The application deadline for the DBA program is March 31 each year. The application materials (see Application Form for detailed information) will be reviewed immediately after the application deadline, by both the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Silpakorn University. When meeting the formal requirements, you will be interviewed by the Admission Board (please review the sub-section Admission Board). The interview will take place on campus in Lucerne whenever possible (to avoid a long journey to Lucerne, specifically for international candidates, conducting the interview via Zoom or Teams is also possible). For dates and times of the Admission Board Interviews , see sub-section Dates and Venues. The interview is conducted based on the application materials submitted. The purpose of the interview is to evaluate the fit of your application with the DBA program. You will receive final confirmation of your admission approximately one week after your interview.
Applications admitted to the program enroll as students at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Applicants do not immediately enroll as students of Silpakorn University; formal admission to Silpakorn University will take place while attending the Joint Study Weeks Bangkok (Core Module 'Academic Excellence'; candidates will be informed in time about the documents to take to Bangkok for the admission process at Silpakorn University).
The prices and installments to be paid to the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts are:
- Core Module 'Professional Excellence' - CAS International Management = CHF 8´900
- Core Module 'Academic Excellence' = CHF 6´900
- Module 'Focus A' = depending on the CAS chosen; see respective CAS-websites for prices. When credit for other academic qualifications can be granted for Module 'Focus A', no additional costs will be charged.
- Module 'Focus B' = CHF 1´900
- Module 'Proposal' = CHF 5´300
The tuition fees at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts are invoiced as follows: (1) for the CAS-programs selected (Core Module 'Professional Excellence' & Module 'Focus A') according to the information provided on the respective CAS-websites; (2) for the Modules 'Academic Excellence' and Modul 'Focus B' in full, approximately six weeks prior to attendance; (3) for the Module 'Proposal' in full approximately six weeks after the application deadline of the DBA program (annually on March 31st).
Total tuition fees paid to Silpakorn University are US$ 15,350. The tuition fees have to be paid under the following terms and conditions: (a) after formal application to Silpakorn University during the Joint Study Weeks Bangkok (Core Module 'Academic Excellence'), an invoice for the sum of US$ 10,000 will be issued and sent by email to the DBA candidate; the payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date; (b) after passing the Qualifying Examination (QE) and the Thesis Proposal Defense, DBA candidates are required to pay the remaining US$ 5,350 within 60 days.
In case the DBA candidate needs to extend the DBA program period beyond the standard study period of three years after admission to Silpakorn University, the extension fees are US$ 2,500 per year for the years four and five.
In case of a withdrawal from the DBA program, all tuition fees already paid are not refundable.
Tuition fees cover all program components, registrations fees, and instructional material fees. However, DBA candidates are responsible for individual expenses, such as accommodation, meals, immigration and/or visa fees (if any), overseas health insurance and travel expenses.
