A joint PhD, or cotutelle, is based on an agreement between Université de Montréal and an institution of higher education outside Quebec to share responsibility for the training and supervision of a doctoral student. With the consent of their respective institutions, two research supervisors develop a joint training program for the doctoral student. The student completes his/her coursework and research by attending both institutions on an alternating basis. The student then writes a thesis and defends it before an evaluation committee established by the two institutions. The student is awarded a single PhD degree but two diplomas, one from each institution, indicating the collaboration with the partner institution. This means that a joint PhD involves one or more periods abroad and joint supervision of the thesis project itself, but it is not limited to these arrangements — hence the importance of clearly delineating its specific characteristics.

Goal of the joint PhD program

The goal is to support scholarly cooperation between Quebec research teams and teams outside Quebec by fostering the mobility of doctoral students.

General provisions

Doctoral students must first ensure that a joint PhD agreement can be struck with the prospective partner institution, because a framework cooperation agreement must first be signed between UdeM and the partner institution. Without a framework agreement, it may not be possible to launch a joint PhD project.

Admission — Doctoral students who want to register for a joint PhD must ensure that they are admitted to a PhD program at Université de Montréal and at the partner institution. Ideally, admission should be completed simultaneously at the two institutions. However, Université de Montréal allows a time lag of up to one year between the two admissions. It is important to confirm admission timelines with the partner university and to ensure compliance with its regulations.

Research supervisors — Doctoral students complete their coursework and research under the guidance of two thesis supervisors from the partner institutions. The supervisors must show that a collaborative relationship has already been established through joint research and publications, the joint organization of colloquiums, seminars and conferences, or some other form of scholarly cooperation.

Residency and registration at each institution — After discussing your program with your two supervisors, you must specify the plan for your doctoral studies in your joint PhD agreement, stating the training activities you intend to pursue and the host institution for those activities. Of course, this plan is provisional and can be modified along the way. However, it is in your best interest to draw up a good first draft that factors in all of your obligations to each institution rather than finding out, when your program has already started, that you have neglected to fulfill one or more obligations. If you wish to amend your plan at a later date, be sure to obtain the approval of all those responsible for your joint PhD studies.

Note: Joint PhD students alternate between Université de Montréal and the partner institution and must ensure that they are enrolled without interruption at both universities.

Program of study — The research supervisors establish the doctoral student's program of study (course requirements, courses and seminars, comprehensive exam) and periods of residency at each institution. These details are included in the Joint PhD Agreement drawn up for each doctoral student based on a general framework; the agreement is a contract and, as such, is binding on all parties. Doctoral students are required to meet the academic requirements and comply with the academic regulations of both institutions. They are also required to comply with the specific terms and conditions of the program of study in which they are enrolled at Université de Montréal and for which they must pass the required courses and the comprehensive exam.

Thesis — Doctoral students write and submit their thesis in accordance with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Regulations and procedures. Students defend their thesis only once, in Quebec or elsewhere, before an evaluation committee composed of scholars selected in equal numbers by the two partner institutions. In most cases, the committee includes the two thesis supervisors and at least one external examiner. The protection of the thesis topic and the publication, use and protection of research results are governed by the regulations in force in the two countries involved. Provisions on the protection of intellectual property rights may be included in an appendix to the joint PhD agreement.

Degree — At the end of their doctoral studies, students are awarded a single degree, as evidenced by two official diplomas: a PhD from Université de Montréal and an equivalent degree from the partner institution. The wording on each diploma includes a reference to the joint supervision and collaboration with the other institution.

Joint PhDs at UdeM — some statistics

The joint PhD program at Université de Montréal has been a resounding success. Since its inception in 1996-97, more than 400 students have participated. Originally limited to French partners, the program now includes a wide range of international and Canadian (non-Quebec) partners. Every year, dozens of new joint PhD projects are set up at UdeM. The program is growing in popularity among doctoral students due to the internationalization of graduate studies and of academic research both at Université de Montréal and among its partners.

Is this option right for you?

Are you interested in a joint PhD?  First, you need to determine whether this path is right for you.  To explore the matter further and make the right choice, you will need to gather all the relevant information.

Here are some key contacts who can help you with your decision making. If you choose to register for a joint PhD, they will become invaluable partners throughout your journey.

Your department and your thesis supervisor at UdeM

Do they have experience with joint supervision of theses (joint PhDs)? What is their opinion of the overall relevance and usefulness of this option to their field of expertise? Do they have contacts or partners outside Quebec to whom they could refer you? Does the joint PhD approach seem appropriate for your intended research topic? Are there any particular aspects of your academic background that would hinder joint supervision or, on the contrary, definitely facilitate it?

Coordinator at the Office of the Vice-Rector for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

The Office of the Vice-Rector for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is responsible for joint PhD agreements. A resource person there acts as coordinator and manager for joint PhDs. Whether you are a Quebec or international doctoral student or whether you are already attending UdeM or considering a joint PhD agreement between UdeM and your home university, you will need to work with the coordinator to set up the agreement. Start by exploring the Joint PhD Program section on our website. When you are ready to begin the process, or if you have any questions, please contact the International Coordinator of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) at cotutelle-international@esp.umontreal.ca.

UdeM international

UdeM international offers services to UdeM students who are planning to study abroad. It also provides information to international students who are planning to study at Université de Montréal and helps them integrate upon their arrival and throughout their stay.

Your partner university

The partner institution can provide you with information on its specific admission, registration and agreement drafting and approval requirements for joint PhDs.