LSE (£150000) or HKU (£30000)? No loans.
I've grown up in Hong Kong, so I pay local fees at HKU, but international in the UK. I do not speak Cantonese fluently, but do expect to be professionally proficient in Putonghua (Mandarin Chinese) by the time I finish uni.
My main aim would be to come back to work in finance (BB or something similar) in Hong Kong, as I love living here and have grown up here (+ can max savings as I'd live with my parents, who refuse to let me pay rent, and thus have a very low CoL). So I was thinking of HKU.
However, my dad says that going to LSE would expose me to more complex markets (UK + Europe) over the course in classes, and in internships (+ placement), which would make me more competitive in Hong Kong.
Plus the name factor of LSE, which would open doors in these BBs, and in other places, should I decide to go there in the long term. It would also help me overcome the language gap.
No loans or debt for either choice, thankfully. But I'm still uneasy about the sheer cost of LSE.
Do you think it's worth it?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:
Cost vs. Value: LSE's £150,000 price tag is significantly higher than HKU's £30,000. While LSE has a strong global reputation, especially in finance, the cost difference is substantial. Since you have no loans or debt, the financial burden isn't immediate, but the opportunity cost of spending that much should still be weighed.
Career Goals in Hong Kong: If your primary aim is to work in finance in Hong Kong, HKU might be the more practical choice. Local firms and BBs in Hong Kong value familiarity with the region, and HKU is well-regarded locally. Additionally, living with your parents and having a low cost of living will allow you to save more and focus on building your career.
LSE's Global Prestige: LSE does carry significant weight globally and could help you stand out in competitive recruitment processes, especially if you aim to work in international markets or want to keep your options open for Europe or the UK. The exposure to diverse markets and networking opportunities in London could be a valuable asset.
Language and Networking: Your lack of fluency in Cantonese might be a slight disadvantage in Hong Kong, but your proficiency in Mandarin will help. LSE could provide a broader international network and potentially help you overcome the language gap by positioning you as a candidate with global exposure.
Long-Term Perspective: If you see yourself staying in Hong Kong long-term, HKU might align better with your goals. However, if there's a chance you might want to explore opportunities in Europe or other global markets, LSE's brand and network could be worth the investment.
Recommendation:
If your primary focus is to work in Hong Kong and maximize savings, HKU is the more logical choice. It aligns with your career goals, minimizes costs, and allows you to leverage your local connections. However, if you value the global exposure, prestige, and potential opportunities that LSE offers, and you're comfortable with the higher cost, LSE could be a worthwhile investment. Ultimately, it depends on how much weight you place on global exposure versus local practicality.
Sources: European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), LSE Worth it?, Imperial MSc Finance and Accounting vs LSE MSc Accounting and Finance, Msc Finance ranking Europe, Q&A: 2nd Year Equities L/S HF Analyst in Hong Kong
PM me if you have need anything else.
I chose UCL / LSE / KCL over HKU when I was at the same junction but my costs were 2/3rd of yours (£15 - 20k per year in fees).
Downsides
Key things you need to bear in mind
Good luck! I think I lucked out with what I'm doing right now but let's see how it goes with the decline of the UK
LSE but keep working on your Mandarin if you're still considering going back to the HK finance circle at some point
Will do - many thanks!
Do you say LSE because of its prestige/ brand name?
Yes and you can try to recruit both London and HK
How have you grown up in HK without speaking canto or mando?
.
LSE, as long as you make the most of it. more opportunities.
had to make the same choice. Dm if you have any questions.
Choose LSE if you can afford the tuition
If you are firmly based in Hong Kong and need a lower-cost option, consider applying to a top mainland Chinese university (It should be easy for HKer + assuming you are Caucasian)
HK BB probably hire more top chinese uni student than LSE/HKU these day
Faults. HK BB only hire traditional "Gaokao" mainland student, HKer is considered international as well but there is slim chance with local advantage (no way for foreigner with shortcut entrance to PKU/THU route). International from top mainland uni still need top target master from UK/EU or US to break in. The problem is you need high GPA (extremely competitive among chinese cohort) for those top target master. Even SEAsia international student from PKU/THU is not target at their local SEAsia BB satellite office, not even in MO, let alone FO.
That is why I assumed the OP is Caucasian, which makes things much easier in HK
If he is Hong Kong Chinese, breaking into a BB bank is now close to impossible, regardless of whether he attends HKU or LSE
LSE is 150k? wtf
Choose HKU work hard then go for a top master in the UK with lower debt ;)
UG matters more in HK
No one care about master
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