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 Healthcare Management and Hospital Leadership (International Focus)

Apr 6
2 min read

The Doctorate in Healthcare Management and Hospital Leadership (International Focus) is a 100% research-based doctorate study program designed for professionals, researchers, and senior practitioners who aim to develop advanced knowledge in healthcare systems, hospital leadership, strategic management, and institutional transformation. This program is intended for individuals who want to explore complex issues in modern healthcare through serious academic research while strengthening their ability to contribute to the improvement of hospitals, healthcare organizations, and public and private health services in an international context.

This doctorate study program is academically positioned at a level equal to ISCED and EQF Level 8 and is also equal to the 3rd European cycle. In simple terms, ISCED stands for the International Standard Classification of Education, a global framework used to compare educational levels across countries, while EQF means the European Qualifications Framework, which helps describe learning levels and academic progression across Europe. Level 8 represents one of the highest stages of academic and professional learning, emphasizing advanced knowledge, original research, critical analysis, and the capacity to generate meaningful contributions within a specialized field.

The program is designed for those who wish to study how leadership, management, policy, service quality, patient-centered systems, and strategic planning shape the future of healthcare institutions. In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, effective hospital leadership requires more than operational knowledge alone. It requires research-based understanding of governance, quality standards, healthcare strategy, organizational resilience, decision-making, ethics, innovation, and the management of complex systems. This makes the study program relevant for those interested in improving healthcare performance, supporting institutional excellence, and addressing global challenges in healthcare delivery.

This doctorate study program includes 7 modules, structured to support advanced academic development and research capacity. The program contains 4 research-related modules, which focus on strengthening the learner’s ability to plan, conduct, assess, and present research at doctorate level. It also includes 2 general modules, designed to broaden academic understanding and reinforce high-level transferable competencies relevant to leadership and professional practice. In addition, 1 module is dedicated directly to the study field, allowing participants to engage deeply with healthcare management and hospital leadership as a specialized area of advanced study. The program also includes thesis and research activities, which form an important part of the academic journey and provide learners with the opportunity to investigate a relevant topic in depth.

The minimum duration is 18 months, while participants retain the flexibility to extend the study period according to their professional responsibilities and personal circumstances. This flexible structure makes the program particularly suitable for adult learners and internationally active professionals who seek advanced academic progression without losing the ability to balance work and study.

Overall, this doctorate study program is ideal for those who wish to engage seriously with the future of healthcare leadership and institutional management. It offers an opportunity to examine healthcare not only as a service sector, but also as a strategic and research-driven field that influences societies, economies, and human well-being. Through a strong research-based approach, participants can develop high-level insight and contribute valuable knowledge to the advancement of healthcare management and hospital leadership in a global environment.