Case Study: Hong Kong University of Science & Technology cuts application processing time by 60% and improves student diversity tracking with Salesforce for Nonprofits

University connects talented students from around the world

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School needed to attract and manage a diverse global MBA cohort and connect graduates with the right employers. The school struggled with multiple disconnected IT systems, heavy reliance on paper applications, and slow manual workflows that made collecting applicant data, ensuring diversity, and tracking employer relationships difficult.

HKUST deployed Salesforce Sales Cloud, Community Cloud and the Salesforce1 Mobile App to create a secure online applicant community, streamline processes and integrate with Outlook. The new system reduced application processing from three weeks to one (about a 60% improvement), cut paper use by more than half, improved reporting for diversity and scholarship decisions, and made employer matching and staff collaboration far more efficient.

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

Sean Ferguson

Associate Dean of Programs & Director of MBA Programs