FAQs

1 Academics

1.1 Period of study

1.1.1)	Can I apply for study suspension if I’m doing a full-time internship? What is the application process? Yes, students can apply for suspension of studies to the Registration and Examinations Section AFTER obtaining prior approval from the affiliated departments for the full-time internship two weeks before the start of the semester.
1.1.2)	May I apply the change of study period due to double concentration? Application for Change of Study Period will not be considered if students want to complete their double concentration areas for the undergraduate study. Therefore, your application for change of study period is not endorsed. Double concentration is not guaranteed for IBBA students. Hope you will have an organized study plan in the coming semester.

1.1.1)

Can I apply for study suspension if I’m doing a full-time internship? What is the application process?

Yes, students can apply for suspension of studies to the Registration and Examinations Section AFTER obtaining prior approval from the affiliated departments for the full-time internship two weeks before the start of the semester.

1.1.2)

May I apply the change of study period due to double concentration?

Application for Change of Study Period will not be considered if students want to complete their double concentration areas for the undergraduate study. Therefore, your application for change of study period is not endorsed. Double concentration is not guaranteed for IBBA students. Hope you will have an organized study plan in the coming semester.

1.2 Scope of Study

1.2.1)	Can IBBA students expand their scope of study within the Faculty of Business Administration? If so, what are our options? IBBA students can choose to graduate with a single concentration, double concentrations or double major. For a single concentration or double concentrations, students can choose from the 12 concentration areas. For a double major, students can select one of the concentration areas in addition to one of the following majors: PAC/IFA/QFN. (With the exception of concentrations in General Finance/Financial Engineering/Insurance & Risk Management)* Students who are interested may contact the appropriate departments for information on requirements and procedures.
1.2.2)	As a current IBBA student, is it possible to expand my scope of study outside of the Faculty of Business Administration? Current IBBA students may declare a double major with one degree. They may also register for one of the following double degree options, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering: Bachelor of Business Administration – Bachelor of Engineering (BBA-BEng) Bachelor of Business Administration – Bachelor of Science (BBA – BS.3) Students who are interested may contact the appropriate departments for information on requirements and procedures.

1.2.1)

Can IBBA students expand their scope of study within the Faculty of Business Administration? If so, what are our options?

IBBA students can choose to graduate with a single concentration, double concentrations or double major.

For a single concentration or double concentrations, students can choose from the 12 concentration areas.

For a double major, students can select one of the concentration areas in addition to one of the following majors: PAC/IFA*/QFN*.
(*With the exception of concentrations in General Finance/Financial Engineering/Insurance & Risk Management)

Students who are interested may contact the appropriate departments for information on requirements and procedures.

1.2.2)

As a current IBBA student, is it possible to expand my scope of study outside of the Faculty of Business Administration?

Current IBBA students may declare a double major with one degree. They may also register for one of the following double degree options, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering:

Bachelor of Business Administration – Bachelor of Engineering (BBA-BEng)
Bachelor of Business Administration – Bachelor of Science (BBA – BS.3)

Students who are interested may contact the appropriate departments for information on requirements and procedures.

1.3 Study Scheme Planning

1.3.1)	Am I allowed to take language courses such as Spanish or English to fulfill my six credits of elective courses? Students can take any language courses not required by the IBBA Programme to fulfill the 6-unit non-BA courses requirement.
1.3.2)	What is the difference between a concentration and a major? Students whose first major is in IBBA can choose to graduate with single/double concentration areas. They may also choose another program as their second major program. Students can take any language courses not required by the IBBA Programme to fulfill the 6-unit non-BA courses requirement.
1.3.3)	I want to change my concentration area, what should I do? Please apply the change of concentration area by the online submission and we will announce the procedures through the mass email around February every year. Please note your student email account nearer the time.
1.3.4)	What is the difference between a double major and a double degree? If students are able to fulfill all double degree requirements determined by the University, they will be considered for the awarding of two Bachelor’s degrees upon graduation. However, if students have declared and finished the requirements of a first and second Major, they will only be considered for the awarding of one Bachelor’s degree upon graduation.

1.4 Double Degree

1.4.1)	I am an engineering student and I am just enrolled in the Double Degree program. Do I need to fulfill the GE requirement specified by the1st degree and 2nd degree programs? Where can I seek help if I have further questions regarding the double degree program? ERG students who have opted for the ERG-BBA Double Degree option are required to fulfill the GE requirement specified by their 1st degree only. If you have further queries, you are advised to double check with the Faculty of Engineering.
1.4.2)	I am now a year 2 student of IBBA. I have applied for double degree (BBA+MAE) in last summer. I am planning the courses that I will take in the remaining semesters. However, I found that I have to extend my graduation year, otherwise, I will not have enough credits to finish my double degree. Please note that you do not have to submit any written application at this stage since you're just a Year 2 student. You can do so around Jun / July next year during which the University will announce the relevant procedures that student who wishes to apply for extension of study period has to follow. Please be reminded that you are required to submit a detailed study plan by then for the consideration of the Director of Studies, UG Studies in Business.

1.4.1)

I am an engineering student and I am just enrolled in the Double Degree program. Do I need to fulfill the GE requirement specified by the1st degree and 2nd degree programs? Where can I seek help if I have further questions regarding the double degree program?

ERG students who have opted for the ERG-BBA Double Degree option are required to fulfill the GE requirement specified by their 1st degree only. If you have further queries, you are advised to double check with the Faculty of Engineering.

1.4.2)

I am now a year 2 student of IBBA. I have applied for double degree (BBA+MAE) in last summer. I am planning the courses that I will take in the remaining semesters. However, I found that I have to extend my graduation year, otherwise, I will not have enough credits to finish my double degree.

Please note that you do not have to submit any written application at this stage since you're just a Year 2 student. You can do so around Jun / July next year during which the University will announce the relevant procedures that student who wishes to apply for extension of study period has to follow. Please be reminded that you are required to submit a detailed study plan by then for the consideration of the Director of Studies, UG Studies in Business.

1.5 Double Major

1.5.1)	I am a Year 3 IBBA student who would like to declare double major in IBBA & PAC. I want to ask the question which is related to the procedures of declaration. Please note that, If you wish to declare a second major, you should have completed or registered for ALL courses required for graduation purpose in the FIRST major (i.e. IBBA Programme) (incl. Faculty/University/College requirements) at the time the declaration for 2nd major is made. You should declare the 2nd major during the Add/Drop period in your last term of attendance within the minimum (normative) study period (exclusive of any “extended term” approved due to overseas exchange or medical reasons). Since the application will be subject to the approval of the 2 major programmes concerned, you are required to express your intention in writing (with a copy of the academic transcript showing the courses taken and grades obtained so far, and the courses register for the current term) at least one term before your declaration for the 2nd major. For details, please check against the University’s Double Major Programmes Policy through the Academic Quality Section (AQS).
1.5.2)	I am a year 2 student major in IBBA. I want to choose QFN as my second major. As your requirement shows that, the one who apply QFN 2nd major must have a GPA above 3.3. Does it mean all of my GPA should be above 3.3, or just my first year? And does there any other requirements? You are required to have obtained an Overall / Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, plus GPA 3.3 or above for QFN Major courses at the time you declare the second major, i.e. during the add/drop period of the last term of attendance within your minimum (normative) study period (i.e. 3 years for S7 entrants and 4 years for S6 entrants, exclusive of any “extended term” approved due to overseas exchange or medical reasons). You are reminded that you should have completed or registered for ALL courses required for graduation purpose in the FIRST major (i.e. IBBA Programme) (incl. Faculty/University/College requirements) at the time the declaration for 2nd major is made. Since the application will be subject to the approval of the 2 major programmes concerned, you are required to express your intention in writing (with a copy of the academic transcript showing the courses taken and grades obtained so far, and the courses register for the current term) to the two major programmes at least one term before your declaration for the 2nd major. For more details, you may refer to the University’s Double Major Policies available at the Academic Quality Section (AQS).
1.5.3)	I am a IBBA student and want to choose QFN as my second major. The requirement of double major in QFN and IBBA shows that IBBA student should not choose the General Finance/ Financial Engineering/ Insurance & Risk Management as their concentrations. I want to declare General Business as my concentration which required to take any 4 courses in FINA/ACCT/DSME, so can I study some FINA courses of General Business to fill the QFN requirement at the same time? Please note that as specified under the “Important Notes” of the suggested study scheme for IBBA+QFN (refer to htp://www.baf.cuhk.edu.hk/program/bba-double-major.shtml), “Apart from the courses marked with “*” which can be counted towards the fulfillment of the second major requirements, other courses completed in the first major CANNOT be counted towards the fulfillment of the requirements of the second major, including those on the concentration and/or electives (where applicable).” In other words, if you have taken some FIN-coded courses under the “General Business” concentration, the courses will be used to fulfill the requirement of the IBBA Programme (first major) ONLY but NOT the intended 2nd major in QFN.
1.5.4)	I have learned from the brochure on the website that students enrolled in the programme IBBA can graduate with double majors (i.e. one concentration area plus PAC/QFN/IFA). But is there any requirement for students when they choose PAC/QFN/IFA as their second major in year 2 and 3? Please refer to the relevant information available at http://www.baf.cuhk.edu.hk/program/bba-double-major.shtml where the University’s rules on taking and declaring double majors, the specific requirements on declaring IFA/PAC/QFN as the second major for IBBA Programme and the recommended study paths for IBBA + IFA/PAC/QFN can be found.

1.6 Minor

1.6.1)	Can an IBBA student declare a minor in faculty of arts? Please note that IBBA students can register for one or two minor subjects offered by other Faculties, provided that the students concerned should also get the approval from the BA Faculty.

1.6.1)

Can an IBBA student declare a minor in faculty of arts?

Please note that IBBA students can register for one or two minor subjects offered by other Faculties, provided that the students concerned should also get the approval from the BA Faculty.

1.7 Transfer-in

1.7.1)	I am a current IBBA student. Is it possible for me to transfer to other programs in the Faculty of Business Administration? How can I do so? Yes, a student who wishes to transfer from one major to another must apply using the respective department’s form before a specified date (usually in early June). Candidates may need to attend an interview. Further details will be announced via mass emails in late May. Application forms will be obtainable from the Registration and Examinations Section in early June. http://rgsntl.rgs.cuhk.edu.hk/rws_prd_life/re_menu/cft_00000006.asp

1.7.1)

I am a current IBBA student. Is it possible for me to transfer to other programs in the Faculty of Business Administration? How can I do so?

Yes, a student who wishes to transfer from one major to another must apply using the respective department’s form before a specified date (usually in early June). Candidates may need to attend an interview. Further details will be announced via mass emails in late May.

Application forms will be obtainable from the Registration and Examinations Section in early June.
http://rgsntl.rgs.cuhk.edu.hk/rws_prd_life/re_menu/cft_00000006.asp

1.8 Course Registration

1.8.1)	What are the pre-assigned courses for Year 1 IBBA students? Nine BA required courses (ACCT2111, ACCT2121, DSME1030, DSME1040, DSME2010, DSME2020, FINA2010, MGNT1020 and MKTG2010) are pre-assigned to all IBBA Year 1 students randomly by the computer prior to performing online course registration for major courses. You can log on the e-CR system during your time-appointment (https://rgsntl.rgs.cuhk.edu.hk/rws_prd_life/rws_common/std_login.asp) to view the pre-assignment before registration.

1.8.1)

What are the pre-assigned courses for Year 1 IBBA students?

Nine BA required courses (ACCT2111, ACCT2121, DSME1030, DSME1040, DSME2010, DSME2020, FINA2010, MGNT1020 and MKTG2010) are pre-assigned to all IBBA Year 1 students randomly by the computer prior to performing online course registration for major courses. You can log on the e-CR system during your time-appointment (https://rgsntl.rgs.cuhk.edu.hk/rws_prd_life/rws_common/std_login.asp) to view the pre-assignment before registration.

1.9 Add/Drop

1.9.1)	I am a final year student who has failed to register for enough courses to meet the graduation requirements after the normal add/drop period. What can I do? To avoid this, you are highly encouraged to closely monitor your study track and course load. However, if you are in danger of failing to meet graduation credit requirements, you may request permission to register for the necessary course(s) during the next term. You will be asked to provide a written letter outlining your request. Approval from both RGS and affiliated departments is required. For further information about additional costs, please contact RGS.
1.9.2)	What are the add/drop procedures for ELTU1100/3100 courses? Students should observe the same add/drop rules, procedures and schedules for BA majors when adding/dropping ELTU1100/3100 courses. Add/drops for ELTU1100/3100 courses will also use up the quota.

1.9.1)

I am a final year student who has failed to register for enough courses to meet the graduation requirements after the normal add/drop period. What can I do?

To avoid this, you are highly encouraged to closely monitor your study track and course load. However, if you are in danger of failing to meet graduation credit requirements, you may request permission to register for the necessary course(s) during the next term. You will be asked to provide a written letter outlining your request. Approval from both RGS and affiliated departments is required. For further information about additional costs, please contact RGS.

1.9.2)

What are the add/drop procedures for ELTU1100/3100 courses?

Students should observe the same add/drop rules, procedures and schedules for BA majors when adding/dropping ELTU1100/3100 courses. Add/drops for ELTU1100/3100 courses will also use up the quota.

1.10 Dean’s List

1.10.1)	Who is eligible to be on the Dean’s List? Students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above (out of 4.00) are eligible to be on the Dean’s List. However, the total number of students on the Dean’s List for each academic year cannot exceed 10% of BA undergraduates. In all cases, the Faculty reserves the right to make the final decision.

1.10.1)

Who is eligible to be on the Dean’s List?

Students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above (out of 4.00) are eligible to be on the Dean’s List. However, the total number of students on the Dean’s List for each academic year cannot exceed 10% of BA undergraduates. In all cases, the Faculty reserves the right to make the final decision.

2 Work Experience

2.1 Resume and Cover Letter

2.1.1)	Does the Faculty offer any workshops for resume and cover letter writing? Yes, the Faculty will invite students to enroll in workshops online via mass emails. For further information, please go to < Internship >

2.1.1)

Does the Faculty offer any workshops for resume and cover letter writing?

Yes, the Faculty will invite students to enroll in workshops online via mass emails.
For further information, please go to < Internship >

2.2 Interview

2.2.1)	Does the Faculty offer any workshops for interview training? Yes, the Faculty will invite students to enroll in such workshops online via mass emails. For further information, please go to < Internship >

2.2.1)

Does the Faculty offer any workshops for interview training?

Yes, the Faculty will invite students to enroll in such workshops online via mass emails.

For further information, please go to < Internship >

2.3 Job Opportunities

2.3.1)	Does the Faculty provide any job search assistance? Yes, the Faculty offers various internship programs (full-time, part-time or summer internships) to undergraduates. These give students opportunities to gain valuable on-the-job training and an in-depth understanding of their targeted professions. They also aim to facilitate a smooth transition from the university into the workplace. Further information will be sent via mass emails. For further information, please go to < Internship >

2.3.1)

Does the Faculty provide any job search assistance?

Yes, the Faculty offers various internship programs (full-time, part-time or summer internships) to undergraduates. These give students opportunities to gain valuable on-the-job training and an in-depth understanding of their targeted professions. They also aim to facilitate a smooth transition from the university into the workplace. Further information will be sent via mass emails.

For further information, please go to < Internship >

3 Internship Program

3.1 Full-time Internships

Application Procedures
3.1.1)	How do IBBA majors apply for the full-time internship program? What are the deadlines? Students who wish to take part in the full-time internship program are required to submit the following materials in person to the Undergraduate Office (UGO) at least two weeks before the start of each term (if the start date of your contract is after September 1) or at least two weeks before the start of your contract (if the start date of your contract is before September 1): Recruitment posting and/or job specification; Your curriculum vitae; Number of credits already obtained and remaining; Study plan; Original copy of the offering letter and/or employment contract; and Suspension of studies form Note: Students are reminded NOT to sign any contract with an employer until they receive an approval letter from the Faculty of Business Administration.
3.1.2)	What are the minimum requirements for suspension of studies? Students must have remaining credits NOT less than 12 units. Those who fail to meet this requirement will NOT be granted suspension of study. Students are requested to complete the contract as stipulated in their application of suspension of study. Otherwise, students’ application to resume study will be held pending further investigation.
3.1.3)	What is the maximum duration of a full-time internship? The maximum duration of an internship is up to one academic year.
Acceptance of Offers
3.1.4)	How do IBBA majors apply for the full-time internship program? What are the deadlines? Students who wish to take part in the full-time internship program are required to submit the following materials in person to the Undergraduate Office (UGO) at least two weeks before the start of each term (if the start date of your contract is after September 1) or at least two weeks before the start of your contract (if the start date of your contract is before September 1): Recruitment posting and/or job specification; Your curriculum vitae; Number of credits already obtained and remaining; Study plan; Original copy of the offering letter and/or employment contract; and Suspension of studies form Note: Students are reminded NOT to sign any contract with an employer until they receive an approval letter from the Faculty of Business Administration.
3.1.5)	Do I need to inform the department if the company makes me an offer directly? Yes. You are required to inform the Undergraduate Office (UGO) immediately and BEFORE accepting the offer, especially when a suspension of study is required. For details, please refer to "Application Procedures."
Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes
3.1.6)	Do I have to enroll into the MPF Scheme? Yes. You will be employed by the company, entitled to a monthly salary and subject to the protection of the labor ordinance of the HKSAR.
Working Permit for Non-local Students
3.1.7)	I am a non-local student. Do I need to apply for a working permit for the program? Yes. Before you apply to any internship openings, you are required to obtain a “No Objection Letter” from HKSAR Immigration Department. This is issued together with your approval of entry and extension of stay applications. It is imperative that non-local students obtain this “No Objection Letter” before any employer can offer them an internship. (Click here for downloadable example) For details, please refer to the link below from the Immigration Department: Guidebook for Entry for Study in Hong Kong (http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/id996.htm#V)
Extension of Study Period
3.1.8)	Do I need to extend my study period with the Registration Section? For students who successfully apply for suspension of studies, your period of study will be automatically extended for one semester or one year according to your application. Hence, it is imperative for students to abide by the contract and complete the internship in the period specified in the suspension of study. Failure to do so will lead to a violation of statutory status to remain a CUHK student.
3.1.9)	Do I need to pay the tuition fee for the following year? No. You will be asked to pay the retention fee (about HK$300) instead of the tuition fee. In case no notice is received in September (1st term) and January (2nd term), please contact the Registration Section at 2609-8964.
MTR Student Travel Scheme
3.1.10)	Am I eligible to apply for a personalized Octopus card with 'student status'? No. According to the MTR guidelines, only a full-time student (a student who receives no less than 20 hours of academic instruction each week for 30 weeks or more per calendar year) who attends a sanctioned institution is eligible to apply for the student Octopus card.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
3.1.11)	Can I quit the internship before the completion of contract? No. You have to complete the entire training and working period as initially prescribed by the company and agreed upon by the department, unless an extraordinary situation occurs. Anybody who quits the internship program without consulting with the department and obtaining its approval may face disciplinary action. See "Extension of study period".
3.1.12)	Enquiry Please email your questions to cuba@cuhk.edu.hk

4 Exchange

4.1 Exchange

4.1.1)	What is the procedure for applying the course equivalent before I go to exchange? You may refer to the website of CUBA for Enquiry for Course Equivalence (BA Course) and procedures at: http://www.baf.cuhk.edu.hk/bba/exchange.htm (not yet updated) Please download the enquiry form from the above website and return the completed form with required supporting documents (i.e. course outline) to Department concerned directly. They will give you favorable reply accordingly.
4.1.2)	How to apply for the course and unit exemption after I complete my exchange programme? After you come back Hong Kong from the exchange programme and get the official transcript, you should apply the course and unit exemption through RGS officially.
4.1.3)	Can I take non-business courses during exchange period? CUHK has not set any restriction for the student to take any courses during exchange as long as it was permitted by the host university. Please contact the host university directly.

4.1.1)

What is the procedure for applying the course equivalent before I go to exchange?

You may refer to the website of CUBA for Enquiry for Course Equivalence (BA Course) and procedures at: http://www.baf.cuhk.edu.hk/bba/exchange.htm (not yet updated) Please download the enquiry form from the above website and return the completed form with required supporting documents (i.e. course outline) to Department concerned directly. They will give you favorable reply accordingly.

4.1.2)

How to apply for the course and unit exemption after I complete my exchange programme?

After you come back Hong Kong from the exchange programme and get the official transcript, you should apply the course and unit exemption through RGS officially.

4.1.3)

Can I take non-business courses during exchange period?

CUHK has not set any restriction for the student to take any courses during exchange as long as it was permitted by the host university. Please contact the host university directly.