The Top-Up DBA is an accelerated, impact-focused pathway that builds on your existing doctoral qualifications. It is typically completed within 6–18 months part-time and consists of two core stages:
Stage 1 — Research & Impact Foundations (≈20 ECTS)
Delivered via on-campus Immersion (optional) or online live (optional) or pre-recorded webinars (optional).
Courses include:
Advanced Applied Research Methods (10 ECTS)
Research Methodology (10 ECTS)
Stage 2 — Research & Impact Portfolio (min. 60 ECTS)
Choose one of the following pathways:
Portfolio of Practice: at least two research papers published during the Top-up DBA program
OR
DBA Thesis: an applied doctoral thesis
Final Assessment: Both stages are evaluated by your Mentor/Supervisor.
* final list of available courses is subject to change
| Feature | Standard DBA | Top-Up DBA |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Senior professionals seeking to earn their first doctoral degree in business and management | Holders of a recognized PhD or DBA who want to update, extend, or reframe their doctoral work |
| Entry Requirements | Master’s degree (or equivalent) + significant managerial experience | Accredited PhD or DBA from another institution + proof of research capability and/or published doctoral work |
| Total Credits | 120 ECTS (or equivalent) | min. 60 ECTS (or equivalent) |
| Duration | 2–4 years part-time | 6–18 months part-time |
| Coursework | Full set of taught modules in research methods, leadership, strategy, innovation, etc. | Bridging modules only: Advanced Applied Research Methods, Ethics & Impact Design, Dissemination & Executive Communication |
| Research Component | Full doctoral thesis or portfolio developed from scratch | Research/Impact Portfolio or Executive Thesis building on prior doctoral expertise with new, original contributions |
| Supervision | Continuous from program start | Focused, one-to-one supervision with experienced faculty to guide applied outputs |
| Expected Outputs | 60–80k word thesis + possible journal publications | 2 publishable papers + impact case study or 40–60k applied thesis + implementation artifact |
| Focus | Developing doctoral-level research skills and delivering original contribution to knowledge | Translating prior doctoral research into high-value organizational impact and expanding into new areas |
| Mode of Study | Online / Blended | Fully Online (with optional residencies) |
| Assessment | Proposal defense, progress reviews, viva voce | Proposal approval, progress review, impact delivery, viva voce |
Top-Up DBA – Accelerated, Impact-Driven, and Prestigious
Earn your Doctor of Business Administration in just 6–18 months by building on your existing PhD or DBA. Delivered in English on our world-class online platform, the program blends academic rigor with executive-level application.
Focus on creating new, high-impact research that addresses real organizational challenges and delivers measurable results. Through our Research & Impact Portfolio, you will produce publishable work, case studies, and practical solutions ready for immediate implementation.
Choose to attend our Immersion Program on campus or complete Stage 1 through interactive online webinars—ensuring flexibility without compromising quality.
Graduate with renewed research credentials and the strategic influence to shape decisions at the highest levels of leadership.
TopUp DBA: 5.000 EUR*
We offer various scholarship opportunities. We invite you to carefully check which one can apply to you.
* This price includes all online program related costs. Additional costs may apply in some situations.
The Top-Up Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an advanced pathway open exclusively to candidates who already hold a PhD or DBA from a recognized higher education institution.
Required Documents:
Copy of your PhD or DBA diploma
Official grade transcripts
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
Copy of a valid ID or passport
One recent photo
Admissions Process
Applications are reviewed by the Doctorate Admissions Committee, which evaluates eligibility and makes final recommendations (acceptance or rejection). In some cases, a formal interview with the DBA Academic Director may be scheduled to confirm program fit.
Duration: 6–18 months
Admission: Access to the program is assessed and approved by the Head of the DBA Program.
Stage 1 — Research & Impact Foundations (≈20 ECTS)
Delivered via on-campus Immersion (optional) or online live (optional) or pre-recorded webinars (optional).
Courses include:
Advanced Applied Research Methods (10 ECTS)
Research Methodology (10 ECTS)
Stage 2 — Research & Impact Portfolio (min. 60 ECTS)
Choose one of the following pathways:
Portfolio of Practice: at least two research papers published during the Top-up DBA program
OR
DBA Thesis: an applied doctoral thesis
Final Assessment: Both stages are evaluated by your Mentor/Supervisor.
* final list of available courses is subject to change
In-depth research knowledge on latest business and leadership topics.
You will get a holistic and strategic understanding of business.
Our TopUp DBA fits with working professional busy schedule by providing flexible study structure.
Empower Your Leadership
Our distinctive programs are designed to expand your strategic thinking, boost your performance, and strengthen your leadership capabilities—preparing you to excel in managing modern organizations.
