Frequently asked
questions and answers

The answers to the most common questions in a nutshell

About LIGS University & Accreditation

Where is LIGS University located?

LIGS University is a 100% online private university based and established in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. For the comfort of our students and applicants, mainly due to time zones, we have an office in Europe and study consultants and lecturers from all over the world.

Can I visit Hawaii offices and the graduation ceremony?

You can attend the graduation ceremony if you wish, however it is not mandatory. The graduation is held both live and online so you can attend even if you are not able to travel. The location and time are always announced in due time. You are welcome to attend our offices in Honolulu, Hawaii. As we are a 100% online university, we do not have a campus, only a few offices with enrollment and student advisor workers.

Recognition of the title from LIGS University

As a global online university, we do not have experience with the recognition in other countries (our students and graduates come from at least 75 countries), as the students need to manage that themselves (in compliance with the laws of their country).

Our students at LIGS University study for their personal development, to improve their professional knowledge, to take advantage of effective online education, and to become part of an international community. Their primary goal is not a recognized title in their country.

Recommendation: If your goal is to obtain a recognized title in your country, we cannot guarantee that and we recommend that you get informed at your local department of education before applying.

Which accreditations does LIGS University possess?

LIGS University is a private American university based in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA where it resides, operates and manages academic activities.

LIGS University operates in compliance with the Hawaii Revised Statues Act § 446E.

LIGS University believes that accreditation and certifications are a sign of credibility and quality, we are therefore proud to possess the highest status (Premier Status) for commendable areas of operation by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC).

What is the difference between apostille, nostrification and superlegalization?

The apostille is official authentication of the genuineness of the document for graduates in the countries of The Hague Convention.

Nostrification is a process or act of granting recognition to a degree from a foreign university.

Superlegalization is official authentication of genuineness of the document for graduates from the countries out of The Hague Convention.

The apostille and superlegalization are similar documents, the difference is for which countries it is determined.

Why should I choose to study online?

One of the best things about our online programs is that you can start at any time of the year. This lets busy students study anytime, anywhere, and from anywhere. So, you can tailor your studies to fit your schedule. The study follows the latest trends in professional education. It uses the latest communication technology. Once enrolled, all students can access our system. It includes an e-library, study materials, and e-tests. It also lets you attend webinars and get feedback from our tutors.

Here are some of the benefits of our programs:

High quality of lecturers – you’ll broaden your horizons by learning from professionals located all over the world,
Learning Management System – all information is at one place available from any kind of computer, tablet or mobile phone from all around the world.
Immediate benefit and combination with practice – knowledge and skills that are immediately applicable in your professional life
Online library – books and study materials included in tuition
Labor market competitiveness – study an online degree program and gain the lead in the labor market

About programs

What is the length of studies and is it possible to finish sooner or extend?

The length of your studies is individual. The programs are self-paced, but the average duration is 10 months for the MBA and 2-3 years for the DBA and PhD programs. The average duration is calculated on the assumption that average students have 4 hours a week for their studies.

You can choose a fast-track degree program and finish your studies earlier, and it is possible to prolong your studies for an extra year without charge.

Are the studies at LIGS University hard?

Regarding the difficulty of studies, it is of course necessary to meet the conditions of the chosen study program. However, a 100% online form of study is without the need to travel, and the option to customize the study plan can make the studies objectively simplified. Along with the emphasis on the personal approach we offer a possibility of faster completion and lower study cost compared to full time type of study.

The pace of your studies is entirely up to you. It is necessary to complete the compulsory requirements of your program. You can get as much knowledge as you wish from the materials provided. It all depends on your preferences.

How do the online studies work?

Our Interactive Online programs are 100% online and self-paced, so you can study whenever and wherever you are, and enroll practically any day of the year.

Upon enrollment all students are granted access to our Learning management system which includes an e-library, study materials, e-tests, gives you the opportunity to attend webinars, and receive individualized feedback from our lecturers. In order to conclude each module, you must submit a seminar paper and pass one e-test for each module.

During the whole program you work on your dissertation thesis (capstone project in case of master’s degree programs) and after completing all your academic duties you will defend the thesis in front of the board of opponents (defending your thesis is only required in case of doctoral programs). Over the duration of the whole degree program, you get constant support from LIGS University Student Services, meaning you can concentrate fully on your studies.

How are modules finished and what is the length of papers / capstone project / dissertation?

MBA:

Each MBA module ends with a test. You also write a paper on how to use the knowledge and skills you've gained. The final capstone project between 10,000 and 15,000 words. We verify the test taker's identity with a webcam. The test taker must have the webcam on only for the test. So, you can take the test with a computer that has a working webcam. You can take it anywhere with an internet connection.

Doctoral programs DBA or Ph.D.:

In doctoral programs, students must finish each module by writing a paper on how to use the knowledge and skills you've gained. The dissertation is between 30,000 and 50,000 words.

Which materials and literature do I need?

You do not need to purchase any books – upon enrollment, all students are granted access to a vast e-library with hundreds of books on Management, Marketing, Finance, etc. that you will use throughout your studies. You also get access to learning materials, e-learning courses by the LinkedIn Learning platform, our webinars and the opportunity to communicate with our accomplished lecturers.

About admissions process and ICAN membership

Is there a possibility of credit transfer to your university?

Yes, there is. If you have previously completed some degree courses, you can be exempted from 50% of the mandatory coursework based on the successful credit transfer, e.g. if the course content covered in your studies prior to enrolling at LIGS University matches with course content at LIGS University. (maximum is 6 courses in masters and 2 in doctoral programs)

Contact us, submit your application and provide us with the transcript and course syllabi, and we will get back to you.

What is the admission process in a nutshell?

Step 1: Join ICAN, the professional association. It's pays for your tuition as a member benefit.

Step 2: We'll send you a link to an application form. You'll complete it and attach the required documents.

Step 3: If you meet the admission requirements, you'll get your login details for the student system.

Then, you can start studying right away.

What are the entry requirements?

MBA admission requirements:

English language proficiency - (The educational videos are in English with the option of subtitles in many languages. Write all written outputs in English.)

University degree - The least of a Bachelor's degree.

You need some documents for admission. They are: a copy of your highest educational qualifications and your transcript of records. Also, a professional CV, a photo, and proof of identity. Applicant uploads required files using the application's digital attachment tool.

International Career Advancement Network (ICAN) Membership - ICAN pays for tuition. It's a benefit of membership in the professional association ICAN.

Access to computer technology - Computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.


DBA or Ph.D. admission requirements:

English language proficiency - (The educational videos are in English with the option of subtitles in many languages. Write all written outputs in English.)

University degree - Master's or Engineering degree or equivalent. In case of DBA studies, at least five years of management experience.

You need some documents for admission. They are: a copy of your highest educational qualifications and your transcript of records. Also, a professional CV, a photo, and proof of identity. Applicant uploads required files using the application's digital attachment tool.

International Career Advancement Network (ICAN) Membership - ICAN pays for tuition. It's a benefit of membership in the professional association ICAN.

Access to computer technology - Computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.

Membership in the professional association ICAN

To study at LIGS University, you must join International Career Advancement Network (ICAN). ICAN pays your tuition, and you must meet your program's admission requirements.
ICAN brings together professionals worldwide to promote networking, collaboration, and development. These are critical to success today.
To get paid to study at LIGS University, meet the admission requirements. Then, choose the right ICAN membership. For MBA studies, it's Advanced or Professional. For DBA or Ph.D. studies, choose Professional. You will then get a link to the study form. Just fill in to start studying immediately. You can study for free at LIGS University.
ICAN membership brings you many benefits. These include access to webinars, an online video library with over 20,000 courses, and more perks.
For more information about membership click here.

About the difference between DBA and Ph.D.

What is the difference between DBA and Ph.D.?

DBA focuses on theoretical knowledge that can be applied to the practice of business and business management. In order to be able to enroll into DBA students have to have managerial work experience. A DBA degree will equip the student with working knowledge based on the latest business research, theories, and trends. This degree not only makes the student an expert in his field, but results in a tangible set of management and decision-making skills that may qualify him for senior-level leadership positions and new career opportunities. It also provides advanced skills that are necessary for conducting real-world quantitative and qualitative research and publishing in research publications.

Ph.D. is a research degree usually for candidates who aim to pursue a career in academia, as researchers and professors and conduct research that contributes to knowledge or theory in a certain field. Ph.D. degree is in general more suitable for students in earlier stages of their career with focus on research in a specific topic. In regards to dissertation, students usually select a research project of theoretical value to the academic environment.

DBA and Ph.D. studies "by Publication" form

What does the "by Publication" form of doctoral study mean?


DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) or Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) by Publication is an opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree based on your previously published research papers. You will add a commentary to these texts that links the texts and explains the continuity of the texts and their contribution to the issue under study. You will defend your dissertation prepared in this way before the examining committee.

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