The Flemish Model of Joint PhD Collaboration

In Flanders, a unique interuniversity collaboration between the five Flemish universities has resulted in a groundbreaking agreement on Joint PhD degrees. This agreement has led to the creation of a unified template for Joint PhDs, significantly simplifying the administrative process. The template covers all essential components—such as the doctoral training programme, publication arrangements, examination procedures, and the composition of the examination board—leaving only the project-specific details to be completed. By pre-negotiating these complex elements, the Flemish universities have eliminated the need for lengthy bilateral discussions, streamlining the setup of Joint PhDs.

The cornerstone of this collaboration is the general principle that the lead institution’s regulations and procedures should apply. The resulting harmonised approach not only reduces negotiation time but also actively encourages deep research collaboration across institutions. By removing administrative barriers and offering a swift, standardised service, the Flemish model makes Joint PhDs more accessible and appealing to researchers. Rather than being deterred by the perceived complexity of setting up such collaborations, researchers are now supported by a clear and efficient framework that facilitates international and interuniversity cooperation. This initiative reflects Ghent University’s broader commitment to fostering high-quality, collaborative doctoral research within a supportive and well-structured environment.

For more information about this innovative collaboration, please contact us at jointphd@ugent.be.