Cotutelle de thèse

A cotutelle de thèse is determined by the fact that doctoral candidates are enrolled at two universities ("partner universities") of different European countries and thus undergoe a joint doctoral process according to the respective regulations. Only one dissertation is submitted for joint evaluation by the partner universities. The cotutelle requires the conclusion of an individual cooperation agreement.

A cotutelle differs from co-supervision, which can be organized in a much simpler manner. In agreement with the first supervisor and in compliance with the applicable doctoral regulations, a doctoral candidate may arrange for a second or third supervisor from a qualified person at another Swiss or foreign university. This supervisory arrangement is documented in the doctoral agreement. The co-supervisor then becomes a member of the doctoral committee. However, the doctoral degree is awarded solely by the University of Basel.

The cotutelle is initiated by the doctoral candidate and requires the agreement of a first supervisor in Basel. At the very least, the following requirements must be met in order to apply for a cotutelle:

• At the time of application, admission to doctoral studies at at least one of the designated partner universities must already have been granted.
  Please note that the application deadlines for admission to doctoral studies at the University of Basel are March 15 (spring semester) and October 14 (fall semester).
   
• The partner universities belong to the European Higher Education Area (including Israel). 
   
• The doctorate was not started (enrollment date) at either institution later than 10 months ago.
   
• At least half of the expected doctoral period can be actively spent at the home university and a total of at least 12 months at the host university. (The "home university" is the university at which the doctoral candidate enrolled first, is employed or has received a full scholarship, and which bears the main administrative responsibility.)

The negotiation of the cooperation agreement can be time-consuming, and in some cases, may not result in the conclusion of a contract. Further guidelines and a detailed description of the cotutelle process can be found in the factsheet. If you are interested, please contact the Cotutelle Coordination Office (cotutelle@unibas.ch) to arrange a consultation appointment. 

Upon successful application, swissuniversities will provide funding up to CHF 10'000 to cover travel and living expenses at the guest university as well as other cotutelle related expenses.

Details can be found on the cotutelle website of swissuniversities.

PLEASE NOTE: Please submit the application for financial support as a single PDF document by March 1st each year to cotutelle@unibas.ch and not to swissuniversities directly. Applications submitted directly to swissuniversities will not be considered.

In the case of a participation to the EU-funded Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Joint Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN-JN) for which the establishment of cotutelles is mandatory, the application procedure may be waived. However, participation to such networks necessitates prior consultation with the Cotutelle Coordination Office at the proposal preparation stage.

For all other questions, information or advice on the application process, please contact directly the Grants Office.