The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)

ISC Paris Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) is a degree-awarding program designed at the nexus of academia and practice. This program bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling participants to drive meaningful change in their organizations and industries.

The key points

  • Admissions requirements Applicants must have five years of university-level study and minimum 5 years of professional experience
  • Level Equivalent to a Bac + 8 in the French system; 180 ECTS credits
  • Accreditations EDBAC
  • Languages 100% in English
  • Schedule Appropriate for working professionals
  • Length 36 month
  • Tuition 13000€ for the 1rst year ; 7000€ for the 2nd year ; 7000€ for the 3rd year
  • Next start date January 2026 or May 2026
  • Campus Paris

What is a DBA?

Why pursue a DBA at ISC Paris?

In an era of unprecedented complexity and rapid evolution, leaders must be equipped to navigate and drive change. The program’s focus on transformation, based on cutting-edge research, prepares executives to become agents of change, capable of steering their organizations through digital disruption, sustainability challenges, and evolving market dynamics.

ISC Paris DBA program offers a unique triple transformation focus:

  • Deepening participants’ understanding of transformation theories
  • Developing their skills to lead organizational and societal change
  • Embarking on a transformative journey at both professional and personal levels

Who should join the ISC Paris DBA community?​

The ISC Paris DBA program is designed for experienced professionals and senior managers who are ready to take their careers to the next level. Ideal candidates for the program include:

  • Professionals with a Master’s degree in management, business, or a related field, and at least 5 years of professional experience in leadership or management roles.
  • Exceptionally experienced professionals with a Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of professional experience, who demonstrate a strong interest in research and a commitment to advancing their knowledge.

 

This program is perfect for individuals who:

  • Are passionate about acquiring in-depth knowledge and advanced research skills to address complex business challenges.
  • Seek to lead transformative change in their organizations and industries.
  • Aspire to bridge the gap between academic rigor and practical application to become thought leaders in their fields.

If you are looking to combine academic rigor with practical application to become a thought leader in your field, the ISC Paris DBA program is your next step​.

DBA curriculum

The ISC Paris DBA program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining the flexibility of online learning with the richness of in-person interactions.​

  • Year 1: Coursework is structured around a mix of residential workshops in Paris and online courses, allowing participants to balance their professional commitments with academic progress.​
  • Years 2 & 3: Thesis work is supported through personalized supervision, with opportunities for residential periods in Paris and online masterclasses to deepen your research and refine your findings.​

​The first year of the ISC Paris DBA program consists of 155 hours of coursework, designed to provide participants with a strong foundation in research methodologies and advanced management concepts. Upon successful completion, participants earn the Certificate of Research in Business Administration, along with 60 ECTS credits.

Program learning outcomes

Upon completing the ISC Paris DBA, graduates will be able to:

  • Leverage management theories to develop innovative solutions for organizational and societal challenges.
  • Use advanced research methods to address complex management issues.
  • Generate original insights to tackle emerging challenges in business and society.
  • Communicate research findings effectively to academic and professional audiences.
  • Conduct ethical research that promotes responsible management and sustainable transformation.

Data about the 2020-2021 DBA class at the Paris campus

  • Satisfaction rate (academic year 2020-2021): 100% (Results from the annual satisfaction survey completed by three out of 10 students, July 2021).
  • Student success rate: in progress, no graduating class this year
  • Six-month career placement rate: in progress, no graduating class this year
  • Dropout rate (2020/2021): 16.7% (two out of 12 students)

Alumni Testimonials

A word from the DBA director

In an increasingly complex world shaped by the rise of AI and multifaceted global challenges, managers must develop advanced analytical and research skills to navigate change and drive innovation. These skills are essential not only for maintaining their own competitiveness but also for driving the success of their organizations. The ISC Paris DBA program equips professionals with the tools to critically assess and address these challenges and generate impactful knowledge. It empowers them to lead transformative change within their organizations and industries, and ultimately, across society as a whole.

Nabil GHANTOUS, DBA program director.

Our faculty

The DBA program is supported by ISC Paris 50 permanent faculty members, each with a strong research track record in diverse fields, including marketing, HRM, entrepreneurship, finance, information systems, and international business. ​

Our faculty members are internationally recognized for their academic contributions and practical expertise, ensuring that DBA candidates benefit from cutting-edge research and insights. This diverse and experienced team provides personalized guidance throughout the program, empowering participants to produce impactful research and drive meaningful transformation in their organizations and industries.​

Two-step admissions process

01.
Online application

The application includes a cover letter indicating your motivation for pursuing this program, a detailed CV, a copy of your highest or most recent university diploma, and your score on an online English proficiency test.

  1. Fill in the application form
  2. Send to rmarinho@iscparis.com
02.
Interview

Applicants are interviewed in person or remotely.

No application fee.

What are the costs for the DBA?

  • Year 1: 13 000 euros
  • Year 2:  7 000 euros
  • Year 3: 7 000 euros
For students outside the European Union, reduction corresponding to 10% of the amount of tuition fees for the coming year if:
  • DBA Back to school JANUARY 2026: registration finalized and payment of the deposit before OCTOBER 2025
  • Terms: Reductions will be deducted from the last payment for the current year.

A question about
the programme?

Campus Paris
Rui MARINHO
Admissions recruiter
(+33) (0)1 40 53 79 05
rmarinho@iscparis.com
Make an appointment