Double/Joint Doctorates (International PhD tracks, cotutelles)

Double Doctorates (DD) and Joint Doctorates (JD) are doctoral projects carried out under the supervision of researchers from two institutions, namely supervision by one or more researcher(s) from the University of Groningen and one or more researcher(s) from a partner institution outside of the Netherlands.

Double and Joint Doctorates are also often referred to as Sandwich PhD-tracks, international PhD tracks or cotutelles, and can be co-financed by the University of Groningen and the international partner institution involved. They usually take 3 or 4 years.

These are the two types of 'sandwich' options UG can facilitate: 
A double degree results in two degrees, for which each University will issue its own degree certificate which will mention the collaborative nature of the supervision by the partner institutions. Within a double degree there can be two assessment procedures and also two defences. At the very least there is a defence that takes place at Groningen.

For a joint degree, the joint doctorate degree will be awarded by the two partner institutions, either via one certificate signed by both partner institutions which will mention the joint nature of the supervision, or via two degree certificates from the institutions that will state that each one is valid only in conjunction with the other and that they are the result of a joint doctoral programme. Within a joint degree there can be only one assessment procedure and one defence.

To qualify for a Double/Joint Doctorate, a public defense has to take place at the University of Groningen. The University of Groningen requires that a DD/JD candidate spends at least six months in Groningen. The partner institution may have additional requirements, which must be checked as early as possible in the process.

All double/joint doctorate admissions at the GSH go through a formal application procedure. The deadline for the next Double/Joint Degree application round is 1 October 2026.

Accepted candidates can start on 1 April 2027 or 1 October 2027.

The GSH supports four year PhD trajectories as well as three year trajectories.