Combining high-level business thinking with practical leadership experience
The DBA degree from Business School Netherlands and the Global Humanistic University prepares you to manage change confidently. This powerful, 36-month, online programme combines high-level business thinking with practical leadership experience.
You will have many opportunities for networking through optional in-person conferences and workshops. This will let you develop your identity as a leader in business challenges & opportunities in your field.
As part of the Doctorate, you’ll work with the innovative Action Learning method which will give you a useful framework to make decisions.
With well-respected professors and facilitators from around the world, the DBA gives you the leading edge and mentorship necessary to develop your leadership style and contribution to the body of business knowledge.
General Information about the DBA
The Global Executive DBA is a very popular choice for aspiring business leaders. The DBA is designed to develop your critical thinking, creativity, and applied research skills and enable you to combine modern business theory with effective management practice. The focus of the Executive DBA degree is on providing you with a strong theoretical grounding and understanding of research methodology.
It trains you to develop new solutions and create new value in the practice of business in the digital age.
The DBA is an excellent choice for you if you are interested in research topics relevant to Great Leadership, which include:
- Responsible Leadership
- Change Leadership
- Decision-making Leadership
- Performance Leadership
Programme structure
The programme consists of the following phases:
| PHASE 1 | |
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| Module | ECTS |
| Research Proposal* | 5 |
| Academic Writing/Methods Skills* | 15 |
| Review of Professional Capability (Reflection)* | 10 |
| Planning an advanced Practitioner Research Programme (Exposé) | 30 |
| Sub Total | 60 |
| * Any order | |
| PHASE 2 | |
| Module | ECTS |
| Project Report (Thesis – Dissertation) | 85 |
| Research Paper | 30 |
| Oral Presentation and Viva Voce (Defensio) | 5 |
| Sub Total | 120 |
| TOTAL | 180 |
Collaborative effort of GHU and BSN
The scientific and academic direction and quality is a collaborative effort of GHU and BSN. BSN arranges the courses, action learning projects and mentorship parts of the programme. BSN appoints a first advisor for the Project Report. The Project Report (Thesis/Dissertation) will contain between 42.000 – 70.000, normally written in English, but it will also be possible in the native language of a candidate. A GHU’s advisor will assess the Project Report as the second advisor.
For the Research Paper, the GHU advisor will be the first appraiser and the BSN advisor the second appraiser. The Research Paper is a summary of the Project Report (Thesis/Dissertation) and will contain about 15.000 words, normally written in English, but it will also be possible in the native language of a candidate.
Accredited by ACBSP and AAC
The Global Executive DBA has double accreditation from both the American Council for Business Schools and Programmes (ACBSP) and the Accreditation Agency of Curacao (AAC) which is recognised by the Curacao government through the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. The Global Humanistic University is also officially recognised by the Curacao government.
The DBA’s state accreditation in Curacao results in the degree falling under the jurisdiction of the Bologna Process.
The Bologna Process is a series of ministerial meetings and agreements between European countries, as well as several non-European countries, to ensure comparability in the standards and quality of higher-education qualifications.
- The Global Executive DBA carries 180 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System) which are equivalent to 90 credits on the United States system
Admission requirements
Admission to the Executive Doctorate is a competitive and strict evaluation process. Due to the rigorous and practical nature of a DBA, you must meet the following mandatory requirements:
- Hold a B degree or equivalent
- Hold an MBA or Master’s level qualification in a relevant field.
- Have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience.
- Be employed in a senior management capacity or similar leadership position, or in the process of making the career move into such a position.
- Be pursuing or have pursued a career in professional or business areas that fall within the research interest of the GHU or BSN.
- Be approved for application through a pre-application interview with BSN.
- Have access to reliable internet and email services.
Full course fee
- Full programme cost $US 25,000
Payment plans
Several payment plans are available. Contact us about your payment preferences.
Start your application
Have you found the perfect programme with us? Awesome! Start your application.
Step 1 (optional) : Schedule a personal consultation
During a personal consultation you will receive a detailed explanation of the programme and will have the opportunity to ask all your questions. In addition, our advisor will work with you to see whether this programme is in line with your work, ambitions and whether you qualify for exemptions.
Step 2: Fill out the online application form
It’s important to fill out the application correctly and attach all the supporting documents requested. After a review of your application, you will be notified on the outcome by a programme advisor.
Programme advice?
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Location
Lagos, Hybrid
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Language
English
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Register Now
Click Here
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Start date
13 September 2025
13 December 2025
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Registration deadline
2 weeks in advance
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Duration of programme
24 months
Fast-track : 12 months
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Effort
30 – 50 hours per course
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Number of participants
12 – 20
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Testimonials
What others say about BSN
The BSN Action Learning MBA Programme has opened my mind to multiple productive, active thinking ways.
Oti Omatsone, Premium TimesHaving gone through the BSN Action Learning MBA Programme, has helped me in my approach to the work and the way I now reason.
Emamuzo Utoro, Stanbic IBTCThe BSN Action Learning MBA Programme empowered me to drive positive change within my organization and has positioned me as a confident and visionary leader.
Oriekaose Udoh, Hydroserve OilThe BSN Action Learning MBA Programme was quite beneficial to me as a person and my company.
Gbolade Olumuyiwa, McGivtasThe BSN Action Learning MBA Programme provided me with a perspective of the real world and expanded my understanding of management concepts.
Obiageli Aderemi, PinehillMy time at BSN has been rigorous. However, it was definitely worth it.
Ifeoluwa Amao, SystemspecsThe BSN Action Learning MBA Programme was a game-changer for me. The hands-on approach through real business projects boosted my skills.
Rita Adeponle, TrustBanc Holding“As I reflect on my journey, I can confidently say that the BSN Action Learning MBA Programme has propelled me to new heights in my career.”
Omowonuola Adedinsewo, Rejuvenate Food CaféThe BSN Action Learning MBA Programme journey has been nothing short of transformational, and I cannot emphasize enough the positive impact it has had on my career and personal growth.
Nkoyo Inwang, NIBSSThe immersive Action Learning approach and practical insights gained have boosted my confidence in my role as a senior executive.
Nkechinyere Ajayi, Haussman NigeriaAttaining the BSN Action Learning MBA degree has brought me immense joy, not only for the academic achievement, but also for the profound confidence instilled in me.
Neehmah Lawal, Central BankBSN develops great leaders who
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are responsible
You look ahead and contribute solutions to today’s challenges.
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initiate change
You build trust among all stakeholders in the organisation, encourage collaboration and different views, and ensure structured teamwork.
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make informed decisions
You understand the organisation and the urgency of change, and create value, bringing improvements that are realistic.
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are results-driven
You go for real results with a focus on impact, working towards clear goals for the future and ensuring that they are actually achieved.
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Immediate Returns
Action Learning solves organisational challenges and creates positive changes for individuals, organisations, and society.
Innovative and Current
Address current challenges and prepare for future innovative developments.
Recognised Quality
Receive a valuable diploma; our institute and our MBAs are accredited by, among others, NVAO, ACBSP, ATHEA, and FIBAA.
Global Network
Join our worldwide network of over 10,000 alumni from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the rest of the world.
Lasting Impact
Learn to solve organisational challenges together with our practical approach and set your organisation in motion with lasting impact.
Personal
Work in small groups where attention, guidance, and coaching are a priority.
Ethical and Responsible
Contribute to solutions for contemporary challenges with a stable ethical compass. Take steps towards a better world.
Action Learning
The basis for all our programmes
Action Learning forms the basis for most Business School Netherlands (BSN) programmes. This includes our MBA programmes, doctoral programmes and some of our short courses.
With this approach, we guarantee a high degree of the practical relevance of the theory offered and learning from real-life challenges; you work on real projects within your organisation.
facts & figures
International Alumni Network with impact
The BSN Global Alumni Community includes 10,000+ alumni in over 75 countries. During their MBA, they wrote and implemented more than 53,000 Action Learning Projects within their organisations – creating value for both themselves and their organisations.
10000
ALUMNI
53000
ACTION LEARNING PROJECTS
75
COUNTRIES
98
LANGUAGES
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
We have listed frequently asked questions for you. Is your question not among them? Then get in touch.
- Step 1: Check all the criteria.
- Step 2: Complete the application form for the programme of your choice and check the SDG Sponsorship box. Include PDF copies of all necessary documents such as your previous degrees and transcripts, passport or national ID and a CV.
- Step 5: Once the completed application is received by Business School Netherlands, it will be processed and you will receive notice upon approval.
- Step 6: Once payment has been received and confirmed you will be registered on the programme and contacted by the academic registrar a week before the start date of your studies.
- You need to meet the admission criteria of the programme.
- Managers, trainee managers, team leaders, supervisors, or owners currently in employment. You must be working in an organisation or role either in, or related to one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
- Professionals who are not directly employed in a leadership or management role but who manage policies, processes, or business systems are also eligible for application. Examples include engineers, consultants, educators, policy advisors, system designers, etc.
- You must apply for yourself. You may not apply on behalf of someone else.
- With the exception of applicants to the Global Executive DBA Programme, applicants must live and work in a developing world country. Eligible countries include:
- All countries & island nations in Africa
- All countries in South and Latin America
- All countries in the Dutch Caribbean and Caribbean
- And all the following:
Albania, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Georgia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Ukraine, Yemen, Egypt
- You need to help promote Action Learning. You can do this by:
- Fulfilling the role of Action Learning Coach within your organisation or community for a period of one full year. OR,
- Write an article on one of your Action Learning Projects, which can be published by Business School Netherlands within the Action Learning Community.
If you are unsure whether or not your sector/role/company falls under one of the 17 SDGs, please ask us for assistance.
- Online Action Learning MBA: 65% of fees covered
- International Action Learning MBA: 20 – 40 % of fees covered
- Online Action Learning Leadership Programme: 50% of fees covered
- Global Executive DBA Programme: 28% of fees covered
- Agriculture Short Courses: 35% of fees covered
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Sponsorship is intended for managers, leaders, and professionals in the developing world who work in sectors that fall under or are closely related to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Our aim is to help contribute through education towards the United Nations’ goal of creating a sustainable and equitable world by 2030.
Our MBA programmes are Professional Master’s Degrees. A Professional Master’s focuses primarily on applied research. The MBA programmes at Business School Netherlands therefore deliver immediate returns for the student and their organisation, as theoretical knowledge is directly applied to their own practice. The Professional Master’s has learning outcomes and final results that correspond to level 9 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which is the second-highest level within higher education in South Africa.
International Action Learning MBA:
- Learn through interactive BSN student platform, engaging online group sessions and a combination of reflective assessments and reading.
- Full international support and feedback on all your assignments and projects.
- Mandatory attendance of MBA workshops and conference at BSN’s headquarters in the Netherlands during phase two of the programme. (Flights, insurance and visa costs not included in fees)
Online Action Learning MBA:
- Learn through interactive BSN student platform, engaging online group sessions and a combination of reflective assessments and reading.
- Full international support and feedback on all your assignments and projects.
In summary, the foundation of both MBA programmes is essentially the same. The MBA diploma is also the same for both MBA programmes.
The programme is delivered through an online, virtual-class environment, with face-to-face video calls and access to a 24/7 online student portal. Students have full support from academic tutors, plagiarism and spell-checking software, and access to Microsoft Office applications.
This programme also includes one mandatory trip to the Netherlands of six days when conferences will be taking place.
No, you do not have to relocate to the Netherlands while doing this course. You will only travel to the Netherlands for the mandatory workshops and conference that all take place during one visit of six days.
First, try to find a company within your own network where you can apply the final assignments. If that doesn’t work out, don’t worry. As Business School Netherlands, we have a (inter)national Alumni network, including the alumni association Tractus. Many MBA graduates express their willingness to offer students the opportunity to work on projects with them. For more information, please contact us.
There are no traditional tests or exams for our programmes. You will complete a self assessment, a peer assessment, a mentor assessment and a action learning project in order to pass this programme and be awarded with a certificate.
