Key information
Duration
- Part-time
- 36 months
- You can finish this program in as little as 3 years of study or take up to 7 years to complete all requirements.
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting September 2027
- Apply before Mar 2027
Language
English
TOEFL iBT: 80
Credits
21 alternative credits
Delivered
Online
- Fully structured
- Continuous support with feedback on request
- Online group works/assignments
Campus Location
- Athabasca, Canada
Disciplines
- Business Administration
Overview
The Business Administration program at Athabasca University focuses on researching practical business and managerial issues through knowledge building, critique, and the systematic application of relevant theories and research to management practice.
Features
- It is designed for those who want to make direct impact on their organizations, industry and communities through improved management practice. It is a research-based qualification with the same level of rigor and scholarship expected of any doctoral program.
Accreditation
Athabasca University is a member of The Executive DBA Council (EDBAC). EDBAC is an international association of thirty-five programs with a presence in thirteen countries.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Organizational Research
- Current Research
- Management Research in Practice
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Advanced Readings
- Dissertation Proposal/Preparation for Candidacy Exam
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
- GMAT: 550
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 80
Other requirements
General requirements
Applicants must have an MBA or equivalent master’s degree and at least 5 years of significant managerial and/or professional experience.
Applicants must also provide:
- a completed application form.
- a detailed resumé demonstrating five or more years of significant management and/or professional work experience.
- a 500 – 1000-word expression of research interests.
- 3 letters of reference, ideally from 2 professional and 1 academic source.
- official transcripts, sent directly to the Faculty of Business from the respective institution(s). Applicants with degrees obtained outside of North America may be required to have educational qualifications assessed independently (see International transcripts).
- evidence of a successfully completed university level statistics course.
- evidence of English language proficiency (see Proof of English language proficiency at end of this section).
- a non-refundable application fee.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
International
International tuition fees apply to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the study country. In some regions, like the EU/EEA, or under certain agreements, students from partner countries may also pay domestic fees.
Non-residents: 20,056 AUD / year ≈ 19,898 CAD / year
Domestic
Tuition fee for the domestic students.
Citizens or residents: 20,056 AUD / year ≈ 19,898 CAD / year
Funding
Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Business Administration.
Available scholarships include:
- AU Doctoral Level Student Bursaries — Grant 2500 CAD, Deadline 15 Oct 2026 (Athabasca University)
- Derrick Rowlandson Memorial Award — Grant, Various benefits, Deadline 30 Sep 2026 (Athabasca University)
- Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship — Grant 15000 CAD, Deadline Not specified (Athabasca University)
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Grant, Various benefits, Deadline 07 Oct 2026
- DFL Scholarship Program — Grant, Various benefits, Deadline Not specified
- International Peace Scholarship Fund — Grant 12500 USD, Deadline 15 Dec 2026
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship — Grant 50000 CAD, Deadline Not specified
- ACES Scholarships — Grant 3500 USD, Deadline 15 Nov 2026
- Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program — Grant 7000 CAD, Deadline 18 Nov 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 30 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Grant, Various benefits, Deadline Not specified
- Monthly Scholarship Series — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline Anytime
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) — Grant 12500 USD, Deadline 15 Dec 2026
- Niara Scholarships — Grant 500 CAD, Deadline Anytime
- Amberscholar Scholarship — Grant 6000 USD, Deadline 31 Jan 2027
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 31 Oct 2026
- Organization of American States Academic Scholarships Program — Grant, Various benefits, Deadline Not specified
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 01 Mar 2027
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 13 Jan 2027
- Traditional Fulbright Canada Student Awards — Grant 25000 USD, Deadline 10 Oct 2026
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Grant 3000 USD, Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP) — Grant, Various benefits, Deadline Not specified
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholarship — Grant 100000 CAD, Deadline Not specified
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Grant 1500 USD, Deadline Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Grant 12000 USD, Deadline 11 Jan 2027