DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
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Is this program right for you?
We are looking for experienced executives with the intellectual curiosity, leadership experience and commitment to undertake rigorous doctoral research. Candidates hold a master's degree in Business Administration or a related field in Management, bring at least ten years of professional experience in senior leadership or executive roles, and are fully proficient in English.
Beyond credentials, what matters most is motivation and curiosity: a genuine drive to question the assumptions behind your own professional experience and turn them into original, relevant and rigorous research. If you are ready to transform your professional expertise into original knowledge, we encourage you to apply.
Admission requirements
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Have an MBA or a Master's degree in a management-related discipline, with a strong academic record.
- Have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in senior leadership or executive roles.
- Have full proficiency in English (written and spoken).
- Demonstrate motivation and commitment to conducting original academic research by answering a novel research question.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
TUITION
TUITION
75,000€*
75,000€*
*Conditions
- Tuition is reviewed on a yearly basis and therefore subject to change.
- Special Conditions for IE Alumni, please contact dbaprogram@ie.edu
- To become an IE University student, all IE Community members should make a one-off contribution to the IE Foundation. This is a single payment of €1,200 to be made during the enrollment process.
Payment is divided as follows:
Year 1: €25,000 (The €6,000 place reservation to be paid upon acceptance to the program. The fee will be deducted from the Year 1 payment.)
Year 2: €25,000
Year 3: €12,500
Year 4: €12,500
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
*Dates are tentative and subject to change.
STEP 1: Profile review & research proposal
STEP 1: Profile review & research proposal
- Send your CV to the DBA program office for an initial eligibility assessment.
- Download the proposal template here. If you require examples to provide guidance on the expected structure, please contact dbaprogram@ie.edu.
STEP 2: Submit your application
STEP 2: Submit your application
Complete your online application here.
The application requires a non-refundable application fee of €150 that covers the administrative processing of your application.
Application deadline: January 15*
STEP 3: Admissions committee review & Interviews
STEP 3: Admissions committee review & Interviews
The Admissions Committee evaluates all completed applications. (February-April*)
Interview with potential supervisors:
Shortlisted candidates are invited to discuss their proposal and research interests with the potential supervisor. (April-May*)
STEP 4: Final admission decision
STEP 4: Final admission decision
Successful applicants receive their admission decision and next steps for enrollment. (May-June*)
Application checklist
Prepare the following documents before submitting your application:
Academic Transcripts & Diplomas
Bachelor's degree and MBA or Master's degree related to a Management field.
Research Proposal
Maximum 12 pages. This is the cornerstone of your application. If you require examples to provide guidance on the expected structure, please contact dbaprogram@ie.edu.
Curriculum Vitae
Updated professional CV.
English Proficiency
TOEFL (100+ before January 2026 and 5 from January 2026), IELTS (7.0+), Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) o C2 Proficiency (CPE).
Photo & Passport/ID
Valid identification document.
Letters of Recommendation
Two professional or academic references.
Motivation Letter
Explain your interest in pursuing the DBA and your research ambitions.
Frequently asked questions
How do companies benefit from sponsoring a Doctorate in Business Administration candidate?
Companies gain access to rigorous, research-driven insight into their own industry, generated by an executive who understands both the business and the academic standards behind the findings. Sponsoring a candidate also supports leadership development, positioning the organization at the forefront of applied, evidence-based thinking.
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Do I need a defined thesis topic before starting the program?
Yes. You need to submit a research proposal as part of your application. This proposal will be refined and developed throughout the program with guidance from your supervisor.
Please see the Admission Requirements section for further information.
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What is the admissions process for the Doctorate in Business Administration like?
The Doctorate in Business Administration admission process includes the following stages:
- Profile review
- Developing your research proposal
- Submitting your application
- Admissions committee review
- An interview with potential supervisors (shortlisted candidates)
- The final admission decision
- Registration and enrollment
For more information, see our Admissions Requirements.
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What is the minimum required score for the TOEFL and IELTS exams?
The minimum required TOEFL score for the Doctorate in Business Administration is 100 or above if obtained before January 2026. If your TOEFL has been obtained after January 2026, the minimum required score is 5.
The minimum required IELTS score for the Doctorate in Business Administration is 7.0 or above.
For more information, see our Admissions Requirements.Is this information helpful?
How many letters of recommendation are mandatory for submission?
Applicants to the Doctorate in Business Administration must submit two letters of recommendation, either professional or academic references.
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How can applicants contact the program management / enrollment teams?
You may contact the Doctorate in Business Administration Office at dbaprogram@ie.edu for further information.
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