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Doctor of Business Administration Dual Qualification

Student Visa for Online Doctoral Researchers

DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Dual Qualification

In today’s leadership landscape, C-Level positions are no longer secured solely through years of experience or individual achievements. Boards of directors, investors, and global organizations increasingly seek clear international standards to assess leadership capabilities at the highest level, aligned with both national and international competency frameworks. For this reason, doctoral programmes for senior leaders are entering a new stage of development, where the value of the qualification must simultaneously satisfy both the business environment and the academic community.

 

Recognising this trend, since 2020 the UK Government has promoted the Doctoral Advanced Studies model, providing a pathway for senior leaders to demonstrate Level 8 competence aligned the UK National Occupational Standards (NOS) while maintaining the possibility to progress to an academic doctoral pathway. The Doctor of Business Administration Dual Qualification programme represents a leading example of this integrated approach.

 

The programme enables learners to obtain three academic and professional values simultaneously: (1) a Level 8 qualification within the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), (2) an academic Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree. Through this structure, senior leaders can apply their qualifications directly in the corporate environment, while also having the opportunity to expand into international teaching or research when needed.

 

In addition, the programme also supports doctoral researchers in accessing the ODL Visa, the first visa designed for online learning programmes issued by the Government of Malaysia, allowing the learning process to be officially recognized at the national level. After graduation, learners may also apply for a qualification evaluation statement from UK ENIC, the organization authorized by the UK Department for Education, confirming that the qualification is comparable to Level 8 (Doctoral Level) within the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Swiss Made. UK Government Recognised.

Qualifications

  • OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
  • Doctor of Business Administration from GlobalNxt University

Promotion

Delivery

Job Listings

Awarding

  • OTHM (Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body)
  • GlobalNxt University

Integration of Three Leading Qualification Systems

The Power of Dual Qualification

UK REGULATED QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK (RQF)

The OTHM Level 8 Diploma is regulated by Ofqual (UK Government) and recognised by UK ENIC as equivalent to a UK Doctoral Level within the United Kingdom National Qualifications Framework.

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Swiss Hochschulweiterbildung Education System

The programme is delivered by the Swiss Information and Management Institute under a practice-oriented education model, within the Swiss Hochschulweiterbildung (continuing higher education) system.

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Malaysia Academic Doctoral Degree System

The programme awards the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), awarded by GlobalNxt University, a higher education institution registered with the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, with programmes accredited by the MQA.

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Student Visa Support for Studying from Home

The programme may enable eligible learners to apply for a Student Pass under ODL framework, issued by the Government of Malaysia for online doctoral researchers, allowing the learning process to be officially recognized within the national higher education system.

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Academic and Research Support

The programme provides an additional academic and research support system, helping learners overcome challenges in international study and enhancing their ability to study effectively and graduate on schedule.

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Tuition Support for Learners

The programme offers scholarships and tuition fee support, helping learners reduce tuition fees, minimize additional expenses, and receive dedicated assistance throughout their learning journey.

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STAGE 1: DOCTORAL ADVANCED STUDIES

  • Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice from OTHM

Stage 1 focuses on advanced modules in business administration at the doctoral level, emphasizing the development of strategic leadership capabilities, research thinking, and the ability to address complex managerial challenges within the corporate environment.

 

Upon completing this stage, learners may obtain the Level 8 Diploma awarded by OTHM, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation, positioned at Level 8 of the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), together with the Doctoral Advanced Studies in Major awarded by the Swiss Information and Management Institute, belonging to the Swiss postgraduate advanced education system (Hochschulweiterbildung).

 

Depending on their direction for Stage 2, learners will be guided to develop preliminary research orientations through applied research modules. This process helps identify an appropriate research field and establishes the academic foundation for the Major in Stage 2 — the stage dedicated to doctoral research and thesis development.

A. Mandatory Modules (100 UK Credits)

Advanced modules at the Doctoral Advanced Studies level

  1. Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential (20 UK Credits)
  2. Managing Strategic Change (20 UK Credits)
  3. Global Strategy & Corporate Governance (20 UK Credits)
  4. Strategic Financial Management (20 UK Credits)
  5. Strategic Marketing (20 UK Credits)

B. Practice-Based Research Project (80 UK Credits):

Research foundation modules designed to conduct preliminary research and prepare for Stage 2 – Academic Research

  1. Advanced Research Design and Methodologies (40 UK Credits)
  2. Developing Research Capability (20 UK Credits)
  3. Project Development, Planning and Management (20 UK Credits)

Research Majors for Stage 2 Preparation:

  • Business Administration
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Strategic Financial Management
  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Supply Chain and Operations Management

During Stage 1 of the Doctoral Advanced Studies programme, learners have access to a local academic support system designed to facilitate the learning process within an international online education environment. This support system is implemented through local support partners, whose role is to provide basic technical and academic assistance, helping learners adapt to the programme requirements and maintain their study progress.

The support may include technical assistance for online learning, guidance on formatting assignments in accordance with programme standards, and assistance in reviewing elements related to academic integrity before submission.

It should be noted that local support partners only perform basic technical and academic support roles. These entities do not organise training, do not participate in teaching, do not intervene in the programme content, and do not participate in the academic assessment process or in decisions regarding learning outcomes. All support activities are voluntary and provided at no additional cost, intended to facilitate learners’ participation in international learning.

Stage 1 – Doctoral Advanced Studies is delivered through an online real-time Live Class model, where learners study and interact directly with lecturers from SIMI Swiss through the institute’s live broadcasting learning system. This model provides an interactive academic experience similar to traditional classroom learning, while remaining flexible and suitable for the schedules of working leaders and professionals.

It follows the SIMI Swiss Direct™ model — meaning learners study directly with SIMI Swiss, without any partnerships, franchising, or intermediaries. This ensures full access to the original programme content, without modification, while eliminating third-party risks and issues related to unauthorised local training.

Standard Admission Pathway

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

  • A Master’s qualification in Majors from accredited universities; or
  • A Level 7 EQF diploma or an equivalent qualification from organizations that are authorized to issue qualifications and have been accredited.

In addition, applicants must have a minimum of three (3) years of managerial experience.

Special Admission Pathway from Bachelor’s Degree

The programme also applies a special admission pathway for experienced managers, subject to the following conditions:

  • A Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum age of 35
  • At least ten (10) years of managerial experience

English Language Requirement

English proficiency must be at least CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level B2 or IELTS 5.5.

STAGE 2: DOCTORAL RESEARCH FOR THE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from GlobalNxt University

For learners enrolled in programmes delivered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL), eligible international students may apply for a Student Pass within the Malaysian higher education system. Applications are processed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) in accordance with national regulations governing international students.

 

Through this framework, doctoral researchers studying remotely may still be registered within the Malaysian higher education system and receive a Letter of Offer (LOA) issued by the university as part of the official admission process. This helps ensure that the learning process is managed transparently and in compliance with national higher-education regulations, supporting the legitimacy of online education programmes.

 

For international learners, this arrangement is not only an administrative procedure but also an indication that the programme is operated within the Malaysian higher education system, strengthening confidence in the learning process and the use of the qualification after graduation.

In Stage 2, learners enter the research phase of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at GlobalNxt University. During this stage, doctoral researchers are guided by experienced faculty members with strong expertise in their fields, enabling them to apply modern research concepts and methodologies to address real-world challenges within their organisations or businesses.

During this process, learners will be guided to complete:

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Dissertation

During the research stage of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme, doctoral researchers study directly with faculty members from GlobalNxt University and are guided by international lecturers and professors with extensive experience in research and management. Supervisors accompany doctoral researchers throughout the research process, supporting them in developing research topics, refining the research proposal, selecting appropriate research methodologies, and implementing the dissertation in accordance with the academic standards of the programme.

 

In addition to the international academic supervision system, the programme also provides an additional local research support system to facilitate the research process. This support may include technical assistance for research and online learning, basic academic discussion support, assistance in understanding the requirements of research proposals and dissertations, guidance on formatting and presenting documents according to the programme’s academic standards, support for issues related to research methodology and dissertation structure, as well as assistance in reviewing elements related to academic integrity prior to submission.

 

This support system is designed to help doctoral researchers maintain research progress, reduce challenges during the implementation of the research project, and increase the likelihood of completing the dissertation on schedule. Local support activities are limited to technical and academic assistance only and do not replace the role of the primary academic supervisor, nor do they intervene in the programme content or the academic assessment process conducted by GlobalNxt University.

The research stage of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme continues to be delivered through a real-time online Live Class Direct™ model, where doctoral researchers study and work directly with supervisors from GlobalNxt University via a live online learning system. This model enables doctoral researchers to interact directly with international faculty members throughout the development of their research topics, the preparation of research proposals, and the completion of their dissertations.

 

The programme follows the principle of direct study with GlobalNxt University, without partnerships, franchising arrangements, or any intermediary organisations. As a result, doctoral researchers gain direct access to the original programme structure and the official academic standards of the university, ensuring transparency and consistency throughout the supervision and assessment process.

 

The Live Class Direct™ model also helps learners avoid risks associated with third parties, minimise issues related to unauthorised local classes, and ensure that the entire process of training, supervision, and academic assessment is conducted directly by GlobalNxt University in accordance with the programme regulations.

To proceed to Stage 2 – Doctoral Research and Dissertation, learners must successfully complete Stage 1 of the Doctoral Advanced Studies programme. Academic results at this stage must be fully completed and meet the programme’s academic assessment requirements.

 

In addition, learners must complete the External Quality Assurance (EQA) process in accordance with the standards of Ofqual UK Government awarding bodies. This process ensures that learning outcomes are verified and confirmed under an international quality assurance framework before learners progress to the research phase of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme.

Accredited & Recognized OF STAGE 1

About the awarding body – OTHM, an Ofqual-regulated UK Government Awarding Organisation

  • Institutional recognition: OTHM is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), the official education regulator of the UK Government. Ofqual recognition number: RN5284. View the official recognition information HERE.
  • Programme recognition: The OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is Ofqual-regulated under qualification code 603/6996/6. View the official recognition information HERE.

 

References:

  • Sample diploma and transcript of OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
    HERE
  • How to verify OTHM regulation and recognition: HERE

OTHM is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), the official education regulator of the UK Government. Ofqual recognition number: RN5284. View the official recognition information HERE.

The OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is Ofqual-regulated under qualification code 603/6996/6. View the official recognition information HERE.

References:

  • Sample diploma and transcript of OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
    HERE
  • How to verify OTHM regulation and recognition: HERE

After graduation, if required, learners may apply for the UK Qualification Reference Statement issued by an authorised representative of the UK Department for Education.

This document is the highest-level reference statement confirming the legal and academic status of a graduate’s qualification. It serves to authenticate, compare, and recognise the qualification level within the United Kingdom and is commonly used for professional, academic, and international competency evaluation purposes.

For the OTHM qualification (where the diploma indicates SIMI – Swiss Information and Management Institute as the programme provider and implementing institution), the qualification may be recognised and referenced at the highest level — RQF Level 8, with the following key information:

UK National Qualification Frameworks:

RQF Level 8 / SCQF Level 12 / CQFW Level 8

Information about the training provider:

The programme provider (training provider) is registered and regulated by Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) — the qualifications and examinations regulator under the UK Government.

Information about the qualification:

• Verification that the qualification is recognised in the United Kingdom within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 8.
• Confirmation that the entry requirement for the programme is a Master’s qualification or an equivalent qualification.
• Confirmation that the total learning and research workload is 1,800 hours.
• Confirmation that assessment is conducted through coursework and module-based assignments.

Use of the qualification for employment and further study in the United Kingdom:

This qualification demonstrates advanced leadership and management competence at the highest level within the UK professional competency framework. It opens opportunities for senior professional roles in management and leadership fields and also provides a pathway for progression to advanced research programmes at RQF Level 8, including PhD programmes within the UK higher education system.

As a qualification recognised at the national level in the United Kingdom, the OTHM Level 8 Diploma is positioned within the UK national qualification framework and is referenced against the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). This provides a reference basis for the recognition and evaluation of the qualification across European countries. For detailed information, please refer HERE.

According to the Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules (effective 2025), the minimum qualification level required for the UK Skilled Worker Visa has been raised to RQF Level 6.

The OTHM Level 8 qualification is recognised within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 8, and therefore exceeds the mandatory academic requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• See more details HERE

The OTHM Level 8 qualification (bearing the name of SIMI – Swiss Information and Management Institute) is recognised for employment in Switzerland without any additional procedures, as positions within the Business and Management group fall under non-regulated occupations that do not require a professional licence.

The Governments of Switzerland and the United Kingdom have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications, effective from 01/01/2025. Under this agreement, professional qualifications issued in either country may be submitted for recognition when applying for a professional licence in the other country, including professions that fall under the professionally regulated category—those requiring a licence to practise.

As a result, qualifications within the SwissUK™ education system—particularly programmes awarded by Ofqual Awarding Bodies—are eligible to be submitted as part of the initial application for recognition or for obtaining a new professional licence in Switzerland, in accordance with the mechanisms defined in the agreement.

References:

  • Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications from the UK Government: HERE
  • Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications from the Swiss Government: HERE
  • List of approximately 200 regulated professions requiring a professional licence under the Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement (qualifications within the SwissUK™ system—including those from Ofqual Awarding Bodies—are eligible for initial assessment according to the agreement): HERE

A qualification positioned within the UK national qualification framework (RQF) and referenced against the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) may be compared with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as a reference basis for qualification recognition and evaluation in Australia. See more details HERE.

The SwissUK™ Doctoral Practice Diploma in Business Administration Dual Qualification programme from SIMI Swiss integrates the UK Government-regulated national competency framework for the Senior Leader role (see more HERE). This integration not only enables learners to obtain a UK Government-recognised Level 8 national qualification but also offers the following advantages:

  • Learn the competencies employers need: Beyond theory, students develop full KSBs (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours) aligned with the UK Government occupational standard.
  • Easier competency verification for employment: Each Learning Outcome (LO) is mapped to professional criteria, enabling employers to assess and trust graduates’ abilities from the recruitment stage.
  • Enhance advanced strategic leadership capability: Equips learners to take on senior leadership, strategic management, and enterprise governance roles in a global environment.
  • Globally competitive earnings: Senior Leader roles have an average salary of £84,240 per year in the United Kingdom.
  • Internationally recognised employability profile: Competency standards are applied in multinational organisations, supporting global career mobility.
  • Reduced unemployment and career-misalignment risks: Learners can enter employment early through the staged recognition and awarding of national qualifications.
  • A strong advantage over traditional Doctoral programmes: While many graduates struggle to define their professional capabilities, SwissUK™ students graduate with a clear, internationally validated competency profile — and can fully evidence it.
Key advantage over traditional Doctoral programmes: While many graduates struggle to find direction after completing their studies, SwissUK™ students graduate with clearly defined professional competencies and the ability to demonstrate them confidently to employers.

Accredited & Recognized of Stage 2

GlobalNxt University is an international university in Malaysia, fully recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and the national quality assurance agency Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The university is listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) managed by the International Association of Universities (IAU). Its qualifications are accepted by credential evaluation organisations such as World Education Services (WES) and International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), supporting recognition for employment, further study, and immigration purposes.

With faculty members and learners from many countries, GlobalNxt University provides a diverse and international academic environment. The university is a member of several global academic networks, including the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), and the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU), reflecting its long-term commitment to quality, innovation, and collaboration in higher education.

Guided by the motto “Inspiratia e Doctrina” (Inspired by Knowledge), GlobalNxt University continues to expand the boundaries of modern higher education, providing flexible and high-quality learning opportunities with practical impact in an increasingly connected world.

2001: Founding as U21Global in Singapore

The university’s origins date back to June 2001, when it was founded in Singapore as U21Global — a groundbreaking joint venture between Universitas 21, a prestigious global network of research-intensive universities, and Thomson Learning (later Cengage Learning).

Founding member institutions of Universitas 21 included globally renowned universities such as the University of Melbourne, University of Nottingham, University of Virginia, and the National University of Singapore.

2012: Relocation to Malaysia and Formation of GlobalNxt University

In 2012, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia invited U21Global to relocate and re-establish itself in Malaysia, in support of the country’s ambition to become a global education hub.

This led to the transformation of U21Global into GlobalNxt University — a fully licensed Malaysian university headquartered in Kuala Lumpur.

The Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) has granted GlobalNxt University a university licence (University category) under licence number DU034(W). This confirms that GlobalNxt University is a higher education institution with full university authority within the Malaysian higher education system. See more: HERE.

All programmes offered by GlobalNxt University are accredited and recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), ensuring compliance with the national standards under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework for higher education.

GlobalNxt University is officially listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) — the global higher education database managed by the International Association of Universities (IAU) under the auspices of UNESCO, confirming the institution’s legitimacy and international recognition.

Qualifications awarded by GlobalNxt University are accepted for evaluation by World Education Services (WES), supporting credential recognition for purposes such as further study, immigration, and employment in North America, as well as in many other regions.

Qualifications awarded by GlobalNxt University are accepted for evaluation by the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), supporting the international mobility of graduates and facilitating academic recognition in many countries.

The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is an international credential assessment authority under the Government of Alberta, Canada. IQAS evaluates and compares foreign qualifications with the Canadian education system for purposes such as further study, immigration, and employment.

The fact that qualifications from GlobalNxt University are accepted for evaluation by IQAS means that the university’s qualifications are eligible to be considered within Canada’s international credential assessment process. The final evaluation outcome will depend on the individual application, the programme level, and the regulations in effect at the time of submission.

This contributes to enhancing the international flexibility of graduates, supporting opportunities for further study, employment, or immigration in Canada and other regions that recognise IQAS assessment results.

Frequently Asked Questions for Stage 1

Yes.

  • The OTHM qualification is part of the RQF and regulated by Ofqual, and it is recognised at the Doctorate Level within the UK education system.

 

References:

  • Official UK Government recognition assessment: HERE
  • Recognition of equivalency to a Doctorate’s degree in the UK and across Europe: HERE

Yes.

The SwissUK degree awarded by SIMI is recognised for employment in Switzerland without any additional procedures, as positions within the Business and Management group fall under non-regulated occupations that do not require a professional licence.

The Governments of Switzerland and the United Kingdom have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications, effective from 01/01/2025. Under this agreement, professional qualifications issued in either country may be submitted for recognition when applying for a professional licence in the other country, including professions that fall under the professionally regulated category—those requiring a licence to practise.

As a result, qualifications within the SwissUK™ education system—particularly programmes awarded by Ofqual Awarding Bodies—are eligible to be submitted as part of the initial application for recognition or for obtaining a new professional licence in Switzerland, in accordance with the mechanisms defined in the agreement.

References:

  • Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications from the UK Government: HERE
  • Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications from the Swiss Government: HERE
  • List of approximately 200 regulated professions requiring a professional licence under the Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement (qualifications within the SwissUK™ system—including those from Ofqual Awarding Bodies—are eligible for initial assessment according to the agreement): HERE

UK ENIC benchmarks RQF Level 8 at Band 14, which is equivalent to a Doctoral Level. See more details HERE

Yes.

According to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), RQF Level 8 is aligned with EQF Level 8. See more details HERE

Yes. It may be evaluated as equivalent to Postgraduate level, depending on the individual application, through:

  • CICIC (Canada)
  • WES (USA/Canada)

The final outcome depends on the purpose of the evaluation and the independent assessment conducted by these agencies. See more details HERE

Yes.

The qualification integrates the competency standards for the Senior leader – Occupational Code OCC0480 under the UK occupational framework. See more details HERE

According to labor market data from the United Kingdom, the average annual salary for the Business and administration group (which includes manager roles aligned with this programme) is £84,240 per year. See more details HERE

Yes.

According to the Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules (effective 2025), the minimum qualification level for the Skilled Worker Visa has been raised to RQF Level 6.

A qualification at RQF Level 8 exceeds the mandatory academic requirement.

  • See more details HERE

Yes.

As the programme is positioned at Level 8 (doctorate-level) but does not require a traditional doctoral thesis, learners may progress directly to the final stage of doctoral study at public universities in the United Kingdom or Europe, should they wish to pursue a Doctorate / PhD.

Common progression pathways include:

  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) across relevant specialisations;
  • PhD in fields such as Business, Management, International Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and related disciplines.

Reference: Recognition of RQF/EQF Level 8 as a Doctoral Level under international education standards. See more details: HERE

All qualification recognitions, top-ups, or transfers under the Swiss and UK education systems are subject to the specific policies of the receiving institution or relevant authority — verification should be conducted in advance where applicable.

You are recognised as having achieved RQF Level 8 (doctorate-level in terms of competence), as acknowledged by the UK education authorities, reflecting expert-level and executive-level professional capability in the workplace.

However, as this programme is not an academic or traditional professional doctorate (such as a PhD, DBA, or EdD) and does not require a doctoral thesis, graduates are not entitled to self-style themselves as “Doctor” or “Dr.” after graduation, unless such a title is explicitly conferred by a specific organisation, higher education institution, or authorised body in accordance with its own independent regulations.

Yes.

  • SIMI Swiss provides consular legalization services for its qualifications. See more HERE.
  • OTHM offers an online qualification verification system via QR Code. See more HERE.
  • The UK Department for Education confirms that OTHM qualifications (including those bearing the SIMI name) are officially recognised by the UK Government and mapped to RQF Level 8 / SCQF Level 12 / CQFW Level 8 (Doctorate Level)

The programme is designed at Level 8 (doctorate level) with an applied doctoral orientation, intended for professionals and senior managers working in large and multinational enterprises, focusing on advanced leadership and management competencies.

This is not a traditional doctoral programme (PhD/DBA/EdD) or a conventional academic doctorate. The programme is delivered entirely through coursework, focusing on practical modules and competency-based assessment, and does not require a doctoral dissertation. Therefore, the programme should not be interpreted or used as a full doctoral degree programme.

Information regarding the programme, qualifications, accreditation, and recognition is referenced from official sources of the UK Government, regulatory authorities, and relevant authorised organisations. These details are accurate at the time of publication but may change over time depending on the policies and regulations of the relevant authorities without prior notice.

Although recognition frameworks are generally developed based on transparency and clear regulatory systems, each country, ministry, department, or receiving authority may apply its own regulations when assessing and recognising qualifications. Therefore, learners are encouraged to independently verify information with the relevant authorities or receiving organisations before using the qualification for specific purposes.

In accordance with the principles of transparency and jurisdictional compliance, SIMI Swiss, OTHM, and related parties do not commit or represent any guarantee regarding qualification recognition, equivalency, immigration, or professional licensing in any country, ministry, department, or authority.

The above information is provided to ensure transparency and accuracy in public communication, in line with international practices for academic information disclosure. 

Frequently Asked Questions for Stage 2

  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from GlobalNxt University

GlobalNxt University is a higher education institution recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. Its programmes are delivered in accordance with the regulations of the Malaysian higher education system.

The programme is delivered under the quality assurance and accreditation system of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), the national quality assurance body responsible for supervising and ensuring the standards of higher education in Malaysia.

The ODL Visa (Open and Distance Learning Visa) is an academic visa for international students participating in online education programmes within the Malaysian higher education system.

The ODL Visa allows the learning process of doctoral researchers studying online to be registered and recognised within the national education management system of Malaysia. This ensures that the learning process is officially recognised in accordance with the regulations of the education authorities.

ODL programmes are designed to be delivered fully online. Doctoral researchers can participate in the programme from their country of residence, while their learning process remains registered within the Malaysian education system.

No. The ODL Visa is a specific regulatory mechanism designed for online education programmes. Unlike traditional student visas that require on-campus study, this visa is designed for distance learning and cross-border education models.

Yes. Through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) management system, doctoral researchers receive a Letter of Approval (LOA) confirming their participation in a programme within the Malaysian higher education system.

The ODL Visa enhances the transparency and legality of online programmes while confirming the learning process of doctoral researchers within the national education management system. This helps organisations and international partners verify the legitimacy of the programme.

 

Stage 2 is the academic research phase of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at GlobalNxt University. During this stage, doctoral researchers develop their research proposal and complete the doctoral dissertation under the supervision of international faculty from GlobalNxt University.

 

Doctoral researchers work directly with supervisors from GlobalNxt University. Supervisors are responsible for academic guidance, supporting the development of the research topic and methodology, and monitoring the progress of the dissertation.

 

Stage 2 is delivered through the Live Class Direct™ model, where doctoral researchers interact directly with their supervisors through real-time online classes and research supervision sessions.

No. Doctoral researchers study and work directly with GlobalNxt University. The programme is not delivered through franchising, delegated training, or intermediaries, ensuring access to the original programme and reducing risks associated with unauthorised local classes.

During this stage, doctoral researchers must complete two main components:

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Dissertation

Yes. In addition to international academic supervision, the programme may provide a local research support system to assist with online learning technical support, basic academic discussions, and document formatting according to programme standards.

No. Local support units provide only basic academic and technical support. Teaching, official academic supervision, and dissertation assessment are conducted entirely by GlobalNxt University.

Yes. Doctoral researchers may receive support in registering for the Student Visa ODL under Malaysian regulations, allowing the online learning process to be recorded within the national education management system.

After fulfilling all research requirements and successfully defending the dissertation in accordance with programme regulations, doctoral researchers may be awarded the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) qualification by GlobalNxt University.

The programme is designed at Level 8 (doctorate level) and follows an applied doctoral orientation, intended for professionals and senior executives working in large and multinational enterprises, with a focus on developing advanced leadership and management capabilities.

This is not a traditional doctoral programme (PhD/DBA/EdD) or a conventional academic doctorate. The programme is delivered entirely through coursework, focusing on practical modules and competency-based assessment, and does not require a doctoral dissertation. Therefore, the programme should not be interpreted or used as a full doctoral degree programme.

Information regarding the programme, qualifications, accreditation, and recognition is referenced from official sources of the UK Government, regulatory authorities, and relevant authorised organisations. These details are accurate at the time of publication but may change over time depending on the policies and regulations of the relevant authorities without prior notice.

Although recognition frameworks are generally developed on the basis of transparency and clear regulatory systems, each country, ministry, department, or receiving authority may apply its own regulations when assessing and recognising qualifications. Therefore, learners are encouraged to independently verify information with the relevant authorities or receiving organisations before using the qualification for specific purposes.

In accordance with the principles of transparency and jurisdictional compliance, SIMI Swiss, OTHM, and related parties do not commit or represent any guarantee regarding qualification recognition, equivalency, immigration, or professional licensing in any country, ministry, department, or authority.

The above information is provided to ensure transparency and accuracy in public communication, in line with international practices for academic information disclosure.

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