Joint doctorate

A cotutelle doctoral research project is developed with a foreign institution authorized to award doctorates.

It includes a subject, funding (either French or foreign), two (or three) co-supervisors, and two (or three) diplomas or a joint diploma. Mobility grants may be provided to facilitate travel.

The principles of the international cotutelle thesis are as follows :

The thesis work is carried out in two (or three) laboratories, one attached to SU's ED 398 and the second (or third) in a laboratory at the partner university.

Doctoral students carry out their research work under the responsibility of a thesis director in each of the institutions concerned, who carry out their supervisory duties in collaboration with each other,

Preparation for the doctorate is carried out in alternating periods at the different institutions concerned, according to a balanced timetable and procedures defined in the cotutelle agreement,

Each year, doctoral students enrol in 2 (or 3) higher education establishments: one in France, the second (or third) abroad,

The thesis is defended at one of the signatory institutions, in accordance with the rules established in the cotutelle agreement.

The doctor obtains either two or three doctoral degrees from the signatory institutions or one joint degree. The diploma reflects the status of international co-supervision.

Setting up an international cotutelle/Mise en place de la cotutelle internationale

Once your application is accepted, you may download the Cotutelle application form.

Once all parties have validated your application, send it to the Cotutelle Unit.  

After the application has been validated, the drafting of the proposed cotutelle agreement will commence.

You will then register for your doctorate at SU as you normally would.

hosting agreement procedure :

Cotutelle form/Formulaire de Cotutelle

International co-directorship application form/Formulaire de demande de co-direction internationale