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Management Programmes

Doctor of International Business Management (DIBM)

MAIN INTAKE

January,
May,
September

CAMPUS

Flexible learning format
for Malaysian professionals

and/or

full-time, on-site programme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
for For non-Malaysian nationals

DURATION

Minimum:
36 months

Maximum:
48 months

STUDY MODE

Blended Learning

and/or

Onsite

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION

English
Arabic/English
Bahasa (Malay)/English
Vietnamese/English
Burmese/English

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Overview
Entry Requirements
Career-Relevant Outcomes
Fees

Doctor of International Business Management (DIBM) Programme - Delivered by Vision University College in collaboration with La Xenia International Institute of Switzerland

DIBM Programme is a structured doctoral programme combining advanced coursework and a supervised dissertation.

The DIBM develops advanced understanding in international business, leadership, and global markets, combining academic depth with practical relevance.

Includes Global Executive Business Week – Switzerland

Key areas of study include:

    • International Trade and Policy
    • Cross-Cultural Leadership
    • Global Marketing
    • Global Supply Chain and Trade
    • Research Methodology
    • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
    • Dissertation

Next Application Deadline: 

  • International Students:  as per academic calendar
  • EU/Swiss Students: as per academic calendar

Classes begin: as per academic calendar

 

Entry Requirements

    • A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in a related field as accepted by the Senate; OR
    • A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in a non-related field as accepted by the Senate, subject to relevant working experience and a rigorous internal assessment; OR
    • A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in a non-related field as accepted by the Senate without relevant working experience, subject to passing prerequisite courses; OR
    • Other qualifications equivalent to a Doctoral Degree (MQF Level 8) recognised by the Government of Malaysia.

For International Students

    • Achieve a minimum Band 4 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) or its equivalent to the Common European
    • Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – Mid B2.

Career-Relevant Outcomes

The programme supports progression into senior leadership roles, enhances professional credibility through the “Dr.” title, and provides a pathway into lecturing or academic engagement.

Fees

Flexible learning format / full-time, on-site programme

Fees apply for 2026 intake

Fees in Ringgit (RM)

Doctor of International Business Management (DIBM)

Vision University College in collaboration
with La Xenia International Institute of Switzerland
Total Tuition Fee 

RM 32,000

Covering the full duration of the doctorate, including academic supervision
and the Global Executive Business Week – Switzerland.

 

A structured instalment plan is available:

    • RM1,000 per month over 32 months

This allows participants to manage the cost progressively while continuing their professional commitments.

Eligible Malaysian candidates may also utilise EPF to support tuition payments.

For further details regarding fees, please visit Tuition & Fees.

Global Executive Business Week – Switzerland

A 1-week international experience combining business seminars, executive networking, and curated exposure in Switzerland.

This experience is included as part of the programme and forms an integral component of the overall learning journey. It provides participants with exposure to international business environments while complementing the academic structure of the doctorate.

Working

Participants benefit from:

    • Business-focused seminars
    • Executive-level networking opportunities
    • Exposure to international business environments
    • A curated experience in Switzerland

 

Who This Programme Is For

For experienced professionals preparing for their next level.

The DIBM is designed for professionals who seek to deepen their expertise, strengthen their professional standing, and achieve doctoral-level recognition while continuing their careers.

This programme is suitable for:

Senior managers and executives
Entrepreneurs and business owners
Academics and aspiring lecturers
Professionals progressing toward advisory or board-level roles

Why This Doctorate Stands Apart

 

2-in-1 Doctoral Award

Receive two doctoral awards through a single programme:

  • Vision University College (Malaysia)
  • La Xenia International Institute (Switzerland)

The programme is academically delivered by Vision University College, with La Xenia contributing to the international Switzerland component.

 

Structured for Working Professionals

Flexible learning format with regular live sessions and structured module deadlines.

Designed to support professionals balancing work and study, while maintaining clear academic progression and accountability.

 

 

Personalised Supervision

1-to-1 dissertation supervision with structured academic guidance throughout the programme.

Each student is supported by a dedicated supervisor to ensure progress, clarity, and research quality from the early stages through to completion.

 

 

Limited Cohort Experience

Limited cohort sizes ensure personalised supervision and meaningful academic interaction.

 

 

 

Career-Relevant Outcomes

The programme supports progression into senior leadership roles, enhances professional credibility through the “Dr.” title, and provides a pathway into lecturing or academic engagement.

 

Dissertation & Academic Support

A supervised dissertation addressing real-world international business challenges.

Students complete a dissertation of approximately 80,000 to 100,000 words, focusing on applied research in areas such as global strategy, policy, and international markets.

Supervision is structured and continuous, supporting students throughout the research process.

Flexible Learning Format

Designed to fit around professional responsibilities.

The programme combines live sessions with recorded learning, allowing participants to manage their time while maintaining regular academic engagement.

Part-time study typically requires approximately 8 hours per week.

Assessment Approach

A structured and guided assessment approach, designed to ensure both academic rigor and practical understanding.

Assessment includes end-of-semester academic discussions conducted live, allowing students to demonstrate understanding and engagement with their work.

Faculty & Academic Environment

Experienced academics and industry practitioners with doctoral-level qualifications.

The programme is delivered within a structured academic environment, ensuring both credibility and relevance to real-world business practice.

Doctor of International Business Management (DIBM)

Programme Structure

Students must successfully complete:  11 courses + 1 dissertation

YEAR 1

Courses

Overview of International Business

International Trade and Policy

Cross-Cultural Management and Global Leadership

Global Marketing

Global Supply Chain and International Trade Management

Organizational Power, Politics, Culture and Conflict

Drivers of Globalization

Doctoral Seminar in Business

Advanced Research Methodology

Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation

 

YEAR 2

Courses

Talent Acquisition and Development

 

Dissertation

YEAR 3

 

Dissertation

Assessment

It is a 100% coursework-based programme with no final examination required. Candidates are required to complete a dissertation of 80,000 to 100,000 words on a topic related to international business management.

Note:  The courses listed above for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and meet industry needs as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to the courses – if this occurs, we will contact all registered students as soon as possible.

Important Information for International Applicants

This programme is currently structured to support Malaysian professionals through a flexible learning format.

For non-Malaysian nationals, the Doctor of International Business Management (DIBM) is available as a full-time, on-site programme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

International applicants are required to:

    • Reside in Malaysia for the duration of their studies
    • Obtain the appropriate student visa (EMGS)
    • Attend classes and academic activities on campus

This ensures compliance with Malaysian higher education regulations and allows international students to fully participate in the academic environment and supervision process.

Prospective international candidates are encouraged to contact the admissions team for guidance on visa requirements, programme structure, and application procedures.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Take the next step toward doctoral-level recognition.

Whether your goal is leadership advancement, professional credibility, or academic progression, the DIBM provides a structured pathway designed for experienced professionals.