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. Double Doctorates will lead to a PhD degree from the University of Groningen and a degree from the partner university. Joint Doctorates lead to one joint degree issued by both partners involved.

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.