How well will NUS/NTU Econ UG placed me in Hong Kong?

HK high school student from a local school
Applying to UCL Hist, Pol, Econ (Specialisation in Econ), LSE Pol&Econ
In case I got rejected from both,
how well will top SG schools of economics discipline placed me compare to local targets like
CUHK GBS/ HKU Econ&Fin?
Open to consulting/ regulators/ other high-finance
Thank you!

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. Placement in Hong Kong: NUS (National University of Singapore) and NTU (Nanyang Technological University) are highly regarded in Asia, but when it comes to placement in Hong Kong, local schools like CUHK (Chinese University of Hong Kong) and HKU (University of Hong Kong) often have an edge. This is due to their proximity, stronger alumni networks in Hong Kong, and better alignment with local hiring preferences.

  2. Language and Local Knowledge: For consulting, regulators, or high finance roles in Hong Kong, local language fluency (Cantonese/Mandarin) and understanding of the local market are critical. Local schools like CUHK and HKU may better prepare you for these nuances compared to NUS/NTU.

  3. Singapore Schools' Strengths: NUS and NTU are excellent for broader Asia-Pacific opportunities, especially in Singapore. They are globally recognized and can open doors to regional roles, but they might not have the same direct pipeline into Hong Kong's high finance scene as local Hong Kong universities.

  4. Comparison to UCL/LSE: If you secure admission to UCL or LSE, they would generally provide stronger placement opportunities in Hong Kong compared to NUS/NTU, given their global prestige and strong alumni networks in finance.

  5. Alternative Pathways: If you attend NUS/NTU, you can still break into Hong Kong by leveraging internships, exchange programs, and networking. However, you may need to work harder to establish connections in Hong Kong compared to graduates from local targets like CUHK/HKU.

In summary, while NUS/NTU are strong schools, CUHK GBS or HKU Econ & Fin would likely offer better placement opportunities in Hong Kong, especially for consulting, regulators, or high finance roles. If you aim for Hong Kong specifically, prioritizing local targets or globally renowned schools like UCL/LSE would be more strategic.

Sources: The future of Hong Kong high finance, The future of Hong Kong high finance, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/msc-finance-at-tilburg-university-or-msc-business-economics-financial-economics-major?customgpt=1, Georgetown Econ (College) vs Georgetown Finance (MSB), Which school to attend? Baruch, UCL or Warwick?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Singaporean unis (NUS/NTU) are well regarded in Asia as one of the best and you will have no problem breaking into HK finance with it on your cv.

At my bank (top BB), the HR team that covers APAC (hk/sg offices) operates from Singapore, so the HR people reviewing your CVs are potentially Singaporeans. Many of the people who interviewed me for a HK role studied in the Singaporean unis you mentioned.

 

Est autem quae itaque amet rerum aspernatur omnis. Ducimus animi molestias dolore ad odit placeat. Nostrum laboriosam odio voluptas quo asperiores eum. Suscipit mollitia voluptas dolores nihil officia neque est.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”