Cotutelle
The path to a binational degree
The Bologna Process and the general internationalization of the higher education sector will further increase the importance of cotutelle models of doctoral training. Within structured doctoral programs, cotutelle procedures will become an important link between the cooperating graduate centers. In this way, cotutelle models contribute to the further internationalization of doctoral training.
The PhDnet offers its doctoral students the opportunity to obtain their doctoral degree as part of a cotutelle procedure. The University of Graz awards these degrees in cooperation with one of the six partner universities: Giessen, Bergamo, Helsinki, Lisbon, Stockholm or Warwick. The two universities involved in the cotutelle procedure assume equal responsibility for supervising and examining the doctoral students; they fully recognize the coursework and examinations completed at the other university.
A cotutelle procedure offers doctoral candidates a number of advantages
- early networking in two countries and their education systems at the same time
- the freedom to choose between two countries and their labor markets
- optimal preparation for an international career
- a link to the country in which your own research interests lie
Supervision by professors both in Austria and at an international partner university enables our doctoral students to gain valuable experience with two research cultures and higher education systems at the same time. PhDnet doctoral candidates thus acquire crucial skills that are not limited to improved foreign language skills and intercultural competence. We see transnational doctoral programs as the key to opening up new and fulfilling career paths for doctoral candidates.