Vienna University of Economics and Business

About university

Vienna University of Economics and Business (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien or WU) is the largest University focusing on business and economics in Europe and, in terms of student body, one of the largest universities in Austria. It has been ranked as one of the best business schools in Europe. It was founded by Duke Rudolph IV in 1365 and is one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world. With its long and rich history, the University of Vienna has developed into one of the biggest universities in Europe, and also one of the most renowned, especially in theHumanities. It is associated with 15 Nobel prize winners and has been the academic home of a large number of figures both of historical and academic importance.

• Strategy, Innovation and Management Control

  The Master Program Management faculty teaches highly qualified scientists from the Department of Management, which are complemented by dedicated colleagues from other departments of the WU and by numerous experts from science and practice.

History

WU was founded on October 1, 1898 as k.u.k. Exportakademie to provide professional training to future businessmen and thus stimulate the Austro-Hungarian empire's economy. From humble beginnings as a professional school, it quickly grew to become an important institution, which was awarded the status of a fully-fledged Hochschule (an educational institution equivalent to a university, but specializing in a certain field such as technology or business or art) in 1919. At that time, it was renamed to Hochschule für Welthandel. The course of studies leading to the academic degree of Diplomkaufmann provided training preparing for the export and banking businesses and was very practical, comprising courses in business administration, economics, law and others. In 1930, the Hochschule für Welthandel was granted the right to issue doctoral degrees.

After World War II, the Hochschule für Welthandel increased its breadth in research. It started to become a very important institution in Austrian society at that time; most Austrian managers and many politicians received their university education here. From 1966 onward, it began to offer a more theoretical course of studies in economics. In 1975, it was renamed to Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien. At the same time, the number of students began to increase dramatically. In 1983, it moved to a campus in Vienna's 9th District. Due to further increasing student numbers during the 1990s the campus became too small. As a consequence, new premises had to be built in Vienna's 2nd district. The new Campus WU opened in October 2013, next to the Vienna Fair Ground.

Accreditation

In 2009 Vienna University of Economics and Business was ranked as one of the best business schools in the German-speaking countries according to Handelsblatt and in 2011 it was ranked 21st in the list of the 392 worldwide leading higher education institutions by the Mines ParisTech : Professional Ranking World Universities. The study obtained the higher education career of the CEOs of the world's leading 500 companies.

WU was ranked 42nd in the "European Business School Ranking 2014" by Financial Times. The Global Executive MBA Programm by WU Executive Academy was ranked 44th in the "Executive MBA Ranking 2015" by Financial Times.

The university's master in international management program was ranked 13th in the "Masters in Management Ranking 2015" by Financial Times.

The university is part of the respected consortium of Europe's leading schools and corporate partners - Community of European Management Schools (CEMS).

WU has achieved accreditation from the London-based Association of MBAs (AMBA), Brussels-based EQUIS and Tampa-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). Only 72 business universities worldwide can claim triple crown accreditation by EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA.

Student life

Associated costs for living range from 850 to 1000 euros per month, of which the food goes, as a rule, up to 300 euros.

University Services

Studying means much more than just learning. As a student, you spent not only substantial part of your time at the University, and also beyond the classroom Thanks to its architectural concept and the location in the green zone, connects the WU Campus includes both uniquely urbanity and nature, providing a new space for work and leisure, for learning and living.

A short walk across campus shows that inside there is plenty of room for the recreational needs of students and staff. The space between the buildings is a park-like landscape with paths and squares, lawn and water surfaces and many seating areas. 

The Campus WU offers enough space for social, cultural and political life. Away from the studying everyday life held many events at WU. For them there are available on the campus of prestigious exhibition spaces.

Campus is an opportunity for many sports activities, also on the campus itself there is a sports center of the University Sports Institute. Ballsporthalle, gym and aerobics room are available for everyone.

Why studying here?

The WU is one of Europe's biggest, most modern Universities of Economic Sciences. Our high quality standards in research and education are approved by international  quality seals. Find out how you'll benefit from studying at WU below.

• Global force of attraction

With just under 23.000 students originating from 110 countries the WU is the biggest place for education in economic and social sciences.

• New Campus

The WU Campus is a unique, modern construction with about 100.000m2 of usable area, providing an ideal environment for students, teachers and research purposes.

• High-quality range of courses

Studies at WU are characterised by the broad spectrum and high quality, internationality and practical relevance of our educational offers: 

1. Bachelor programs
2. Master programs
3. Doctorate
4. Executive Education

• Excellent Study Quality

Due to the accreditation via EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA the WU is a proud bearer of the rare and sought-after "triple accreditation".Therefore the WU belongs to an exclusive circle: Only 72 Universities of Economic Sciences and Business Schools worldwide - which is less than 1% - are entitled to bear all three seals of quality.

• Support and Funding

Varied services and programs, such as Mentoring@WU or the WU Top League guarantee a trouble free study progress for all WU students.

• Interactive studying

Learn@WU provides students with interactive lessons, learning materials with personal statistics, information regarding courses and various communication tools. Learn@WU

• Vivid Exchange

The WU has a network of about 230 partner universities. Students enjoy experiences abroad within the scope of exchange programs and summer universities in central, eastern and southern Europe as well as in Asia and the USA.

• Great Opportunities

WU graduates are ideally equipped for professional challenges and sought in the economy. The WU ZBP Career Center provides help for a successful start in your professional life and with planning your career. WU ZBP Career Center

• International Research Profile

The WU consists of 11 Departments and 16 interdisciplinary research institutes with varied focal points.