Admission Criteria

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at GenevaTech Business School (GTBS) is a professional doctorate designed for experienced executives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, consultants, and senior professionals seeking to address complex organizational challenges through applied research. Admission is based on academic qualifications, professional experience, research potential, and leadership achievements.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A Master’s degree (minimum 60 ECTS postgraduate qualification), preferably an MBA or a Master’s degree in Business, Management, Economics, Public Administration, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline, awarded by a recognized higher education institution.
• A minimum cumulative academic performance equivalent to:

• • CGPA 3.0/4.0, or
  • 65% or equivalent classification.

• A minimum of five years of professional experience, including at least three years in managerial, leadership, entrepreneurial, consulting, or specialist roles. Applicants with extensive executive experience may be considered through the GTBS Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy. This reflects the professional nature of DBA programmes, while remaining accessible to experienced managers.

English Language Proficiency

As the language of instruction is English, applicants whose previous education was not conducted in English must provide evidence of English language proficiency through one of the following:

• IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80

Applicants who have completed a university degree taught entirely in English may be exempt from this requirement.

Research Proposal

Applicants are required to submit a Preliminary Research Concept Note (1,000–1,500 words) outlining:

• Proposed research area
• Business or organizational problem
• Research objectives
• Expected contribution to professional practice
• Alignment with GTBS research themes

The proposal is intended to demonstrate research potential rather than a fully developed dissertation.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should submit:

• Completed Application Form
• Master’s Degree Certificate
• Official Academic Transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Preliminary Research Concept Note
• Statement of Purpose (500–750 words)
• Two Professional or Academic Reference Letters
• English Language Proficiency Certificate (where applicable)
• Copy of Passport or National Identity Card
• Passport-size Photograph

Admissions Interview

Shortlisted applicants will participate in an online or face-to-face interview with the Doctoral Admissions Committee to assess:

• Leadership and professional achievements
• Research aptitude and critical thinking
• Suitability of the proposed research area
• Motivation for doctoral study
• Commitment to completing independent research

Recognition of Prior Professional Learning (RPL)

GTBS recognizes that executive leadership, professional certifications, published work, consultancy experience, and significant organizational achievements may contribute to doctoral readiness. Such experience may be considered in accordance with the GTBS Recognition of Prior Professional Learning (RPL) Policy. RPL supports admission eligibility but does not reduce the research or dissertation requirements of the DBA program.

Admission Decision

Applications are evaluated holistically, considering:

• Academic qualifications
• Professional and leadership experience
• Research potential
• Quality of the preliminary research proposal
• References
• Interview performance
• Alignment with GTBS research priorities

Successful applicants will receive a formal Offer of Admission together with information on enrolment, tuition fees, supervision arrangements, and program commencement.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The GTBS DBA is intended for professionals who:

• Hold senior management, executive, entrepreneurial, or consulting responsibilities.
• Have a strong record of professional achievement and leadership.
• Seek to solve complex organizational and societal challenges through applied research.
• Aspire to influence business practice, public policy, or higher education.

Are committed to producing original, practice-oriented research with measurable organizational impact.