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 Educational Leadership and Policy Innovation

1 day ago
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The Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Innovation (International Focus) is a 100% research-based doctorate study program designed for professionals, researchers, academic leaders, policy thinkers, and education practitioners who want to explore the changing landscape of leadership, governance, reform, and innovation in education. This doctorate study program is intended for individuals who seek to engage in advanced academic research and critical analysis related to educational systems, institutional development, public and private policy, and future-oriented leadership strategies.

The program is academically positioned at a level comparable to ISCED level 8 and EQF level 8. ISCED, the International Standard Classification of Education, is a global framework used to classify education levels in a consistent and internationally comparable way. EQF, the European Qualifications Framework, is a European reference framework that helps compare qualifications on the basis of learning outcomes, complexity, and academic depth. At this level, learners are expected to demonstrate highly advanced knowledge, strong independent research ability, original thinking, and the capacity to contribute meaningful insights to academic and professional fields. The program is also comparable to the third cycle of European higher education.

This doctorate study program is developed for those who want to investigate how leadership and policy innovation can shape the future of education in different institutional, national, and international contexts. Educational leadership today involves more than administrative responsibility; it includes strategic vision, organizational transformation, quality culture, governance, decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to respond to social, technological, and regulatory change. Policy innovation in education is equally important, as educational systems increasingly need new approaches to access, quality, inclusion, digital transformation, lifelong learning, and institutional resilience.

The structure of the program includes 7 modules designed to support advanced research and high-level academic development. Four modules are research-related, helping learners strengthen their knowledge in research design, methodology, academic analysis, scholarly writing, and critical inquiry. Two modules are general modules, supporting broader doctoral-level understanding and interdisciplinary reflection. One module is focused specifically on the study field, allowing participants to engage deeply with educational leadership and policy innovation as a specialized area of advanced study. The program also includes thesis and research activities, encouraging learners to build original, substantial, and academically meaningful research throughout the duration of the program.

The normal minimum duration of the program is 18 months or more, while also allowing flexibility for participants who may wish to extend their study period according to their professional schedule, personal commitments, or research development needs. This makes the program suitable for international learners looking for a serious research pathway with adaptable timing.

The international focus of the program reflects the reality that educational leadership and policy development are global concerns. Questions related to institutional strategy, quality assurance, innovation in teaching and learning, governance structures, reform processes, and educational access are relevant across countries and systems. For this reason, the program encourages comparative thinking, critical reflection, and research with international relevance.

Overall, this doctorate study program provides an advanced academic platform for those who want to contribute to the understanding and development of leadership and policy innovation in education. It is suited to learners who aim to produce thoughtful, research-based work in a field that continues to shape institutions, societies, and the future of learning.