Introduction

Earn a Doctor of Business
Administration degree from Switzerland within 9 months.

The Doctor of Business Administration (Top-Up) program, with the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI), not only provides learners the opportunity to complete an unfinished Master’s degree or pursue a second degree, but also enables them to optimize time, reduce costs, and enhance degree recognition across various contexts after graduation by earning a degree from partner universities.

At Swiss Top-Up Degree, learners benefit from the Academic Support System, helping them overcome unnecessary barriers while studying in our fully accredited programs.

Short Duration

Since there is no need to start from scratch, Top-Up programs enable fast completion, allowing learners to maximize study time and quickly enter the job market.

Learning Mode

Joining live classes with international lecturers, benefit from the academic system, and maximize learning efficiency without affecting your current job.

Support System

The academic, research support system helps students overcome challenges so they can focus solely on excelling in their studies.

Full Accreditation

All programs at Swiss TopUp Degree benefit from the comprehensive accreditation system of SIMI Swiss and recognition from partner universities.

Swiss Topup Degree

Program in Details

Introduction

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a postgraduate program designed to provide in-depth training, equipping professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to become outstanding leaders in business.

At Swiss Topup Degree, the DBA Top-up program with the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI) is specially designed to meet the needs of professionals in today’s dynamic business environment. The program offers a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application in business administration and organizational leadership, while also encouraging learners to develop research capabilities and apply scientific methods to solve real-world business challenges.

This program not only equips learners with the necessary tools to enhance their specialized expertise and management skills but also strengthens their ability to make confident strategic decisions. Additionally, it provides opportunities to expand professional networks with other experts and entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and career development. It serves as a solid foundation for professionals to advance their careers and achieve long-term success.

Program Structure

Top-Up, also known as a bridging or transfer program, allows learners to receive recognition for prior academic achievements and directly enter the final stage to complete an unfinished degree or earn a second qualification without having to start from scratch.

Students participate in the thesis development and defense phase (60 UK/30 ECTS Credits):
    • Doctoral Thesis
    • Defend Doctoral Thesis
List oF Majors:
    • Information Technology
    • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
    • Public Administration
    • Finance & Banking
    • Education
    • Tourism & Hospitality
    • HR Management
    • Project Management
    • Finance & Risk Management
    • Strategic Marketing
    • Insurance & Risk Management
    • Management
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
    • Apply knowledge, critical thinking, and independent reasoning to integrate learned concepts into their personal management practices.
    • Implement global management best practices within their own enterprises with necessary adaptations.
    • Communicate effectively in business environments.
    • Develop, execute, and manage strategic business functions efficiently.
    • Lead businesses with a vision for sustainability and ethical management.
Teaching and Learning Strategy:

The core educational philosophy of the program starts with understanding theoretical concepts, exploring global case studies of successful business applications, and ultimately integrating learned knowledge into the students' businesses and professional environments. In addition to practical knowledge, the program equips students with essential leadership and managerial skills to navigate the complexities of the ever-changing global business landscape.

Student-Centered Learning Approach:

The program follows a student-centered approach, focusing on solving real-world issues faced by learners. This is achieved through foundational knowledge, global case studies, and practical applications. Throughout the coursework, students systematically address their daily management challenges under the guidance of theoretical frameworks, hands-on exercises, expert faculty, and local teaching assistants.

Admission
CANDIDATES CAN DIRECTLY ENTER THE FINAL STAGE (DOCTORAL Thesis Only):
    • Graduates of a Level 8 Diploma under the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) or an equivalent qualification; or
    • Holders of a doctor's degree in a different but related field.
CANDIDATES CAN JOIN THE DOCTOR'S TOP-UP PROGRAM AFTER COMPLETING THE APEL.Q PROCESS BEFORE ENTERING THE DOCTORAL THESIS STAGE:
    • Candidates who have partially completed a doctor’s program or a different Level 8 qualification; or
    • Holders of a doctor's degree in an unrelated field.
English Language Requirements:
    • Minimum English proficiency at CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) Level B2 or equivalent;
    • Alternatively, an IELTS score of 5.5, with at least 5.5 in Reading and Writing, or an equivalent qualification.
Important Notes:
    • SIMI Swiss does not accept entry qualifications from diploma mills, fake universities, or institutions accredited by non-reputable accreditation bodies.
    • SIMI Swiss reserves the right to accept or reject applications based on accreditation requirements and its global admission quota.
Learning Model

Swiss Top-up Degree is the bridging program system of the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss), an international higher education institute of SIMI Swiss. Additionally, throughout their studies, learners receive academic and English language support through the exclusive academic support system of the London Academy of Sciences United Kingdom.

Off-campus Mode:
  • The program combines Live Classes with lecturers and local tutors (where applicable) for a hybrid learning experience.
  • Offering interactive, real-time engagement with instructors.
  • Local tutors provide additional guidance to help learners apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios (please note that local tutors only apply where SIMI has a scientific partner).
  • Ideal for busy professionals seeking flexibility with personalized support.

Learn more about the overview of enrolling in online classes at SIMI Swiss [Video HERE]

Learn more about the effectiveness of SIMI Pedagogy [Video HERE]

Support of Personal Research Supervisor
According to numerous studies, one of the most significant challenges faced by doctoral students is the lack of a guiding faculty member to accompany, support, and advise them throughout their research period. Furthermore, 80% of doctoral students who fail to graduate on time or are forced to abandon their programs halfway do so because of this issue.
 
Understanding this, SIMI Swiss and MI Swiss have implemented a program with dedicated research mentors to support and guide students throughout their research development phase, following the completion of their proposal through various courses.
 
Although instructors are not directly involved in conducting student research, their support and experience are still important. This helps ensure that students have a solid foundation to complete research quality and on time, while also facilitating publication of research work in prestigious journals such as ISI /SCOPUS.
Reference:
  • Access the Academic Support Portal: CLICK HERE
  • The video provide learners with a direct and comprehensive overview of the exclusive Research Support System at SIMI Swiss: CLICK HERE
Colloquium (Optional)

A colloquium is a formal academic gathering where experts, scholars, and students come together to discuss specific topics, share research, and exchange ideas. Typically held within academic or professional settings, colloquia serves as a platform for intellectual engagement and knowledge dissemination.

SIMI Swiss, the governing body of MI Swiss and Topup Degree, collaborates with partner universities to organize colloquium for students. After attending a colloquium abroad, students engage in networking activities to build connections within the academic and professional communities.

SIMI Swiss owns the Swiss Colloquium. Check it out HERE.

Swiss Topup Degree

Accreditation & Recognition

Accreditation review guidelines by SIMI Swiss

SIMI is the first higher education institute in Zug, Switzerland, to achieve comprehensive international accreditations at both the organizational and program levels. The video below guides you through the step-by-step process of verifying and checking SIMI Swiss's accreditations and recognitions.

  • Watch this video to learn how to verify SIMI Swiss's accreditations and recognitions HERE.
  • View the complete accreditation system of SIMI Swiss HERE.
Sample of DOCTOR of Business Administration IN [SPECILIALIZATION]:

Refer to SIMI Swiss Program information in SVEB Switzerland

SVEB Switzerland (Schweizerischer Verband für Weiterbildung) is the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning and serves as the national umbrella organization for adult education in Switzerland. SVEB is recognized as the leading authority in Switzerland for promoting and supporting lifelong learning and professional development through a wide range of educational programs and certifications.

Benefits of the SIMI Programs Published in SVEB:
  • Officially on the Swiss federal portal: Being published in SVEB gives the SIMI Swiss program official publication in Switzerland, validating its quality and adherence to Swiss educational standards.
  • Increased Credibility: Membership and listing with SVEB enhance the credibility of the SIMI Swiss program, making it more attractive to prospective students and employers who value SVEB-approved programs.
  • Professional Advancement: Programs listed with SVEB are often aligned with the needs of the Swiss job market, increasing graduates' employability and supporting their career progression within Switzerland.
  • Access to a Wider Network: Association with SVEB connects the SIMI Swiss program to a broader network of educational institutions, professionals, and employers across Switzerland, offering opportunities for collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange.
  • Compliance with Swiss Standards: SVEB ensures that SIMI Swiss programs meet high educational standards, including up-to-date content, qualified instructors, and effective teaching methods, enhancing the overall learning experience for students.
  • Support for Lifelong Learning: SVEB’s focus on adult education means the SIMI program aligns with lifelong learning principles, supporting students in their ongoing professional development.

Check the SIMI Swiss programs on SVEB HERE.

Notary Public and Apostille for SIMI Qualifications in Switzerland
Notary Public and Apostille for SIMI Qualifications in Switzerland

In Switzerland, a Notary Public can certify copies of academic degrees and diplomas by verifying their authenticity and confirming that they match the original document. This notarized certification is often required for legal, academic, or professional purposes, such as further studies, job applications, or immigration procedures.

For international use, a notarized degree may also require an Apostille from the relevant Swiss authority (usually the cantonal State Chancellery) to ensure its recognition in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Sample:

Note: The information provided above is accurate at the time of publication. However, the content is subject to change in accordance with adjustments to the laws of each country and may be updated without prior notice.

Notice & Disclaimer

SIMI Swiss (the governing body of MI Swiss and Topup Degree), MI Swiss, Topup Degree, along with our partner universities and local scientific partners, hereinafter collectively referred to as 'We', are committed to ensuring transparency and preventing misunderstandings or misinterpretations, while safeguarding the rights of our students. Prospective students must carefully review specific information about their educational needs and the potential uses of their diplomas post-graduation.

To clarify the limitations of our responsibilities, especially regarding third-party content over which we have no control or authority, we hereby issue the following disclaimer:

    • We do not guarantee that enrollment will lead to graduation and obtaining a qualification. SIMI Swiss and partner universities only award qualifications and recognize academic achievements if students meet all academic requirements, financial regulations, study discipline, and other stipulations.
    • In the event of violations, including unauthorized absences, discontinuation of the program, or financial obligations, We reserve the right to refuse admission, withhold support, revoke student status, and not refund fees or tuition.
    • We do not guarantee that qualifications will be accepted, recognized, or accredited by third parties, such as governmental bodies, local authorities, or professional organizations. Acceptance depends on the discretion of the receiving institution and is subject to the regulations of each country, government, locality, and unit.
    • We do not guarantee that learners will experience salary increases, promotions, career advancements, or new job placements after graduation.
    • Despite the various regulations regarding cross-recognition and equivalence of qualifications, each country, organization, or unit has the right to recognize and accept qualifications on their terms. We do not guarantee, commit to, or promise the recognition of qualifications, certified, transcripts, etc., issued by SIMI Swiss, partners and partner universities during usage. We also do not ensure or support the process of obtaining equivalent qualification recognition (if applicable).
    • We do not guarantee or commit that students will have opportunities for residency, employment abroad, work permits, teaching licenses, or expert permits in Switzerland, Europe, or any other countries.
    • We do not guarantee that students 100% achieving visa (If any).

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