• 4EU+

4EU+ cotutelle doctoral contracts 2026

A unique opportunity for future PhD candidates to pursue their doctoral studies in two leading European institutions. Apply by 24 April 2026!

The 4EU+ doctoral cotutelle programme: a unique opportunity

The doctoral contracts provided through the 4EU+ European University Alliance are based on international joint supervision, giving successful candidates the opportunity to benefit from attractive doctoral training conditions:

  • Joint supervision by two thesis supervisors from two 4EU+ member universities (one of which is Sorbonne University)
  • A dual degree, promoting academic experience on a European scale
  • An obligatory mobility period, including a stay of at least one year at the partner university, with financial support

The scheme provides an immersive experience in two leading European research environments and strengthens international outreach.

An excellent collaborative research environment 

The 4EU+ cotutelle scheme provides numerous benefits, both for PhD students and their supervisors:

  • The development of strategic collaborations between European institutions
  • The possibility to be part of a leading international research network
  • Financial and logistical support, particularly for mobility, ensuring optimal working conditions.

By joining the 4EU+ European University Alliance, PhD students are part of a commitment to academic excellence, enabling them to build their European scientific network to tackle the major societal challenges of tomorrow.

Calendar for the call for applications (submissions from candidates)

  • 25 March – 24 April 2026: Submission of applications
  • 06 May 2026: Candidate files shared with programme coordinators
  • 06–26 May 2026: Interviews and selection by programme juries
  • 28 May 2026: Publication of results

Applications

To learn about the PhD projects proposed this year, visit the dedicated webpage and click on the drop-down list “Projets 4EU+ (page in French, but project descriptions in English).

To apply before 24 April 2026, click here.

Contact

4EU+ Local Office at Sorbonne University

The 4EU+ European University Alliance

The 4EU+ European University Alliance brings together eight leading research universities: Charles University (Czech Republic), Heidelberg University (Germany), Paris-Panthéon-Assas, Sorbonne University, the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the University of Geneva (Switzerland), the University of Milan (Italy) and the University of Warsaw (Poland). This strategic partnership aims to strengthen cooperation in education, research, innovation and societal engagement on a European level.

4EU+ develops ambitious research and education projects, rooted in four interdisciplinary areas addressing major contemporary challenges (flagships):

  • Urban health and demographic change
  • Multilingualism, pluralities and citizenship
  • Digitalisation, modelling and transformation 
  • Environmental transitions

These key areas provide an ideal framework for conducting innovative research in an international environment.