Background

With the generous donation by the Morris S. Smith Foundation, HKUST Business School (SBM) received a gift known as The Franklin Fund for International Business Studies. Purpose of the Fund is to provide financial support for international business education experiences for business undergraduate students.

Aim

To encourage business undergraduate students to better utilize the summer vacation, students who wish to participate in overseas summer programs, held outside Hong Kong, Macau, and China, could apply for the Fund. The selected overseas summer program should equal to / not less than 14 days and not more than 4 months.

Application

• Application opens from March 1 to March 31, 2026. Applicants are required to fill in the application form (click here to download) and submit supporting documents by the application deadline to the online Financial Aid System. Incomplete applications or late submissions will not be considered.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in April 2026. Absence from the interview will lead to students’ withdrawal from the award selection.
• Fund allocation is based on the assessment of application and interview.

Eligibility

Interested applicants should note the following selection criteria:

• Students who are permanent residents of Hong Kong.
• Non-final year undergraduates who are from SBM and Dual degree programs.
• The Committee shall take into consideration of applicants’ financial needs.
• Students without prior overseas experience will be given higher priority.
• Preference will be given to overseas summer program which includes business-related elements. Final approval of the application is subject to the committee decision. 

Fund Distribution

Each successful fund recipient will be awarded a sponsorship in the form of reimbursement (the amount of which will be determined on a case-by-case basis) on the conditions that he/she has submitted the required documents within two weeks after completion of the summer program. The required documents include:

1. Proof of completion from the program organizer
2. Photos and reflective report of their summer program experience
3. Supporting documents (e.g., official receipts and air ticket stubs) are required for grant disbursement.

SBM reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions at any time and will advise valid applicants if this occurs, as and when required. All disputes arising from or in connection with the fund allocation shall be subject to the final decision of SBM.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is attending the interview a must?
Yes, the interview is a crucial part of the selection process for the panel to identify suitable candidates for sponsorship. Missing the interview is considered equivalent to withdrawing your funding application. If you encounter difficulties attending the interview, please indicate this when you receive the invitation.

2. Are students’ presentation skills important in the interview?
The panel is not assessing your presentation skills. Students’ presentation in the interview is to help panel members understand your needs for the sponsorship and understand more about your goals and objectives that you want to gain from the summer program.

3. If I am already holding a scholarship from HKUST, am I eligible for The Franklin Fund for International Business Studies?
Yes.

4. Will the panel take my academic performance into consideration?
No, we trust the host institution will have evaluated your academic eligibility before you are accepted for the summer program.

5. Am I eligible to apply if I have not yet been admitted to an overseas summer program?
Yes, you can still apply for the Fund if your application for the program is in progress or you have not yet started applying but only a plan on your mind. Please be reminded, however, the grant is program-specific and the award will not be granted if students cannot complete the specific program as stated during the application.

6. What document do I need to submit for application?

• Duly-completed application form
• Copy of Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
• Summer Program’s brochure/ leaflet/ printout of internet information
• Certifying document(s) for financial assistance

7. What document do I need to submit for grant disbursement?

Upon the completion of the overseas summer program, you are required to submit the following documents to the SBM UG office within two weeks after completion of the summer program:

• Proof of completion from the program organizer
• Photos and reflective report of their summer program experience
• Supporting documents (e.g., official receipts and air ticket stubs) are required for grant disbursement.

You will be awarded with a cash sponsorship on the conditions that you have completed the program and submitted the required documents.

Enquiries

For more details, please contact Ms. Simone LAM of the Undergraduate Student Development & Career Services Team (HKUST Business School) at bmcareer@ust.hk.