Vlerick launches new double Masters with HKUST Business School

24 August 2026

We’re delighted to announce the expansion of our international double degree opportunities through a new partnership with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School. The partnership will give Masters students at both Vlerick and HKUST the opportunity to spend a year in both countries – developing deep international experience and outstanding academic credentials.

The opportunity will be open to students on any of our Masters programmes. If they’re accepted into the double degree, they’ll follow their year on our Belgian campuses with any of these year-long programmes in Hong Kong:

MSc in International Management
MSc in Business Analytics
MSc in Marketing

This double degree gives students a unique opportunity to learn how to navigate two very different, yet very complementary, business environments. Belgium offers a gateway into Europe’s diverse markets and is close to major institutions and multinational headquarters. Hong Kong in turn offers a gateway into Asia – a region setting the pace when it comes to AI adoption, innovation and market growth. Experiencing both worlds gives students a truly global foundation.

Veroniek Collewaert

Professor of Entrepreneurship, Vlerick Business School

The first Vlerick students will be selected during the 2026–27 academic year, before beginning their studies in Hong Kong in 2027–28.

Two years, two degrees, two international perspectives

HKUST Business School is an internationally accredited business school with both AACSB and EQUIS accreditation. Based in Hong Kong, it combines an international outlook with deep expertise in Asian markets and a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Vlerick students will join an international cohort and will immerse themselves in lectures, simulations, case discussions, individual and group projects, courses and workshops – as well as learning from business speakers.

And the international experience extends well beyond the classroom. Living and studying in Hong Kong gives students the opportunity to experience one of Asia's major business hubs first-hand, while connecting with the communities and networks of both schools.

Together, Vlerick and HKUST give students access to a network of more than 60,000 alumni across over 100 countries, as well as career services at both institutions.

Studying at HKUST offers a unique opportunity to experience Hong Kong, a leading international financial centre and a vital gateway connecting China's evolving economy with global markets. This partnership between two leading business schools in Europe and Asia enables students to engage directly with Asian business environments and learn within a culturally diverse classroom. We look forward to welcoming Vlerick Masters students to Hong Kong and to HKUST Business School, where they will gain valuable business insights, broaden their cultural understanding and develop a global outlook for careers across Asia.

Chris Tsang

Assistant Dean (Administration) & MSc Program Director, HKUST Business School

A launchpad for an international career

For students who want to build an international career, the double degree combines experience of European and Asian business environments with the networks and career support of both schools.

Graduates can also benefit from an initial two-year orientation permit in Hong Kong, giving them the opportunity to remain in the city and look for work after graduation.

Speaking Mandarin or Cantonese isn’t essential – but students can learn at HKUST’s language centre.

This latest partnership adds a new destination to Vlerick's international double-degree destinations. Students can also opt to take double degrees with our partner organisations in the USA and France.