DN: What is the difference between joint, double and multiple degrees in Joint Doctorates?

In joint degrees there is only one diploma signed by two universities, while in double/multiple degrees the fellow receives two or more diplomas, each signed by the respective university.

DN: Is it possible to apply for a standard Doctoral Networks project and award some degrees in a joint mode?

This is possible. The beneficiary recruits the PhD candidate, and the two PhD-awarding institutions agree how much from the budget the secondary PhD-awarding institution would get. This has to be clearly detailed in the proposal, including why this specific set-up is chosen for this PhD candidate.

DN: Should all awarded doctoral degrees in a Joint Doctorates project be joint degrees?

In Joint Doctorates, each recruited researcher must be enrolled in a joint, double or multiple degree awarded by two different organisations in two different countries, among which at least one from a Member State or an Associated Country (p.10 of the Guide for Applicants). All degrees delivered in a Joint Doctorates project must be either joint, double or multiple.

It is possible to have a regular Doctoral Networks project and award joint degrees, but it is not possible to have a Joint Doctorates project and award a single degree.

DN: Can a EU Member State and a Third Country deliver a joint doctorate degree in a Joint Doctorates project?

Researchers must be enrolled in a doctoral programme leading to the award of a doctoral degree in at least one EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country, and for Joint Doctorates - in at least two.

So if a Third Country is involved, there should be at least two EU Member States/ Horizon Europe Associated Countries who will confer the joint degree.

 

As of 2024, joint doctoral programmes must lead to the delivery of joint, double or multiple doctoral degrees recognised in at least one EU Member State (MS) or Horizon Europe Associated Country (AC).

DN: Is it possible to set up a joint doctorates programme that allows for some doctoral candidates to work towards a joint degree and others to work towards a double degree/multiple degrees (within the same programme)?

Yes, it is possible. However, the applicant has to explain in the proposal the reason why there are different types of degrees awarded depending on the individual research project.

The type of degree awarded (double, multiple or joint) will have to be defined in the pre-agreement letters of the legal entities delivering the degrees.