Vistula University

Vistula University (VU; Polish: Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula) is a non-public university based in Warsaw, Poland. It was established in 1991 as the University of Insurance and Banking. In January 1992, it was entered in the register of non-public higher education institutions of the Ministry of National Education and Sport under number 2. It achieved its current status through dynamic development and merger with other non-public higher education institutions. Currently, Vistula University together with the Vistula School of Hospitality (formerly the Warsaw School of Tourism and Hospitality Management) form the main pillars of the Vistula Group of Universities. In 2019, Aleksander Gieysztor Academy of Humanities in Pułtusk became one of its branches.

Vistula University

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula
Established	1 October 1992
Rector	Wawrzyniec Konarski, PhD, DSc
Students	10,800 (12.2023)
Location	Warsaw , Masovia , Poland
Campus	Urban
Website	https://www.vistula.edu.pl

University rankings
Regional – Overall
QS Emerging Europe and Central Asia	401-450 (2022)

Vistula University is an international business school. It provides education in the areas of management, finance and accounting, international relations, economics, philology, journalism, graphic design, architecture, computer engineering, logistics, business and security analytics, psychology in business, Asian studies: Japan, Korea, Vietnam and in the field of language consultant in business. Vistula University offers bachelor's, master's, engineering, doctoral, postgraduate as well as MBA study programs in Polish and English. The conducted research focuses on, among others, China, globalization, chemical and ecological safety and cybersecurity. The university cooperates closely with ICCSS (International Centre for Chemical Safety and Security) in Warsaw.

Statistics

Vistula University students come from over 100 countries.

History

The origins of Vistula University date back to 1991, when the University of Insurance and Banking in Warsaw was established.

Most important facts

• 1991 - The Insurance Promotion Foundation establishes the University of Insurance and Banking.
• 1992 - The University of Insurance and Banking is entered in the register of non-public higher education institutions of the Ministry of National Education and Sport.
• 2005 - The Senate of the University of Insurance and Banking decides to change the name of the university to the Academy of Finance.
• 2012 - The Academy of Finance is joined by Vistula University (Polish: Uczelnia Vistula) formerly, the Higher School of Economics and Information in Warsaw - WSE-I, at the same time the Academy of Finance is renamed as Vistula University (Polish: Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula).
• 2014 – Vistula University incorporates the European Academy of Arts in Warsaw.
• 2015 – Vistula University incorporates the University of Management in Warsaw.

Rectors in the years 2000-2019

• 2000-2010 – Prof. Paweł Bożyk
• 2010-2014 – Prof. Krzysztof Rybiński, PhD
• 2014-2016 –  Marek Kulczycki, PhD
• 2016-2019 – Prof. Witold Orłowski
• 2019 – Prof. Wawrzyniec Konarski, PhD

Vistula Group of Universities

Vistula University together with the Vistula School of Hospitality (formerly the Warsaw School of Tourism and Hospitality Management) form the main pillars of the Vistula Group of Universities. In 2014, they were joined by the University of Business in Wrocław (currently the Wroclaw Business University of Applied Sciences), and in 2018, the Aleksander Gieysztor Academy of Humanities in Pułtusk and the Olsztyn University of Józef Rusiecki. The Vistula Group of Universities offers 56 fields of study.

Studies at Vistula University

Vistula University focuses on the practical approach and cooperation with the world of business in the education process. As one of the few universities in Poland, it has been awarded full ACCA accreditation.

The university conducts bachelor's, master's, engineering and postgraduate study programs in full-time, part-time and online modes.

The educational offer also comprises MBA programs and doctoral studies. The university has authorization to award doctoral degrees in the disciplines of Economics and Finance, History, Management and Quality Studies and Political Science and Public Administration.

First-cycle studies – bachelor’s degree

• Journalism and Social Communication
• Economics
• English Studies
• Finance and Accounting with ACCA accreditation
• International Relations
• Graphic Design
• Management
• Logistics
• Business and Security Analytics
• Psychology in business
• Asian Studies: Japan, Korea, Vietnam

Engineering studies

• Architecture
• Computer Engineering

Second cycle studies - master's degree

• Economics
• Computer Engineering
• English Studies
• Finance and Accounting
• Graphic Design
• International Relations
• Management
• Language consultant in business

Postgraduate studies

• Academy of Practical Knowledge - Academy of Human Resources and Payroll / HR Academy
• Finance and Accounting with ACCA accreditation
• Specialized Translations, English
• Methodology of Teaching Foreign Languages
• Methodology of Teaching Polish as a Foreign and Second Language
• Software Tester
• Technical Communication
• Road Transport Manager
• Administration of European Funds
• Audit and Internal Control in Administration and Economy
• Security in Management of Companies and Institutions

Online studies

Vistula University is a leader in online teaching. It is a modern form of education implemented using the latest information and communication technology. The university offers the following online studies:

• Finance and Accounting – first-cycle studies;
• Finance and Accounting – second-cycle studies;
• Management – first-cycle studies;
• Management – second-cycle studies;
• Economics – first-cycle studies;
• Logistic – first-cycle studies;
• Business and Security Analytics – first-cycle studies;
• Psychology in business – first-cycle studies
• Computer Engineering – first-cycle studies;
• English Studies – first-cycle studies.

Foreign languages at the university

Students can learn the following languages:

• English;
• Chinese;
• French;
• Spanish;
• German;
• Polish;
• Italian.

Accreditations and certificates

• ACCA – Vistula University is one of the few universities in Poland awarded with the full range of ACCA accreditations; Finance and Accounting graduates have the opportunity to obtain exemptions from all ACCA exams at the Fundamentals level.
• CIMA – is the leading, largest organization in the world that brings together financial management specialists; thanks to CIMA accreditation, Vistula students can develop skills in management accounting, finance and business and gain prestigious professional qualifications.
• CEEMAN - one of the top international accreditations in the field of management education; it is a confirmation of the university’s high standards as regards its efficient functioning, teaching and research activity, financial stability, as well as quality education.
• PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs – is the world’s leading, independent, specialized accrediting body for project management degree programs; its mission is continuous development and improvement of the quality of education, and its main goal is to ensure that the accredited study programs prepare highly qualified specialists.
• Accreditation by Eurostat – European Statistical Office, Vistula University has been entered on the elite list of recognized research institutions.
• HR Excellence in Research – the title is awarded to institutions that have supported and effectively implemented the "European Charter for Researchers" and the "Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers".

Most important awards and distinctions

• 1st place in Poland in the “Graduates on the Labour Market” category - among non-public higher education institutions in the Perspektywy 2022 ranking.
• 4th place in the Perspektywy 2024 ranking of Non-public Universities.
• 1st place in internationalization in the Perspektywy ranking in 2019, 2020, 2021.
• 1st place in the nationwide system for monitoring the economic fates of university graduates (ELA) in the "Management" category.
• 6th place in the IDEAS-REPEC ranking, in the classification of universities conducting research in the field of economics.
• The best business partner – according to. "Home and Market" magazine
• Special award from the Foundation for the Development of Education and Higher Education for “Best Progress”.

Membership in organizations

• PRME – Principles for Responsible Management Education;
• ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants;
• CEEMAN – Central and Eastern European Management Development Association;
• EFMD – European Foundation for Management Development;
• HR Excellence in Research;
• IREG Observatory of Academic rankings and Excellence;
• KRASP – Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland.

National and international conferences in 2016-2023

• 26.02.2016 – Kapitał intelektualny pracowników wiedzy 65 plus i możliwości jego wykorzystania. Dobre praktyki w obszarze zatrudnienia (Intellectual capital of knowledge workers 65 plus and possibilities of its use. Best practices in the area of employment).
• 7.03.2016 – Zaburzenia ekonomiczno-finansowe w Europie i na świecie w drugim dziesięcioleciu XXI w. Skutki dla Polski (Economic and financial disruptions in Europe and around the world in the second decade of the 21st century. Consequences for Poland).
• 7.04.2016 – Edukacja w XXI w. – problemy i wyzwania (Education in the 21st century – problems and challenges).
• 5.05.2016 – 2nd Workshop (Youth) Unemployment in Europe.
• 14.11.2016 – Economies of Poland and Ukraine in face of current economic and social challenges.
• 27.03.2017 – Zasady good governance na szczeblu przedsiębiorstwa, gospodarki kraju, ugrupowania integracyjnego i świata (Good governance principles at the level of the enterprise, the country's economy, the integration group and the world).
• 2.06.2017 – Azja XXI wieku i renesans Szlaku Jedwabnego (Asia of the 21st century and the Renaissance of the Silk Road).
• 8.06.2017 – Competency management – research and business practice.
• 8.06.2017 – Siła we współczesnych stosunkach międzynarodowych (Power in contemporary international relations).
• 18.01.2018 – Problemy teorii i praktyki bezpośrednich inwestycji zagranicznych (BIZ) i polityki wobec BIZ. Wnioski dla Polski (Problems of theory and practice of foreign direct investment (FDI) and FDI policy. Conclusions for Poland).
• 16.04.2018 – Euro a sprawa Polska (Euro and Poland).
• 30.05.2018 – Kapitał społeczny i zaufanie w biznesie (Social capital and trust in business).
• 18-19.06.2018 – Chińska inicjatywa Pasa i Szlaku – inspiracje z historycznej przeszłości, współczesność i scenariusze przyszłości (China’s Belt and Road initiative – inspirations from the historical past, the present and future scenarios).
• 22.11.2018 – Czy grozi nam dekompozycja liberalnego ładu międzynarodowego? Europa w zmieniającym się świecie (Are we at risk of decomposition of the liberal international order? Europe in a changing world).
• 20.05.2019 – Trzydziestolecie restytucji kapitalizmu w Polsce – blaski i cienie (Thirty years of the restitution of capitalism in Poland – pros and cons).
• 23-24.06.2023 – Lepsze prawo, lepsza Polska (Better law, better Poland).

International cooperation

Vistula University cooperates with many foreign universities in the area of mobility programs for teaching staff and students, joint programs and projects, research, exchange of experiences and publications.  

• Amity University, India
• Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, China
• Jiangxi Normal University, Chiny
• Hebei University of Economics and Business, China
• Southwest Jiaotong University, China
• Tianjin University, China
• Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, Austria
• American University in Bulgaria, Bulgaria
• Howest University of Applied Sciences, Belgium
• Academie des Beaux-arts de la Ville de Tournai, Belgium
• University of Zadar, Chorwacja
• Business Academy and Higher Professional School, Czech
• University of New York in Prague (UNYP), Czech
• Centria University of Applied Sciences, Finland
• Inseec Paris, France
• Inseec Alpes-Savoie, France
• Inseec Bordeaux, France
• Ecole Superieure de Commerce International, ESCI Business School, France;
• Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Loerrach, Germany
• University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden, Niemcy
• Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden - University of Applied Sciences, Germany
• Fachochschule Sudwestfalen, Germany
• International Hellenic University, Greece
• School of Pedagogical & Technological Education (ASPETE), Greece
• University of Patras, Greece
• Budapest Metropolian University, Hungary
• University of Florence, Italy
• University of Salento, Italy
• University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy;
• Vilniaus Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
• Lithuania Business University of Applied Sciences, Lithuania
• Vilniaus Kolegija/University of Applied Sciences, Lithuania
• Riseba University of Business, Arts and Technology, Latvia
• South East European University, Macedonia
• Goce Delcev University, Macedonia
• Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
• Stenden University, Netherlands
• Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESEIG IPP), Portugal
• Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ISCAP) School of Accounting and Administration, Portugal
• Iade-Institute of Visual Arts, Design and Marketing, Portugal
• Higher Institute of Business and Tourism, Portugal
• Ipam - the Marketing School, Portugal
• Polytechnic Institute of Braganca, Portugal
• Romanian American University, Romania
• Babes-Bolyai University, Romania
• Escola Universitaria Formatic Barna, Spain;
• University of Jaen, Spain
• University of Vigo, Spain
• University of Almería, Spain
• Universidad Europea del Atlantico, Spain
• University of Huelva, Spain
• University of Mondragon, Spain
• University of Seville, Spain
• Balikesir University, Turkey
• Uskudar University, Turkey
• Tobb University of Economics and Technology, Turkey
• Istanbul Gelisim University, Turkey
• Tishk International University, Irak

Partner companies

Vistula University places particular emphasis on cooperation with business and on tailoring the study program to employers’ demands. It cooperates with many reputable companies from various market segments. These include:

• Accenture;
• Asseco Poland;
• CBRE Corporate Outsourcing;
• Cyfrowy Polsat;
• KPMG;
• Saint-Gobain Polska;
• Sitel Poland;
• Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce.

Structure

Faculty of Business and International Relations

• Program of Study – Finance and Accounting
• Program of Study – International Relations
• Program of Study – Management
• Program of Study – Economics
• Program of Study – Logistics
• Program of Study – Business and Security Analytics
• Program of Study – Psychology in business
• Program of Study – Asian Studies: Japan, Korea, Vietnam
• Program of Study – Language consultant in business

Faculty of Philology and Journalism

• Program of Study – Journalism and Social Communication
• Program of Study – Philology

Foreign Languages Centre

Faculty of Computer Science, Graphic Design and Architecture

• Program of Study – Computer Engineering
• Program of Study – Architecture
• Program of Study – Graphics

Research and Science Centre

• Institute of Research in the discipline of Economics and Finance
• Institute of Research in the discipline of History
• Institute of Research in the discipline of Political Science and Administration
• Institute of Research in the discipline of Management and Quality Studies

University Authorities

• Rector: Prof.  Wawrzyniec Konarski, PhD
• Vice-Rector for Student Affairs: Davut Han Aslan, PhD
• Vice-Rector for Education Quality: Grzegorz Mathea, PhD
• Vice-Rector for Science: Prof. Piotr F. Borowski, PhD, Eng

Asia Research Institute

The Asia Research Institute was established in 2017 (initially under the name "Asia Research Centre"). The Institute draws on the long-standing research tradition of Vistula University. It aims to conduct scientific research focused on contemporary Asia and Eurasia and on the current initiative to reactivate the historical mechanism of the Silk Road. The Institute works on developing innovative education programs, among others, as part of summer schools launched at Vistula University and devoted to contemporary Asia and the Silk Road, conducted in a multidisciplinary and multicultural spirit, both in Polish and in foreign languages. It also deals with the preparation of tailor-made postgraduate study programs dedicated for representatives of various specialties that could help in establishing business cooperation with the Far East countries.

Confucius Classroom

Vistula University hosts the Confucius Classroom, which was established to promote Chinese language, tradition and culture. It is a platform fostering intercultural understanding and mutual exchange of knowledge. This is the first such project at a non-public university in Poland and another step towards internationalization of the university. The Confucius Classroom offers Chinese language courses at two levels of proficiency.

Careers Office

The Careers Office of Vistula University provides support and assistance to students in starting their professional careers. It cooperates with employers and establishes contacts with renowned Polish and foreign companies and institutions. It arranges meetings with business practitioners and successful entrepreneurs. Every year it organizes the JobSpot and JobDay job fairs.

The Careers Office offers students and graduates:

• job offers, job placements and internships;
• help in creating a professional CV;
• preparation for job interviews;
• professional career counselling;
• training and workshops;
• competence testing.

E-Career

This is a portal developed by the Careers Office - an innovative tool for designing careers. It has been designed to meet the needs and expectations of employers and students, as well as graduates and employers.

The E-career portal consists of four modules:

• online competence testing system;
• job offer database;
• development database;
• survey system.

E-Career brings together all communication channels used by young people who have the ambition to find a satisfying, well-paid job and by employers who need qualified staff with specific education and competences.  E-Career makes recruitment easier and faster.

Mentoring

The Mentoring Program is a unique project aimed at providing:

• assistance to new students;
• motivation to use students’ potential and development opportunities;
• help in achieving better scientific results.

Mentors are experienced advisors, tutors and guides who support, teach, provide guidance, and serve as role models for new students. Mentors share with them their knowledge and experience, indicate new directions of development, give motivation for positive changes, and help in establishing valuable contacts.

Student Activity

Vistula University has an actively operating Student’s Council as well as 28 scientific clubs. They are established and supported by the university to help students develop their interests and pursue their passions.

1. Alumni Club
2. Artistic Graphic Lab217
3. Vistula IT Club
4. HR Global Trends Club
5. Google Developer Student Club Vistula
6. English-language journalism research club
7. International Business Law & Taxation Club
8. Bankers Club
9. Iberian Studies Science Club
10. Foto-Club Vistula
11. Asian Students Association
12. African Students Society
13. European Students Association
14. Asia-Pacific Students Society
15. Activities Club
16. Academic Choir
17. Vistula Music Club
18. Social Club
19. Student Science Club “2B”
20. Academic Club of International Relation
21. Academic Club of Diplomacy
22. Academic Club of Culinary Tourism
23. The Club of Hospitality
24. Academic Club of Dietetics
25. Vistula Art
26. Vistula Live
27. Architecture and New Media Student Club
28. Academic Sports Association

Sports at Vistula University

Vistula University campus has a 20 × 30 meters sports hall for basketball, volleyball, indoor football, badminton, as well as for aerobics and other sports activities. The university also has a gym and an outdoor basketball court at its disposal.

Vistula University host the AZS Club. Club teams take part in the Academic Championships of Poland, Warsaw and Masovia in volleyball, basketball, football, badminton, athletics, cross-country running, judo, rowing ergometer and table tennis, becoming more successful every year.

University Campus

The Vistula University campus is located in Warsaw’s Ursynów district, just 100 meters from the Stokłosy metro station:

• the campus covers 29,000 m²;
• the facility is fully adapted to the needs of people with disabilities;
• the complex has underground parking spaces;
• the campus includes a sports hall.

University without barriers

The university promotes integration of students of different nationalities, cultures and religions, regardless of their mobility.

• the main entrance as well as all entrances to lecture halls and classrooms have no thresholds, which allows comfortable movement in a wheelchair.
• the building is equipped with elevators.
• there are toilets for people with disabilities in the facility.

Students with disabilities can also apply for additional support such as:

• scholarships;
• teaching assistant;
• change in the form of obtaining credits;
• university ensures equal opportunities for students providing specialized equipment to students with disabilities.

Publishing House

The Vistula Group Publishing House has issued numerous specialist publications in the field of economics, computer science, international relations, sociology, finance and accounting, banking, tourism and recreation, management, European integration and philology. The publications include, among others academic textbooks and collective works developed by academics and didactic staff of universities and other Polish and foreign scientific institutions, as well as by practitioners. The most recent publications of Vistula University include:

• Świat i Polska, Longin Pastusiak, Warszawa 2019;
• Państwo, jego bezpieczeństwo ekonomiczne. Aspekt teoretyczny i praktyczny, Joanna Antczak, Danuta Milczewska, Zdzisław Rapacki, Warszawa 2018;
• Prezydenci Stanów Zjednoczonych. Jimmy Carter – Donald Trump 1977-…, Longin Pastusiak, Warszawa 2018;
• Szlak Jedwabny i Chiny: historia i dzień dzisiejszy, Wojciech Hubner, Warszawa 2018;
• Prezydenci Stanów Zjednoczonych. Benjamin Harrison – Gerald F. Ford 1833-1977, Longin Pastusiak, Warszawa 2018;
• Polityka wobec bezpośrednich inwestycji zagranicznych. Ograniczanie kosztów, Zbigniew Zimny, Warszawa 2018;
• Siła we współczesnych stosunkach międzynarodowych, redakcja naukowa: Wojciech Kostecki, Kamil Smogorzewski, Warszawa 2018;
• Corporate Accounting in the Unstable World, Mirosław Bojańczyk, Warszawa 2017;
• Rynek zabezpieczeń finansowych I produktów ubezpieczeniowych w kontekście działalności biur podróży, Małgorzata Maliszewska, Piotr Kociszewski, Krzysztof Łopaciński, Warszawa 2017;
• Warsztaty jako nowoczesna forma zajęć akademickich, Zdzisław Rapacki, Joanna Antczak, Grzegorz Marek Poznański, Warszawa 2017;
• Zaufanie i kapitał społeczny w polskim biznesie, Dariusz J. Błaszczuk, Jan Fazlagić, Robert Skikiewicz, Warszawa 2017;
• Prezydenci Stanów Zjednoczonych. Jerzy Waszyngton – Grover Cleveland 1789-1889, Longin Pastusiak, Warszawa 2017;
• Polityka wobec bezpośrednich inwestycji zagranicznych. Wnioski dla Polski, Zbigniew Zimny, Warszawa 2017;
• Zarządzanie komunikacją w organizacjach globalnych – uwarunkowania, bariery, efekty. Analiza na przykładzie Meeting Professionals International, Krzysztof Celuch, Warszawa 2017.

The publishing house also issues university periodicals:

• “Vistula University Working Papers”
• “Vistula Scientific Quarterly”;
• “A VISTA – Student Internet Notebooks of Vistula University”.