News
ShanghaiRanking: HSE ICEF's Partner SWUFE Ranks 1st in China and 11th Worldwide in Finance
The International College of Economics and Finance (ICEF) at HSE University congratulates its key strategic partner in China — Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) — on an outstanding achievement. According to the latest edition of the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) by ShanghaiRanking, SWUFE has ranked 11th worldwide in the subject area of Finance and 1st among universities in mainland China. This result is a testament to the highest level of academic expertise, research strength, and international standing of our partner. In this subject area, SWUFE stands alongside such leaders in finance education as London Business School (LBS) — 10th place, and the London School of Economics (LSE) — 12th place.
From ICEF to Cambridge. The Story of Alisa Vakhitova, ICEF Graduate of 2024
Moscow-born and raised Alisa Vakhitova is the youngest of three siblings in her family. Alisa developed her interest in economics in high school and enrolled in HSE Lyceum (Economics and Mathematics) after completing ten grades at a regular school near her home. Alise graduated from HSE Lyceum with honors and showed prize-winning performance at the final stage of National Economics Olympiad for school students. A member of the ICEF class of 2024, Alisa worked as an analyst developer at Yandex and is currently completing her master’s in Finance at the University of Cambridge, scheduled to embark on her PhD studies there in September. Here’s Alisa about the stages of her journey and her plans for the future.
Employers Evaluate AI Strategies Developed by ICEF Students
As part of the ICEF elective course “Artificial Intelligence for Business”, students work on projects for partner companies and potential employers. AI experts from these companies also serve on the jury during the final project presentations.
Meet ICEF's New PhD Faculty Member
ICEF continues to expand its team of internationally qualified faculty members holding PhD degrees. Starting September 2026, a new faculty member will join ICEF: Ali Bakhtawar.