Financing Cotutelle PhDs: A Shared Responsibility

Cotutelle, or joint supervision, PhD programs offer a unique and enriching experience for doctoral candidates, facilitating international collaboration and expanding research perspectives. However, securing adequate funding for these programs often presents a complex challenge requiring careful planning and resourcefulness.

Shared Funding Models

The most common approach involves a shared funding model between the two participating universities. Ideally, both institutions contribute proportionally to the student’s needs. This contribution can take various forms, including:

• Tuition Fee Waivers: Both universities may waive or significantly reduce tuition fees for the cotutelle student.
• Stipends/Scholarships: Each university might contribute a stipend for a specific period. For example, the student may receive funding from University A while residing there and funding from University B when located at that institution. This necessitates a clearly defined schedule of stays at each university.
• Research Funds: Funding can also be allocated for specific research activities, such as travel to conferences, fieldwork expenses, or access to specialized equipment. This may be managed by either the supervisors or directly allocated to the student’s budget.

External Funding Opportunities

Complementing university contributions, seeking external funding is crucial. Several avenues exist:

• National Research Councils: Many countries offer doctoral scholarships specifically designed for international collaborations. Examples include the Fulbright Program, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), and similar funding bodies in countries like Canada, Australia, and France.
• International Organizations: Organizations like the European Union (through programs like Erasmus+) and the United Nations offer grants supporting international research and student mobility.
• Private Foundations: Private foundations focused on specific research areas may offer grants relevant to the cotutelle project. Thoroughly researching foundations aligned with the student’s research topic is essential.

Strategic Planning and Resourcefulness

Successfully securing funding for a cotutelle PhD demands strategic planning and proactive engagement. Key strategies include:

• Early Planning: Start exploring funding options well in advance of the intended start date. Application deadlines often fall months before the program begins.
• Clear Agreement: A clearly defined cotutelle agreement outlining the financial responsibilities of each university is paramount. This agreement should specify who is responsible for which expenses and how funds will be managed.
• Collaborative Application: The student and supervisors from both universities should collaborate closely on funding applications. A strong, unified application increases the chances of success.
• Alternative Funding Sources: Consider exploring teaching assistant positions, part-time research roles, or crowdfunding campaigns to supplement funding.

Ultimately, financing a cotutelle PhD requires a collaborative effort, a proactive approach to seeking external funding, and a clear understanding of the financial commitments from each participating university. By adopting these strategies, students can overcome the financial challenges and fully benefit from the unique opportunities offered by a joint supervision PhD program.