The joint supervision of doctoral theses is one of the primary examples of bilateral University cooperation aimed at establishing joint doctorates between two Universities in two different countries. The doctoral student carries out his/her research activity under the joint supervision of two tutors each belonging to one of the Universities involved. The doctoral student spends research periods in both countries and the defence takes place before a Board of Examiners which is made up of both supervisors and an equal number of scholars from both institutions. The doctoral student is then awarded either a double or a joint diploma and receives the title of Dottore di Ricerca / Research Doctor in both countries.

The Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI) has undersigned memoranda of understanding aimed at the joint supervision of theses with the:

• French National Rectors’ Conference (CPU) Joint supervision with France;
• Spanish Rectors’ Conference (CRUE) Joint supervision with Spain;
• German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) Joint supervision with Germany;
• Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities (CRUS) Joint supervision with Switzerland.

How to set up joint supervision of a doctoral thesis:

The joint supervision of a doctoral thesis is set up through a written memorandum undersigned by the Rectors of the institutions involved.

This is preferably done while the student is attending the first year of the Doctorate, provided the Academic Board decides accordingly. On special scientific grounds, the Academic Board may approve joint supervision of students attending the second year of the Doctorate. The doctoral student then enrols every academic year at both institutions; fees however are due only to the institution where the student is first registered.

The memorandum aimed at joint supervision must comply with the template approved by the University Boards and should be sent – together with the Academic Board decision - to the Unità di staff Dottorati di ricerca (Doctoral Doctoral Office) which sees to the other requirements (i.e. the Rector’s signature, delivery to the partner institution etc.).
The use of other templates is however possible; in this case the memorandum must be approved by the University Academic Senate before the Rector signs it.

Joint supervision of doctoral students – Template for the agreement (approved by the University Academic Boards) - (.doc)

Joint supervision of doctoral students – Template for the agreement (approved by the University Academic Boards) - (.pdf)

PERIODS OF RESEARCH IN OTHER INSTITUTIONS - GENERAL INFORMATION - Link