One of the oldest higher education institutions in Ukraine — Odesa National Economic University (ONEU) — and the International Business Academy Consortium (IBA) from the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the summer of 2021.
Background Information
International Business Academy (IBA) is a British educational consortium that unites business schools and supplementary education institutions for children, teenagers, and young people from different countries.
In Ukraine, the IBA franchise is represented in several cities, including Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, Vinnytsia, and others.
Dual Degree: Ukraine (ONEU) – United Kingdom (IBAC)
The Memorandum between ONEU and IBA opens new opportunities for ONEU students to develop entrepreneurial skills and competencies, while giving IBA students from all over the world the opportunity to obtain a state-recognized diploma from a prestigious Ukrainian economic university — ONEU.
The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by Andrii Azarov, Founder of the International Business Academy Consortium (IBA), and Anatolii Kovalev, Rector of Odesa National Economic University (ONEU).
“Ukraine now has a specialized higher education institution where every student enrolled in the Dual Degree program receives not only a business specialization and a UK diploma, but also graduates with their own ready-to-launch business,”
— says Olha Azarova, Co‑Founder of IBA.
Admission Opportunities
Applicants have the opportunity to enroll simultaneously in ONEU and IBA starting this year, with the option to graduate in one of 11 modern business specializations (see IBA Master’s specializations below).
Current ONEU students can also begin studying at IBA in parallel with their existing university programs.
Uniqueness and Opportunities
🔹 International Diploma Without Leaving Ukraine
The uniqueness of this partnership lies in the fact that even during the pandemic, students do not need to travel abroad to obtain an international diploma.
🔹 Language of Instruction
As the International Business Academy Consortium is an independent international supplementary education program, instruction at IBA can be conducted in Ukrainian, Russian, or English.
🔹 Accommodation
Living in ONEU campus residences allows Ukrainian students from other regions and international students to receive international-level education in Ukraine.
🔹 Study Formats
Students may choose full-time, part-time, or evening study formats for both:
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the Ukrainian state-recognized diploma from ONEU, and
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the international UK diploma from IBA.
International Practice & Mentorship Support
Students receive international project support from the IBA business community.
They are immersed in a real entrepreneurial environment and actively participate in international business associations, prestigious global and local business clubs.
Each student who launches their first business project can become a member of the European Association for Business Development or the International Successful Women Club “WORLD WOMAN CLUB” already during their studies.
Business Networking from the Student Years
Students enrolled in IBA programs and actively participating in business events attract strong interest from employers, investors, and potential business partners.
Successful students receive:
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job offers from leading Ukrainian and international companies
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access to professional mentors in their field of specialization
Mentorship Relationships
Mentors — often highly successful entrepreneurs and owners of multimillion-dollar businesses — can provide a powerful boost not only to careers but also to the development of startups or franchised businesses.
Mentoring Programs
Mentoring programs offered by the European Association for Business Development or the International Successful Women Club “WORLD WOMAN”, such as the Woman Business Academy (WBA), allow students to undertake additional business education programs on preferential terms alongside their core IBA studies.
These programs place students in groups of active entrepreneurs, providing unique practical knowledge and real business experience.
Dual Education Programs
The dual programs of ONEU and IBA combine academic studies with internships and employment at leading companies in Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
IBA offers at least 40 types of paid positions, with salaries above the market average.
Employment for Students and Graduates
Guaranteed employment opportunities are supported through:
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dual education programs
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participation in business associations and clubs
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numerous professional networking events
Direct agreements between ONEU, IBA, and hundreds of companies worldwide allow students to choose their career path and receive real job offers.
Dual Education for Students of Other Universities
The Dual Degree programs of ONEU and IBA, as well as independent IBA programs, are also open to students from other universities in Ukraine and abroad.
A student of any university can enroll in additional education at ONEU and IBA — for example, combining a medical degree with a business and economics diploma.
Such specialists can later qualify for leadership roles, such as hospital directors, or prepare to manage family businesses.
Master’s Degree or Second Higher Education
Special second-degree programs or upgrading an existing qualification to the Master’s level, combined with IBA programs, provide a unique competitive advantage for professionals aiming to become executives or business owners.
Statement from Olha Azarova, Founder of IBA
“Now all students who want to create their own businesses, not just work in their field, can study through the best international business education programs — without leaving their homeland or families.
Our students can study online from anywhere in the world, in any language, with continuous support from IBA teachers and mentors.
This fundamentally distinguishes us from independent online education, as every year we achieve tangible results with every student.
Our goal is not only academic theory, but the annual creation of startups in teams or the launch of a student’s own business during the study period.
Our innovations change the world and provide unlimited opportunities for young people worldwide.”
IBA Academic Program Structure
The IBA higher education program consists of 8 core courses and 11 elective specialization courses, divided into 3 educational qualification levels.
🎓 Level 1: IBA Junior Bachelor (2 years)
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Course 1: Entrepreneur
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Course 2: Marketing Guru
🎓 Level 2: IBA Bachelor (2 years)
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Course 3: Leader
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Course 4: President
🎓 Level 3: IBA Master (2 years)
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Course 5: Inventor
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Course 6: Dynasty
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Course 7: Strategist
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Course 8: Networker
Students complete:
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Courses 1–2 → Junior Bachelor of IBA (UK Diploma)
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Courses 3–4 → Bachelor of IBA (UK Diploma)
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Courses 5–8 → Master of IBA (UK Diploma)
At the IBA Master’s level, students are required to complete at least one specialization course and undertake practical training focused on creating their own business projects.
IBA Master’s Specializations:
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HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering / Café Management)
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CREATIVE ARTS (Film, Media, TV, Visual Arts, Fashion & Design)
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FAMILY BUSINESS (Family Business Models & Capital Management)
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WELL-BEING & HAPPINESS SCIENCE (Holistic Health & Clinical Psychology)
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HEALTH CARE BUSINESS (Medical Business Management)
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CONSTRUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT
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FRANCHISE BUSINESS (Intellectual Property Management)
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LAW FIRM BUSINESS (Local and International Practice)
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FINBIZ (Financial Business Management)
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS (Gender Rights & Women’s Leadership)
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SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SEB, SRB & Charity Management)
Classes are delivered with a strong emphasis on practical application of knowledge.
At the end of each course, students create startups and participate in national and international competitions, including:
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Startup Forum
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Startup National Cup Championship
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Startup World Cup Championship
In addition, aspiring entrepreneurs have the opportunity to become participants in the IBA International Business Incubator, where they can develop, grow, and scale their businesses.
🔗 Learn more about ONEU: Odesa National Economic University
🔗 Learn more about IBA: International Business Academy Consortium
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