If you are a medical sciences student at UG or enrolled in a PhD trajectory at the GSMS and are co-supervised by a researcher from another university abroad, you may be interested in pursuing a Double or Joint PhD Degree (DD/JD). The GSMS offers legal and administrative support to help you navigate this process.
Prerequisite:
Your supervisors at both institutions must be aware of and support your double or joint degree project, as this trajectory requires a different approach to supervision.
Before any Double Degree or Joint Degree (DD/JD) trajectory can be considered, it is essential that you confirm whether admission to the partner institution is possible. This step should follow initial discussions with your supervisors and must take place before any further action. Please note that GSMS has no authority or influence over admission decisions at the partner institution, which are made entirely by that institution.
Be aware that PhD systems differ significantly between countries and universities. You may be required to pass entrance examinations, demonstrate specific qualifications or knowledge, or pay tuition fees, regardless of your status at the University of Groningen. You are responsible for understanding and meeting all such requirements.
Only after your eligibility has been confirmed and admission has been granted by the partner institution can GSMS proceed with setting up the DD/JD agreement.
We therefore strongly recommend that you thoroughly review the partner institution’s requirements as part of your preparation. Ensure that you are both able and willing to meet all requirements through to the defense. These may involve significant additional work, which should be carefully considered before committing to this trajectory.
Q: Can I do a DD/JD with another Dutch university?
No. Due to university-wide policy outside of GSMS regulations, at this point in time the legal office of UG does not support a DD or JD with other Dutch universities. The partner institution must be located abroad.
Q: What should be the duration of the stay abroad?
You will need to confirm with the partner university and your supervisor(s) the duration of the required period of research abroad. This requirement varies, with some institutions – like UG – needing six months, while others might require a full year or more.
Q: Is funding available?
The GSMS cannot provide additional financial support for such programs. As a registered PhD candidate at the GSMS, most beneficiaries will have already secured funding for their full PhD trajectory, which may include time spent abroad. It is important to note that PhD candidates with an employed PhD position in the Netherlands typically receive a very generous allowance compared to most international PhD systems. Access to additional funds (e.g., from the Partner institution) will depend on the Partner's context and will ultimately be a matter for you to coordinate directly with them.
Q: I have more questions, who can I contact?
Have you also checked our Double/Joint PhD Degree programs page? Then, if you have more questions or require further information, please contact us at gsms@umcg.nl