Picture this: You’ve worked your way through the sweat, group projects, and PowerPoints of business school. Now you’ve got your MBA framed and hanging. Yet, something keeps nagging you. What’s next for someone who’s already ticked off one of the world’s most popular business qualifications? Turns out, there’s a level up from the MBA, and it’s not as mysterious (or unattainable) as you might think.
Why Look Beyond an MBA? What Drives Professionals Higher?
After the confetti settles on graduation, a lot of MBA grads get comfortable in corporate jobs, climbing ladders, and leading teams. But not everyone’s appetite for learning and growth is satisfied. Some get restless in the routines. Some crave deeper expertise, academic research, or a shot at shaping how businesses run at their core. Others want more credibility for consulting, teaching, or entering really niche leadership roles. And plenty hope for that rare alchemy: more skills plus a shinier CV equals better opportunities—think board positions or even policy-level influence.
Exploring what’s above an MBA isn’t just about prestige. It’s about what fits the dreams you keep putting off. Want to teach business students? Get into serious consulting or shape public policy? Or maybe you’re aiming to fix broken systems, scale companies, or solve wild problems no one in the C-suite can tackle alone. If any of that sounds like you, climbing higher up the academic ladder might just make sense.
Corporate South Africa is a living case study. Many top execs working in mining, finance, tech, or even NGOs took things further than an MBA, pursuing advanced programmes locally or overseas. They’re engineers-turned-business strategists, tech founders hungry for sharper research tools, and government folks determined to lead with both brains and heart. By 2025, more local universities and online platforms are catering to these ambitions—tailored doctorates, executive courses, and specialized business research tracks are more accessible than ever.
Degrees Above the MBA: PhD vs DBA vs Executive Education
Let’s get specific. The two main options above an MBA are the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business or Management and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). At first glance, they sound similar. Both are doctorates, both attract ambitious adults (often working full-time), and both open doors. The difference lies in the outcome and what you’ll spend your time doing.
A PhD in Business is research-intensive and academic. It’s for those who want to innovate, study a part of business nobody else has cracked, publish papers, and possibly teach at a university or policy institute. The PhD path isn’t easy. It usually takes 3-6 years, involves long nights with dense books and complex modelling, and demands discipline in writing and stats. You’ll end up contributing new knowledge to business as a field—so if you want to shape what future MBAs learn, this route has your name on it.
The DBA, on the other hand, is tailored toward seasoned practitioners. It’s less about abstract theories and more about solving real-world leadership or business problems using evidence. Think: a senior exec notices an industry-wide challenge, develops a research project, tests solutions, and rolls out findings that change how companies operate. The DBA lets you keep your day job while studying, which is popular with execs in Cape Town, Joburg, and London alike. Research shows that DBA grads are more likely to move into very senior management or advisory roles, while PhDs tend to lean into academia, think tanks, or policy.
Now, executive education is another beast. It’s not formally a degree, but it can upgrade your career fast. Reputable schools (like Harvard, INSEAD, GIBS, or UCT’s GSB) offer post-MBA certificates, advanced leadership courses, or specialized programmes (AI for executives, sustainable finance, etc.). Some even build custom executive tracks for companies, where you learn with your team. This might not give you a “Dr” title, but it keeps your skills razor-sharp and your mind open to new trends—critical for those aiming at lifelong career growth rather than formal academia.
Comparing the Paths: Requirements, Commitment, and Return on Investment
Doctoral degrees aren’t small commitments. The admission bar is higher, too: most DBA and PhD programs want you to have a good MBA, a solid career track, a research proposal, and sometimes recommendations from academic and work mentors. And yes, tests like the GMAT or GRE still pop up in some applications.
At places like the University of Cape Town GSB, Wits, or top US/UK business schools, you’ll find structured doctoral programs taking anywhere from three to seven years if done part-time. Most require a few on-campus residencies, lots of remote work, and several rounds of peer review before you can call yourself “Doctor.” In South Africa, tuition can run from R150,000 to R500,000+ depending on the program and how long you take. Overseas, the price can triple—but some top jobs or scholarships help with funding.
Wondering about flexibility? Many modern DBA and executive programs are online-first, with short intensive blocks for networking and hands-on projects. Online platforms have levelled the playing field, letting you access Harvard, MIT, or LBS content from your laptop in Sea Point or Sandton. But make no mistake, the work is serious. A typical doctoral thesis can run 80,000 words, with months of research, analysis, and writing.
ROI is tricky to measure. For university professors or researchers, a PhD is usually required—it’s the passport to a globetrotting academic life. For management consultants, board-level execs, or serial entrepreneurs, a DBA ticks the box for both research and real-world impact. If your company pays for your studies (some do, especially for high-potential leadership fast-tracks), the value skyrockets. Plus, in consulting and some policy roles, having “Dr” before your name means instant credibility.
Here’s something wild: About 1% of MBA grads worldwide actually go the extra mile for a business doctorate. The network is elite, but small, giving you access to rarefied circles—think international conferences, policy forums, or global research consortia. And while the stress can be real, so is the pride and the impact you make.
Tips, Myths, and Insider Advice for Going Higher Than an MBA
Not everyone is cut out for business doctorates. But if the challenge excites you, a few smart moves can make the journey smoother:
- Find your real motivation: Doctorates are long and demanding. If your heart isn’t in research or you just want a pay bump, it may not be worth it. Ask: Do I want to publish, teach, or consult at a higher level?
- Choose carefully between PhD and DBA: Higher degree than MBA programs all seem impressive, but if you want to stay close to industry and work on active problems, DBA suits you better. If you want to break new theory or become a professor, choose PhD.
- Research schools and faculty: Program reputation, supervisor match, and alumni network matter a lot. At local schools like UCT or Wits, business doctorates are well established, and their alumni feed straight into South African industry, government, and academia. Overseas options—if you can swing the cost—offer global brand value.
- Start building your research proposal early: Great doctorates begin with a burning question or unsolved challenge. Tackle something you genuinely care about, whether it’s green energy financing in Africa, fintech disruption, or ethical leadership.
- Networking is key: The people you meet in doctoral programs may shape your life for decades—collaborators, employers, even future co-authors. Attend conferences, publish early, and seek out online communities.
- Ignore the myths: You don’t need to be a maths genius or a hermit working in silence. Most modern business doctorates teach you the research skills you need—and support students with diverse backgrounds.
- Don’t discount executive education: If a full doctorate isn’t practical, short advanced courses keep you in the loop. Many top execs do leadership updates every few years rather than going all-in on formal study again.
- Plan for the grind: A doctorate (or even executive track) is as much about time management as brains. Block out hours for research, juggle work, and keep friends/family in the loop—they’ll need to be on your team.
So, what comes after an MBA? Turns out, more than you might have guessed. With the business world speeding up and skills quickly getting outdated, climbing higher—through research, teaching, or next-level executive training—can be the edge smart leaders need. Whether your eyes are set on the boardroom, the lecture hall, or consulting’s top ranks, going further than an MBA is less about letters after your name and more about what you do with the knowledge. The world is hungry for leaders who learn for life—will you answer the call?
