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 Higher Education Management and Academic Innovation

20 hours ago
3 min read

The Doctorate in Higher Education Management and Academic Innovation (International Focus) is a 100% research-based doctorate study program designed for professionals, researchers, academic administrators, institutional leaders, and education specialists who want to explore advanced questions related to the management, development, and innovation of higher education institutions in a global environment. This doctorate study program is intended for individuals who seek to engage in serious academic research and critical analysis in a field that continues to shape the future of universities, colleges, and learning systems worldwide.

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 clear and internationally comparable way. EQF, the European Qualifications Framework, is a European reference system that helps compare qualifications based on learning outcomes, academic depth, and complexity. At this advanced level, learners are expected to demonstrate highly developed knowledge, strong independent research ability, original thinking, and the capacity to contribute meaningful ideas 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 higher education can be managed more effectively and how academic innovation can support institutional quality, relevance, adaptability, and long-term development. Higher education management today includes a wide range of themes such as governance, strategic planning, academic quality, institutional culture, leadership, internationalization, digital transformation, student experience, and organizational change. Academic innovation, in this context, involves not only new teaching and learning models, but also fresh approaches to policy, curriculum thinking, academic systems, and institutional responsiveness.

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

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 flexibility makes the program suitable for international learners who are looking for a serious research pathway with adaptable timing.

The international focus of the program reflects the reality that higher education institutions operate in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world. Questions related to governance, quality assurance, academic development, innovation, policy reform, and institutional sustainability are relevant across national borders and educational 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 higher education management and academic innovation through serious, research-based work. It is suited to learners who want to produce thoughtful and relevant research in a field that plays an essential role in shaping the future of higher education.