FAQs

The normal duration for the DBS Programme is three year full-time and the maximum period of study is five years.

The application period generally starts on 1 October and ends on 30 June of the following year. Applications are processed on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged. 

The tuition fee of the 2026-27 cohort is HK$738,000 for all students (to be paid in two installment).

Usually the commencement date of the DBS courses is late August to early September.

Each taught course consists of 42 contact hours, delivered either three hours per week over 14 weeks or in an intensive format to accommodate students’ busy schedules and instructors’ availability. 

The medium of instruction is English.

The DBS is a three-year full-time programme.  Students are required to complete a total of 12 courses (30 credits), comprising 10 core and 2 elective courses, and a doctoral thesis (40,000 – 60,000 words) and successfully pass an oral examination to obtain an additional 30 credits.  Each taught course consists of 42 contact hours, delivered either three hours per week over 14 weeks or in an intensive mode. 

To be eligible for entry into DBS programmme , applicants should hold a master's degree in business or equivalent from a recognized tertiary institution; or have other qualifications and experience, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Applicants must have achieved good academic performance. 

An applicant whose degree is not from a tertiary institution in Hong Kong or an English-speaking country should obtain:

(a)   a minimum score of 79 (internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or

(b)  a band score of 6.0 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Applicants who do not fulfil the above language requirements but have an equivalent score in a recognized test, or an equivalent qualification assessment to prove their language proficiency may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, after completion of your online submission and payment, you still can submit any additional supporting materials by email to: [email protected] and send the original copy of recommendation letters by post on or before the application deadline.

Applications to DBS programme should be submitted via the University's Online Application System here.

The selection process will begin as soon as we receive your completed application materials and confidential recommendation forms. Applicants will be required to attend an interview (via online) conducted by the Programme Director of DBS Programme  and one more faculty member.

If you encounter a firewall issue, you may need to use another computer or a different network to try again. Alternatively, you might have selected the wrong "document type" when uploading your ID card/passport or transcript/certificate online. In that case, you should remove the files and re-upload them, ensuring you choose the correct document type.

For any questions, please email [email protected].

Students will be considered automatically for the scholarships based on their academic merits and services.

Taught doctoral students are not eligible for on-campus hostel accommodation at Lingnan University.  However, students can refer to the Office of Student Affairs’ website (https://www.ln.edu.hk/osa/hostel/accommodation-self-funded-postgraduate) for rental tips, guidelines, information on registered property agencies, and student tips on renting off-campus accommodation.

DBS Programme Office
SEK308/4, 3/F, Simon and Eleanor Kwok Building
Lingnan University
Tuen Mun, Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2616 7344
Email: [email protected]