The Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) is a distinguished institution that has been shaping global leaders since its inception in 1898[^1]. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, WU stands out as one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the European Union dedicated to economics and business studies[^1]. The university’s rector, Rupert Sausgruber, emphasizes WU’s impact on society and the economy through its research, teaching, and lifelong learning initiatives[^1].
WU’s international orientation is evident in its diverse student body, with roughly one in four students coming from abroad, enriching the learning environment with a global perspective[^1]. The university extends its global reach through about 220 partner universities across over 50 countries and offers various summer programs in Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, and the International Summer University program in Vienna[^1]. These efforts are part of WU’s inclusive approach to internationality, which also provides opportunities for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds[^1].
The institution’s triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA places it among the elite circle of global business schools[^1]. This recognition is further supported by high placements in independent international rankings, such as those conducted by the Financial Times[^1]. WU’s academic excellence spans a range of fields, including Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Strategy, Innovation, and more, offering a comprehensive education that prepares students for the challenges of the global market[^1].
For working professionals, the WU Executive Academy plays a crucial role in providing continuing education. It offers certificate programs leading to degrees or professional titles, as well as customized programs for companies or executives[^1]. These programs are designed with flexibility in mind, catering to executives with full-time employment responsibilities[^1].
Vienna’s high living standards and the campus’s award-winning architectural designs contribute to WU’s attractiveness and have helped it achieve a ten-year high in applications for one of its bachelor’s programs in 2023[^1]. WU’s former rector, Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger, attributes this success to the excellent job prospects a WU degree offers and the personal interest students have in their chosen subjects[^1].
As a pioneering knowledge enterprise, WU was the first Austrian university to establish a professional career center, recognize the importance of alumni networking, implement the Bologna study architecture, and apply for international accreditation[^1]. These innovations, along with an extensive international network and strong cooperation with partner universities, have solidified WU’s reputation in Europe and beyond[^1].
Suggested Reading:
[https://www.forbes.com/sites/zengernews/2024/03/11/shaping-global-leaders-lessons-from-vienna-university-of-economics–business/?sh=760b8a261325](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zengernews/2024/03/11/shaping-global-leaders-lessons-from-vienna-university-of-economics–business/?sh=760b8a261325)
