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FAQs - Executive MBA Programs
General Information
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Executive MBA programs at the WU Executive Academy.
Why should I apply for an Executive MBA at the WU Executive Academy?
Excellent quality
92% of our alumni would recommend their MBA program to a colleague or a friend.
In the Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking 2023, the WU Executive Academy ranked #45 worldwide and #8 in the EU, #6 in international course experience, and #15 worldwide in career progress of our students.
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:
- Over 6,500 students and alumni from approx. 100 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?
Personal development of our graduates
overwhelming 97% concurred that the MBA programme substantially contributed to their personal development
92% acknowledged the enhancement of their strategic thinking
89% affirmed the program’s positive impact on their crossfunctional skills
Career development of our alumni since the time of graduation
27% reached a top management position
18% founded their own company
The WU Executive Academy supports your professional development with the Career Accelerator Program, 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 Executive 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 Executive 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 Executive 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
- Executive MBA with Specialization Options
- Executive MBA Health Care Management
How does a typical teaching day at an Executive 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 € 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 € 500 will be charged for each additional semester.
What is the compatibility of an Executive 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 Executive 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 their studies. 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 Executive 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 Executive 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 our Executive MBA graduates are working in?
Our Executive MBA alumni work in diverse industries such as IT, finance, consumer goods, consulting, industry and manufacturing, or pharmaceutical. Check out our class profiles (PDF) for details:
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?
The WU Executive Academy offers Executive MBA programs. Some of our part-time Executive MBA programs are designed for experienced executives who are seeking a general management education:
In addition, we are offering Executive MBA programs, that combine general management knowledge and expertise in a specific function or industry:
Which MBA is the right one for me?
Since choosing the right Executive MBA program can be quite challenging, our experts are happy to help you finding the best option. Discover our consulting services here.
Moreover, our Program Finder helps you comparing our programs and choosing the right one.
How do the MBA curricula look like at the WU Executive Academy?
You can find our MBA curricula below:
In which month do the Executive MBA programs at the WU Executive Academy start and how long do they last?
- Global Executive MBA: 16 months, Start: March
- Executive MBA Bucharest: 16 months, Start: November
- Executive MBA with Specialization Options: 18 months, Start: October
- Executive MBA Health Care Management: 24 months, Start: September
The exact start dates of our Executive MBA programs can be found on the respective program page.
Are there Executive MBA scholarships available and whom are they for?
Yes, the WU Executive Academy offers a wide range of Executive MBA scholarships and financing options. Discover them here.
Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis. The committee decides whether and to what extent a scholarship will be granted by evaluating your:
- High motivation for joining the program
- Enthusiasm for a challenging learning experience
- Clear understanding of personal contribution to team learning and the overall cohort experience
- Relevant skills and work experience
- Strong record of career progression
- Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, and communication skills
- Passion and commitment to achieve personal growth and success
- Diversity of the student group in terms of academic, professional, and cultural background
- Financial situation
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, you need to hand in the following additional documents:
- Documentation of income
- Relevant documentation of exceptional circumstances (e.g. supporting dependents, medical care)
The application deadlines for each scholarship can be found here.
For further information regarding the application process, please click here.
Are Executive MBA tuition fees tax deductible?
Yes, our Executive 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 apply for an Executive MBA at the WU Executive Academy?
Please find our program-specific application requirements here.
Do I need a bachelor degree to apply for an MBA at the WU Executive Academy?
Yes, for our MBA programs you need to have an undergraduate degree (Bachelor 180 ECTS or equivalent) from a recognized post-secondary institution*.
* For the Executive MBA programs, outstanding professional experience may allow for application in exceptional cases.
How many years of work experience do I need to apply for an Executive MBA at the WU Executive Academy?
If you are applying for the Global Executive MBA, Executive MBA Bucharest, or Executive MBA Health Care Management, we expect at least 5 years of postgraduate work experience, leadership experience is preferred.
If you are applying for the Executive MBA with Specialization Options, we expect at least 3 years of postgraduate work experience. Read more about the requirements here.
Do I need a specific language certificate for the Executive MBA programs at the WU Executive Academy?
For Executive MBA programs taught in English, your proficiency in written and spoken English is assessed during the application 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 application 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 Executive MBA at the WU Executive Academy?
- Online application: In order to apply for an Executive MBA you need to fill out our online application form and pay the application fee of € 200 by credit card.
- Check of documents: Please email us all required documents to complete your application. Our team will carefully review your documents to ensure they meet the formal requirements.
- Personal interview: We invite suitable applicants to a personal interview with the academic director, program management, and/or alumni.
- Admission offer: Shortly after your interview, we will inform you about the decision of the selection committee. In case of a positive decision, you will receive all documents necessary to accept your offer. Once you have signed and returned these documents, you will be required to pay the seat confirmation fee to secure your place in the program.
Do you want feedback on your profile before starting the application? You can request a free profile check here.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is an application fee of € 200, which is paid by credit card.
Which documents do I need to prepare for the application?
You can find a checklist of all required documents here.
Whom should I contact, if I have a question regarding my application status?
Please send an email to emba(at)wu.ac.at.
Are completed studies creditable?
Yes, please contact us at mba(at)wu.ac.at for further information.
Is it possible for students from all nations to study in Austria?
We have students with many different nationalities and backgrounds 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 immersions – 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.
*Data acquired from the 2021 Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking, the 2019 Alumni Survey and the 2016 & 2017 Overall Feedback from our students.