Smith and WU Vienna partner on new undergraduate double degree
Posted on July 2, 2025
Kingston, Ont. — Smith School of Business (Smith) is excited to announce a new undergraduate double-degree offering in partnership with WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business).
Beginning in Fall 2025, undergraduate students entering their second year of study at Smith and WU will have the opportunity to apply for this unique learning experience in which successful applicants will split their studies between Smith’s campus in Kingston, Canada, and WU’s campus in Vienna, Austria.
“Smith is thrilled to continue building on our nearly two-decade long partnership with WU,” says Lynnette Purda, Interim Dean, Smith School of Business. “This rigorous academic experience will see students gain both functional expertise and a broad global management perspective.”
International double-degree options are rising in popularity among prospective students considering undergraduate studies. This new partnership with WU represents the third double-degree offering through the Smith Commerce program and the second at the bachelor’s level for WU.
Participants will complete two years of study at each school, including core and elective courses for each program. They will also work in international peer teams and with international faculty advisors and leverage the network and career resources available at both schools. Upon completion, students will earn degrees from both institutions and be well-poised to make an impact in careers at home or abroad.
“As an internationally oriented university, we strive to provide our students with a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of mobility opportunities, ranging from short-term to long-term options. The new double-degree program at the bachelor's level perfectly complements our offerings and will further enhance the Smith-WU partnership,” says Margarethe Rammerstorfer, Vice-Rector Academic Programs and Student Affairs at WU.
Smith and WU are both members of the Partnership in International Management, a consortium of top business schools around the world that fosters student mobility, faculty collaboration and the exchange of best practices. The two institutions have had an exchange partnership since 2007 and a double degree between Smith’s Master of International Business and WU’s Master in Strategy, Innovation and Management Control since 2010. More than 460 students have benefited from the schools’ ongoing collaboration.
About WU Vienna University of Economics and Business
WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) is one of Europe’s leading institutions for higher education in economics and business. The university's academic strengths are rooted in its comprehensive research and teaching portfolio, which encompasses all topics essential to today’s economy and society. WU's commitment to high standards in research and teaching has been consistently validated by prestigious international accreditations. As a responsible institution, WU embraces its social responsibility across all areas of its activities and is dedicated to making a positive impact on society, the economy, and the business community. To learn more, please visit wu.ac.at/en.
About Smith School of Business
Smith School of Business at Queen’s University is renowned for its excellence, innovation and leadership in business education. From establishing the first undergraduate business degree over a century ago to creating groundbreaking programs and courses in emerging areas, Smith is at the forefront of preparing students for the business marketplace. In addition to its tradition of academic and teaching excellence, Smith is known for delivering an outstanding learning and development experience. Personal attention, individual and team coaching, opportunities for specialization and a deep commitment to student success characterize the Smith experience. To learn more, visit smithqueens.com.