Study Fee: Click here to view the tuition and subscription options. 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. 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 Global Trade and Supply Networks

Apr 6
2 min read

The Doctorate in Global Trade and Supply Networks (International Focus) is a 100% research-based doctorate study program designed for professionals and advanced researchers who wish to explore the complexity of international trade, cross-border logistics, supply chain resilience, procurement systems, distribution models, and the strategic management of global commercial networks. This doctorate study program is academically positioned for individuals seeking advanced specialization in how goods, services, information, and value move across interconnected international markets.

The study level of this doctorate study program is equal to ISCED and EQF Level 8 and is also considered equal to the 3rd European cycle. ISCED refers to the International Standard Classification of Education, a global framework used to classify education levels in a comparable way across countries. EQF, or the European Qualifications Framework, is a European reference system that helps compare qualifications by learning level and complexity. Level 8 represents the highest stage of academic and research achievement, with strong emphasis on original investigation, critical thinking, and advanced knowledge creation.

This doctorate study program is especially relevant in a world where supply systems have become increasingly global, dynamic, and vulnerable to disruption. International trade and supply networks now depend on strategic coordination across manufacturers, ports, customs systems, transport corridors, digital platforms, financial flows, and policy environments. For this reason, advanced research in this field is essential for understanding how organizations and economies can improve efficiency, continuity, sustainability, and adaptability in a changing global landscape.

The program is structured into 7 modules, including 4 research-related modules, 2 general modules, and 1 module focused on the study field. In addition, the program includes thesis and research activities, allowing participants to develop academically grounded and professionally relevant work within the broad field of global trade and supply networks. The structure is designed to support high-level analytical development while also giving participants the opportunity to engage deeply with research methodology, interdisciplinary thinking, and applied international perspectives.

This doctorate study program has a minimum duration of 18 months, while also offering flexibility for participants who wish to extend their study period according to their professional schedules, research demands, or personal commitments. This flexible structure makes it suitable for experienced professionals, executives, academics, and specialists who require a rigorous but adaptable framework for advanced study.

The international focus of the program encourages research on topics such as global sourcing strategies, international logistics systems, trade corridor management, supply chain digitalization, geopolitical risks, transport economics, procurement governance, inventory strategy, sustainability in supply systems, and the future of cross-border commercial integration. Participants are expected to examine real-world challenges through a research-oriented lens and contribute meaningful insights to both academic and professional environments.

Overall, the Doctorate in Global Trade and Supply Networks is an advanced and intellectually demanding study program for those who aim to produce serious research in one of the most strategically important areas of the global economy. It offers a strong academic pathway for individuals who want to deepen expertise, strengthen analytical capacity, and contribute original knowledge to the field of international trade and supply networks.