First and foremost, I do not agree that DBA is less tougher or easier than Phd. In pursuing DBA, students are required to further enhance or contribute to the body of knowledge.

If you want to find cheap fees, then go to local U. However, please be reminded that the failure is rampant, the rates of success applicant is very low due to these factors:

1. Lack of supervision

In local or public U, the lecturers may have to supervise several or many PHD candidates and on top of that, they have to give lectures to thousands of undergrads students. The morale is low, promotion is based on seniority, do you think they care about you??

2. No guidance or the candidate will lost in the middle of the Phd journey

The role of supervisor is undeniable. Even in DBA, a concrete theoretical framework is required in order to do your thesis. This is important for all Phd or DBA candidate and the input from the supervisor is critical.

So, if you want to really earn this degree (Phd or DBA), please go to private u that have links or collaboration with Overseas U. If u think u can succeed with minimal supervision from local U, then go ahead. This is not MBA or masters my friend, bear in mind that DBA or PHD requires a lot of attention and effort compared to MBA, MA or MSC. The gap is too wide.

However, private U, for instance City U in collaboration with Southern Cross U, Australia offers a fee of RM65k for the whole program.