The call for applications for the international dual PhD programme registration for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open. Apply before December 15, 2025.

© William Potter

An international dual PhD (cotutelle internationale de thèse) is a training programme enabling doctoral students to carry out their thesis research in different countries, under the joint supervision of two supervisors, and to obtain a degree in both partner institutions. This scheme promotes international doctoral mobility, international attractiveness, international cooperation and the internationalisation of Université Paris Cité’s training programmes.

Why you should apply

The International dual PhD programme enables PhD students to:

  • Earn a PhD from Université Paris Cité and an international partner institution, all within the timeframe of one single thesis,
  • Be supervised by 2 thesis directors from 2 research teams,
  • Take part in a single examination and obtain 2 diplomas (one from each university) recognised in the two countries,
  • Add international experience to your personal and academic career, increase your career opportunities, acquire additional skills, and gain access to research environments, equipment, documentary resources and knowledge at two different institutions.

It is an opportunity for the laboratories involved to create or strengthen a link with another laboratory at international level, to take part in a joint project with one or more other laboratories, and to develop multidisciplinary and multicultural research.

Duration of the international dual PhD

An international dual PhD lasts 3 years (full-time). However, it is possible to include a 4th year when signing the agreement, subject to acceptance by your doctoral school. Please note that the total duration of an international dual PhD may not exceed 6 years.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must :

  • have completed a Master’s degree (bac+5) or equivalent
  • have been admitted to doctoral studies at both universities
  • be in their 1st year of doctoral studies at the time of application
  • Meet the application deadline

How to apply ?

All the procedures and application forms for the international dual PhD programme at UPCité can be found : here

International Relations Office

Université Paris Cité
Site Odéon
85 boulevard Saint-Germain Paris 6e (postal address)
12 rue de l’École de médecine Paris 6e (office address – open to the public by appointment only)
cooperation.iro@u-paris.fr

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