School of Business and Trade (SoBaT)
This post will take a look at the School of Business and Trade and a free online education which ultimately leads to a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies.
Important: I’m not affiliated with the school and don’t know where the qualifications will be accepted. I wrote this article because I think it’s a great idea that could help people.
Introduction to SoBaT
The School of Business and Trade (SoBaT) was established in 2013 “to promote education without boundaries and background“.
According to their website “Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, everyone has the right to education and it shall be equally accessible. SoBaT currently offers several qualifications to suit everyone interested in higher education.”
In addition to the obvious benefit of obtaining a free education in Business Studies, advanced English learners can gain an additional benefit of improving their general English and Business English vocabulary and understanding. Even if you decide not to take any exams, the material is still a great learning resource.
What is SoBaT?
SoBaT in an online institute that offers a self-study, quality online education. The courses are flexible and you can start at any time. Instead of the traditional way of studying for several years, you can study at your own pace.
The courses are open to students from all over the world.
How does SoBaT work?
There are six courses offered, each one leading on to the next. Unfortunately, you do have to start at the beginning. However, you can go straight to the exam if you think you don’t need to learn for a particular course.
This graphic shows the six courses, together with an overview of their respective contents.
Each module starts with an introductory video, followed by some extensive reading material. You will get lots of reading practice!
Whenever you feel like it, you can take the test. You can do this as many times as you like and your best score is used for your certification.
Once you have successfully completed one set of exams, you have achieved that particular diploma and can start the next course.
Who benefits from SoBaT?
As I mentioned earlier, this requires quite a high level of English language ability. For native speakers who want to study these business topics at their own pace, this is ideal.
As we’re more concerned with learning Business English here, this offer has an additional learning potential in terms of business understanding and vocabulary. You learn useful things and gain valuable information from the first diploma material, even if you have no intention of taking the exam.
Of course, passing the exam and moving on to the next diploma provides a much larger benefit, but the decision is yours.
What does SoBaT cost?
Currently, there is no tuition fee applicable and a computer generated course completion certificate can be downloaded from the course area free of charge after achieving the required grades.
However, if you wish to obtain a printed certificate of the qualification, there is a fee of £25 plus £10 for postage. This covers the manual admin work required.
School of Business and Trade – summary
SoBaT are doing something really cool. They believe in a free education and are actually doing something about it.
This isn’t a shoddy course, thrown together quickly – it’s a quality offering that beats many paid courses hands down.
A word of warning: although there is no time limit to complete anything, if you don’t log in for six months, you will be removed from the system. This isn’t really a negative, but I wanted to mention it. It would be a shame to lose all your progress due to being busy.
Does this interest you? Or have you been an active participant at SoBaT?
Please use the comments section to tell us about it.
share with me Email Address for school management
I would suggest looking on their website – I don’t have anything ‘special’. Sorry.
I am doing bachelor of Art in Social Science. I have done the 1st quiz and scored 41/50. I want to up this grade. 1) Can I submit first then re-do all questions? or 2) Do I re-do only the questions I have failed?
These are the sort of questions that are best directed at their support staff.
Great job Derek. Your post remains relevant till date. I’m really interested in their Master of Art in Social Sciences but I’m skeptical about the validity of the result especially as I’m looking to advance my education with the certificate.
Hi and thanks for your kind words. I would suggest asking the admissions office about their acceptance policies.
Hi, thank you very much Derek Smith,im one of the privaledged few to be among those persuing one of the courses that are offered by sobt.
As for me I think what really matters most is the quality of education one gets out of an institution not how famous an institution is, because during an interview for a job what employers really wants is to employ someone who will deliver or someone who knows what is supposed to be done in terms of knowing the job,I believe the candidate matters most than a white paper.so with the contents that so far I have acquired in the bachelor of science in business studies,cannot be compered with some paid degree programs from well known and accredited institutions. I have done a number of undergraduate certificates in business courses from accredited institutions,but when comparing with how they are offering the courses I found that sobt is the best in terms of quality education material.
I hope maybe on the aspect of accreditation,the school will do something in the near future to guarantee it’s students protection because it’s now known worldwide as one and the only so far doing such in the 21st century.
In conclusion I have no doubt in my mind that the qualification from sobt , will or can lead someone to a better job why because of the high quality of education one gets out of it,and when asked during a job interview talk about the contents you learnt.
Thanks for your interesting observations – I especially liked the part about using the interview to highlight this.
Hi, I just want to ask a question about Bacleors of Arts entry requirements : “None for the mature student over the age of 21”
This means that over 21 years old you can’t take this course or this means there are no qualification required if you are over 21?
My understanding of this is the second version – no entry requirements for over 21s.
Dear Derek
Thank you for this information. I’m planning to enroll in Master of Arts in Social Sciences though I do not have a bachelors degree. What are your thoughts? I am a freelance translator and I hope the masters will increase my job prospects. Additionally, I can only afford paying for one degree at graduation. Please share your ideas.
I’m not sure. If you check the syllabus and see what you will have to do, you should be able to make an informed decision.
I also do translation work and, to be honest, experience and reputation is more important than pieces of paper.
Just a thought and your mileage may vary!
Please is that School still available ? I Hope they have not closed Doors. Am planning to get my degree with them.
Yes, as far as I know, this is still available. They have redesigned the content and I realise that this post needs a major update.
Hello every one I’m a fourth year student doing a bachelor degree in business from an accreditated school and i had applied and completed the required units for master of science in business studies with sobat but i don’t know if i can still get my certificat after payement since i dont fullfil the entry requierement for MSBS
I would suggest asking sobat about this before making a payment.
Finish your bachelor’s degree first so you could have your bachelor’s degree certificate before making a payment to SoBaT’s MSBS.
Hello Derek,
Can you please tell me if I completing a master’s program from Sobat does it get Canadian masters equivalency?
Thank You.
I honestly have no idea – I can only suggest asking someone in Canada.
THey now offer Social Sciences degree options. which is a plus as well
Sounds interesting – thanks for the info.
Can we enroll anytime?
As far as I know, you can enroll at any time and start the courses at your convenience.
Nice and great content sir! Thank you for this inspirational content. In terms of accreditation, SoBaT (School of Business and Trade) and LIBS (London Institute of Business Studies) have the same e-learning platform indicating an “annual CPD assessments have been provided through the courtesy of European Association of Continuing Professional Development”. According to the e-learning platform of SoBaT and LIBS: “full course credits can be transferred to any of our affiliated institution towards your chosen programme”. SoBaT and LIBS are using the same course credits when you enrol to a program or certificate course. LIBS is a CPD accredited provider and the e-learning platform tells about their European Association of Continuing Professional Development so maybe we could consider SoBaT as CPD accredited also.
Many thanks for this information. I’m sure it will be useful for other learners.
Hello Bugoy,
I’m sorry to reply you after 2 years of your post…..but I’ve just discovered this site.
I need your help and I’d like to ask you where you have found this citation:
“annual CPD assessments have been provided through the courtesy of European Association of Continuing Professional Development”
Thanks in advance.
Antonio
Hi!
Will a degree from Sobat help me get a job?
Like is is valid?
If you’re in doubt, check with some potential employers and see what they say.
sir help me to find some graduate of this online school so that we can ask them if this is very useful?
Would anyone who completed any of these courses please add a comment about this please?
I would really love to go. I am in the United States. Is it legit? I hope so. I need info on payment for diploma. Like do they accept us dollars? I hope this school is not a scam!
It’s not a physical school – it’s all online. Also, there are only fees for getting a certificate, so nothing scammy.
I don’t mind if a school provides its program fully online, I like distance learning as well. However, all of this should be managed from somewhere, and looking at their website, it states that their head office is based in Switzerland. Of course, that would be good if that’s really the case. Can it be confirmed?
As far as I know, they are based in Switzerland. Please note that I’m not associated with them in any way – I only wrote the post because I think it’s a cool idea that could also benefit English language learners.
hello currently doing bachelor arts in social sciences and the only degree that offer free and online. im from malaysia and already hold several qualification such as diploma in engineering mechatronic from local college, just finish my advanced diploma wastewater treatment and recycling in alison empowering yourself (online). looking forward to earn knowledge and certification in bachelors degree in SoBat. im hoping to boost my career path. im currently work in a sewerage company and hold a position as a treatment supervisor so in future i hope with my bachelor obtain i can upgrade my position to an executive level.
Looks like you’re doing well – good luck and lots of fun with your future learning
I have been taking there courses for a year now and they are tough. Not easy at all. it can be worth it if you put in the work. I just hope it is legit, i am almost into getting my masters!
Education by any margin and means does not require only effort but extremely and categorically expensive. Recently, June 2020, registered on Master of Business Studies at SoBaT School of Business and Trade. My first impression: I can attest that modules are in depth, full length, robust and cover inclusive aspects broadly and in detail. My second impression: I am familiar with online learning, as far as I have browsed over online textbook. No extra supporting study material is needed, the online textbook does not take you to videos , websites, symposiums outside the learning material. My third impression: Is about recognition and accreditation. Swizerland Private Institutions do not require/ are not forced to be accredited unless the qualification is a specialization i.e Doctor of Surgery. But this does not mean compromise in quality and academic standards. It is up to the employer to decide the validity, credibility and standard of the degree/ diploma attained. A good example of Non-Recognized Non-Accredited institution is Mornash Business School in Switzerland but it has been conferring degrees up to Doctoral Program DBA / PhD. My fourth intake is that attaining a certificate whether through SoBaT / MOCC has no harm to an individual except sending a strong message to the employer about dedication for up-skilling and intentional willingness and drive for training and development and / Continuous Professional Development. My fifth intake is that SoBaT MSc in Business Studies on a plain level educational field can far out-battle out-weigh and surpass top tier Masters Degrees from well known Universities across the world. My last input, I hope SoBaT can in future develop intensive, for continuity purpose, a Doctoral Degree in Business Studies and/ Doctor in Business Administration DBA. (No direct entry/ enrollment. Requirement MSc in Business Studies from SoBaT). Gratitude and appreciation to SoBaT for vigorously, purposefully and systematically disrupting educational system with its affiliated institution London Institute of Business Studies. The day I discovered SoBaT I smiled uncontrollably all day long and became aware that education for all is not a pipe dream but a reality, phenomenon and momentum that exists.
Thanks for your detailed report. Interesting reading.
Salute Right Salute, Smith. Thanks for the informative article and snippet.
very encouraging. i m pursuing the BSBS,
Salute Right Salute, Stephen. Swot is the only way. A luta continua!!!
Very encouraging remarks.
Yes, I’m also here enrolled in the BSc in Business studies and can tell you with confidence that the learning resources are very rich in content, and outdo most of curriculum found at other accredited universities.
Thanks
Let’s press on.
Thanks
let us know sir if you already use it to find job and if its useful?
Hi Noli, I haven’t taken any of these courses so I can’t answer your question – sorry.
I want to ask questions and please answer in detail, is the program from the School of Business and Trade true and honest like a campus in general, and is this program also official and recognized in all countries? thanks
I can’t really answer your questions. I’m not affiliated with SoBaT – I only wrote about something that could be of interest to learners.
Very much encouraging. Thank you for this useful information
I completed SOBaT’s Professional Certificate in Communication (PCC 020) in May this year. The school had announced that the course would be scrapped as from June 30. So at least I finished before the scrapping of the course.
Now I have been trying, since July, to pay for my certificate; I have been emailing them on this, but have not received a single response.
What do you think I can do?
I’m not sure either – have you tried contacting them through social media? Gratz on completing the course!
I enrolled for SOBAT’s Master’s in Writing (OCW046). I am however concerned about how credible the course is and its overall quality.
Any help from here?
As far as I know (I’m not the official address for SOBAT), it is a respected qualification. The fact that you actually did something proactive and learned something is in itself a huge plus.
If you’re in an interview and they’re not sure what it is, talk about the content and what you gained in knowledge.
Please can someone help. I want to be enrolled into master in Business study. But I have not seen any space provided for the enrollment. Please where do I click to be enrolled.
Hi Frank,
I think you need to go here: https://sobat.org/master-of-science-in-business-studies and scroll down.
Hi Derek,
I did my Bachelors of Business Administration in an accredited university in Kenya, – KeMU.
I have started doing the Msc in Business Studies with the SoBaT. After my studies. Will I be given a printed copy of the transcripts and Certificate
Hi Julie,
I really can’t answer that question. You would have to contact them directly. If I remember correctly, you have to buy the certificates but it’s only a small fee to cover their cost.
I just enrolled for the graduate diploma in business studies.I noticed much requirements are not being needed, like you just need to be above the age of 18 to enroll which seems flexible but I don’t really understand what they mean by training provider while filling the form.
Hi, I’m not really sure which bit you mean. I’m not the SOBAT but only wrote a post about it – still happy to help if I can. Do you have a screenshot please?
It means where you get the information about them like the internet. Am also doing a graduate diploma program on business studies too. You can make enquiries about then on info@opencourseware.online
Training provider simply means, your formal school details, the name of your previous school attending, that issues your last qualifications. Or the school website.
Hi.
I started nibbling at my degree programme in business only last week. So far, I’m excited and impressed by the high quality of education offered. Being in a non-regulated profession, I forsee no reason why my current or future employer would not endorse my achievements. Thanks for the great opportunity, Sobat.
Hi Pule,
Glad you’re getting benefit from the courses. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the post.Having tried two online institutions that assures of tuition free but could not continue due to expensive exam processing fees,l think SoBaT is the way to dream realization.
Hi and thanks for your comments. Hope it works out for you.
Can SOBAT gain recognition (not necessarily accreditation) from the UN or advocate for similar status as the promoters of human rights -free access to education . This may be less costly than accreditation, and yet this move may also make their certificates/awards to students more recognized and widely accepted.
Hi and thanks for your comments/questions.
That is actually a good idea but I have no idea how to go about this.
Regardless of whether or not a diploma is accredited, i am sure there are a good number of employers who would recruit on the basis of job experience combined with continuing learning, which in my view makes sobat diploma of benefits to those already working in the industry. You would be improving your skills which can earn a promotion!
Absolutely! It shows initiative and interest, which should come across as a positive trait.
I already had a very good MBA and undergrad qualifications. My MBA was over 20 years old, and I wanted to refresh my skills so I did SoBaT. I managed to get the old Advanced Diploma of Finance and Accounting in before they changed the course, then did the BSc. I am currently completing the MSc.
These are online non-traditional courses, but they certainly are not a diploma mill. I found them to be hard work and it forced me to read textbooks and learn new concepts and ideas. The free online textbooks are excellent and the multiple choice exams are a challenge.
Pros
The courses are free – there is just a nominal charge to get your marks added to the registration database.
The content is excellent – if you want to learn something or refresh your knowledge, it is ideal. It would also be a good precursor to a traditional educational degree.
Cons
They are not accredited, and you will struggle to get them recognised for further study or Recognition of Prior Learning.
They won’t get you membership of professional bodies like accounting CPA, ACCA etc. Don’t even try.
It all depends what you do it for.
Hi Ross,
Many thanks for your excellent analysis and overview. I’m sure that will be a huge help for other readers.
Gratz on your progress!
Hello I’m seriously thinking of enrolling in SoBaT but I’m worried if the school us really valid? I’ve gone over their website and it doesn’t say anywhere that they are a degree granting institution. It just has an address in Switzerland. It does say they’re not dependent on any external organization which means they’re not accredited. I’m ok with that but my question is, can they really grant this degrees and are they valid or will I just waste my time? 🙁
Hi,
That is a really good question. I don’t represent the school, so I can’t answer directly.
You could contact them and ask them this same question. Alternatively, if you have access to a potential (or actual) employer, you could see if they have any opinion one way or the other.
Would be interested in the responses in both cases.
The main reason for including the school here is to give learners a free way to improve English. The fact that this is also in a business context is an added bonus.
If you take their courses with the aim of improving your English, then I would not consider that a waste of time.
However, if your main objective is to get a qualification that will get you a good job, I’m sure there are other options.
Like I said, good question. Thanks!
Thanks very much for the insight. I did some digging and found out that non-accredited private institutions are allowed to issue degrees in Switzerland on unregulated professions so the degrees may be valid themselves. Either way, free knowledge is always a good thing. May I also suggest to your readers to check out the free courses on The Open University UK. Lots of interesting free courses to improve their English plus you get a nice certificate after finishing each one. http://www.open.edu/openlearn/
Interesting information – thanks for sharing.
I’ll be sure to check out the OU. To be honest, I didn’t have them on the radar, even though they have been around for ever (when there were postal courses!).
Thanks for reminding me about them.
I agree re the Open Learning free courses – excellent content and totally free. I did about 30 of the free courses, obtaining a Statement of Completion for each one.
Again they are non accredited – you cannot use them as credit towards a BSc or whatever. (although some professional bodies will accept them as continuous professional development and you may be able to use them as secondary support for Recognition of Prior Learning).
Well worth doing.
Hi Ross,
Good point about being non accredited – still worthwhile doing though, as you said.
Hi,
I have completed everything but I think that you have to pay for the course now as there is no option to retrieve the certificate after you finish everything.
Grats on completing the course – well done.
I’ve just checked their website and I can’t see anything about a change like this. It still states that the courses are free and that the certificate requires payment.
If you’re having trouble getting your certificate I can only suggest contacting them to sort it out.
can masters degree of sobat be use to further PhD
I’m not sure – I suppose that would depend on where you want to take your PhD.
Best bet would be to just ask them if this would be an acceptable qualification.
I had my bsc already, can I proceed for my master degree in sobat
Hi,
As far as I know, there isn’t a shortcut through the qualification ‘ladder’.
Having said that, you can take the exam without doing the course, so if the course content is familiar to you, just do the exam.
I think this is the only way to shorten the whole thing.
Currently Sobat offers Bachelor of Science in Business. It has lots of good stuff to read and it’s free. Am half way through. Glad i can transfer credits from the old Sobat website. Love this!!
Hi, Thanks for your comments.
Good to know that the transfer was possible – enjoy the last part!
Great tip for those of us who wants to advance their career in consulting.
Hi Rumishael,
Thanks for your comment. Hope it helps you on your career path.
Great explanation of how the system of SoBaT works – it has a serious advantage than it is open to everyone in the world as you say. Costs are seriously reasonable also, I am not a member yet but this is something that can definitely help me in the future – thanks
Hi David,
Thanks for your comment. Would be interested to hear how you get on.
I really would love to study business courses and that also when you can do it at your own pace thanks for sharing this article.
Hi Alham,
Thanks for commenting. Glad you found the post useful – hope all goes well with the course.
Thanks for this info! On one of my next articles I will link back to your site to for educational resources! This really was a resource for me, thank you!
Hi Anita,
Thanks for your comments. I look forward to reading that article – would you send me the link please?
Hi Derek,
Most online courses usually charge you a fee. This is ideal for anyone who is interested in this type of training with very limited income.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Rosa,
Thanks for commenting. I agree, they are doing something really worthwhile – glad you found it useful.
I like online courses especially when you can work at your own pace.
Hi Helen,
Thanks for your comment – are there any courses you particularly liked?