to pay the composition fee?
Answer: Composition fee will not be charged for students who have been approved to take LoA for the whole semester. If LoA was granted after issuance of invoice, the relevant fees will be reverted in due course. For students who have been granted LoA after payment of composition fee, the paid fee will be carried forward to offset the ensuing (i.e. next) instalment of composition fee. Please refer to https://ase.hku.hk/fees/ for more information regarding composition fee.
Can I apply for payment of composition fee on credit-unit basis?
Answer: Students may apply for payment of composition fee on credit-unit basis if they meet all of the following conditions:
- They are studying beyond the normative study period (e.g. more than 4 years for a 4-year curriculum);
- They have already paid the full composition fees for 8 semesters (including exchange semester(s) but excluding summer semester and the semester(s) of which you have been granted leave of absence for other reasons) during the normative study period; and
- They are taking a less-than-normal study load, i.e. fewer than 60 credits per annum or 30 credits per semester.
Details of the application will be announced via HKU email to students studying beyond the normative study period before the commencement of the relevant semester. Students are advised to check their HKU email regularly for the latest updates.
How much should I pay for the composition fee if I have completed all curriculum requirements except UGRE1001?
Answer: Students who have completed all curriculum requirements except UGRE1001 for graduation are required to pay the full fee for the relevant semester.