Providing Quality Education Since 2001

DBA via RPL

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

 
 

TURN YOUR EXPERIENCE INTO QUALIFICATION!

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

In 12 months via RPL*


Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Exclusively delivered by TIMES Global Education

Degree Awarded by European International University (EIU–Paris)
a QS 5-Star rated university, with programmatic accreditation from ACBSP (USA).


INTRODUCTION

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a prestigious, accelerated doctoral route tailored for highly experienced senior managers, executives, entrepreneurs and business leaders. Delivered exclusively by TIMES Global Education, this pathway formally recognises your professional expertise, career achievements and leadership contributions, converting relevant workplace learning, executive practice and professional development into academic credit so you don’t repeat what you have already mastered.

This evidence-based RPL route combines a careful assessment of prior learning (portfolio review and assessed outputs) with targeted research supervision and competency workshops, enabling eligible candidates to complete their DBA in as little as 12 months. On successful completion you will be awarded the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) by European International University (EIU–Paris).

Purpose of RPL
TIMES Global Education and EIU–Paris introduced the RPL route to widen access to higher education and to recognise learning gained outside formal classrooms — including workplace experience, professional training and informal learning. RPL promotes lifelong learning by validating outcomes from employment, volunteering and continuing professional development so those outcomes can count toward formal qualifications.

Key Benefits

  • Fast-track completion by recognising formal, non-formal and informal learning.

  • Evidence-based assessment tailored for senior professionals (portfolio, interview, research outputs).

  • Focused doctoral supervision and research competency support to ensure academic rigour.


ENTRY REQUIREMENT

Entry into the DBA via RPL requires a minimum of 20 years of relevant working experience, demonstrating senior-level responsibilities, leadership capacity, and substantial professional accomplishments.

Applicants are also expected to provide supporting evidence of their career achievements and prior learning (such as CV, references, certifications, or training records) and demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas effectively for professional and research purposes.


Why Choose TIMES’ DBA via RPL?

  • Complete your DBA in just 12 months via RPL.

  • 1-to-1 mentorship with an experienced Research Supervisor.

  • Globally recognised degree from EIU–Paris, QS 5-Star rated and ACBSP-accredited.

  • Write your DBA Dissertation in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Bahasa Indonesia.

  • Attend a 5-day Doctorate Research Competency Workshop – venues rotate between Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang, held annually in March, July, and November.

  • Accelerated pathway that recognises your managerial and leadership expertise.


The Importance of a Doctorate Qualification

In today’s competitive world, holding a Doctor of Business Administration is not just an academic achievement—it is a mark of professional distinction. A DBA:

  • Demonstrates your expertise in applying research to solve complex business challenges.

  • Enhances your credibility, influence, and leadership profile.

  • Positions you as a thought leader capable of driving organizational transformation.

  • Expands your professional and academic opportunities globally.


DBA Admission via RPL Pathway

Students who are admitted into the DBA degree program through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway will have their qualifications and professional experiences assessed by our RPL Evaluation Committee. Based on the assessment, the committee may grant exemptions from some of the following courses:

  • Strategic Decision-Making for Business Growth

  • Human Capital Development & Organizational Transformation

  • Leadership for Organizational Success & Growth

  • Ethics, Corporate Responsibility & Sustainable Business Models

  • Practical Financial Strategies for Managers


In addition, all DBA candidates are required to attend a 5-day Doctorate Research Competency Workshop, which provides essential research knowledge, skills, and methodologies to enable them to successfully complete their doctoral studies.


Step-by-Step RPL & DBA Completion Process

Step 1 – Eligibility Check

  • Minimum 20 years of relevant working experience in managerial or supervisory roles.Provide your CV and supporting documents (employment letters, references, portfolio).

Step 2 – RPL Application & Documentation

  • Complete the RPL application form.Submit evidence of professional achievements: training records, certifications, project reports.

Step 3 – Experience Mapping to Academic Outcomes

  • Assessors evaluate your work experience against the DBA program learning outcomes.Relevant professional knowledge and skills are credited toward degree requirements.

Step 4 – Individual Learning Plan (ILP)

  • Receive a personalised study plan for any remaining coursework.Includes timelines for assignments, readings, and workshop classes attendance.

Step 5 – Doctorate Research Competency Workshop

  • Attend a 5-day Research Competency Workshop (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Penang; March, July, or November).

Step 6 – Dissertation Supervision

  • Continue with 1-to-1 mentorship under a qualified and experienced Research Supervisor.

Step 7 – Final Assessment & Degree Award

  • Complete applied research and successfully defend your dissertation.

  • Receive the DBA degree from EIU–Paris.


Additional Program Policy

If a doctorate student fails to complete their research within 12 months from the date they attend the Research Competency Workshop, they will be required to pay a USD 600 Research Supervisor Fee for continued supervision. This fee is valid for an additional 12 months.


Tuition Fee & Incidental Expenses

Item Amount (USD) Notes
DBA Tuition Fee 6,900 Can be paid in two instalments:
• USD 3,600 upon enrolment
• USD 3,600 before Viva Oral Defence or within 12 months of enrolment
Registration Fee 300 One-time, non-refundable
RPL Assessment Fee 300 Covers evaluation of work experience and credit mapping
Research Workshop 290 Includes lunch, coffee breaks, and lecture notes (accommodation not included)
Research Supervisor Extension Fee* 600 Applicable if research not completed within 12 months from workshop date
Total Estimated Cost 7,790 Travel and accommodation NOT included;
*extension fee applies only if needed

OUR PARTNER UNIVERSITY

EIU-Paris – A QS Rated 5 Star University

We are excited to share that our esteemed partner, European International University (EIU-Paris), has recently been awarded a prestigious 5-star rating by the QS university rating system. This significant accomplishment underscores EIU-Paris's steadfast commitment to academic excellence and student success.

As we continue our collaboration with EIU-Paris to offer innovative and high-quality educational programs, this recognition further reinforces our dedication to providing our students with unparalleled learning opportunities.


Legalization of your degree by the French government

Your DBA degree from European International University (EIU-Paris) can be authorized by the French government and then validated by your country's embassy in Paris. This validation process, called legalization, confirms the authenticity of your EIU-Paris degree, allowing it to be recognized as legally valid in other countries.

See sample below:

EIU-Paris Attestation Sample pg1

EIU-Paris Attestation Sample pg2

 

Key Highlights at a Glance

  • Fast-track 12-month DBA via RPL.

  • Exclusive delivery by TIMES Global Education.

  • Awarded by EIU–Paris, QS 5-Star rated and ACBSP-accredited.

  • Flexible dissertation language options.

  • One-to-one supervision by experienced research experts.

  • Global workshop venues in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang.

  • Flexible payment plan for tuition fees.