Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Turn your professional expertise into applied research, publish in academic journals, and earn a fully accredited doctoral degree — entirely online, on your terms.
Accredited
Why Choose the DBA?
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the European Institute of Management (EIM) is a 36-month online doctoral programme at EQF Level 8, accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). Built on 12 applied-research modules, it takes you from your first research question to an academic publication — step by step, with structured guidance at every stage.
Unlike a traditional PhD, the DBA is rooted in applied research. You investigate real challenges within your company, industry, or professional field, and develop solutions grounded in academic rigour. Oxbridge-style tutorials in small groups ensure personal supervision, and your dissertation committee supports you with individualised advice from topic identification to final defence.
If you want to combine the credibility of a doctoral degree with direct impact on your professional practice, the DBA is your programme.
Still unsure? Enrol in the first module “Introduction to Doctoral Research” to see how the programme fits your personal and professional life before committing to the full course.
Your Path
Who Will Benefit from This Programme?
The DBA is designed for executives, general managers, project managers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers who want to anchor their leadership in rigorous, evidence-based thinking. If you have at least five years of professional experience and a Master’s degree, you bring exactly the foundation the programme builds on.
You don’t need to choose between career and doctorate. With fully online delivery and flexible scheduling, you integrate doctoral research into your professional life rather than putting it on hold. The DBA lets you research topics directly relevant to your company or industry — so your studies create immediate value, not just academic credentials.
Research That Matters. Impact That Lasts.
EIM’s DBA candidates solve real business problems with academic rigour. Their applied research creates measurable impact — in their organisations, their industries, and the wider body of management knowledge.
Career Impact
Accelerate Your Executive Career with a Doctoral Degree
A DBA opens doors that no MBA or Master’s degree can. The combination of applied research skills, evidence-based decision-making, and a doctoral credential positions you for senior leadership, board-level roles, and consulting engagements that require both strategic authority and academic depth. Organisations increasingly value leaders who can bridge the gap between business practice and rigorous research.
After completing the DBA, you can further strengthen your profile with EIM’s PGCert in Academic Research and Publication or the PGCert in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Holders of both PGCerts are recognised as Lecturers in Higher Education — qualified to teach and research at universities across Europe.
Programme fees
The DBA programme starts at EUR 3,000 admission plus EUR 1,800 per quarter (expected total: EUR 24,600 for 12 quarters). Flexible payment plans and scholarship support are available — contact admission@eim.education for details.
Entry Requirements
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MQF/EQF Level 7 qualification or Master Degree
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A minimum of 5 years of professional experience
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Proficient working level of English in understanding and speaking, reading and writing
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Basic digital competencies to work with the institutions´ digital learning platform
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Excellent personal motivation
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Excellent team work
Applicants that do not comply with indicated requirements can request for a of Recognition of Prior Learning
Free and without obligation
Request Information Material
Frequently Asked Questions
To register for the Doctor of Business Administration at the European Institute of Management (EIM), you need a Master’s degree with an overall merit or above, at least five years of professional experience, sufficient English language skills (IELTS 6.5 or above), and digital competence for EIM’s online learning platform (Google Education Suite). Applicants who can demonstrate the requisite level of proficiency through other means are also considered.
The DBA takes 36 months full-time or up to 72 months part-time. The full-time track consists of 12 terms of 11 weeks each, while part-time students follow a more extended schedule of up to 24 terms. Both tracks include the same 12 modules, from Introduction to Doctoral Research to Academic Publication.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) focuses on applied research — you investigate real business challenges within your company or industry and develop evidence-based solutions. The PhD focuses on theoretical contributions to the academic body of knowledge. Both are EQF Level 8 doctoral qualifications accredited by the MFHEA. The DBA is particularly suited for executives and professionals who want their research to have direct business impact.
Absolutely. The programme is delivered fully online with Oxbridge-style tutorials and asynchronous elements. Study holidays, flexible scheduling, and a modern learning platform make it possible to balance doctoral research with your executive career. Many of EIM’s DBA students are working professionals in senior positions.
First of all: Congratulations! Great achievements must to be celebrated. We will invite you.
The DBA qualifies you for senior leadership, consulting, and board-level roles that require both strategic authority and academic depth. You can also pursue an academic career: with EIM’s PGCert in Academic Research and Publication and the PGCert in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning, holders of both PGCerts are recognised as Lecturers in Higher Education — qualified to teach and research at universities across Europe.
Yes. The Doctor of Business Administration is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) at MQF/EQF Level 8, the highest level of the European Qualifications Framework.
Ready to Turn Your Expertise into a Doctoral Degree?
Take the first step towards your DBA. Contact our admissions team for a personal consultation or request our detailed information brochure.
Doctor of Business Administration
| Requirement/Headline | Content |
|---|---|
| Name of the Educational Programme | Doctor of Business Administration |
| Exit Qualifications | Doctor of Business Administration, DBA |
| Accredited Status of the Programme | Approved Higher Education Programme by MFHEA |
| MQF / EQF level | 8 |
| Type of Programme | Qualification |
| Mode of Delivery | Online Learning |
| Requirement/Headline | Content |
|---|---|
| Name of the Educational Programme | Doctor of Business Administration |
| Exit Qualifications | Doctor of Business Administration, DBA |
| Accredited Status of the Programme | Approved Higher Education Programme by MFHEA |
| MQF / EQF level | 8 |
| Type of Programme | Qualification |
| Mode of Delivery | Online Learning |
| Doctor of Business Administration | |
|---|---|
| Total Contact Hours | 792 |
| Self-Study Hours | 1,944 |
| Assessment Hours | 264 |
| Total Learning Hours | 3,000 |
| Each Module | |
|---|---|
| Total Contact Hours | 66 |
| Self-Study Hours | 162 |
| Assessment Hours | 22 |
| Total Learning Hours | 250 |
| Mode of Attendance | Full-Time and Part-Time |
|---|---|
| Programme Duration | 36 months (Full-Time) and up to 72 months (Part-Time) |
| Target Group | The DBA program is designed for executives and professionals who want to take their career to a new level by enhancing their professional and academic knowledge, skills and competences, and contribute to the expansion of academic and professional knowledge. |
| Language of Instruction | English |
To register for the DBA course you will need:
- a Master’s degree with an overall merit or above (grade achieved or equivalent),
- at least five years of professional experience,
- sufficient English skills (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or above), and
- sufficient digital competences to use Google’s online products and services (e.g., Gmail, Google docs),
or to be able to demonstrate the requisite level of proficiency.
Full-Time:
| Term | Module |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | Introduction to Doctoral Research |
| Term 2 | Advanced Research Methods |
| Term 3 | Development of Academic Studies |
| Term 4 | Proposal – Introduction of the Study |
| Term 5 | Proposal – Literature Review |
| Term 6 | Proposal – Research Methodology |
| Term 7 | Proposal – Defense |
| Term 8 | Final study – Data Collection |
| Term 9 | Final study – Data Analysis |
| Term 10 | Final study – Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendation |
| Term 11 | Final study – Defense |
| Term 12 | Academic Publication |
Part-Time:
| Term | Module |
|---|---|
| Term 1–2 | Introduction to Doctoral Research |
| Term 3–4 | Advanced Research Methods |
| Term 5–6 | Development of Academic Studies |
| Term 7–8 | Proposal – Introduction of the Study |
| Term 9–10 | Proposal – Literature Review |
| Term 11–12 | Proposal – Research Methodology |
| Term 13–14 | Proposal – Defense |
| Term 15–16 | Final study – Data Collection |
| Term 17–18 | Final study – Data Analysis |
| Term 19–20 | Final study – Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendation |
| Term 21–22 | Final study – Defense |
| Term 23–24 | Academic Publication |
| Qualification | Doctor of Business Administration |
|---|---|
| Knowledge |
|
| Skills |
|
| Competences |
|
A core feature of this course will be a varied mix of teaching and learning methods that allow learners with different learning styles, backgrounds, and abilities to successfully complete this course. Teaching and learning methods used in this course are among others: Andragogy, Understanding by Design, Oxbridge-Style Tutorials, Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle.
All activities embedded within the content for each module are designed to provide feedback to learners on their progress towards the module and course learning outcomes. Summative assessment methods will be designed to facilitate critical engagement with participant’s own professional development. Summative assessment methods offer an appropriate mix of assessment procedures that are fit for purpose and allow learners with different learning styles, backgrounds, and abilities to successful completion of the course.
The grading system used in this course is “met” and “not met”.
- 2023: 100%
- 2024: 100%
- 2025: 100%
90% finish within the standard study period.
Online
DBA students can write their dissertations about topics within their companies and industries, or subject areas like for example International Business, Finance, Accounting, Controlling, Human Resource Management, Marketing, (Information) Technology Management, Data Analytics, Consulting, Counseling / Training, Interim Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Change Management, Leadership / Management, Health Care, Automotive, Tourism.
This program can lead directly to career advancement for executives, general managers, project managers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers in all kinds of organizations.
After successful completion of the Doctor of Business Administration, you may continue your academic training with the PGCert in Academic Research and Publication and the PGCert in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. DBAs with both PGCerts will be recognized as Lecturers in Higher Education. This will allow you to teach and to do research at Higher Education Institutions.
The program fees below refer to the 2026/2027 academic year unless otherwise stated. Program fees are calculated per credit taught. Program fees are subject to annual inflation so the total cost are shown here as a guide. EIM will apply the program fees at the time of the payment.
Admission Fees: EUR 3,000
Programme Fees per quarter: EUR 1,800
Expected Total Programme Fees: EUR 24,600 (for 12 quarters)
Pay your program fees
You can choose to pay your program fees in full at the start of your first term or in instalments at the start of each term. Additional fees may apply for different payment terms, currencies, and methods.
Other fees
The program fees cover the course delivery and the learning material. Other fees may apply for additional services (e.g., fees for RPL applications, resitting an assessment, repeating a module, or additional tutoring etc.).
Get funding for your program
EIM offers support to get access to different funding options like for example scholarships.
Please note: Program fees shown on our website are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where EIM is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in Malta, our program fees are exempt from VAT.