Study Fee: Click here to view the t(/study-fee)uition and subscription options.(/study-fee)(/study-fee) Monthly study plans start from €499 per month, depending on the program and level of academic support selected.

Study Method: This program is delivered 100% online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world with flexible scheduling. Students may also have the option to attend the graduation ceremony in Switzerland, subject to visa approval and travel regulations.

Study Language: The program is delivered in English. Students are expected to have sufficient English language proficiency to complete the coursework and academic requirements.

Applications can be submitted online through our admission portal.(/apply)(/apply) Applicants may also contact or visit our offices in different regions, including: • Europe: Switzerland • GCC: Dubai (UAE) • Asia: Bishkek Our admissions team will guide you through the application and enrollment process.

Programs are offered through a flexible monthly subscription system, allowing students to progress at their own pace while maintaining access to academic resources and support services.

This program has a minimum study period depending on the academic level and program structure. Students may complete the program at their own pace while maintaining an active monthly subscription.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the academic entry requirements for the respective program level. Typical requirements may include: • A previous academic qualification relevant to the program level • A copy of passport or national ID • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume • Completed online application form Additional documents may be requested depending on the program and the institution delivering the program.

Certification / Degree Awarded

Upon successful completion of all academic requirements, students will receive the corresponding certificate or academic degree issued by the responsible institution within the VBNN Smart Education Group network.

Doctorate in Academic Practice

Feb 21
2 min read

This doctorate study program is a highly advanced, research-intensive pathway designed for experienced academics, senior educators, institutional leaders, and education professionals who aim to shape the future of higher education through rigorous scholarly inquiry and evidence-based innovation. Aligned with a study level equal to EQF Level 8 and comparable to the Third Cycle of the European Higher Education Area, the program reflects the highest standards of academic research and professional impact.

The Doctorate in Academic Practice is structured as a 100% research-based program, focusing on critical investigation, institutional transformation, pedagogical leadership, and the advancement of teaching and learning practices within complex educational systems. It is specifically designed for professionals who seek to generate original contributions to knowledge in areas such as curriculum innovation, quality assurance, academic governance, digital transformation in education, policy development, and reflective academic practice.

The program is composed of seven structured modules:

Four research-focused modules dedicated to advanced research design, methodological rigor, scholarly writing, critical analysis, and applied research frameworks.
Two general modules addressing higher education leadership, ethics, strategic academic management, and institutional development.
One specialized module in Academic Practice, concentrating on contemporary pedagogical theory, professional standards, academic innovation, and system-level improvement in education.

Throughout the program, participants engage in extensive research and academic activities that culminate in the development of a substantial doctoral-level thesis. The research process is designed to foster independent scholarship, advanced analytical thinking, and the capacity to address real-world challenges within higher education and professional training environments.

With a minimum duration of +18 months, the program offers flexibility for senior professionals balancing academic research with leadership or teaching responsibilities. Participants may extend their study period where necessary, ensuring both academic depth and practical adaptability.

Graduates of the Doctorate in Academic Practice are positioned to:

Lead institutional change and academic reform initiatives.
Contribute original research to the field of higher education.
Design and implement innovative teaching and curriculum models.
Strengthen quality assurance frameworks and governance systems.
Serve as thought leaders in educational policy and academic strategy.

This doctorate study program represents a strategic commitment to academic excellence, reflective professional practice, and transformative leadership in global higher education systems. It is designed for those who aspire not only to advance their own expertise, but also to influence and elevate academic standards across institutions and international contexts.