International

Co-Tutelle (binational doctorate pathway)

General Information

In order to facilitate the implementation of binational doctoral studies, the University of Bremen can now provide its doctoral students and partner universities abroad with a specimen Co-Tutelle agreement. Accompanying notes give an overview of the procedure involved (see  "Notes on Co-Tutelle Procedure").

Co-Tutelle provides a straightforward common and binding framework for the two sides involved in binational doctoral studies. It constitutes a legally binding contract between the University of Bremen and partner universities in other countries which have the right to bestow doctorates.

Around the world, there are many different pathways towards obtaining a doctorate. These range from work or archive stays of several weeks’ duration, up to lengthy research stays, which take up the most part of doctoral studies, at a university in another country. The University of Bremen happily supports various forms of internationality; the simplified procedure for binational doctoral studies enabled by the specimen Co-Tutelle agreement provides an attractive framework within which young researchers at the University of Bremen can gain international experience.

The Co-Tutelle partners must commit themselves to a number of criteria, among which that each university will host the doctoral student for a minimum period of one year. They must also commit to ensuring the validity of binational procedures in their respective university regulations. Moreover, the two universities must arrange for professorial supervision and evaluation, an examination committee comprising professors from each university, as well as issuance of separate doctoral degree certificates.

If need be, and in mutual agreement, the draft agreement can be amended. It is also possible to base the cooperation on an agreement drafted by the partner university abroad.

Notes on Co-Tutelle Procedure

1. Definition

A binational doctorate (Co-Tutelle) is a doctoral degree obtained from different supervisors from universities in two different countries. The candidate is matriculated at both universities and the time spent on doctoral studies at each university is to be balanced as equally as possible.

The details of supervision are regulated in a binding agreement (periods of stay, examination language, language of publication).

The two universities involved each bestow the doctoral degree, with a reference on the degree certificate to the respective partner university.


2. Specimen agreement, contents

The University of Bremen has drawn up a specimen agreement that has been approved by the legal department of the University, i.e. the Rechtsstelle (Department 06). It is not mandatory to use this agreement in its present form and it may be amended to suit the respective circumstances of partner universities. It is also possible to use an agreement supplied by the partner university. In such an event, however, the agreement must be submitted to the Rechtsstelle of the University of Bremen for approval before it can be concluded.

The University of Bremen requires the agreement to include the following:

  • A minimum period of stay of one year at each of the partner universities

  • An equal division of examination requirements (language of examination and language of publication, as well as summaries in each language involved)

  • A recommendation for matriculation including a waiver of administrative costs

  • A commitment to acceptance for doctoral studies

The regulations governing doctoral studies and examinations issued by the respective university department must foresee the possibility of binational doctoral studies.

The agreement is to be signed by the two supervisors, the management of the two universities, the doctoral candidate, and the chairperson of the doctoral committee in Bremen.

You can find the Agreement here.

3. Procedure

Applicants must first seek admission to doctoral studies – at the University of Bremen via the appropriate doctoral commission.

Parts of the agreement are to be worked out by the doctoral candidate together with each of her/his supervisors, especially in respect of

  • Topic of thesis/research objective

  • The research institutions/units at which the doctoral student will carry out her/his work

  • Period of stay(s)

  • Supervision, academic integration.

a) The wording of the specimen agreement is not amended:

The two supervisors, the doctoral candidate, the chairperson of the doctoral commission and the management of the partner university are to sign the agreement in person (in four copies) and submit same to the Rechtsstelle of the University of Bremen for subsequent signature on the part of the University President.

b) The wording of the specimen agreement is amended, or a specimen agreement is supplied by the partner university of the University of Bremen:

Following a) and before signature, the agreement is to be submitted to the Rechtsstelle for approval.

The Rechtsstelle submits the agreement to the University President for signature and subsequently returns the agreement to the doctoral candidate and the faculty division. One original is retained by Referat 06; one is sent to the partner university. One copy is passed on to the International Office and one to the Graduate Center at the University of Bremen, ProUB.

Doctoral candidates from other countries are strongly advised to matriculate in order to ensure insurance cover and secure services such as the Semesterticket [free public transport within Bremen] student reductions etc.


4. Contact partners

Approval of agreements: Rechtsstelle, Ms Saskia Ria Schneider, saskia.schneider@uni-bremen.de

Information and advice: Graduate Center ProUB, Dr. Diana Ebersberger, ebersberger@vw.uni-bremen.de

Information on funding possibilities and international partners: International Office, Dr. Annette Lang,  lang@uni-bremen.de

5.Additional information, links