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

Promotion

Delivery

Job Listings

Awarding

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

STAGE 1: OTHM LEVEL 8 DIPLOMA

Stage 1 is the study phase covering specialised business and management modules at Level 8 under the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The programme focuses on developing strategic leadership capability, advanced managerial thinking, applied research skills, and the ability to address complex organisational and business challenges.

 

Upon successful completion of this stage, learners may be awarded the OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. The qualification is awarded by OTHM, with Swiss Information and Management Institute named on the qualification certificate.

 

Depending on the orientation for Stage 2, learners may be guided to develop preliminary research directions through research-related modules. This process helps identify a suitable research field and establish an academic foundation for Stage 2 — the doctoral research and dissertation development stage.

 

A. Mandatory Modules (100 UK Credits)

  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):

These modules provide research foundations to support preliminary research development and preparation for Stage 2 — doctoral research and dissertation development.

  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 programme, learners may access an academic support system designed to facilitate their learning experience in an international online learning environment. This support system is provided by local support partners in a technical and basic academic support role, helping learners adapt to programme requirements and maintain study progress.

 

Support may include technical assistance for online learning, clarification of assignment requirements, guidance on assignment formatting in accordance with programme standards, and support in checking academic integrity-related matters before submission.

 

It should be noted that local support partners provide only technical and basic academic support. These partners do not organise training, participate in teaching, interfere with programme content, participate in academic assessment, or make decisions on learning outcomes. All local support activities are provided free of charge to help learners study more smoothly in an international learning environment.

Stage 1 is delivered through an online real-time Live Class model, where learners study and interact directly with lecturers from Swiss Information and Management Institute 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 Swiss Information and Management Institute, 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.

Admission through the typical route:

  • Applicants must be over 24 years of age;
  • A Master’s degree in any discipline from an accredited university;
  • Or a Level 7 qualification under the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) or an equivalent qualification.

 

Admission through the special route:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree;
  • Be at least 35 years old with 10 or more years of management experience; or
  • Be at least 30 years old with 5 or more years of experience in a C-level or equivalent leadership experience (e.g. CEO, CFO, CHRO, CPO, Managing Director, Executive Director position within the organization)
  • Pass the APEL.A assessment route (support provided).

 

English Requirements:

  • 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

ODL Student Approval – Official Confirmation of Online Study

 

Learners enrolled in the ODL programme at the GlobalNxt University research stage may be registered within the Malaysian higher education system through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), subject to applicable requirements and approval procedures.

 

This is not only an administrative procedure, but also an official confirmation that the learner’s online study arrangement is processed through the relevant Malaysian higher education channels. It helps support transparency, regulatory compliance, and confidence in the academic and administrative framework of the programme.

In Stage 2, learners enter the research phase of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at GlobalNxt University. During this stage, doctoral students 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, doctoral students will be guided to complete:

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Dissertation

During the research stage of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme, doctoral students study directly with faculty members from GlobalNxt University and are guided by academic supervisors with experience in research and management. Supervisors support doctoral students throughout the research process, including developing research topics, refining research proposals, selecting appropriate research methodologies, and completing the dissertation in accordance with the academic standards of the programme.

 

In addition to the 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, general academic 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 research methodology and dissertation structure, and assistance in reviewing elements related to academic integrity before submission.

 

This support system is designed to help doctoral students maintain research progress, reduce challenges during the research process, and support timely dissertation progress. Local support activities are limited to technical and general academic assistance only. They do not replace the role of the official academic supervisor, nor do they intervene in 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 students study and work directly with supervisors from GlobalNxt University via a live online learning system. This model enables doctoral students to interact directly with 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 intermediary organisations. As a result, doctoral students gain direct access to the original programme structure and the official academic standards of the university, helping ensure transparency and consistency throughout the supervision and assessment process.

 

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

To proceed to Stage 2 – Doctoral Research and Dissertation, learners must successfully complete Stage 1, which comprises the OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. 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 the relevant Ofqual-regulated awarding body. This process helps verify and confirm learning outcomes under an external quality assurance framework before learners progress to the research stage of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme.

Accreditation & Recognition 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 an Ofqual-regulated qualification within the United Kingdom qualifications framework, the OTHM Level 8 Diploma is referenced against the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). This provides a reference point for the evaluation and comparability of the qualification across European countries. For detailed information, please refer HERE.

The OTHM Level 8 qualification, with Swiss Information and Management Institute named as the delivery institution, may be submitted for WES credential evaluation for academic, professional, or immigration-related assessment in the United States and Canada. For further details, please refer HERE.

According to the Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules (effective 2025), eligible Skilled Worker roles are generally aligned to RQF Level 6 or above.

The OTHM Level 8 qualification is positioned at RQF Level 8 within the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework and may therefore be relevant within the broader academic and skills context of the UK Skilled Worker Visa framework. Visa eligibility remains subject to applicable immigration requirements and approval criteria.

• See more details HERE

The OTHM Level 8 qualification, with Swiss Information and Management Institute named on the qualification certificate as the delivery institution, may be used in employment and professional contexts in Switzerland, particularly in non-regulated fields such as Business and Management, where a professional licence is generally not required.

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, certain professional qualifications issued in either country may be submitted for assessment when applying for professional recognition or licensing procedures in the other country, subject to applicable regulations and competent authority requirements.

As a result, qualifications awarded by Ofqual-regulated awarding bodies may be relevant within the broader framework of professional qualification assessment and recognition procedures in Switzerland.

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 regulated professions under the Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement: HERE

Qualifications positioned within the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) may be benchmarked against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as a basis for assessing qualification recognition in Australia. For further details, please refer HERE.

Stage 1 of the SwissUK® programme structure, through the OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, is aligned with the UK Senior Leader occupational standard (See more HERE). This alignment not only enables learners to complete an Ofqual-regulated Level 8 qualification, subject to successful completion, but also helps learners:

 

  • 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.

Accreditation & Recognition of Stage 2

GlobalNxt University is a private university in Malaysia recognised within Malaysia’s higher education and quality assurance system, including the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

 

The university is listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), managed by the International Association of Universities (IAU). GlobalNxt University qualifications may be submitted to credential evaluation organisations such as World Education Services (WES) and the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), subject to the policies, documentation requirements, and assessment outcomes of each organisation. Such evaluations may support employment, further study, or immigration-related purposes where applicable; however, final recognition decisions remain subject to the receiving authority, institution, employer, or immigration body.

 

With faculty members and learners from many countries, GlobalNxt University provides a diverse and international academic environment. The university is associated with international academic networks and organisations, including the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), and the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU). Any institutional membership should be verified against the relevant organisation’s current membership records before publication.

 

Guided by the motto “Inspirati a Doctrina”, GlobalNxt University continues to provide flexible and quality learning opportunities with practical relevance in an increasingly connected world.

 

2001 – Founding as U21Global in Singapore

U21Global was established in Singapore in June 2001 as a joint venture between Universitas 21 and Thomson Learning, later known as Cengage Learning. It represented an early model of global online education.

 

Universitas 21 is a global network of research-intensive universities, historically including institutions such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Nottingham, the University of Virginia, and the National University of Singapore. This historical background is provided for institutional context only and should not be interpreted as a current award, endorsement, partnership, or academic involvement by any Universitas 21 member university.

 

2012 – Relocation to Malaysia and Formation of GlobalNxt University

In 2012, U21Global relocated to Malaysia and was re-established as GlobalNxt University in support of Malaysia’s ambition to become a global education hub. Since then, GlobalNxt University has operated as a licensed and recognised 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.

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.

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 OTHM Level 8 qualification, with Swiss Information and Management Institute named on the qualification certificate as the delivery institution, may be used in employment and professional contexts in Switzerland, particularly in non-regulated fields such as Business and Management, where a professional licence is generally not required.

 

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, certain professional qualifications issued in either country may be submitted for assessment when applying for professional recognition or licensing procedures in the other country, subject to applicable regulations and competent authority requirements.

 

As a result, qualifications awarded by Ofqual-regulated awarding bodies may be relevant within the broader framework of professional qualification assessment and recognition procedures in Switzerland.

 

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 regulated professions under the Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition 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.

  • 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 Swiss Information and Management Institute 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, Swiss Information and Management Institute, 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

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.

ODL Student Approval refers to the process through which eligible international students in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes may be registered within the Malaysian higher education system through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), subject to applicable regulations and approval requirements.

Students may receive a Letter of Approval (LOA) issued through EMGS, confirming their admission and official registration within Malaysia’s higher education management system.

  • Registration of online study within the national higher education system
  • Increased confidence when using the qualification
  • Confirmation that the programme follows Malaysian regulatory requirements
  • Added value for working in an international environment

No. It is not a traditional entry visa. It is an official study confirmation within Malaysia’s national higher education system for online learning.

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

Doctoral students work directly with academic supervisors from GlobalNxt University. Supervisors provide academic guidance, support the development of the research topic and methodology, and monitor dissertation progress.

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

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

During this stage, doctoral students 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 partners provide only basic academic and technical support. Teaching, official academic supervision, and dissertation assessment are conducted entirely by GlobalNxt University.

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

Information regarding the programme, qualification, accreditation, and recognition is referenced from official sources of the Malaysian Government, regulatory bodies, and relevant competent authorities. The information is accurate at the time of publication but may change over time in accordance with the policies and regulations of the relevant authorities without prior notice.

 

Although recognition, mutual recognition, and equivalency arrangements may be based on clear and transparent frameworks, each country, ministry, sector, or receiving authority may apply its own requirements when assessing and recognising qualifications. Therefore, learners are encouraged to verify information directly with the relevant receiving authority or organisation before using the qualification for any specific purpose.

 

In accordance with the principles of transparency and jurisdictional compliance, Swiss Information and Management Institute, OTHM, GlobalNxt University, and related parties do not make any commitment or guarantee regarding qualification recognition, equivalency recognition, residency, immigration outcomes, employment outcomes, or professional licensing in any country, ministry, sector, or authority.

 

The above information is intended to support honest and transparent public communication, in line with international standards and practices in academic communication.

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