Binational doctorates

A binational doctorate, als known as joint PhD and ‘cotutelle de thèse’, stands for a doctoral thesis researched, written and defended under the joint responsibility of two partner institutions. In concrete terms this means co-operation between the Technische Universität Dresden and another foreign higher education institution either within or outside Europe.

The terms of such co-operation are stated for each doctoral candidate individually in a cooperation agreement signed by the competend authorities two institutions, both co-supervisors and the doctoral candidate.

It is a prerequisite for a binational doctorate that the doctoral candidate has completed one or more research stays at the partner institution of a significant length.

After the successful conclusion of a binational doctorate, both univeristies award a doctoral degree confering two linked PhD certificates.

A binational doctorate offers the following advantages:

• Academic affiliation in two countries
• Realization of a bi-national research topic
• Formal proof of international mobility during the doctoral phase
• Possibly advantages concerning the labor market entry in the partner country

However, there are further aspects that need to  be taken into consideration:

• An individual bi-national doctorate might entail a high administrative burden
• Additional expenses during the research stays at the partner university might incure
• The duration of the doctorate might be prolonged.

An alternative to a bi-national doctorate is a regular doctorate at TUD with an external second supervisor from a foreign university

• One supervisor at TUD and one from a foreign HEI who mutually agree to support a bi-national doctorate
• Registration as a doctoral candidate at both universities
• Conclusion of an individual cooperation agreement between the two universities (you can find a template for such an agreement here), which recognizes the university regulations covering doctoral studies and the award of doctoral degrees of both universities
• In order to conclude a binational doctorate, research stays at both universities have to take place

• If you are interested in a bi-national doctorate – talk to your supervisor/s first!
• If you would like to start a bi-national doctorate – please contact the Graduate Academy, we are happy to advice and support you!
•  An individual cooperation agreement has to be signed by both universities and finalized by the time of the opening of the doctoral examination procedures at the latest. This agreement should be prepared in consultation by the Graduate Academy, the respective faculty at TU Dresden and the partner university. Please contact us as early as possible since the preparation of such an agreement might take several months.   
• The doctoral dissertation is to be written in one of the respective national languages or in English. A summary has to be prepared likewise. The doctoral defense, in turn, has to be performed in one of the national languages or in English.        
• The doctoral defense will take place only once  - either at TUD or at the partner university. At least two representatives of each university have to be part of the Doctoral Committee.