The University enters into agreements with foreign universities concerning the implementation of joint supervision (cotutelle) doctoral programmes, involving the preparation of a doctoral thesis under the joint supervision of a faculty member of the University and a faculty member of the partner university participating in the cotutelle scheme. These supervisors are responsible for overseeing the doctoral candidate’s research activities and thesis work within the two academic institutions that have signed the agreement.

Each cotutelle agreement presupposes the existence of international framework agreements.

Where the cotutelle agreement is concluded with a university based in Spain, France, Switzerland, or Germany, the applicable regulatory framework is that established under the CRUI agreements. In all other cases, the cotutelle agreement must be preceded by the conclusion of a framework agreement with the partner university.

Doctoral candidates intending to activate a cotutelle arrangement must submit a specific application to the Doctoral and Master’s Office no later than the end of the first semester of the second year of the programme, with a copy also submitted to the Doctoral Programme Board, which is required to decide on the acceptance of the request.

The doctoral candidate will be enrolled at both universities and must spend a period of between 6 and 18 months at the partner institution over the course of the three-year doctoral programme.

The final examination shall be a single defence and will take place at one of the two universities that have signed the agreement.

The Examination Committee for the final defence, appointed in accordance with the regulations in force at each partner institution, must be composed on a parity basis and shall normally include both thesis supervisors.

Upon completion of the cotutelle programme, the doctoral candidate shall be awarded a double degree recognised by both institutions.