Top DBA Programs in Europe: European Universities Offering DBA Degrees

If you’re aiming for the highest level of business education, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from a leading European university can open doors to advanced leadership, consulting and academic careers. Europe is home to some of the world’s most respected DBA programmes, blending rigorous research, practical business insights and global networking.

Why Pursue a DBA in Europe?

• Global Recognition: European DBAs are well recognized globally.
• Flexible Formats: There are numerous programmes providing part-time, online or blended versions for working professionals.
• Industry Connections: European business schools possess strong connections with international companies and research networks.
• Diverse Community: Learn alongside executives and managers from all over the world.

We have compiled a list of top European universities offering DBA degrees in 2025.

Grenoble Ecole de Management (France)

• Duration: 3 years (Part-time)
• Work-compatible: Designed to be pursued alongside full-time employment

Grenoble Ecole de Management has a reputation for incorporating technology and innovation into its programmes. Its DBA programme, the first of its kind in Europe, provides a comprehensive research structure for senior executives to address sophisticated business issues. Students enjoy interdisciplinary study, close mentoring by faculty and exposure to international academic networks. The programme ends in a doctoral dissertation that should possess ideational as well as practical importance, especially in organizational and strategic leadership. 

EU Business School (Switzerland, Spain, Germany)

• Duration: 1 to 2 years (Full-time
  
• Delivery Mode: On-campus

With campuses in Geneva, Barcelona and Munich, EU Business School provides a DBA programme that is unique for its global exposure and fast-track approach. The curriculum combines intensive course work with unique research techniques, preparing candidates to take on leadership positions in international organizations. The programme is designed around seminars, case studies and a dissertation, all aimed at addressing critical business issues with academic sophistication.

Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM Geneva)

• Programme: Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA
  
• Duration: 2 academic year
  
• Delivery Mode: Online / Blended

Executive DBA programme provided by SSBM is specifically introduced for senior professionals who want a flexible, research-based doctoral programme. The programme focuses on applied research and critical thinking, providing students with the skills to create practical solutions to industry-related problems. With several start dates during the year, global virtual networking sessions and flexible learning, SSBM is a modern institution designed for the digital economy.

Horizons University (France)

• Programme: DBA in International Business / Innovation and Creativity

• Duration: 3 years

• Delivery Mode: Online / On-campus

Horizons University is best suited for those who want to combine creativity with strategic vision. With special DBA offerings such as Innovation & Creativity and International Business, the university emphasizes leadership in developing markets and constantly changing economies. The programme stimulates students to write dissertations that address global issues in innovative and meaningful ways. Students gain strong knowledge in global strategy, economics and communication through core courses, while electives deepen expertise in their chosen international business research area.

European Institute of Management and Technology (EIMT) – Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

• Location: Switzerland and France
• Course : Doctorate in Business Administration
• Duration: 36 months (Flexible)
• Delivery Mode: Online
• Language: English

Program Highlights:

• Designed for senior professionals seeking to build on their expertise in business and management principles.
• Focuses on applied research to solve business problems in the business world.
• Provides international networking with colleagues and alumni across the world.
• Has a unique and concentrated curriculum taught by faculty with industry experience.
• Incorporates a dissertation based on a live company project.
• No GMAT/GRE is necessary for admission.
• Accredited by leading accrediting agencies for global recognition.

Also read - Top 10 DBA Specializations - How to Choose the Right DBA Program?

Institut Supérieur du Commerce de Paris (ISC Paris)

• Duration: 3 years (Part-time)

• Delivery Mode: Online

DBA course at ISC Paris is based on research excellence and executive-level development. ISC Paris excels with a solid research orientation, senior teaching staff (36 PhDs, 13 supervisory doctors) and committed support structures. Its DBA qualifies managers with accepted expertise and exposure to lead best practice in the complicated, interconnected business world of today. DBA at ISC is aimed at experienced managers who want to advance their knowledge of business principles and apply it to strategic decision-making. The course provides extensive online support, one-to-one academic supervision and workshops, allowing professionals to work while studying.

Montpellier Business School (France)

• Duration: 3 years, Part Time

• Delivery Mode: 100% Online

Montpellier's DBA Digital programme is designed for senior professionals who are keen to future-proof their leadership with a deep digital and analytics foundation. Core areas of study are digital transformation, ethical leadership, and data-driven strategy. Candidates are accompanied by an international faculty panel and access to the research labs at MBS. The delivery system for DBA programme at MBS is:

• Digital DBA: Fully online, flexible format
• International DBA: Courses held in various countries (e.g., China, Africa)
• Customized DBA: Personalized supervision based at the MBS campus

Hult International Business School (UK)

• Duration: 3 years (Part-time)
• Delivery Mode: Hybrid (Online with On-campus residencies)

Hult's DBA is internationally accredited and emphasizes actionable research. It is the best for C-suite leaders and consultants looking to boost their strategic influence and credibility. This hybrid, flexible DBA is structured to be completed over three years by integrating part-time study with rotations of global residency. It offers dedicated supervisor support, a cohort learning community and access to internationally recognized research-active faculty. Learners are paired with personalized mentorship and become members of an elite group of global business leaders.

Université Côte d’Azur (France)

• Programme: Executive DB
  
• Duration: 3 years (Part-time
  
• Delivery Mode: Blended

Executive DBA offered by Université Côte d’Azur is meant for seasoned professionals and entrepreneurs who wish to make contributions both to academic research as well as business innovation. Situated in the lively tech hub of the French Riviera, the course combines progressive leadership frameworks with experiential business projects. It features immersive seminars, opportunities for academic publishing and actual case consulting.

Geneva Business School (Switzerland)

• Duration: 3 years (Part-time)

• Delivery Mode: Online / Blended

With its global diversity and practical orientation, Geneva Business School's DBA is designed on the pillars of research excellence and professional development. The school invites the students to direct their dissertations towards issues of contemporary business like ESG, digitalization and global supply chains. The school provides individualized coaching and career guidance services as part of the programme.
 

PSM Paris School of Management (France)

• Duration: 2 years (Full-time or Part-time)

• Delivery Mode: Online / Hybrid

PSM's versatile DBA model is developed for working professionals through synchronous seminars, asynchronous coursework and research supervision. It has a focus on leadership, strategy and innovation in diverse business environments for the purpose of enriching academic qualifications while remaining industry-active.

European Institute of Management and Technology (EIMT) – Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

• Location: Switzerland and France
• Duration: 36 months (Flexible)
• Delivery Mode: Online
• Language: English

Program Highlights:

• Designed for senior professionals seeking to build on their expertise in business and management principles.
• Focuses on applied research to solve business problems in the business world.
• Provides international networking with colleagues and alumni across the world.
• Has a unique and concentrated curriculum taught by faculty with industry experience.
• Incorporates a dissertation based on a live company project.
• No GMAT/GRE is necessary for admission.
• Accredited by leading accrediting agencies for global recognition.

Geneva Business School – Doctorate of Business Administration 

• Duration: 3 years (Part-time)
• Delivery Mode: Fully Online
• Language: English

Major Features of this Program:

• Specially developed for seasoned professionals wishing to handle actual business problems using applied research.
• Flexible online format enables students to balance studies with professional obligations.
• Availability of sector experts and academic mentors for one-on-one guidance.
• Prioritize the development of strategic thinking and research skills usable in immediate working environments.
• Accredited by the IACBE for international degree recognition.

 Also read - Top 1 to 2-Year Online DBA Programs: Accelerate Your Education

Alfred Nobel Open Business School – Doctor of Business Administration 

• Duration: 2 semesters (Accelerated format) 
• Delivery Mode: Fully Online
• Language: English

Program Highlights:

• For working professionals who want to transfer conceptual understanding to real business issues.
• Flexible program design supports professionals without needing prolonged time off.
• Dissertation subjects can be aligned with the working professional's experience, increasing relevance.
• In-depth curriculum with focus on major topics like strategic management, corporate governance, and business ethics.
• Well-recognized diploma with the potential to acquire an Apostille for international recognition.
   

Horizons University – DBA in International Business 

• Duration: 3 years
• Delivery Mode: Online or On-campus
• Language: English (Online), French (On-campus)

Program Highlights:

• Prioritizes the creation of proficiency in global business plans and multicultural management.
• Highlights applied research to address actual business issues.
• Adaptable study options accommodate both online and on-campus learners.
• Accredited by the European Council for Business Education (ECBE).
• Equips graduates for leadership positions in international companies and academic pursuits.

École de Management Appliqué (EMA) – Doctorate in Business Administration 

• Duration: 3 years
• Delivery Mode: Blended (Online and On-campus)
• Language: English

Program Highlights:

• Combines scholarly research with real-world business applications.
• For those professionals who are looking to advance their strategic decision-making abilities.
• Provides individualized mentorship and guidance during the program.
• Promotes the creation of creative solutions to pressing business issues today.
• Provides networking opportunities with a diverse group of professionals.

Conclusion

Europe is a hub of flexible, high-quality DBA programmes that blend academic rigour, practical relevance and international perspective—empowering professionals to lead in a global business environment.