Admission to the DBA

Admission to the DBA

Admission into the UAEU DBA program will be selective in nature. A critical requirement is that admitted students be capable of undertaking doctoral-level activities. A DBA Admissions Committee, consisting of faculty members of the CBE along with the DBA Program Coordinator, will evaluate each applicant to determine their suitability for admission to the course.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements for admission to the DBA Program at UAEU.

• A Master’s Degree from an accredited university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in an area appropriate to the academic area to which application is being made.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent, in the Master’s degree earned at an accredited university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
• A score of 6.0 or higher on the IELTS Academic exam or equivalent; this score must be less than two years old at the time of application and from our approved Centers (please contact Admissions for validation).
• A minimum of five years of combined relevant work experience at executive/management level pre- or post-Master’s.
  Important Dates

  • 31 March 2025 Application Deadline
  • August 2025 Cohort 16 orientation and registration begin
  • August 2025 classes begin for Fall 2025 semester.

  Apply Online

  Complete the DBA Application in its entire
  

  • Online Application

  2. Upload your:

  • Essay of Motivation, written in academic English and referenced as appropriate (approximately 1,000 words)
  • Three letters of recommendation (PDF) signed and stamped, with referee contact-information listed
    • At least one academic reference
    • At least one professional reference
    • One more of your choice from the above
  • Official IELTS score of overall band 6.0 or higher (or equivalent)
    • NOTE: The language of instruction in the DBA program is English.  As such, we stress the necessity of English language mastery for success in the program.  While the DBA Admissions Committee require a minimum of 6.0 on the IELTS, potential students should strive to achieve higher.   

  3. Identification

  • Copy of your passport and visa
  • Copy of your Emirates ID
  • Passport photo (soft copy)
  • Copy of Family book. (Khulasat Al-Qaid)  

  4. Educational Background

  • Copy of Bachelor’s Degree Certificate
    • Degrees earned outside the UAE require an equivalency letter from the Ministry of Higher education and Scientific Research
  • Bachelor’s Degree Transcript, minimum 3.0 GPA
    • OFFICIAL Transcripts must be provided to the University for Admission
  • Copy of your Master’s Degree Certificate (must be in a business-related field)
    • All degrees earned at private institutions within the UAE and all degrees earned outside the UAE require an equivalency letter from the Ministry of Higher education and Scientific Research
  • Master’s Degree Transcript, minimum 3.0 GPA
    • OFFICIAL Transcripts must be provided to the University for Admission.

  5. Professional Experience

  • Most recent CV.
  • Certificate of Service showing at least five years of managerial experience (for UAE residents and nationals).

  6. Pay the Application Fee

  • 200 AED 

  Interview

  Interview

  After submitting all of the required materials, the DBA Admissions Committee screens and ranks all applicants. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview with the Committee. During the interview, Committee members will be assessing candidates primarily on the following criteria:

  • English Language Proficiency; an ability to articulate thoughts in a coherent and logical manner
  • Conscientiousness; an ability to show self-discipline, goal-oriented, demonstrates a commitment to learning
  • Critical thought; demonstrates how professional work experience and previous research could relate to the DBA program

  All candidates will be formally notified via email of their status.

  Classes are scheduled to begin in August 2025.