Thesis cotutelle

Thesis cotutelle allows students to obtain a double PhD qualification, which is recognized by the two countries between which the agreement was stipulated.
The activation of a cotutelle agreement originates from the individual initiative of the PhD student.
The cotutelle activation procedure must begin within three months from enrollment in the PhD program, in order to allow PhD students to carry out their activity in each university for approximately equivalent periods.

The fundamental elements, which are shared by all cotutelle agreements, are the following:

• Enrollment in a Doctoral Program, following current regulations, in one of the two countries
• Favorable opinion of the Doctoral Program Committee
• Stipulation of an individual agreement for each PhD student, which must be signed by the two Rectors and by the Program Coordinators
• Carrying out research in the institutions of both countries under the supervision of the two thesis Directors
• Final exam with a committee composed of members from both countries
• Exemption from paying the fee in the partner institution

Thesis cotutelle agreements are generally part of the framework agreements among States.

The Conference of Italian University Rectors has currently signed agreements for the implementation of thesis cotutelles with:

• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Switzerland.

It is possible to activate a thesis cotutelle with other Countries, provided that a framework agreement between the University of Insubria and the foreign interested University is preemptively stipulated.

The individual cotutelle agreement scheme may be requested to scuola.dottorato@uninsubria.it  
It is also possible to use agreement schemes written by other Universities, provided that they are compliant with it.