Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start the process of supervising a joint doctoral student?
Please see the steps outlined above for the administrative steps towards a joint doctoral degree. In case of an individual joint doctoral degree, share and discuss the following information sheet with the candidate.
Why is the time to set up an individual agreement so lengthy?
The doctoral regulations vary from one country to another, and even within the faculties of our own university. Each agreement is therefore different. Both universities need time to negotiate the content of the agreement and draft provisions that work for both institutions to allow for a successful joint doctoral degree. The universities involved do often not have resources solely dedicated to the handling of joint doctoral degrees. Partner universities often require a version in their language in addition to the English version of the contract and this process also takes time, as all versions need to be checked for legal compliance in both countries. Due to high workload these legal checks are generally time-consuming.
What is the difference between a joint doctorate and a cotutelle?
In general, a joint doctorate has one single certificate, a cotutelle has two separate certificates, annoted to reflect the cotutelle enrolment. In most cases, the joint doctoral degree has a single examination process, a cotutelle may have two separate examination processes. However the Universität Hamburg regulations only allow for one single examination.
Additional information regarding Cotutelle de thèse on HRK’s website
Does the doctoral student need to pay the full fees at both universities?
The doctoral student needs to be enrolled at both universities during the whole doctorate, paying the fees at one university. Universität Hamburg does claim for Studierendenwerk Hamburg each semester a student semester contribution. This is not a fee the university charges but a contribution to different institutions (counselling for students, public transportation in Hamburg etc.). The doctoral student may reduce this fee for the semesters being spent at the partner university.
What possibilities for funding are open to joint doctoral students?
Normally costs generated by examination members of Universität Hamburg are funded by the involved faculty. For joint doctoral degrees with strategic and potential partners, the costs are funded by the Department of International Affairs.
Additional information about funding
The Deutsch-Französische Hochschule (DFH) supports German-French Cotutelles