CO-TUTORSHIP OF THE PHD THESIS

A co-tutorship (or “cotutelle”, as this type of cooperation originated in France) is a bilateral agreement signed by two universities located in two different countries on behalf of a PhD candidate.

The agreement is aimed at the awarding of a double PhD degree, should the single thesis defense be successful.  

Candidates enrolled at the first year of a PhD programme can request the setting-up of a co-tutorship agreement, using the relevant TEMPLATE.

A co-tutorship agreement must comply with the following conditions:

  • The PhD candidate’s training and research activities are supervised by two professors, one from the Home University (namely, where the PhD candidate firstly enrolled), the other one from the Host University.
  • The PhD candidate is required to spend more or less the same period of time at both universities (for UNIBO, minimum one year) according to a calendar set up by the two supervisors.
  • The PhD candidate will take just one final exam (usually at the Home University) and the examination board will be composed by members from both universities.
  • Both universities will award a PhD degree: the co-tutorship does not imply a joint academic degree.
  • As a general rule, the PhD candidate is enrolled in both Universities but he/she will pay the tuition fees only to the Home University.

 

DOCTOR EUROPAEUS

  • The European Doctorate, or European label for a doctoral degree, It is neither a supranational academic title nor a title awarded by international institutions, but it adds value to a Doctoral degree inasmuch as it certifies the fulfillment of four requirements, i.e. joint supervision, an international Board of Examiners, multilingualism and international mobility. It is in the form of a label added to the title of “Dottore di Ricerca” (Research Doctor), provided that the following requirements are fulfilled:
  • At least two referees from higher education institutions of European countries (other than the one where the thesis is defended) must have reviewed the thesis;
  • At least one member of the Board of Examiners should come from a higher education institution in a European country other than the one where the thesis is defended;
  • A part of the defence must take place in one of the EU official languages, other than the Italian;
  • The thesis must have been prepared in part subsequent to a research period of at least three months spent in another European country.

Doctoral students who are eligible for the European label for their doctoral degree should apply to their Academic Board. When applying for the final examination, specifying that they also apply for the label of Doctor Europæus.

Template for the title of Doctor Europaeus (within the end of third year of PhD)

  

INDIVIDUAL FELLOWSHIP - MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE ACTIONS

This action is meant to support the best, most promising individual researchers from anywhere in the world. Only experienced researchers can apply. This means you will have your doctoral degree or at least four years’ full-time research experience by the time of the call deadline.ex I.  Mobility across borders is a must. Cross-sectoral mobility is also encouraged. The grant provides an allowance to cover your living, travel and family costs.  European Fellowships last from one to two years, Global Fellowships from two to three years. You submit a research proposal, including your CV. The proposal is written jointly with your chosen host organisation(s) (a university, a research centre or a company). Proposals are submitted in reply to a call for proposals. All open calls and related information such as the Guide for Applicants and full eligibility criteria can be found at the Participant Portal. Advice and information can also be found through the National Contact Points and Horizon 2020 Helpdesk.

 

FULBRIGHT PROGRAM

 The Fulbright Programme supports the mobility between Italy and USA providing scholarships reserved to Italian and American citizens and jointly offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United States Department of State.