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 Early Childhood

Feb 23
2 min read

This doctorate study program is a 100% research-based academic pathway designed for scholars, senior educators, policymakers, and professionals committed to advancing high-level knowledge and innovation in the field of Early Childhood. Positioned at a study level equal to EQF Level 8 and aligned with the Third Cycle of the European Higher Education Area, the program represents the highest stage of academic specialization and independent research.

The Doctorate in Early Childhood critically examines the foundational years of life as a decisive period for cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. The program emphasizes advanced theoretical frameworks, interdisciplinary research, and evidence-based approaches that shape early learning systems, child wellbeing policies, inclusive education practices, and global early childhood standards.

Doctoral candidates explore contemporary issues such as early intervention strategies, curriculum innovation, leadership in early childhood institutions, digital learning in early years, safeguarding and child protection systems, family engagement, and sustainable educational reforms. The program encourages critical inquiry into global disparities in access to quality early education and the long-term societal impact of early childhood development policies.

The academic structure consists of seven modules, including:

Four research-focused modules dedicated to advanced research design, epistemology, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, scholarly publishing, and academic impact.
Two general doctoral-level modules aimed at strengthening critical theory, interdisciplinary analysis, and research leadership.
One specialized module focused specifically on advanced topics in Early Childhood, addressing global standards, innovative pedagogical models, and emerging challenges in early years education.

In addition, candidates engage in comprehensive research activities and the development of an original doctoral thesis, contributing new knowledge and strategic insight to the field of Early Childhood.

With a minimum duration of 18 months, the program offers flexibility, allowing candidates to extend their study period in alignment with professional, academic, and personal commitments. This structure makes the program particularly suitable for experienced professionals, educational leaders, researchers, and decision-makers seeking to influence early childhood systems at institutional, national, and international levels.

Graduates of this doctorate study program are prepared to assume leadership roles in universities, research institutes, ministries of education, international organizations, child development agencies, and policy advisory bodies. The program cultivates advanced scholarly independence, ethical research excellence, and the capacity to design transformative strategies that strengthen early childhood education and lifelong learning foundations worldwide.