A cotutelle (Cotutelle de thèse, binationale Promotion) is a binational doctorate supervised jointly by two universities from different countries. It ends with a joint doctoral degree or with two certificates that refer to each other. The route is more formal than many expect, because every cotutelle needs its own contract between the universities. This guide shows you the steps, the contract points and the questions to settle in advance.
Kurz beantwortet: A cotutelle is a formal procedure run by two universities from different countries. Every cotutelle needs an individual contract between the universities. The doctorate ends with a joint doctoral degree or with two certificates that refer to each other. The faculty sets the duration, the language and the assessment. Last updated: October 2026.
The Most Important Points in Brief
- A cotutelle is a formal procedure between two universities, not simply a stay abroad.
- Every cotutelle needs an individual contract between the universities involved.
- At the end, there is either a joint doctoral degree or two certificates that refer to each other.
- The faculty decides on the duration, the timing of stays, the language, the assessment and the place of the examination.
- Without the formal procedure, you only receive the title of your home university.
How Does a Cotutelle Differ from Binational Supervision?
The two terms are often mixed up. The University of Marburg distinguishes them clearly. In binational supervision without a formal procedure, the doctorate remains at your home university, and a foreign university takes on second supervision. A cotutelle, by contrast, is a procedure in which two universities jointly award a doctoral degree. The table summarises the differences.
| Feature | Cotutelle | Binational supervision without procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | Individual contract between the universities for each procedure | An agreement with both supervisors is recommended |
| Degree | Joint doctoral degree or two certificates that refer to each other | Only a title of the home university |
| Formalisation | Procedure with a contract between the universities that is legally reviewed before signing | No formalisation required |
| Assessment | External supervisors take part in assessment and examination | External supervision can be included in agreement with the examinations office |
The distinction and the procedural steps follow the University of Marburg page on binational doctorates (in German, retrieved October 2026).
Step by Step: How a Cotutelle Works
The exact order can differ between universities. The following steps give you a structure for the discussions with both institutions. Plan enough time for the contract phase, because a contract between two universities needs coordination and review on both sides before the research can begin.
- Find a partner university that fits your topic, and check whether supervisors on both sides are willing to take part.
- Get advice from your university. At the University of Marburg, Referat VI A 1 advises on the steps and provides model contracts.
- Have the contract between the universities reviewed. At the University of Marburg, the legal office (Stabsstelle Recht) checks contracts together with the referat.
- Set the academic framework. The faculty decides the duration and timing of stays, the language, the assessment and the place of the examination.
- Carry out the research in both countries. Supervision takes place at both universities, and working stays at the partner university are planned.
- Complete assessment and examination under the rules of both universities, and receive the certificate or certificates.
Which Points Should the Contract Cover?
The contract is the core of a cotutelle. It is individual for each procedure, so read it carefully before you sign. The following points should appear in it or in an accompanying agreement.
- Duration and timing of the stays at both universities
- Language of the written thesis and of the examination
- Who assesses the thesis, and where the examination takes place
- Which certificate or certificates are issued
- Who your contact person is at each university, including during the stay abroad
- How funding and costs of the stays are arranged
The University of Marburg does not list fees or deadlines on its page, so you need to ask both institutions. It is best to get the answers in writing before you fix your plan, because the two sides may apply different rules to the same question. For the general funding routes, see the guide PhD funding: position, scholarship or own savings (in English).
What Preparation Pays Off Before You Start?
A cotutelle depends heavily on the people who supervise it. Clarify early whether your supervisors on both sides support the project and what they expect in terms of scope, form and timetable. It also helps to know in advance what preparation the partner university expects. A short written outline of the project makes the agreement process much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my certificate say at the end?
Depending on the contract, there is either a joint doctoral degree or two certificates that refer to each other. The contract between the universities sets the exact wording. Ask early for a model draft so that you can place the final degree correctly.
Do I need to master both languages?
The faculty sets the language of the thesis and of the examination. Clarify this early, because it determines how much time you should plan for language courses or translations. You need a binding answer from both institutions.
How long does a cotutelle take?
The faculty decides the duration case by case. The University of Marburg does not publish a general figure on its page. Ask the responsible office at both universities before you finalise your plan.
Can I start a cotutelle without a contract?
No. According to the procedure described by the University of Marburg, every cotutelle needs an individual contract between the universities involved. Without such a contract, the arrangement is a binational supervision without formal procedure.
Which costs should I expect?
The University of Marburg does not state fees on its page. Ask both universities about enrolment, possible fees and the costs of the stays. Get the answers in writing before you sign the contract.
What to Do Next
- Check whether your doctorate suits a cotutelle and whether a suitable partner university exists.
- Ask your university’s office for binational doctorates about model contracts.
- Have duration, language, assessment and certificate confirmed in writing before you sign.
- Clarify funding, enrolment and insurance before you plan the first stay.
Related Topics
- Promovieren im Ausland (in German): Die wichtigsten Punkte vor dem Start.
- Cooperative doctorate in Germany (in German): Kooperative Promotion an der Fachhochschule.
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements.
- PhD funding: position, scholarship or own savings.
Sources: University of Marburg, binational doctorate and cotutelle information, retrieved October 2026 (in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
