Co-directed PhDs (Cotutelles)

COTUTELLE (jointly supervised) PhDs

 

 

If you are looking for international experience, would like to carry out your research in two associated laboratories, would be interested in having two PhD supervisors, you can do part of your PhD in France, thanks to the cotutelle programme. This procedure will allow you to obtain a doctorat from the University of the Mediterranean and the equivalent qualification from the partner institution, while defending only in one of the two countries.
Cotutelle PhDs are defined in a decree of 6th January 2005. This decree specifies the general conditions in which a cotutelle PhD must take place, and especially that a convention must be signed between the two universities. You may download the text of this convention from this web site.
 
 

How it works :

The doctoral student carries out his/her research under the supervision of two directors, one from the University of the Mediterranean and one from the partner institution. This work is done on alternating periods between each establishment. The student is enrolled in both universities but does not pay fees in both – this is specified in the convention.
A cotutelle PhD usually takes three years, but in exceptional circumstances an additional year may be accorded.
The PhD is only defended once, and this defence is recognised by both parties, giving the candidate a doctorat from the University of the Mediterranean and the equivalent qualification from the partner institution.
The defence panel is appointed by the appropriate authorities in the university where the defence is to take place, with the agreement of the partner institution. The panel is made up of equal numbers of examiners from both institutions and also includes examiners external to both institutions. The total number of examiners may not exceed eight.
The language used in the writing and defence of the PhD is defined by the convention between the two institutions. If this language is not French, a substantial summary in French is required.
 
 

Available Grants:

French students: the conditions are the same as those for a normal PhD.
Foreign students: a cotutelle grant may be awarded by the French government. You should apply to the French Embassy in your home country.
French and Foreign students: A grant of up to €5 100 per student per PhD may be awarded by the French Ministry of Research. Applications may be made by students currently enrolled in their first year of their PhD. The grant is awarded to the French institution as a doctoral mobility grant.
 
 

Full information on available grants can be found on the following sites:

Information about the Franco-Chinese, Franco-Brazilian and Franco-Japanese Doctoral Schools on the EGIDE site: http://www.egide.asso.fr/fr/programmes/bfe/collegesdoct/
 
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