Collaboration opportunities with partners worldwide
The Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS) offers the possibility to pursue a Double or Joint PhD Degree (DD/JD) in collaboration with partner institutions worldwide. These programs are designed for PhD candidates who carry out their research under the co-supervision of two academic institutions and are tailored to support international academic collaboration, mobility, and shared supervision.
Whether you are an international researcher joining the UG/UMCG or a home candidate planning to conduct part of your research abroad, this page provides key information on available pathways and how to get started.
Who are DD/JD PhD Candidates?
DD/JD PhD candidates at the University of Groningen/University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) typically fall into three main categories:
- Incoming Candidates from Partner Universities: These PhD candidates are involved in formal DD/JD degree collaborations with UG partner institutions. They spend part of their PhD trajectory at the UG/UMCG in order to fulfill the requirements for a joint or double degree.
- Incoming International Scholarship Candidates: These PhD candidates are funded by scholarships from their home countries, institutions, or external funding bodies. After successfully completing a selection procedure, they are accepted at the GSMS to carry out part of their PhD research at the UG/UMCG with the aim of obtaining a DD/JD.
- UG/UMCG Home Candidates with Mobility Abroad: These are PhD candidates whose main enrollment is at the UG/UMCG but who plan to carry out part of their research at a partner institution abroad, often under the co-supervision of a foreign academic. In certain cases, they may also have the opportunity to obtain a PhD degree from the partner institution. Whether this is possible depends primarily on the admission procedures and regulations of the partner university.
All these candidates are sometimes referred to as "Sandwich PhD" candidates, reflecting the co-supervisory nature of their trajectory.
General information for both incoming international candidates and GSMS candidates
See our frequently asked general questions below, or scroll down to the "Where can I find more information" section below for specific FAQs for incoming candidates or GSMS candidates who want to go abroad.
Q: What is the difference between a Double or a Joint PhD Degree?
A Double or Joint PhD Degree (DD/JD) refers to a PhD trajectory in which the PhD candidate is enrolled at two institutions and their thesis is co-supervised by a supervisor from each. There is no international consensus on a definition of a Double or Joint Degree. These programs may also be referred to as “dual awards” or “co-tutelle” in other countries.
At the University of Groningen, both Double and Joint PhD Degrees are possible. The specific format depends on the legal and institutional framework of the partner university. UG regulations are generally flexible and can accommodate various arrangements.
Q: What is the difference between DD/JD PhDs and visiting PhDs?
The GSMS/UMCG also regularly hosts PhD candidates who are enrolled at other institutions and conduct part of their research in Groningen (also referred to as a PhD internship). These candidates do not (yet) seek admission to the GSMS PhD program and earn their PhD degree from their home institution
In some cases, with mutual agreement from the candidate and both supervisor, the visit may develop into a DD/JD trajectory, allowing the candidate to earn a degree from the UG as well.
Q: Will DD/JD PhD candidates defend their thesis twice?
That depends on the requirements of the partner university. To obtain a degree from the University of Groningen, a public defense of the PhD thesis at UG is always required.
Whether a second defense is needed at the partner institution depends on the legal and academic framework of that institution. The GSMS aims to integrate the requirements of both universities into a single, coherent process wherever possible.
Q: Do I need a Legal Agreement?
Yes. The GSMS Internationalization Team will coordinate the drafting and establishment of the agreement and will coordinate with the relevant contacts at both UG and the partner institution on your behalf.
Establishing a legal agreement for a DD/JD is inherently complex. The PhD regulations of both institutions must be adhered to, and legal representatives from each side often engage in multiple rounds of discussions to finalize mutually agreeable clauses. Please note that these legal teams typically handle a large volume of agreements, which may cause delays beyond our control. However, the GSMS has access to a comprehensive database of DD/JD templates with partner universities worldwide, which can often expedite the process. You should anticipate that the procedure will take at least 6 months.
Q: When does the legal agreement need to be signed?
At the University of Groningen, the agreement should ideally be signed well before the PhD defense. Some flexibility may be possible depending on the circumstances; however, agreements cannot be signed after the defense has taken place.
Please verify the specific requirements and timelines at the partner institution and inform us accordingly. Finalizing the agreement well in advance is essential to ensure a smooth and timely PhD trajectory.
Q: Where can I find more information?
- If you are and incoming international candidate or visiting researcher at the UG/UMCG, please visit this webpage for more information about Sandwich PhD opportunities at the UG/UMCG.
- If you are a PhD enrolled at the GSMS wanting to conduct research abroad, please visit this dedicated webpage on Double/Joint Degree PhD for GSMS candidates for more information.