FAQ for MBA programs

Are there changes planned for new programs due to the Covid-19 crisis?

All current MBA and Master of Laws programs are offered in a hybrid format of in-classroom and online-learning. We have refitted our classrooms with the best IT equipment. We can assure those students who are momentarily facing travel restrictions that they will still receive an excellent learning experience.

This contingency plan is a guarantee that you can start your MBA program, whether you can travel or not. We are confident that future program starts will be a worthwhile experience for our students. We hope to be seeing you in one of our classes soon!

However, our MBA programs are not intended to be 100% online programs. Online learning is only offered to people who are not able to travel. The international networking opportunities and in-class attendance of our international students will remain an important part of our programs.

Due to the current situation, can I defer enrollment to the next cohort of my program even though I have already paid the seat confirmation fee?

As long as this Covid-19 crisis lasts, the WU Executive Academy will remain as flexible and supportive as possible. Any newly admitted student who would like to defer may do so. Their seat confirmation fee will be used to reserve a place in the next cohort.

If I defer enrollment to the next cohort of my program will my scholarship transfer?

No, scholarships only apply to specific intakes, so if you refrain from starting in the program which you were accepted in, you will need to reapply for a scholarship for the program starting next year.

After being accepted, can I extend the deadline for submitting my seat confirmation fee in order to see how the Covid-19 continues to unfold?

Yes, your payment deadline for your Seat Confirmation can be extended, but you must contact the Program Management and work out a timeline in order not to lose your seat in the cohort.

Is there a specific deadline to decide whether I would like to postpone to the next cohort or not due to the Covid-19 crisis?

If you have been admitted and you prefer to defer your start to the next intake, which starts one year later, you must contact the Program Manager no later than the deadline communicated at your admissions interview. This is known as your “Seat Confirmation” deadline - which helps us cap class sizes after a certain number has been reached. This, in turn, enables us to maintain a good student-to-faculty ratio and highly interactive classes. That is why we place such emphasis on deadlines for confirming your participation in an MBA program.

Will the Covid-19 outbreak affect my application to the WU Executive Academy? Can I do the entire admissions process online?

The Covid-19 outbreak does not affect your application. We have implemented an application process that is 100% online. If you can access the internet and are able to have a video call, you are able to apply for an MBA program. We want you to stay safe without having to put your future on hold. Our Admissions Team will continue to support you through the application process and are available by phone, email, and videoconference.

Current events and info-sessions are already offered online, so you can continue to learn about the MBA experience and get connected with our community.

I won’t be able to take the IELTS, Cambridge Advanced, or TOEFL tests due to Covid-19 restrictions. What can I do?

This is not an issue since English certifications are not required to apply. Please see the question on “Proof of English Skills” for details.

What happens in the case of visa delays?

The Program Managers are here to support you throughout the visa application process. Contact us by phone number +43-1-31336-4816 or by email executiveacademy(at)wu.ac.at.

What are the current coronavirus measures imposed by the local authorities?

As of March 2020, the Austrian government has taken measures to mitigate the crisis. As a university, we are in close contact with governmental authorities. For more information on the current measures, please visit these sites of the Federal Ministries:

• Fed­er­al Min­istry of Ed­u­ca­tion, Sci­ence, and Re­search
• Fed­er­al Min­istry of So­cial Af­fairs, Health Care, and Con­sumer Pro­tec­tion

Executive MBA Bucharest: The situation in Romania is similar. Here, measures have been taken at a national level. We are strictly following the guidelines of the governmental authorities. For more information visit https://gov.ro/ro/masuri

Will the shift to hybrid/online due to Covid-19 affect the diploma that I receive on graduation day?

The changes in program format have no effect on the diploma because the frequency and quality of learning sessions, the content, your peers, and faculty remain unchanged.

Will I have the same professors online as I would in the face-to-face format?

The vast majority of our professors will be the same online as in the traditional face-to-face format. We do make adjustments especially when the International Residencies are involved - however these are rescheduled, not canceled. That can lead to a change in faculty if the professor is not available at an alternative date.

The entire team at the WU Executive Academy is working hard to support all professors in the new hybrid learning format. Therefore, classes will be held as planned.

My economic situation has been/will be affected by Covid-19. Will the WU Executive Academy help me financially?

Economic need is always taken into consideration when evaluating scholarship applications. The WU Executive Academy Scholarship Committee is aware that many of our incoming students and their families have been affected by the recent circumstances and will take this into account. Please mention any difficulties you are experiencing in your application.

I am not willing to pay the seat confirmation fee until I have a clearer idea of how this situation will develop. Will I lose my scholarship if I don’t pay?

If you are unable to commit at this stage given your circumstances, kindly send an email to the MBA Program Manager or to mba@wu.ac.at so that we can evaluate whether a deadline extension is possible.

Will there be a delay in processing my scholarship application due to Covid-19?

No, the Admissions Team is fully functional.

If I defer enrollment to the next cohort of my program will my scholarship transfer?

No, scholarships only apply to specific intakes, so if you refrain from starting in the program that you were accepted in, you will need to reapply for a scholarship for the program starting next year.

Are Austrian consulates open?

Yes. If for any extremely exceptional reason your local Austrian Consulate has decided to close, they would announce it on their website, or they would tell you by phone.

Are Romanian consulates open?

Yes. The same applies here: If for any extremely exceptional reason your local Romanian Consulate has decided to close, they would announce it on their website, or they would tell you by phone.

What do I do if my consulate is not replying to me?

Given the high volume of work they probably have these days, it may take longer for them to reply to emails. Most Consulates have the instructions on how to apply for visas on their websites or they redirect you to the external services provider that processes visas for them, so keep this in mind because sometimes the information you are looking for is available in just a click!

What kind of visa supporting documents will I receive?

You can find detailed information for foreign students here.

If I do not receive my visa before classes start due to heavy workload at the consulate, will my absences be excused?

Please contact your Program Manager if the beginning of the classes is approaching and you have not yet received your visa, despite having submitted your visa application in time. We will do our best to contact your local Consulate and to try to expedite your visa process. You will be able to attend modules online in the hybrid setting so absences will not be excused.

I had Covid-19. Will the consulate ask me for a medical certificate?

At the moment and to our knowledge, you must submit a medical certificate of good health when applying for a student visa. For now, the certificate does not include specifications regarding Covid-19 but, moving forward, it’s possible that you may be asked to prove that you either don’t have the virus or that you have successfully recovered from it. Contact the local Austrian Consulate to learn about this specific requirement.

Do I need a letter to support my return to Austria for on-campus-classes?

As of today, this is not a requirement in order to return to Austria.

Given the situation, where can I verify if I will be able to enter Austria?

At the moment, international travel is being regulated by authorities. Please check with the Austrian consulate or embassy in your country regarding travel restrictions. Current information can also be found on the website of the Ministry of European and International Affairs: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en

My home country, which is outside the EU, does not require a visa to enter the Schengen area. Can I simply reenter the country with my passport to join classes?

We would like to remind you that, although we are under exceptional circumstances, immigration laws still apply. Thus, those who wish to travel should keep their legal documentation up-to-date. Students who are currently in their home countries and do not have the necessary documentation to enter or return to the Schengen area should contact their local consulate as soon as possible.

Current information about Austrian laws can be found on the website of the Ministry of European and International Affairs: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en

Current information about Romanian laws can be found here: https://gov.ro/ro/masuri

Why should I apply for an MBA at the WU Executive Academy?

Excellent quality 95% of our alumni would recommend their MBA program to a colleague or a friend.* The WU Executive Academy places 45th worldwide and 4th in the German-speaking region (DACH) in the

Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking 2018. We are ranked in the top 20 worldwide in the working experience of our students and our international course experience. The WU Vienna also holds triple accreditation: Less than 1% of business schools in the world have quality levels recognized by the three largest and most influential business school accreditation organizations: AMBA (Association of MBAs), AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) by the European Foundation of Management. International experience We are located in the heart of Europe and our faculty is quite international:

• More than 240 partner universities
• World’s leading professors and researchers
• Internationally acclaimed experts, practitioners and top managers
• Faculty members from top universities around the world

Furthermore, our international residencies will enable you to overcome cultural barriers and experience business practices in different countries. Find more information on our faculty members on each program’s website. Global network During your MBA you will establish an extremely valuable network with your classmates. In addition, you get access to the powerful WU Executive Club:

• 4,500 students and alumni from 85 nations
• Local ambassadors, hub managers and communities
• Online platform: WU EA Connect to stay in touch
• Exclusive networking opportunities at events
• Guest speakers from leading global organizations

Do you need more reasons for the WU Executive Academy? Get them here.

How does an MBA at the WU Executive Academy help me achieve my career goals?

In general, out of all our MBA students:

• 68% make a career move while doing an MBA or within 1 year after graduation
• 37% change employers within the start of their program to 4 years after graduation
• 47% advance to new positions within the start of their program to 4 years after graduation
• 12% start their own business*

Since building a career is a lifelong journey, the WU Executive Academy offers the Career Accelerator Program, which helps you succeed. The WU Executive Academy supports your professional development with individual coaching, career workshops, trainings, panel discussions and webinars. You will learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, negotiate your salary and position your personal brand. All our services – many of which are provided by HR experts and executive search partners - continue even after your graduation.

Does an MBA at the WU Executive Academy increase my salary?

In general, 59% of our alumni receive higher earnings while doing an MBA or within 1 year after graduation.*

Explore our alumni’s career stories here.

How does an MBA at the WU Executive Academy change me?

You'll expand your expertise when doing an MBA. However, an MBA goes beyond theory. It is an amazing journey. You widen your horizon by exchanging ideas with international executives and you develop as an individual when you:

• Improve your leadership skills
• Get hands-on know how applicable in your job
• Develop a better understanding of the other departments in your company
• Look outside of your industry
• Learn to think globally

How does a typical MBA student at the WU Executive Academy look like?

Discover age, years of work experience, nationality, gender and much more in our class profiles:

• Global Executive MBA
• Executive MBA Bucharest
• Professional MBA
• Professional MBA Energy Management
• Professional MBA Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Professional MBA Finance
• Professional MBA Health Care Management
• Professional MBA Marketing & Sales
• Professional MBA Project Management

How does a typical day at an MBA class look like?

During the modules, teaching usually takes place every day from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. During some evenings, you will also meet guest speakers for additional insights.

Is presence mandatory and what if I miss something?

Physical presence during classes is mandatory. It helps to build trustful relationships, which encourages students to engage in fruitful discussions and knowledge sharing. This safe place facilitates effective learning for the individual and the class as a whole. If you miss a substantial portion of a class, we will work out together how you can make up for it. For every class attended outside a student’s regular program cycle, a fee of EUR 200 per day will be charged.

What happens if I do not complete my studies within the regular study period?

If the planned standard period is exceeded because not all of the mandatory modules have been positively completed, a fee of EUR 500 will be charged for each additional semester.

What is the compatibility of an MBA with critical mid-terms events such as new project development in our current job or having a newborn baby for instance?

With the right motivation and support from your surrounding environment, you can definitely attend an MBA program next to big life events. Many of our students have begun a new career, moved to another country or started a family while successfully finishing the program. Therefore, we ask you to get in touch with your employer and your personal contacts to inform them and to get their support for your significant requirement of extra time for the MBA program.

Are there exams or are there more practical cases studies in groups to valid students’ performance in a module?

Modules are graded based on pre-assignments, class participation and post-assignments. While for specific modules pre- and post-assignments are in the form of exams majority of the acquired learning is assessed via papers and case studies.

Do the lectures take place on Thursday and Friday the whole day? If so, how is it possible to work full-time only 3 days a week, taking into account that the number of vacation days per year are limited?

The part-time format of our MBA programs allows you to participate in a demanding program while being in a full-time job. The modules are organized in blocks with several weeks in between, depending on the format. Please look at the schedule for the specific program or reach out to our program managers for advice on doing the program next to a full-time job.

What are the industries or sectors that the alumni are working in after graduation?

Our alumni work in diverse sectors such as IT, finance, consumer goods, consulting, industry/manufacturing, pharmaceutical. Check out our class profiles (PDF) for details:

• Professional MBA  
• Global Executive MBA
• Executive MBA Bucharest

Is there any case study like applying theoretical training on a real business?

The program is based on balanced mixture of theory and practice. Pre-module materials consist of theory, papers and articles on the current developments and case studies. Case methodology is also used during the modules. Furthermore, in class discussion consists of sharing experience and best practices among the program participants.

Which MBA programs does the WU Executive Academy offer?

In general, we offer Executive and Professional MBAs. Our Executive MBA programs are designed for experienced executives who are seeking a general management education. We offer two Executive MBAs:

• Global Executive MBA
• Executive MBA Bucharest

A Professional MBA program is the right option for you, if you want to combine hands-on specialist know how and general management. Explore our nine different Professional MBA specializations here.

Which MBA is the right one for me?

Since choosing an MBA program can be quite challenging, our experts are happy to help. Discover our consulting services here.

Moreover, our Program Finder can help you to compare our programs and choose the right one.

How do the MBA curricula look like at the WU Executive Academy?

You can find our MBA curricula below:

• Global Executive MBA
• Executive MBA Bucharest
• Professional MBA

When do the MBA programs start and how long does an MBA take at the WU Executive Academy?

• Global Executive MBA: 16 months, starting in late March or early April
• Executive MBA Bucharest: 16 months, starting in November
• Professional MBA: 16-20 months, starting in October

 See the starting times of our MBA programs in the MBA Programs - Facts Overview.

How much does an MBA at the WU Executive Academy cost?

You can find an overview of all MBA tuition fees in the MBA Programs - Facts Overview.

Are there scholarships available and whom are they for?

Yes, the WU Executive Academy offers a wide range of scholarships and financing options. Discover them here. Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis. The admission committee decides whether and to what extent a scholarship will be granted by evaluating your:

• Submitted application documents
• Performance in the admission interview
• Potential contribution to peer-learning in class
• Financial situation (income, costs for logistics, etc.)
• Leadership potential
• Analytical skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Career goals and motivation
• Personal circumstances

Additional eligibility criteria for each scholarship can be found here.

How is a scholarship application different to a regular application?

To apply for a scholarship it is required to state your motivation for the scholarship in the motivation letter, provide a proof of salary and – if applicable - documentation of exceptional circumstances (e.g. supporting dependents, medical care etc.). You have to bring the originals of these documents to the admission interview.

The application deadlines for each scholarship can be found here.

For further information regarding the application process, please click here.

Are MBA tuition fees tax deductible?

Yes, our MBA tuition fees are fully tax deductible for taxpayers in Austria. With our flexible payment modalities, you can spread the fees over several tax periods. Learn more about the available financial benefits for individuals and companies in Austria here. However, as tax deductibility can vary greatly from person to person, we recommend that you also contact a tax advisor or inquire directly at the tax office.

If you are taxpayer of another country, please contact your local tax authorities for information on available tax deductions.

What requirements do I have to meet to be admitted for an MBA at the WU Executive Academy?

If you apply, we will carefully assess your

• academic background,
• your work experience, and your
• interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills.

In general, we expect you to have to have a solid career progression and the commitment to pursue an MBA next to your busy schedule.

You need at least an undergraduate university degree (e.g. bachelor degree) for our MBA programs. Furthermore, we require a minimum work experience of 3 years (5 years for the Executive MBA) together with an excellent knowledge of the program language (English or German). 

Do I need a bachelor degree to be admitted for an MBA at the WU Executive Academy?

Yes, for our MBA programs there is at least an undergraduate university degree required (e.g. bachelor degree). Applicants with an exceptional career progression and profound professional experience may also be admitted to an MBA program if they submit an excellent GMAC Executive Assessment score.

How many years of work experience do I need to be admitted for an MBA at the WU Executive Academy?

If you are applying for an Executive MBA we expect at least 5 years of relevant work experience as well as some leadership experience.

If you are applying for a Professional MBA we expect at least 3 years of relevant work experience. Read more about the admission requirements here.

What proof of English skills do I need for the English MBA programs at the WU Executive Academy?

Your proficiency in written and spoken English is assessed during the admission process. No formal proof or certificates (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL) are required. Under certain circumstances, some applicants might be asked to submit a formal proof of their language level (C1) to further proceed in the admission process. 

What are the requirements for entry, residency and employment for non-EU citizens?

Student diversity is an asset of our MBA programs and we welcome students from all over the world. If you are a non-EU citizen, you might need a visa to enter, live and work in Austria. You can find detailed information for foreign students here.

How do I apply for an MBA at the WU Executive Academy?

1. Online application In order to apply for an MBA you need to fill out our online application form and pay the application fee of EUR 200 via credit card.
2. Document submission After that, you will be asked to e-mail all required documents. Our program managers check them regarding the applicable admission requirements.
3. Admission interview If you are a prospective student, you will be invited to a personal interview with the academic director and the program manager.
4. Admission decision Shortly after the interview, you will receive our decision. If you are admitted, we will send you important instructions on how to secure your MBA spot. Do you want feedback on your profile before starting the application? Simply send your curriculum vitae to mba@wu.ac.at.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is an application fee of EUR 200. It has to be paid via credit card.

Which documents do I need to prepare for the application process?

• Online application form (Available here)
• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of motivation (Details)
• Two recommendation letters (Details)
• Copy of university diplomas and grade transcripts in original language
• Official translation of university diplomas (Details)
• Recent digital photograph
• Passport copy

How long does the application process take?

In general, the application process takes approximately one month.

We follow a rolling admission process, which means you are able to apply and can be accepted at any time until the application deadline. Since the programs often fill to capacity, we recommend that potential students submit their applications as early as possible. Qualified applicants are admitted on a rolling basis.

Whom should I contact, if I have a question regarding my application status?

Please e-mail mba(at)wu.ac.at.

Are completed studies creditable?

Yes, please contact mba(at)wu.ac.at for further information.

Is it possible for students from developing countries to come to Austria?

We have some students from developing countries in our MBA programs; you can see the class profile for instance here. Once accepted into our programs, a student gets visa support from the MBA program manager for participating in modules in Austria as well as in the International Residency – which most often takes place in the USA. We have a good track record of helping students get visas, so we would just suggest you apply and take the next steps once you are accepted. Feel free to get in touch with us.