
Management — Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) (Thesis-based)
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, CanadaLocation
- Haskayne School of BusinessField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main CampusCampus
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)Awards
- $22,082Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The Haskayne Doctor of Business Administration will prepare graduates to address complex strategic and organizational challenges and to become thought-leaders in their field of interest. Developed for senior business leaders, the DBA is designed to build effective research, critical thinking and analytical skills required for the successful leading of organizations.
Read more
The Haskayne DBA combines graduate-level courses with a rigorous research component, including a thesis based on independent inquiry and under the guidance of a supervisor assigned at the start of the program. Upon graduation, students become practitioner-scholars and are equipped with the skills to make superior decisions for the benefit of their organizations through the application of scholarly knowledge and the use of evidence.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeThesis-based program
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
GPA: A minimum of 3.50 GPA on a 4.0 point system. | Minimum education: A post-baccalaureate degree (MBA or relevant business-focused Master’s degree). Students with credential in an area other than business may require to complete a qualifying period to gain general business background before beginning the doctoral course requirements. | Work experience: At least 10 years of management experience, including seven years at the senior management or executive level, or at least five years’ experience as lecturer/instructor in a relevant field in a college or university program. | Documents: • Current CV • Completion of a series of essays including a personal statement outlining objectives, intent and commitment to a research program | Reference letters: Two · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 59; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: The department or graduate program may waive the English proficiency-testing requirement in certain circumstances, such as the possession of a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from a recognised institution in which the language of instruction is English. Applicants are told to contact the graduate program to which they plan to apply. Source: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications, https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/pages/833465eb455d4f95aed3e67c017fcd04 · Application fee: CAD 145.00 for International Students (CAD 125.00 for Canadians or Permanent residents), paid when the online application is submitted. Source: Faculty of Graduate Studies Applying for grad studies, https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$22,082 CAD / year≈ $16,236 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsFull-time students registered in a graduate degree program are eligible for awards and financial assistance, and select awards are available for prospective students; applicants are encouraged to apply for awards at the same time as they apply for admission. The University states that international students are eligible for award applications that do not specify Canadian residency. Government student loans are limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons and American citizens. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: January 2026 Entry / Round 1: Deadline for completed applications, including all documentation (references, transcripts, etc.), is May 1, 2025 (decision by June 30, 2025). / Round 2: Deadline for completed applications, including all documentation (refer…
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Management — Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) (Thesis-based) cost?
CAD 22,082 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
4 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
GPA: A minimum of 3.50 GPA on a 4.0 point system. | Minimum education: A post-baccalaureate degree (MBA or relevant business-focused Master’s degree). Students with credential in an area other than business may require to complete a qualifying period to gain general business background before beginning the doctoral course requirements. | Work experience: At least 10 years of management experience, including seven years at the senior management or executive level, or at least five years’ experience as lecturer/instructor in a relevant field in a college or university program. | Documents: • Current CV • Completion of a series of essays including a personal statement outlining objectives, intent and commitment to a research program | Reference letters: Two · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 59; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: The department or graduate program may waive the English proficiency-testing requirement in certain circumstances, such as the possession of a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from a recognised institution in which the language of instruction is English. Applicants are told to contact the graduate program to which they plan to apply. Source: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications, https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/pages/833465eb455d4f95aed3e67c017fcd04 · Application fee: CAD 145.00 for International Students (CAD 125.00 for Canadians or Permanent residents), paid when the online application is submitted. Source: Faculty of Graduate Studies Applying for grad studies, https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply
Is there a scholarship?
Full-time students registered in a graduate degree program are eligible for awards and financial assistance, and select awards are available for prospective students; applicants are encouraged to apply for awards at the same time as they apply for admission. The University states that international students are eligible for award applications that do not specify Canadian residency. Government student loans are limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons and American citizens. Source View scholarship page
Is it accredited?
Business school accreditation — AACSB (institutional quality mark, NOT a licence to practise): AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
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