Graduate School of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Joint doctorate or co-tutelle

Leiden University offers the possibility of a joint doctoral degree or a co-tutelle agreement if you want to conduct your PhD research at two or more universities.

Criteria joint doctoral degree

A joint doctoral degree is awarded when:

1. two or more institutions are responsible for a PhD candidate’s research; 
2. a ‘joint doctoral degree agreement’ has been signed before the start of the research; and 
3. it has been agreed that the defence will lead to one diploma with two insignia. 

Co-tutelle agreement

A co-tutelle refers to a situation where two or more institutions are responsible for your supervision. The PhD defence must take place at Leiden University and you will receive a diploma from Leiden University. On request, a supplement can be attached stating that the research was also supervised at the partner institution(s).

How to prepare the agreement?

Model agreements can be found on the university website. A draft version of the agreement must be submitted to the Graduate School Office for feedback. The Graduate School Office will work with you and the partner university to ensure that the agreement is satisfactory and conform the Leiden University PhD regulations.

For additional details, please check the PhD Guide.