Doctoral requirements.
The Doctorate in Business Administration is built for senior professionals. Here is what the Admissions Committee looks for and how the review works.
Senior professionals
pursuing a DBA.
These requirements apply to applicants to the Doctorate in Business Administration, designed for leaders who want to contribute original research to their field while remaining in active professional life.
Senior leaders who want to contribute new knowledge to their field while remaining in active professional life.
Practitioners whose client work could benefit from original, practice-grounded research.
Professionals targeting faculty, advisory, or thought-leadership roles.
What the committee
looks for.
- A recognized master's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution
- A substantial professional track record in management or leadershipThe DBA admits on professional maturity as much as on academic history.
- A preliminary research interest aligned with AUS faculty supervision capacityConfirmed during the Admissions Interview.
- Evidence of sufficient English proficiency
- A completed AUS application with the standard document file
Doctoral eligibility is confirmed by the Admissions Committee under the Policy and Procedures for Admissions. Requirements specific to your cohort may apply — confirm with Admissions before submitting.
The complete file,
item by item.
Documents issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by notarized English translations, arranged at your own expense, before the application can be reviewed as complete.
English for research
and supervision.
The DBA is taught and supervised entirely in English. Applicants whose native language is not English and whose previous instruction was not in English must evidence proficiency; the Admissions Interview also assesses academic English in practice.
Any test on the AUS accepted list at the level stated for graduate admission — results no older than two years.
Clarity of thought, critical thinking, and English expression are also assessed live during the Admissions Interview.
Rolling review,
three intakes.
AUS operates rolling admissions: applications are reviewed and decisions made continuously throughout the year. Exact application deadlines per intake are published by AUS.
Prepare early if you need immigration processing or certified translations.
Availability depends on your chosen program and the academic calendar.
Your Offer Letter states the next available term unless you request another.
After a positive decision, return the signed Offer Letter, signed Student Agreement, and Admission Fee proof within 10 calendar days.
Due when applying. Non-refundable. Waivers are considered under special circumstances on a case-by-case basis via study@aus.swiss.
Confirms your place, due within 10 days of the Offer Letter. Non-refundable. Tuition follows the schedule in your Offer Letter.
Ready to contribute new knowledge?
Doctoral applications are assessed on professional record and research fit as much as on grades. Talk to Admissions before applying to align your research interest with supervision capacity.