Study a DBA in France

Our international DBA program focuses on high-quality research that bridges the gap between business and academia.

Designed for senior managers, consultants, and academics seeking to excel in applied research, this program offers participants the support necessary to publish scholarship that impacts business and society.

Participating in a world-class DBA program also opens new doors for professionals seeking to transition towards academic careers.

Come share with us your passion for solving real-world challenges.

The DBA Profile

Recruitment for this doctoral business program is on a worldwide basis. Our doctorate in business students come from a wide variety of countries and career backgrounds. Students may have experience in various areas of study such as the sciences, humanities, technical, and engineering fields.

Applicants have usually attained a high level of professional achievement and are either managers and executives with advanced degrees in business disciplines or professionally qualified instructors who work in business schools.

Program Highlights

Location:

The DBA France program from Grenoble is comprised of international cohort and is designed for seeking to expand their global network. Participants are invited to join our DBA USA cohort for three of the on-campus seminars in Grenoble & Paris, France. Online workshops & supervision are optimized for international schedules. This part-time, online, executive doctoral program can be completed while working.

Excellence in Research:

In addition to our triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), this top, accredited doctoral degree is an AACSB-recognized terminal degree for future faculty. With more than 1,400 intellectual contributions to business practices, our DBA alumni have created a significant impact in numerous fields. Our DBA is one of only 11 programs globally to be accredited by AMBA.

A Global Community of Scholars:

With DBA locations in France and the USA and 30 years of DBA experience, Grenoble Ecole de Management continues to build an active international network that includes more than 550 DBA alumni.

A Program Made for Experienced Managers:

The DBA program is organized into seminars, workshops, and research activities taking place on campus and online. Coursework and content are delivered according to a part-time schedule that meets the needs and constraints of working professionals.

Dedicated Services for DBA Students:

- Statistical and specialized software
- Extensive e-library services
- Business and social sciences databases
- Online scholarly and professional journals

Faculty & Supervision:

Our international faculty is comprised of industry experts and is strongly engaged in producing world-class research.
Benefit from the support of an experienced, research-active supervisor from Day 1 of the program.

Academic Directors

Doctoral School Director: Prof. Vassili Joannidès de Lautour
DBA France Academic Director: Prof. Dima Louis

A Word from the Academic Director

"The DBA journey is a life-changing and transforming experience. You will develop research, professional and personal skills that will allow you to make intellectual contributions to your field of research, and make a real managerial, organizational, and/or societal impact. You will learn from, and engage with our international research faculty members, in addition to developing long-lasting relationships with other students and members of our global alumni network. As a proud GEM DBA graduate myself, the DBA transformed my career and changed the way I approach both managerial and societal issues. I look forward to welcoming you to our DBA program, and to being part of your unique DBA journey". - Prof. Dima Louis, Academic Director - DBA France

Learn more about our faculty: 
Faculty Directory  

Faculty Publications

Curriculum

The Grenoble DBA program has a strong emphasis on Research Methodology. The curriculum allows students to tailor the program to their specific interests and career goals.

Required coursework includes (3) On-Campus Research Seminars, (1) Online Research Seminar, (8) Online Workshops, and is marked by qualifying deliverables and milestones over three years. Two of the on-campus seminars and all of the online workshops are held with our DBA USA cohort, allowing for excellent networking opportunities.

Download the Schedule for the DBA France 2023 Intake

(See dropdown menu for schedule)

Admission Requirements

Academic Qualifications
- Candidates should hold or expect to hold a Master's degree in management (MBA, MA, MSc, or equivalent) or in a related discipline from an accredited institution.

Professional Experience
- Candidates should have at least five years of professional managerial experience either pre- or post-master's degree.

Language Requirements
- All of the DBA workshops are conducted in English.
- GMAT or other English tests are not requested, however, English abilities will be evaluated by the Academic Director during the interview.

Acceptance to the Program
- Acceptance will be based on a preliminary interview with the Academic Director, in person or by video call/telephone call once all application materials have been received.
- Final decision will be made by an Admissions Board.

Application

The application platform for the 2023 intake will be made available from January 2023. Templates and guidelines can be found on the application platform. Questions? Contact us.

Apply Online 

Please use our application system to provide your complete information.

Required Application Documents
- Preliminary Research Proposal
- Motivational letter
- Updated CV
- Copies of diplomas and transcripts
- 2 references (when possible 1 academic/1 business referee). References are to be emailed to jinnie.hinderscheit@grenoble-em.com

Forms / Guidelines - 2023 Intake
- Forms and guidelines are available via the application system.

Rolling Application Deadlines
We have rolling application deadlines to allow for the Admissions Board to review candidatures on a monthly basis.
• Session 1: February 21
• Session 2: March 21
• Session 3: April 18
• Session 4: May 23
• Session 5: June 21 (Scholarship Deadline)
• Session 6: August 22

Notification and acceptance packages are generally sent about two weeks after each deadline. 

Program Start Date: November 13, 2023
(please note that the DBA has one intake per year)

Program Fees

DBA France – 50K € for 3 years: 

*A deposit of 50% of the (first year) tuition fee must be paid upon registration.
In addition to these fees, students are responsible for all travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs required to attend the program workshops.
Additional fees apply to 4+ years.

Financing your DBA

The DBA is a self-financed program. The tuition fees are divided into yearly payments for your convenience. We are a part-time, executive-level program and do not offer full-ride scholarships. We do, however, offer modest scholarships to early applicants based on their overall application and motivational essay.  

Talking to Your Employer about Sponsorship 
For many students, obtaining sponsorship from their organization is an option. Discuss with your employer how your enhanced skills and project goals could align with your company’s objectives. 

Scholarships 
Scholarships may be awarded to outstanding, self-funded applicants. The scholarships are in the amount of 5k euros total, divided over the 3-year program. 

To apply for the scholarship, please submit a one-page essay explaining why you would benefit from the scholarship and how the subject will contribute to your field and/or society. The scholarship request must be submitted along with your application documents for our Admissions board to review. Scholarships may be offered to early applicants only and not past June 19. 

Alumni: If you are a Grenoble Ecole de Management alumni (BIB, MSc, PGE, MIB, MBA), we offer a special discount on the DBA tuition fees. Contact us for information.

Visas

Please note that the DBA is a part-time program. Student visas are not required nor can we assist you with issuing a student visa. If you require a travel visa to attend the first seminar, please apply early.

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