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International engagement opportunities

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International research opportunities can enrich your 91É«ÇéƬ experience by providing exposure to a wide range of research environments along with opportunities to build international research networks and collaborations.

91É«ÇéƬ supports international research experience through conference funding, visiting research opportunities, joint PhD programs, and joint supervision.

We also welcome international HDR candidates who wish to visit our University through the research practicum program.

Ready to take the next step?

Choose the right international engagement opportunity you’re looking for
Cotutelle
A Cotutelle program provides candidates with the opportunity to be jointly supervised by a 91É«ÇéƬ supervisor and a collaborating supervisor at an approved international university.

Joint Phd
The Joint PhD Program allows candidates to enrol at 91É«ÇéƬ and an approved strategic partner university simultaneously.

International Mobility Opportunities
There are a number of programs and opportunities open to 91É«ÇéƬ HDR candidates who would like to undertake global research activities during their candidature.

Cotutelle

The Cotutelle program provides candidates with the opportunity to be jointly supervised by a 91É«ÇéƬ supervisor and a collaborating supervisor at an approved international university. Candidates enrol in the PhD program available at each university, and submit a thesis to each university, where it is examined separately.

The collaborative supervision arrangements are formalised through an agreement between both participating universities.
How to apply:
  • Prospective PhD candidate finds a supervisor at each institution who is supportive of the collaborative research project.
  • Prospective PhD candidate applies to 91É«ÇéƬ via Apply Online, indicating that they are seeking to enrol under a Cotutelle (indicate this on the uploaded Research Plan Form)
  • 91É«ÇéƬ Supervisor completes the and submits to the online application assessment system.
  • The Graduate Research School will liaise with 91É«ÇéƬ Faculty to review the proposal and candidate application
  • If approved, a Cotutelle agreement for the candidate will be prepared
  • The Graduate Research School sends an offer letter to the candidate
  • PhD candidate accepts the offer and commences the Cotutelle program
  • The candidate spends the majority of their time at the Lead University, and at least one full academic calendar year at the Partner University.

Joint PhD Program

The Joint PhD Program allows PhD candidates to enrol at 91É«ÇéƬ and an approved strategic partner university. Candidates are jointly supervised by both a 91É«ÇéƬ supervisor and a collaborating supervisor from the partner university, they spend time at both Universities, and graduate with a single Doctor of Philosophy jointly awarded by both institutions.

This program builds upon existing research collaborations and relationships that have already been established between the two Universities, including co-publication of research, work on joint research projects, joint research grants, joint research centres and staff exchanges.

Before a candidate can enrol in a Joint PhD Program, there must be a Joint PhD Agreement between 91É«ÇéƬ and the partner university.

91É«ÇéƬ has existing Joint PhD Agreements with several universities worldwide. It is also possible for a 91É«ÇéƬ supervisor with an existing research collaboration to request a Joint PhD Agreement with a new partner university
To be considered, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • Your potential 91É«ÇéƬ supervisor must have an existing research collaboration with the partner university (this can be shown via co-publications, co-supervision, co-funding relationship, staff exchange, sabbaticals, joint presentations etc)
  • You commence your candidature at both institutions at the same time
  • You must not have already commenced a PhD prior to applying to undertake the Joint PhD Program.
  • You must be enrolled in a full-time study load
  • You must be enrolled at 91É«ÇéƬ Kensington campus (Joint PhD programs are not available at the 91É«ÇéƬ Canberra Campus)

Additional information

  • Prior to your enrolment at 91É«ÇéƬ, you should discuss your interest in enrolling in a Joint PhD Program with potential 91É«ÇéƬ supervisors. If your potential supervisor supports this proposal, they will need to lead the application process outlined below.Ìý

    To be considered, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

    • Your potential 91É«ÇéƬ supervisor must have an existing research collaboration with the partner university (this can be shown via co-publications, co-supervision, co-funding relationship, staff exchange, sabbaticals, joint presentations etc)
    • You commence your candidature at both institutions at the same timeÌý
    • You must not have already commenced a PhD prior to applying to undertake the Joint PhD Program.
    • You must be enrolled in a full-time study load

  • 91É«ÇéƬ has Joint PhD Agreements in place with the following institutions:

    • Go8 Network (Umbrella agreement– still need 1:1 institutional agreement in place) - Domestic candidates only.
    • University of Malaysia (Universiti Malaya)
    • Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (SJTU)
    • U21 Network (Umbrella agreement)
    • Xi’an Jiatong University, China (XJTU)

  • The application process should be initiated by the 91É«ÇéƬ supervisor, and should commence at least 6 months before the intended start date of candidature (for Term Start Dates, visitÌýthis page).

    1. Prospective PhD candidate applies to 91É«ÇéƬ viaÌýÌýindicating that they are seeking to enrol under a Joint PhD Program (indicate this in the uploaded Research Plan Form)
    2. 91É«ÇéƬ Supervisor completes theÌýCotutelle/Joint PhD Candidate formÌýin collaboration with the supervisor at the partner university
    3. 91É«ÇéƬ Supervisor uploads theÌýform to the online application assessment system (GRIS)
    4. Form and admission application are reviewed by the Graduate Research School. Candidate Agreement is drafted based on this information and sent to the partner university
    5. 91É«ÇéƬ and partner universityÌýnegotiate the final terms of the Candidate Agreement
    6. Admission application is reviewed by School for admission recommendation and returned to the Graduate Research SchoolÌý
    7. If admission is recommended by the Faculty, the Candidate Agreement proceeds to the signature stage. The Graduate Research School liaises with the partner university for signatures
    8. The Dean of Graduate Research will review and approve the application, including signing the Candidate Agreement
    9. The Graduate Research School will notify supervisors that agreement is approved and send a copy of the Candidate Agreement
    10. The Graduate Research School sends an offer letter to the candidate, and a copy of the Candidate Agreement
    11. PhD candidate accepts the offer and commences Joint PhD Program in accordance with the agreed schedule in the Candidate Agreement

  • 91É«ÇéƬ academic staff can express their interest in establishing a Joint PhD ProgramÌýwith a new partner University. There is an Expression of Interest process in which you mustÌýdemonstrate a strategic and sustainable research relationship between 91É«ÇéƬ and the proposed partner university, including a critical mass of prospective applicants.

    The process is as follows:

    1. Contact theÌýoffice of the Dean of Graduate ResearchÌýfor an initial discussion about the potential program
    2. If the Dean is supportive, complete theÌýÌýfor an International MOU or Student AgreementÌý
    3. The EoI will be reviewed by the Dean of Graduate Research
    4. The Graduate Research School will advise on the status and progression of your application

    Once approved by the Dean of Graduate Research, there is discussion between both universitiesÌýabout areas including:

    • candidature terms and conditions
    • financial/scholarship agreements
    • Intellectual PropertyÌý
    • examination
    • time-split between institutionsÌý

    The Dean of Graduate Research leads the discussions with the partner university’s counterpart Dean to develop the Joint PhD Program Agreement. These ongoing drafting and discussions can take anywhere from 3-18 months.

International Mobility Opportunities

Candidates may organise their own short term (12 months or less) research visits to international institutions with their supervisor’s support.
How to apply for an international research opportunity:
  • Check if there are any application requirements for the program and/or research institution you plan to visit
  • Submit a variation to candidature request to work away from a 91É«ÇéƬ campus
  • Register your travel through the portal
  • Visit the for useful information on preparing for an overseas study, including 91É«ÇéƬ Travel insurance, travel, registration, risk management and safety & security

Research Practicum Program

The 91É«ÇéƬ Study Abroad Research Practicum Program is designed for candidates enrolled in a research degree outside of Australia who would like to undertake a short research visit at 91É«ÇéƬ Sydney. Candidates who participate in the program have access to an appropriate supervisor, services, libraries, campus amenities and liability insurance for 91É«ÇéƬ premises for a duration between 3 – 24 months (subject to Faculty availability and approval).
Find out more

Contact

For further information, please contact the 91É«ÇéƬ Graduate Research School.

Email: grs@unsw.edu.au

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