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

• Doctoral candidates from RWTH Aachen University participating in the Joint-PhD Program with the University of Melbourne are eligible.
• The program is open to candidates who have identified an academic project partner in Melbourne and have developed a joint 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, or by arrangement without a deadline.

Application Documents

• Curriculum Vitae with contact details (address, email).
• Statement of purpose outlining the research project, naming the supervisor, specifying the duration of the stay, and describing the expected results (1-2 pages).
• Confirmation of supervision and invitation letter from the University of Melbourne, referencing the joint project and the duration of the stay, including expected outcomes and future perspectives 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 partially fund their stay at the University of Melbourne.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

To participate in the Joint-PhD Program, supervisors should identify an academic project partner in Melbourne and develop a joint research project for which doctoral candidates can be recruited.

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.

Do doctoral candidates need 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 "part-time enrollment" is sufficient during the doctoral period at their home university, RWTH.

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

Ideally, yes. However, under special circumstances, it may be sufficient for the oral defense to be conducted as a video conference. This must be repeated if the internet connection fails during the defense.

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

For information, RWTH students interested in the program can contact Jan Müller. Once accepted into the program, the Welcome Center for international researchers at RWTH is available for support. On the Australian side, the IRTG Team answers questions.