Joint doctoral program

A joint doctoral program allows you to earn a doctoral degree from 2 (and in rare cases more) universities in different countries for a single scientific or scholarly project. The doctoral researcher is accepted for doctoral studies at both universities and, as far as possible, balances working periods at both locations. Be aware that, below, the term “joint doctoral program” is used for several types of joint doctoral procedures (e.g., joint PhD).

Structured joint PhDs

Structured joint doctoral programs

Universität Hamburg has established the conditions for a joint doctoral program in institutional agreements with select partner universities. Candidates profit from a simplified administrative process.

Fudan University

Location: Shanghai, China

Participating Universität Hamburg faculties: all

Link: https://www.fudan.edu.cn/en/

Macquarie University

Location: Sydney, Australia

Participating Universität Hamburg faculties: all

Link: https://www.mq.edu.au/

FAQs for a joint doctorate with Macquarie University

Information Sheet

National Taiwan University

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Participating Universität Hamburg faculties: Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences (MIN) and Law (RW)

Link: https://www.ntu.edu.tw/

Stellenbosch University

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Participating Universität Hamburg faculties: all

Link: http://www.sun.ac.za/Home.aspx

The University of Melbourne

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Participating Universität Hamburg faculties: all

Link: https://www.unimelb.edu.au/

Structured joint PhDs

FAQs: Universität Hamburg as the home institution

Who can take part in a structured joint doctoral program?

Doctoral researchers at Universität Hamburg who fulfill the admission requirements of the host institution can submit an application in agreement with the supervisors at both universities.

As a rule, you should not be more than a year into your doctoral studies when you submit your application.

If not otherwise noted, applications can be submitted for programs in all faculties and departments.

Can I do a structured joint doctoral program at a host institution not listed here?

No, there are framework contracts for structured joint doctoral programs with the above-listed universities only. We are nonetheless working on expanding the list of partner universities.

With other institutions, you must negotiate an individual contract.

How is a structured joint doctoral program financed?

Currently, the Department of International Affairs does not offer any scholarships specifically for joint PhDs. You must clarify financing with your supervisor. Contact the Hamburg Research Academy for information and advice on financing doctoral studies.

At some partner institutions, candidates can apply for a scholarship for their stay there.

Do I have to pay tuition fees at the partner university?

No, candidates in a structured joint doctoral program run by Universität Hamburg are exempt from the partner university’s tuition fees.

What should I do if I am interested in a structured joint doctoral program?

Doctoral researchers who have already been admitted to Universität Hamburg should make sure that both the Universität Hamburg supervisor and a supervisor at the partner institution support the plans. If both supervisors approve, you can contact the Department of International Affairs.

Prospective doctoral researchers who have not yet been admitted to Universität Hamburg should consult with their Universität Hamburg supervisor about their joint doctoral program wishes when they apply for admission to Universität Hamburg.

Structured joint PhDs

FAQs: Universität Hamburg as a host institution

What should I do to attend Universität Hamburg as a host institution?

First and foremost, structured programs are coordinated by the home institution. Students at international universities who are interested in attending Universität Hamburg should consult with their supervisor and their home institution’s respective coordinating office first.

Structured joint PhDs

Individual joint doctoral programs

At universities that do not have agreements for a joint structured doctoral program, you must negotiate the conditions and a contract for each individual project. Find further information on joint doctoral degrees.