Mobility of doctorate students

Jointly supervised thesis

Defined by the decree of January 6th 2005

• to strengthen the international dimension of doctorate schools
• to encourage the mobility of doctorate students in scientific and cultural aspects and
• to develop the scientific cooperation between French and foreign research groups

The PhD student will carry out their research under the direction of two supervisors, one from UPMC and the other from the foreign institution. They will spend alternating periods in each of the two institutions. The student is enrolled in both institutions but is exempt from fees in one of the two institutions.
The thesis will result in a single defence (viva) recognised by both institutions. On conclusion of the defence, the student will receive two degrees: a doctorate of UPMC and that of the partner institution.

At Pierre & Marie Curie University, the thesis will be followed in one of the 19 doctorates schools (19  Ecoles Doctorales).

The steps

A written agreement for a joint PhD thesis is required by the International Relations Office. The latter authorises the academic registration of the student to the Central Service for Education.
Students unable to attend during the registration period can register between early July and the 15th June of the academic year.

The following documents must be sent to the International Relations Office:

• A completed project agreement (available at the International Relations Office) in particular including: the thesis title, the name of the institution where the registration fees will be paid, indication of the title awarded by the foreign university.
• Schedules for the courses and stay in both institutions, prepared on a laboratory headed paper with the signature of both supervisors*.
• Agreed, dated and signed by the head of the graduate school
• Agreed, dated and signed by the head of the host laboratory in France
• Agreed, dated and signed by the French supervisor
• Agreed, dated and signed by the foreign supervisor (in French or English)
• Insurance certificate and French civil liability
• Proof must be provided if fees are imposed by the foreign university (Student card)
• If applicable, a scholarship certificate
• Copy of passport

* Schedule may be modified during the thesis
The request will be sent to the two signatory institutions of the thesis.

Financing

Students of French nationality: obtaining a scholarship or a research grant is identical to a classic thesis.
Students of foreign nationality: a joint PhD scholarship can be granted by the French Government, on applying at the French Embassy of your country of origin.

Defence

The defence jury of the thesis is designed by the legal authorities of the institution where the thesis is to be defended. The jury is composed of an equal representation from both institutions and in addition includes people from outside of these institutes. The number of the members of the jury can not exceed 8. The language in which the thesis is written is defined by the two involved institutions. When this language is not French, the thesis should be complemented by an extensive summary in French.

Contact Information

Direction des Relations Internationales
Mobility departement

Parvis de l’Université – Tour Centrale - 2eme étage- Bureau 209
4, place Jussieu 75252 Paris Cedex 05
Tel. 01 44 27 47 44  Fax. 01 44 27 26 80
patricia.zizzo@upmc.fr