Global PhDs
The University of St Andrews is pleased to offer tailored opportunities for collaborative PhDs through our Global PhD programme. Global PhDs provide the ability for doctoral students to undertake research at both St Andrews and a nominated partner institution and with two (or more) academic supervisors. These programmes, often known as 'co-tutelles', encourage wider research collaboration than for many standard PhDs and give an international focus whilst making the most of subject-matter expertise from a range of partners. They lead to a jointly awarded degree from the two institutions and involve at least 12 months of research at each university.
To discuss a potential co-tutelle degree, please contact the Global Office by emailing globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Typically a student wishing to undertake a Global PhD should expect to have to comply with relevant requirements which may include a need to:
- Apply to each institution following their standard requirements for PhD students;
- Meet any relevant entry requirements for each institution, which may include a prior qualification such as a two-year Masters degree;
- Ensure awareness of the expectations of a PhD student at each institution, including possible taught components;
- Satisfy any national immigration requirements, including associated costs, for each host country;
- Meet any relevant tuition or other fee requirements of the institutions unless supported by funding covering that tuition fee;
- Follow agreed requirements on examination process, which may necessitate a non-standard format to meet policy for each institution.
The University of St Andrews welcomes interest in developing new Global PhD programmes. For more information, please see our Global PhDs - information for partners (PDF) .
Guidance for new applicants and doctoral candidates for Global PhDs (PDF)
-
A Global PhD is an arrangement whereby a student conducts their doctoral research under co-supervisors from two institutions, leading to a jointly awarded degree. Students studying under these agreements are usually awarded a joint degree via a single certificate which carries the insignia of both institutions.
The student is expected to engage with both institutions from start to finish, and to meet regularly with all parties, either in person or through phone or video calls.
A Global PhD agreement will not usually extend the duration of a standard PhD which at St Andrews is three years with the possibility of a final continuation year.
-
Students must spend at least 12 months in total as a resident student in St Andrews in order for the University to recognise the degree.
Students will divide their time into study blocks in order to facilitate access to the resources, human and otherwise, that will maximise their research opportunities. Each study block should be at least six months in length where possible.
Students requiring a visa to study at St Andrews should consider the impact of immigration requirements and associated costs when determining their intended pattern of study.
-
Before applying, students should contact their prospective supervisors at St Andrews and the partner institution to discuss the feasibility of a Global PhD agreement. Students must demonstrate a strong case for joint supervision on their application form.
A Global PhD arrangement can be initiated by either an academic at St Andrews or an academic at a partner institution who considers a co-tutelle with a named co-supervisor to be the optimal route for their prospective PhD student.
Students should apply online using the Postgraduate Research Application form, indicating that they intend to study for a co-tutelle.
The length of the application process will depend on whether St Andrews already has an existing agreement or links in place with the partner institution. If there is no formal agreement in place, both parties will have to carry out relevant due diligence checks to ensure that both institutions can provide the best outcome for the student. In most cases, this will require a formal agreement to be drawn up between St Andrews and the partner institution which may lengthen the application process. Some institutions have very lengthy internal approval processes that might delay the start of studies. It is therefore advisable for students to apply well in advance of the intended start date; you should begin the processes not less than six months prior to the intended start date of the degree.
At St Andrews, a Global PhD requires a proposal to be submitted by the supervisor in consultation with the co-supervisor and the student as well as an application form. Proposals and applications should both be submitted as early as possible in the process as an offer cannot be confirmed unless the formal agreement is in place.
For more information, please see our Global PhDs - information for candidates (PDF)
-
Students undertaking a Global PhD are liable for St Andrews tuition fees at rates applicable to their fee status for the periods when they are studying at St Andrews. Tuition is payable monthly on a pro rata basis for those periods. Rates are defined by bands and depend on academic discipline, year of entry, and Home or Overseas status and can be found here: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/money/fees/feestable/#d.en.66444
In certain circumstances, St Andrews offers reduced fee rates for Overseas students through a scholarship which is automatically applied to all eligible students.
The below details apply wherever the student is not already supported by existing commitments between institutions for tuition fees, or through internal or external scholarships which cover tuition fees.
This tuition fee scholarship reduces the Overseas fee liability to a Home fee liability in cases where the partner university’s fees are equal to or lower than a St Andrews Home fee for Global PhDs with established and strategic partners, and is applicable to the partner universities listed below:
University of Amsterdam
University of Bonn
Charles University (Prague)
University of Ghent
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
University of Oslo
University of Padua
Sapienza University of Rome
*this scheme supports Global PhD partners as listed below, as well as selected additional partner universities. Where new Global PhD programmes are created, they will be included in the scheme. In some cases, these arrangements are available to certain academic disciplines only. Please see the Global PhD partners lists below for relevant subject availability.
-
Academic staff and students who have been involved in Global PhDs at St Andrews offer their views of the benefits of the programme:
Academic staff comments:
Prof. Riccardo Bavaj
"Co-tutelles offer fantastic opportunities at various levels: Students not only benefit from a wider range of resources and supervisory expertise, but they also immerse themselves in two potentially very different research environments. This provides an additional boost to intellectual creativity, skills development, and job prospects. For scholars and universities, co-tutelles are an excellent way of facilitating academic exchange and border-crossing – now more important than ever in a post-Brexit world."
Dr Justine Firnhaber-Baker
"My co-tutelle doctoral students have benefited not only from the best possible supervisory team for their projects but also from immersion in the different national and academic cultures of our two universities."
PhD students:
Aubrie, School of Biology
"As a University of St Andrews alumnus, I am aware of the University’s well-deserved reputation as a world-class institution, particularly in my field of interest. While a PhD with the University of St Andrews will set you up for a fantastic career, I also had the fantastic opportunity to benefit from collaborations with a lab specializing in my study species. Long-standing ties between researchers at St Andrews and my partner institution, La Laguna University, have been investigating the incredibly deep-diving family of elusive beaked whales. I know I am receiving the best possible education in both aspects of my project, while also building a network of colleagues across both Universities."
Larisa, School of Classics
"I decided to apply for a co-tutelle programme for its double nature. I could only see the benefits of working with two supervisors, two institutions, and two methods. That is exactly what I am gaining from my joint PhD St Andrews-Rome Sapienza: a combined academic path that allows me to keep my feet on my previous, Italian education while enriching my formation within the UK system. I am persuaded that this would not have been possible in any other programme mostly because the internationally recognised level of these two universities in the Classics area is hardly comparable to any other academic institution. I would not have been able to find elsewhere their resources, staff, academic activities."
Adrian, School of Psychology and Neuroscience
"I decided to undertake a co-tutelle because it provided the opportunity to work under the supervision of two experts in my research area. This meant expanding my learning opportunities, and research network and generally enriching the experience. Two different universities can offer more opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and courses as well as taking part in activities in two instead of one laboratory group. I benefited from two diverse and complementary PhD programs, the abroad experience and generally taking opportunities from two important universities."
Marcel, School of History
"The co-tutelle programme has been the perfect opportunity for me to study abroad. The School of History (in St Andrews) gives me a great further historical education with new research perspectives. It fits perfectly with my department in Bonn and complements the theoretical base of my work. Without the co-tutelle, I would never have met these broad perspectives of my subject. The opportunity to gain teaching experience in two different countries and languages upgrades every CV."
Elisabeth, School of Mathematics and Statistics
"St Andrews and Oslo have collaborated for many years and a joint PhD allows me to take advantage of the expertise and resources from both departments, which is invaluable in my research. Doing a co-tutelle is essentially double the experience of a normal PhD. I get to benefit from two world-leading universities, take part in two research environments, and experience two countries. At the end, I will end up with a unique degree that will be valuable both in business and academia."
Joe, School of Art History
"My two supervisors have been excellent, each offering distinctive and valuable advice in a very thoughtful and encouraging way. Their careful and coordinated support has given me the confidence to pursue research in a fulfilling way."
Global PhD partners
Students should be aware that not all institutions offer co-tutelle degrees. Students should also check to see if the scholarships and funding arrangements they have in place allow for a co-tutelle.
St Andrews has established co-tutelle agreements with a range of partners in the past and usually has a number of current arrangements underway. So long as both institutions and both supervisors are willing to enter into a co-tutelle partnership, you may apply for one with any relevant institution.
St Andrews also currently has agreements with the following partner institutions which students may apply to:
-
The University of St Andrews and Ghent University have established an agreement to allow PhD candidates to undertake research leading to the award of a joint doctoral degree across the following Schools of Arts and Divinity:
- Art History
- Classics
- Divinity
- English
- Film Studies
- History
- International Relations
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Social Anthropology.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD with Ghent can expect the following:
- A maximum duration of three years, with a possible continuation period of 12 months;
- To spend at least 12 months' study at each institution;
- A final exam including an oral elements which will follow the regulations of both institutions with an examination committee consisting of members proposed by each partner;
- A single joint degree award including the relevant titles for each institution (defined by discipline);
- Graduation at either institution at the student's choice.
-
The University of St Andrews and Macquarie University have established an agreement to allow PhD candidates to undertake research leading to the award of a joint doctoral degree in subjects across the Faculties of Arts, Divinity and Science.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD with Macquarie can expect:
- A maximum duration of three years with the potential for a further continuation period of 12 months;
- A minimum of 12 months' study at each institution;
- One institution shall be designated the administering institution - this will determine the format and the location of the final examination which will include an oral component;
- A single, joint degree award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD);
- Graduation at either institution at the student's choice.
-
The University of St Andrews and Sapienza University of Rome have established an agreement to allow PhD candidates to undertake research leading to the award of a joint doctoral degree in Classics.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD with Sapienza can expect:
- A typical duration of three-and-a-half years with the potential for a continuation period making the overall programme a maximum of four years;
- A standard of 18 months' study at each institution;
- An examination following the procedure of the institution at which the student begins their degree, which will include a viva voce element and a committee made up of members nominated by each institution;
- A single, joint degree award. The doctoral degree will give the titles of the awards in each institution's format (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) for St Andrews, and Dottore di Ricerca in Filologia e Storia del Mondo Antico for Sapienza);
- Graduation at either institution of the student's choice.
-
The University of St Andrews and Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn have established an agreement to allow PhD candidates to undertake research leading to joint doctoral degrees in the faculties of:
- Arts and Divinity
- History
- Medicine
- Science.
Global PhDs are available in all academic disciplines within the faculties of Arts and Divinity, particularly for joint doctoral degrees in German and Comparative Literature and joint doctoral degrees in Mediaeval History or Modern History. Within the faculty of Science, Global PhDs are available with disciplines in Bonn's Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, incorporating Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Biology, Pharmacy and Molecular Biomedicine. Global PhDs are also available with the Faculty of Medicine.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD programme with Bonn can expect the following elements:
- A maximum duration of three years with the potential for a further continuation period of 12 months;
- A minimum of 12 months' study at each institution;
- One institution shall be designated the lead institution - this will determine the format of the final examination which will include a viva voce element and an examination committee made up of examiners designated by each institution;
- A single, joint degree award. The doctoral degree may be used in the format awarded by either St Andrews or Bonn (Doctor or Philosophy (PhD), or Doktor der Philosophy (Dr. phil.));
- Graduation at either institution at the student's choice.
For further details on joint PhDs with Bonn see the links below:
St Andrews and Bonn joint PhD in Arts and Divinity
St Andrews and Bonn joint PhD in History
-
The University of St Andrews has partnered with the University of Stirling to offer research postgraduate students the St Andrews and Stirling Graduate Programme in Philosophy (SASP). This programme offers MPhil and PhD degrees in Philosophy.
-
The University of St Andrews has partnered with the University of Oslo to offer PhD candidates to undertake research leading to a joint doctoral degree in all disciplines across the Faculties of Arts, Science, Divinity, and Medicine at St Andrews.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD with Oslo can expect:
- A maximum duration of three years with the potential for a further continuation period of 12 months;
- A minimum of 12 months' study at each institution;
- One institution shall be designated the lead institution - this will determine the format of the final examination which will include a viva voce element and an examination committee made up of examiners designated by each institution, followed by an oral disputation in public;
- A single, joint degree award. The doctoral degree may be used in the format awarded by either St Andrews or Bonn (Doctor or Philosophy (PhD), or Doktor der Philosophy (Dr. phil.));
- Graduation at either institution at the student's choice.
Within the overall scheme, there is also a programme for joint PhDs with Oslo in Philosophy.
For further details on the Philosophy scheme, see the link below.
-
The University of St Andrews and the University of Amsterdam have established an agreement to allow excellent PhD candidates to undertake research leading to the award of a joint doctoral degree in the areas of Philosophy, Logic, Language and Computation.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD with the ILLC at Amsterdam can expect:
- A maximum duration of four years;
- A minimum of 12 months' study at each institution;
- A maximum thesis length of 70,000 words (excluding bibliography, references, and appendices);
- Examination via a pre-defence at St Andrews which shall follow the policy for examination at St Andrews and shall include a viva voce element, followed by assessment via a Doctoral Committee at Amsterdam. The examination committees for each element must be composed of different members;
- A single award, providing the titles for degree of each institution (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) for St Andrews, and Doctor for Amsterdam). Each institution shall provide its own certificate which will reference the collaborative nature of the degree and the other institution;
- Graduation at the University of Amsterdam.
Global St Andrews Doctoral scholarships
We are delighted to announce a call for applications for Global St Andrews doctoral scholarships for 2025-2026 entry in a range of subjects at established partner universities. The call for applications is now open
Global doctoral scholarships are supported by funding from St Leonard's Postgraduate College.
These Global doctoral scholarships are for specific doctoral research projects (or broader themes in which a student may create their project) to be defined by co-supervisors working at St Andrews and an existing partner institution.
Overview
- Up to 8 fully-funded (fees and stipend) scholarships provided by St Leonard’s Postgraduate College for joint degree programmes with existing international partner institutions.
- Within these eight scholarships, two are available with Macquarie University, and a further four are available with the University of Bonn.
- Remaining scholarships are available with additional partners, with existing Global PhD partners prioritised. Please see details of each stream within the call for specific parameters and timelines.
- Available for new UK or international doctoral students starting their degree in the 2025-2026 academic year who meet the entry requirements of both institutions.
- Supervisor-led competition open to all Schools.
The scholarships provide for tuition fees and a stipend at RCUK rates for the period of time spent at the University of St Andrews in a joint doctoral programme where it is expected that half the time will be spent at each of two specified institutions.
The partner institution is expected to provide corresponding funding for the periods spent with them, and the application for a Global doctoral scholarship should indicate the details of partner funding.
Existing arrangements on co-funding are in place with Macquarie University and with the University of Bonn. Details are outlined in specific sections below. Please note that each stream of the funding programme has specific parameters which may differ from the way in which another stream functions.
-
Overview
The below details relate to the stream within the call within which two projects are available for Global PhDs with programme partners other than Macquarie University and the University of Bonn. Please see the separate information listed for these two partners if applying for funding within those streams.
The Global doctoral scholarships are intended to contribute to the development of world-leading research, education and impact supported by the University Strategy at St Andrews.
In particular, the scholarships are intended to help consolidate the University's position as a sector leader in international engagement.
Scholarships will support research jointly supervised and delivered with a second non-UK university.
Applications with existing Global PhD partners will be prioritised for these two scholarships. Institutions other than those listed on this website will be considered on a case-by-case basis, where space remains, but it may not be possible to support them. Applications with institutions other than those listed will normally be approved only if there is an existing collaboration and a clear strategic rationale for the partnership. Where such an application is successful, further details will be requested to ensure appropriate alignment with St Andrews policy and provision can be ensured before proceeding.
The scholarships are funded by St Leonard's Postgraduate College.
Up to three scholarships will be awarded for new doctoral students starting their degree in the 2025-2026 academic year within this general stream of the call.
Supervisors who are successful in their application for project funding will be asked to provide feedback on the programme and may be approached for testimonial statements for promotional purposes.
Supervisor-Led Competition
Application deadline – Monday 23 September 2024, 11.59pm.
Applications should be submitted by University of St Andrews staff on behalf of those involved from a partner institution. The supervisor-led competition is open to all Schools at St Andrews.
Applications may propose either a pre-defined research project in a specific area of research under a specified lead supervisor at each institution or two closely defined topics in which student-led projects would be recruited. This flexibility is intended to support Schools who would not normally offer pre-defined doctoral projects while still ensuring that funding is directed toward research that supports strategic priorities.
The Global Office is happy to receive queries about the definition of projects.
Schools may submit as many applications as they wish for these calls, but Heads of School or School Directors of Postgraduate Research may wish to establish a School-level selection process prioritise submissions for the competition.
Applications should comprise:
- Project/topic outline (max. 600 words) with an indication of any innovative or distinctive features and written for a multi-disciplinary audience.
- Statement (max. 300 words) describing how the relationship between the universities, including research synergies, research environments, and strategic links can benefit the project, and
- How the project will enhance existing links and strengthen research collaboration beyond the scope of the PhD project.
- Statement (max. 500 words) outlining the ways in which the partnership between St Andrews and the partner facilitates a high-quality research training environment for the student. The statement should explain what materials, resources, equipment, archive or lab, and training groups, etc., the student will benefit from accessing, and why the particular supervisorial context created by the collaborative project will be beneficial.
- Confirmation that the application has the support of the authorised member of staff at the University of St Andrews, normally the Head of School or the School Director of Postgraduate Research (email is sufficient).
- Confirmation that the application has the support of the authorised member of staff at the partner university. Where the partner is not one of either Bonn or Macquarie, this MUST also indicate the nature of the partner institution's commitment in relation to fees/maintenance support for the period to be spent at the partner institution.
Applications must be submitted by email to globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk by 23 September 2024 at 11.59pm. Late applications will not be accepted.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be considered by a multi-disciplinary selection panel chaired by the Assistant-Vice Principal (Provost).
In assessing applications, the selection panel will be guided by the following questions.
Therefore, schools are encouraged to ensure that application documents clearly address these questions:
- Is the case for the project/topic well argued?
- How do the anticipated supervision arrangements contribute to the strength of the application?
- What progress is anticipated beyond current thinking?
- Is the project/topic innovative?
- What is the likely added value of the project/topic?
- Does the project/topic seem feasible? - i.e., is it suitable for doctoral-level research and can it be completed within the scholarship term?
- How well aligned is the project/topic to the University Strategy? - i.e., how would the scholarship contribute to developing capacity that strategically strengthens the school? For this general call, the selection panel would also particularly welcome bids that clearly address one of the following themes:
- Peace, Conflict, and Security
- Cultural Understanding
- Evolution, Behaviour, and Environment
- Materials for the Modern World
- Health, Infectious Disease, and Wellbeing
- Sustainability
Student Recruitment and Eligibility
The results of the supervisor-led competition will be announced in November 2024. There will be an open call for student applications from December 2024. Exceptions to this requirement will not be permitted. Only projects for recruitment of new students may be submitted - a student must not have been identified in advance of the application outcomes being announced.
The student application period will close in February 2025. The School will be expected to complete its selection process, and to offer the scholarship to the selected applicant by the end of April 2025. Please note that the Global Office will provide an official scholarship offer letter and should be notified of the outcome in April to allow for completion of this process.
The School will be required to provide the Provost with a brief report on the selection process and to provide details to the Global Office at globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk
The Global Office will work with partner universities to arrange official notification of scholarship awards and the two universities will conclude contractual arrangements, which must be in place prior to the start of the degree.
Where the Global Office receives details of awarded students by the deadlines listed, the student may, with the agreement of the school, start their degree at any of the approved entry points during the 2025-2026 academic year, subject to any stipulations under specific streams of this scheme as outlined under partner call pages below. Awards will also be subject to conclusion of contracts between the parties, the student having met any admissions requirements of each university, and any immigration procedures having been completed.
Scholarships cannot be deferred. Awards will be withdrawn if the student is unable to start their doctoral degree in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Please note that the student must:
- Matriculate for a joint (co-tutelle) doctoral degree to be awarded by the University of St Andrews and the partner university. Students are not eligible if they are matriculating for a research Masters degree (MPhil, MRes, etc.).
- Not already hold a doctoral degree, or be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the University of St Andrews or another institution.
- Matriculate as a full-time student as part-time study is not available under this scheme.
- Meet the entry requirements set by both the University of St Andrews and the partner institution, including any relevant language requirements.
Funding
The scholarships comprise the equivalent of a full-fees award and stipend for the normal full-fee paying period up to 3.5 years. Scholarship holders will be expected to have submitted their thesis for examination by the end of that period.
Projects should be planned so that the student will spend half of the scholarship term at the University of St Andrews and half at the partner university:
- For the period spent at the University of St Andrews, the scholarships will comprise of a full fees awards and a stipend paid at the current UK Research Council rate (£19,237 each year in 2024-25, rising with UKRI rates annually).
- For the period spent at the partner university, the scholarships must comprise of an equivalent package, that is, the student does not directly incur tuition fees, and receives support for the purposes of maintenance. The maintenance package for the period spent at the partner university should reflect local practice in how this is paid (stipend, salary, or some other form) and value and details should be included in the application. St Leonard's Postgraduate College will cover costs arising from that part of the scholarship term spent at the University of St Andrews. The partner institution will cover costs arising from that part of the scholarship term spent there.
The School at the University of St Andrews is not required to contribute to the costs of the scholarship, however, please note the below parameters.
N.B.: Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:
- Any continuation, extension, or resubmission period/fees;
- A research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses, e.g. bench fees or conference attendance fees;
- Funding for fieldwork activities;
- Support for travel, immigration, health insurance, and related charges between the partner institutions.
Schools that normally provide doctoral students with a research training grant or equivalent award for research expenses, or any travel funding, must cover these costs themselves or come to an agreement with the partner institution should if they wish to offer this type of support, but please note that institutional funding for such expenses is not normally available.
Further Enquiries
Further enquiries about the Global Doctoral Scholarships may be addressed to the Global Office via globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk
-
Overview
- The University of St Andrews and Macquarie University have been strategic partners in research and graduate research collaboration since 2012.
- The universities have supported 8 global PhD projects to date.
- The universities established a supervisor-led global PhD project proposal program to further deepen the cooperation and collaboration between their researchers and increase participation in the Global PhD program.
- Up to 2 awards are available each year.
- Those projects that are successful for an award will be advertised for the recruitment of a doctoral student as fully funded 3.5-year joint PhD scholarship positions.
- The funding is available to new UK, Australian, or international doctoral applicants starting their degree in September/October 2025 who meet the entry requirements of both universities.
- This call is open to all schools at both universities.
- The priority theme for this funding round is Sustainability.
Description
The call for doctoral proposals by supervisory teams from the University of St Andrews and Macquarie University is now open.
The doctoral projects are intended to contribute to the development of world-leading research, education and impact supported by the University Strategy at St Andrews, and to the Macquarie University Strategic Research Framework. In particular, the scholarships are intended to help consolidate both Universities’ position as sector leaders in international engagement.
Scholarships will support research jointly supervised and delivered through a Global PhD degree programme (joint PhD).
For the 2025-2026 St Andrews - Macquarie University call, priority will be given to proposals that fall under the theme of sustainability. Projects may be interdisciplinary and approach the theme from various angles, for example an economic or business, social sustainability, inclusion, environmental, or social justice perspective.
Applications to other areas will also be considered but should align to at least one of the strategic research themes of St Andrews or Macquarie.
Supervisor-Led Competition
The supervisor-led competition is open to all Schools at both institutions.
The applications will be jointly prepared by supervisors from both universities and should be submitted by the supervisor at each respective institution as follows:
At St Andrews, applications should be submitted to globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk
At Macquarie, applications should be submitted via the Research Management System PURE. Select funding opportunity: CF: Cotutelle IMQRES - University of St Andrews
Applications should be submitted by Monday 23 September 2024, 11.59 pm. Late applications will not be accepted. (N.B. this deadline refers to each time zone for submission to the respective institutions).
Announcement of successful project proposals: by 14 October 2024.
Applications may propose either a pre-defined research project in a specific area of research or two closely defined topics in which student-led projects would be recruited. This flexibility is intended to support schools who would not normally offer pre-defined doctoral projects while still ensuring that funding is directed toward research that supports strategic priorities.
Supervisors are encouraged to seek guidance from the St Andrews Global Office and Macquarie Graduate Research Academy on forming project themes that may be considered favourably.
At St Andrews, Heads of School or School Directors of Postgraduate Research may wish to establish a school-level selection process to prioritise applications to submit to the competition.
Applications should comprise:
- Project/topic outline (max. 600 words) with an indication of any innovative or distinctive features and written for a multi-disciplinary audience.
- Statement (max. 300 words) describing how:
- the relationship between the universities, including research synergies, research environments, and strategic links can benefit the project.
- the project will enhance existing links and strengthen research collaboration beyond the scope of the PhD project.
- Statement (max. 500 words) outlining the ways in which the partnership between Macquarie and St Andrews facilitates a high-quality research training environment for the student. The statement should explain what materials, resources, equipment, archive or lab, and training groups, etc., the student will benefit from accessing, and why the particular supervisorial context created by the collaborative project will be beneficial.
- Confirmation that the application has the support of the authorised member of staff at the University of St Andrews and Macquarie University, normally the Head of School or the School Director of Postgraduate Research (email is sufficient).
Selection Criteria
Applications will be considered by a multi-disciplinary selection panel involving membership from both universities and chaired by the Assistant-Vice Principal (Provost) of St Andrews and the Pro Vice-Chancellor Graduate Research of Macquarie.
In assessing applications, the selection panel will be guided by the following questions. Therefore, Schools are encouraged to ensure that application documents clearly address these questions:
- Is the case for the project/topic well argued?
- How do the anticipated supervision arrangements contribute to the strength of the application?
- What progress is anticipated beyond current thinking?
- Is the project/topic innovative?
- What is the likely added value of the project/topic?
- Does the project/topic seem feasible? - i.e., is it suitable for doctoral-level research and can it be completed within the scholarship term, including feasibility of access to lab and research materials when undertaking research at two distant university locations.
- How well aligned is the project/topic to University strategies? - i.e., how would the scholarship contribute to developing capacity that strategically strengthens the school?
Student Recruitment and Eligibility
Call for expressions of interests from students opens: 21 October 2024.
Only projects for recruitment of new students may be submitted - a student must not have been identified in advance of the application outcomes being announced.
Call for expressions of interests from students closes: 9 December 2024. The participating schools and the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie in coordination with the academic supervisors will be expected to complete the selection process.
The School at St Andrews will be required to provide the Provost with a brief report on the selection process and to provide details to the Global Office.
Please note that application to the scholarship is separate to formal application for admission, which must take place after a scholarship decision has been communicated.
The Global Office at St Andrews will work with the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie to arrange official notification of scholarship awards, invite scholarship awardees to formally apply for admission to both universities by mid-January 2025, and conclude contractual arrangements which must be in place prior to the start of the degree.
The student may, with the agreement of both universities, start their degree at the below entry point:
27 September (for St Andrews starts) / 1 October (for Macquarie starts) 2025.
Scholarships cannot be deferred. Awards will be withdrawn if the student is unable to start Please note that the student must:
- Not already hold a doctoral degree or be matriculated for a doctoral degree.
- Matriculate for a joint doctoral degree to be awarded by St Andrews and Macquarie.
- Matriculate as a full-time student as part-time study is not available under this scheme.
- Apply to both institutions through normal application routes.
- Meet the entry requirements set by both St Andrews and Macquarie. Note: conditional offers will not be made for meeting English proficiency requirements at Macquarie.
Funding
The scholarships comprise the equivalent of a full-fees award and stipend for up to 3.5 years. Scholarship holders will be expected to have submitted their thesis for examination by the end of that period.
Projects should be planned so that the student will spend half of the scholarship term at the University of St Andrews and half at Macquarie University:
Funding arrangements are made on the basis that:
- For the period spent at the University of St Andrews, the scholarships will comprise of a full tuition fee award and a stipend paid at the current UK Research Council rate (£19,237 each year at 2024-2025 rates. N.B. rates will rise annually in line with UKRI stipend rates).
- Macquarie will fund a living allowance scholarship per position at an annual rate of AUD38,500 (2025 rate, tax exempt), paid pro-rata while the student is in Australia. A tuition fee scholarship will be granted for the period of joint enrolment up to 42 months. Macquarie will also provide an airfare allowance for flights between the UK and Australia up to a maximum of $4,000 AUD to be arranged by the Graduate Research Academy.
The school at the University of St Andrews or Macquarie University is not required to contribute to the costs of the scholarship.
Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:
- Any continuation, extension, or resubmission period/fees.
- A research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses.
- Support for travel, immigration, health insurance and related charges between the partner institutions.
Schools that normally provide doctoral students with a research training grant or equivalent award for research expenses, or any travel funding, must cover these costs or come to an agreement with the partner university should they wish to offer this type of support, but please note that institutional funding for such expenses is not normally available.
Further Enquiries
Further enquiries about the Global Doctoral Scholarships may be addressed to the Global Office at St Andrews via globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk or to the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie via gr.international@mq.edu.au.
-
Deadline for proposals: September 23, 2024
We are delighted to announce a call for applications for St Andrews-Bonn Global Doctoral scholarships for 2025-2026 entry in a range of subjects. The Global Doctoral scholarships are supported by funding from St Leonard's Postgraduate College at St Andrews and the University of Bonn.
These Global PhDs are for specific doctoral research projects to be defined by co-supervisors working at St Andrews and Bonn.
Overview
- Up to 4 fully funded (fees and stipend) scholarships provided by St Leonard’s Postgraduate College and the University of Bonn for Global PhD degree programmes.
- Available for students of all nationalities starting their degree in the 2025-2026 academic year who meet the entry requirements of both institutions.
- Supervisor-led competition open to the Faculties of Arts, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and Medicine at the University of Bonn and the Faculties of Arts, Science, and Medicine at St Andrews. Members of other Schools/faculties should contact the Global Office/International Office prior to application so that they can advise on eligibility.
Description
St Andrews-Bonn Global Doctoral scholarships are intended to contribute to the development of world-leading research, education and impact supported by the University Strategy at St Andrews, and the Internationalization Strategy of the University of Bonn. The scholarships are intended to help to increase collaborative research between the institutions and to aid their internationalisation agenda.
Scholarships will support research jointly supervised and delivered through a Global PhD degree programme. Applications for a project within an area of strategic importance to both institutions will be prioritised. Students are expected to be integrated into a Bonn International Graduate School or other structured PhD program at the University of Bonn.
Scholarships will support research jointly supervised and delivered through a Global PhD degree programme.
Supervisor-Led Competition
Applications should be submitted by University of St Andrews staff on behalf of those involved from the University of Bonn. The applications will be jointly prepared by supervisors from both Universities. Applications may propose either a pre-defined research project in a specific area of research under a specified lead supervisor at each institution or two closely defined topics in which student-led projects would be recruited. This flexibility is intended to support schools/faculties which would not normally offer pre-defined doctoral projects while still ensuring that funding is directed toward research that supports strategic priorities.
At St Andrews, Heads of School or School Directors of Postgraduate Research may wish to establish a school-level selection process to prioritise applications to submit to the competition.
Applications should comprise:
- Project/topic outline (max. 600 words) with an indication of any innovative or distinctive features and written for a multi-disciplinary audience.
- Statement (max. 300 words) describing how:
- the relationship between the universities, including research synergies, research environments, and strategic links can benefit the project.
- the project will enhance existing links and strengthen research collaboration beyond the scope of the PhD project.
- Statement (max. 500 words) outlining the ways in which the partnership between Bonn and St Andrews facilitates a high-quality research training environment for the student. The statement should explain what materials, resources, equipment, archive or lab, and training groups, etc., the student will benefit from accessing, and why the particular supervisorial context created by the collaborative project will be beneficial.
- Confirmation that the application has the support of the authorised member of staff at the University of St Andrews and the University of Bonn, normally the Head of School or the School Director of Postgraduate Research (email is sufficient).
Selection Criteria
Applications will be considered by a multi-disciplinary selection panel involving membership from both St Andrews and Bonn and chaired by the Assistant-Vice Principal (Dean of Learning and Teaching) and Provost of St Andrews and the Vice-Rector International of Bonn.
In assessing applications, the selection panel will be guided by the following questions. Therefore, schools are encouraged to ensure that application documents clearly address these questions:
- Is the case for the project/topic well argued?
- What progress is anticipated beyond current thinking?
- Is the project/topic innovative?
- What is the likely added value of the project/topic?
- Does the project/topic seem feasible? - i.e., is it suitable for doctoral-level research and can it be completed within the scholarship term?
- How do the anticipated supervision arrangements contribute to the strength of the application? The supervision concept put forward by the PIs should outline the planned integration of PhD candidates into their respective research environments. At Bonn, students are expected to be integrated into a Bonn International Graduate School or other structured PhD program.
- How well aligned is the project/topic to University strategies? - i.e., how would the scholarship contribute to developing capacity that strategically strengthens the school? The selection panel would also particularly welcome bids that clearly address a research theme common to both Universities’ research priorities.
Applications to other areas will also be considered but should align to at least one of the strategic research themes of St Andrews or Bonn.
Student Recruitment and Eligibility
Announcement of awards: November 2024.
Call for expressions of interests from students opens: December 2024. Only projects for recruitment of new students may be submitted - a student must not have been identified in advance of the application outcomes being announced.
Call for expressions of interests from students closes: end of February 2025. The school will be expected to complete its selection process, and to offer the scholarship to the selected applicant by the beginning of April 2025.
The School at St Andrews will be required to provide the Provost with a brief report on the selection process and to provide details to the Global Office.
Please note that application to the scholarship is separate to formal application for admission, which must take place after a scholarship decision has been communicated.
The Global Office at St Andrews will work with the International Office at Bonn to arrange official notification of scholarship awards, invite scholarship awardees to formally apply for admission to both universities, and conclude contractual arrangements which must be in place prior to the start of the degree.
The student may, with the agreement of both universities, start their degree at any of the valid entry points in the 2025-2026 academic year. For Bonn, students may begin the degree at any time. For St Andrews eligible dates are 27 September, 27 October, 27 January, or 27 May.
Scholarships cannot be deferred. Awards will be withdrawn if the student is unable to start their doctoral degree in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Please note that the student must:
- Matriculate for a joint doctoral degree to be awarded by the University of St Andrews and the University of Bonn. Students are not eligible if they are matriculating for research Master’s degree (MPhil, MRes, etc.)
- Start their degree at the University of Bonn. (Should the design of the project call for a start at St Andrews, supervisors are asked to discuss this prior to writing the application with the International Office at Bonn).
- Not already hold a doctoral degree or be matriculated for a doctoral degree.
- Matriculate as a full-time student as part-time study is not available under this scheme.
Apply to each institution and meet the entry requirements (including any relevant language requirements) set by both the University of St Andrews and the University of Bonn.
Funding
The scholarships comprise the equivalent of a full-fees award and stipend for the normal full-fee paying period up to 3.5 years. Scholarship holders will be expected to have submitted their thesis for examination by the end of that period.
Projects should be planned so that the student will spend half of the scholarship term at the University of St Andrews and half at the University of Bonn:
- For the period spent at the University of St Andrews, the scholarships will comprise of a full tuition fee award and a stipend paid at the current UK Research Council rate (as an indication, this was £19,237 each year in 2024-2025).
- For the period spent at the University of Bonn, the tax-free scholarships will comprise a monthly maintenance grant. Please refer to the Joint PhD Guide page for full details. The University of Bonn does not charge any tuition fees, but students must pay a so-called social contribution once per semester (currently €315 per semester). For students commencing at Bonn, Bonn will offer a relocation allowance of up to €1,500.
St Leonard's Postgraduate College will cover costs arising from that part of the scholarship term spent at the University of St Andrews. The University of Bonn will cover costs arising from that part of the scholarship term spent there. The school/faculty at the University of St Andrews or the University of Bonn is not required to contribute to the costs of the scholarship, but will be liable for normal costs such as those for examiner’s fees, etc.
N.B.: Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:
- Any continuation, extension, or resubmission period/fees.
- A research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses, bench fees, etc.
- Funding for fieldwork, or any other research trips including (but not limited to) visits to archives, labs, or third-party institutions.
- Support for travel, immigration, and related charges between the partner institutions.
Schools that normally provide doctoral students with a research training grant or equivalent award for research expenses, or any travel funding, must cover these costs or come to an agreement with the partner institution should they wish to offer this type of support, but please note that such an agreement will not normally be facilitated between the two universities.
Further Enquiries
Further enquiries about the Global Doctoral Scholarships may be addressed to the Global Office at St Andrews via globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk or to the International Office at Bonn (tina.odenthal@uni-bonn.de)