Doctor of Business Administration
in collaboration with ESAMI
Doctor of Business Administration
Flexible DBA program designed for your success
ECTS/US credits
180/90
Study duration
3-7 years
Degree
DBA
Start date
Anytime
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
World-class doctoral education.
Now across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Collaboration with ESAMI · Partnership since 2026
Global Humanistic University and the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) share a common conviction: that ambitious professionals across Africa deserve access to the highest level of academic achievement – without relocating or pausing their careers.
Through this collaboration, ESAMI's deep regional expertise and established network across more than 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa is combined with GHU's internationally accredited doctoral programs – creating a truly unique opportunity for African professionals.
The degree is awarded by Global Humanistic University – a licensed university in Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory – fully accredited by ACBSP and AAC.
Designed for Africa's next generation of leaders.
The GHU × ESAMI DBA is ideal for:
- Experienced managers, consultants, and executives across Eastern and Southern Africa with a Master's degree
- Professionals seeking to solve real-world business challenges through applied research
- Leaders pursuing international careers, consulting opportunities, or academic advancement
- Anyone who wants the world's highest academic credential – without pausing their career or relocating
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
Your DBA. Two institutions.
One global advantage.
Collaboration with Business School Netherlands · Partnership since January 2022
Through our longstanding partnership with Business School Netherlands, GHU DBA candidates gain access to a worldwide network spanning China, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Suriname.
This isn't just a degree – it's a passport to global business leadership. Both institutions share a commitment to international excellence, equipping you with the skills and the network to navigate today's most complex business challenges.
Free information material
Our information material provides you with the most important information for your distance-learning course - free of charge and without obligation:
- Details about the distance-learning program
- Study program & modules
- Procedure of the online exams
Free information material
Our information material provides you with the most important information for your distance-learning course - free of charge and without obligation:
- Details about the distance-learning program
- Study program & modules
- Procedure of the online exams
ESAMI – Building African leadership for over 50 years.
The Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) is a leading management development institution based in Arusha, Tanzania. Since its founding, ESAMI has been committed to developing management capacity and leadership excellence across the African continent – serving professionals and organizations in more than 20 countries across Eastern and Southern Africa. With decades of experience in executive education and a deep understanding of the African business landscape, ESAMI is the ideal partner to bring world-class doctoral education to the region.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
A program built around your research – not the other way around.
The DBA is structured in two phases. First, you build your research foundation. Then, you execute. Every step is guided by your personal advisor.
Phase 1 – Research Foundation
| Module | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Research proposal | 5 |
| Academic writing / Method skills | 15 |
| Review of professional capability (reflection) | 10 |
| Planning an advanced practitioner research program (exposé) | 30 |
| Phase 1 Total | 60 |
Phase 2 – Research Execution
| Module | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Project report (thesis / dissertation) | 85 |
| Research paper | 30 |
| Oral presentation and viva voce (defensio) | 5 |
| Phase 2 Total | 120 |
Total: 180 ECTS / 90 US credits · Modules in Phase 1 can be completed in any order
YOUR INVESTMENT
Education is not an expense. It's leverage.
25,000
Transparent. Fixed. No hidden fees.
$100,000+
Plus relocation, lost income, and years of your life.
Still have questions?
We're here for you.
Our student advisory team is happy to help. Book a free, no-obligation consultation now!
Still have questions? We're here for you.
Our student advisory team is happy to help. Book a free, no-obligation consultation now!
Frequently asked questions
about your Doctor of Business Administration distance-learning program
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Global Humanistic University has a study period of three to a maximum of seven years. The program is divided into two phases and concludes with 180 ECTS (equivalent to 90 US credits), giving you the flexibility to complete your doctorate at a pace that fits your professional and personal life.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a practice-oriented doctoral degree focused on applied research. It is designed for experienced professionals and executives who want to solve real-world business challenges, drive organizational impact, and become recognized authorities in their industry. If you want to turn years of professional experience into sovereign academic mastery, the DBA is the right path for you.
Applications are submitted 100% online. You will need to upload the following documents in digital form:
- Extended curriculum vitae
- Copy of passport
- Copies of all academic degrees and transcripts (Bachelor, Master, or equivalent), including institution, date, subject, and credit points
- Passport photograph (JPG or PDF format)
Once submitted, GHU's Academic Registry Office reviews your documents and notifies you of the admission decision within four weeks.
Once your documents are reviewed and approved, the following steps take place:
- You receive notification of admission from the GHU office
- The finance department issues the first payment invoice of USD 9,000
- You receive official access to the GHU Online Campus
- GHU matches you with a suitable advisor based on your intended research area
- You and your advisor hold a virtual interview to confirm the advisory relationship
- The advisory agreement is signed and your enrollment is finalized
Admission is granted based on three factors in the following order: date of binding registration, fulfillment of admission criteria, and appointment of a suitable advisor. Since only a limited number of doctoral students can be enrolled per intake, early application is recommended.
The DBA program at GHU covers a broad range of business and management disciplines.
Possible research topics include:
Finance · Logistics · Tourism · Real Estate Management · Banking and Insurance · Public Administration and Management · Energy · Sports · Management Consulting · Environment · Communication · Corporate Social Responsibility · Business and Taxes · Sustainable Management · Marketing · Health · Company Restructuring · Leadership
If your area of expertise is not listed, speak to an advisor – we will find the right match for your research ambitions.
Yes. The DBA degree awarded by Global Humanistic University is internationally recognized. Upon graduation, you are entitled to use the academic title "DBA" or "Dr." All programs are based on the guidelines of UNESCO and the OECD Quality Commission for Cross-border Higher Education.
GHU's doctoral programs are accredited by:
- AAC – Accreditation Agency of Curacao
- ACBSP – Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (USA)
ACBSP accreditation is a globally recognized standard trusted by employers and academic institutions worldwide.
Read what our students have to say
"Global Humanistic University believed in me by offering a great opportunity to deepen my knowledge and widen my perspective in professional terms. I think continuous improvement is not for everyone, but if you are willing to pursue an online degree in an international institution, I would definitely recommend the Global Humanistic University."
"From my perspective, investing in a personal growth, is one of the best business decisions one can ever make. I am very appreciative of the 1:1 contact with my supervisor, who always makes an effort to be just an email away and is not only an expert in many fields of study, but is genially invested in any of my life or career related endeavours."
"The quality of 1:1 supervision is exceptional; working with an excellent faculty has provided me with strategic academic guidance that is directly applicable to my professional field. As a professional navigating a demanding career, the flexibility offered by GHU has been the key to my success."
More to know about your studies at GHU
Part-time study
Find out more about studying part time – juggling your studies, career and private life.
Accreditations
Learn more about the various accreditations of the Global Humanistic University.
FAQs
Still something unclear? No problem, please have a look at our questions and answers.
Personal guidance
Bernadette Mostler
Student advisory service
