Program Overview

Joint-PhD Program with the University of Melbourne

Overview

The Joint-PhD Program between RWTH Aachen University and the University of Melbourne enables doctoral candidates from both universities to earn a joint doctoral degree from Aachen and Melbourne. The core component of the program is a minimum 12-month stay abroad, which doctoral candidates must complete at the respective partner university.

Eligibility

• The program is open to doctoral candidates from RWTH Aachen University who are participating in the Joint-PhD Program with the University of Melbourne.
• Candidates must have a strong academic record and a well-defined research project.

Funding

• A travel allowance of €2,000 is provided once.
• A monthly stipend of €1,800 is awarded for a period of 12 months.

Selection Criteria

• Participation in the Joint-PhD Program with the University of Melbourne.
• Academic relevance of the project and academic performance.
• Potential of the stay to establish a long-term cooperation with the University of Melbourne.

Application Deadline

Applications can be submitted by March 31 or September 30 of each year, as well as by arrangement without a deadline.

Application Documents

• Curriculum Vitae with contact details (address, email).
• Statement of purpose with a sketch of the research project, naming the supervisor, indicating the duration of the stay, and describing the expected results (1-2 pages).
• Confirmation of supervision and invitation letter from the University of Melbourne, referring to the joint project and the duration of the stay; if possible, including information on the expected outcome and future prospects of the cooperation.
• Current publication list.
• Transcript of Records of the completed Master's degree.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Doctoral candidates also have the opportunity to apply for a DAAD annual scholarship or short-term scholarship for doctoral candidates and to partially fund their stay at the University of Melbourne if the application is successful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I participate in the Joint-PhD Program as a supervisor?

To participate in the Joint-PhD Program, you should identify an academic project partner in Melbourne and develop a joint doctoral project with this partner, for which doctoral candidates who are already researching or will be recruited at your institute are eligible.

Can an ongoing procedure be converted into a bi-national doctoral procedure ("Joint-PhD") with the University of Melbourne?

Yes, this is possible in principle, but it should be discussed as soon as possible with the doctoral office of the respective faculty and with Jan Müller, the program manager at the International Office of RWTH Aachen. The candidate should apply for admission as soon as possible and enroll at the University of Melbourne.

Do doctoral candidates have to be enrolled at the University of Melbourne for the entire doctoral period?

Yes, RWTH Aachen doctoral candidates must be enrolled at the University of Melbourne for the entire doctoral period. During the one-year stay abroad, "full-time enrollment" is required, while during the doctoral period at their home university RWTH, "part-time enrollment" is sufficient. The maximum doctoral duration must not exceed four years of "full-time enrollment."

Do the supervisors from Melbourne have to be physically present at the oral defense in Aachen?

Ideally, this would be the case. However, under special circumstances, it would be sufficient if the oral defense is conducted as a video conference. This must be repeated if the internet connection breaks down during the defense.

How do I get the supervision agreement?

Doctoral candidates from the University of Melbourne who come to RWTH as incomings should contact the IRTG Team of the University of Melbourne directly. Doctoral candidates from RWTH who go to the University of Melbourne as outgoings will receive the supervision agreement from Jan Müller, the program coordinator.

Where can I get support regarding the administrative processes surrounding the doctoral studies in this program?

For information for RWTH students interested in the program, Jan Müller is available on the German side. Once you have been accepted into the program, the Welcome Center for international researchers at RWTH is happy to assist you. On the Australian side, the IRTG Team will answer your questions.