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.

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Swiss International University SIU is ranks #3 worldwide among the best transnational universities.

Swiss International University SIU is ranked #22 worldwide by the QS World University Rankings: Executive MBA Rankings 2026 Joint

PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy (PhD by Research)

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This 100% research-based doctoral program is designed for experienced diplomats, policy analysts, and international relations professionals aiming to shape the future of global affairs and foreign policy. Centered entirely on independent academic inquiry, the program empowers you to critically analyze complex geopolitical dynamics, develop innovative diplomatic frameworks, and produce original research that addresses modern challenges in international relations.

Program Structure

The curriculum is driven by rigorous applied and theoretical research, consisting of:

Six Research-Related Modules: Core methodological, analytical, and theoretical frameworks, evaluated continuously through comprehensive academic assignments.
Thesis and Research Activities: The focal point of the doctoral journey, requiring the independent development of a rigorous, original, and high-impact thesis alongside ongoing scholarly research activities.

Duration & Flexibility

2+ Years: The program requires a minimum commitment of two years. Recognizing the demanding schedules of active professionals and diplomats, the study timeline is highly adaptable, granting students the flexibility to extend the program to align with their individual research pace, career obligations, and project scope.

Global Academic Standing

ISCED / EQF Level 8: This program is officially recognized at Level 8. (Note: The International Standard Classification of Education [ISCED] and the European Qualifications Framework [EQF] are globally standardized systems used to evaluate and compare education levels across different countries. Level 8 represents the highest possible tier in both frameworks, reserved exclusively for terminal doctoral degrees and advanced academic research).
3rd European Cycle: The degree corresponds directly to the 3rd cycle of the European Higher Education Area under the Bologna Process.
180 ECTS Equivalent: While formal academic doctorates at this advanced level do not carry official European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) numbers, the rigorous academic workload and substantial research output of this program are fully equivalent to 180 ECTS.

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Program Overview

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This program is also offered fully online.

We would like to highlight that 89% of students complete the program within the expected timeframe.

Language of Instruction: English

All our online executive postgraduate programs (Master’s and Doctorate levels) are fully research-based, allowing students to complete their studies through guided research.

What Does “Study Program by Research” Mean?