Higher Degree Research Dual Awards Program

A dual award research program is defined as a Doctoral or Research Masters program where HDR candidate is provided with an opportunity to conduct joint research project, access to research facilities at each institution, and an agreed examination process. Candidates are required to submit one thesis for examination at both participating institutions. On completion, each participating institution confer the degree and issue a testamur, each recognising that the program was delivered under dual award arrangement.

Dual award programs present an opportunity to establish and enhance collaborations with global research institutions and researchers. It provides research candidates global experience with access to the latest research equipment, advanced facilities, and specialised expertise, as well as create opportunities for joint publications, provide access to new funding and enhance the University’s global research profile. The arrangement is facilitated through a Dual Award Partnership MOU between two providers.

As a research candidate you will be spending at least 12 months of your candidature at each university without adding time to your degree. Western Sydney University welcomes currently enrolled HDR candidates (outbound candidates) and international HDR candidates (inbound candidates) who wish to pursue Dual award programs.

Partner Institutions

WSU has established formal strategic partnership with several international institutions across the globe. WSU has current dual award arrangements with the following institutions to offer Doctoral and Research Masters degree.

Contact Graduate Research School via grs.internationalpartnerships@westernsydney.edu.au for establishing specific dual award programs with a partner institution, not listed below.

China

Fiji

France

India

Indonesia

Nepal

Spain

Taiwan

United Kingdom

How to Establish a Dual Award/Cotutelle with a new partner institution

WSU academic staff from Schools and Institutes can express their interest in establishing a formal Dual Award/Cotutelle program with partner institutions.

The Cotutelle arrangements are formalised through an arrangement between the participating institutions.

The following document provides step-by-step process:

You can contact the office of Graduate Research School via email for an initial discussion.

For advice and assistance with establishing a Dual Award Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), contact Graduate Research International Partnerships Leader via grs.internationalpartnerships@westernsydney.edu.au

For advice and assistance with establishing an Individual Candidature Agreement, contact the Graduate Research International Partnerships Leader via grs.internationalpartnerships@westernsydney.edu.au

Choose the international engagement opportunity that aligns with your goals and interests

How to apply

Step 1: Find a supervisor

You need to find a supervisor at Western Sydney University and acquire a supervisor letter of support to include in your application.

Step 2: Submit an application for admission

You need to submit an online application for admission into a program and ensure that you include all the required information and supporting documentation.

You must indicate in your online application that your application should be considered for ‘Dual Award’ program and choose the right School.

Please use this online form to contact the Graduate Research School, if you have any questions. More information is available in the FAQ section on this page.

Important

HDR Dual Award FAQs

What is a Dual Award HDR program?
A dual award research program is defined as a Doctoral or Research Masters program where HDR candidate is provided with an opportunity to conduct joint research project, access to research facilities at each institution, and an agreed examination process. Candidates are required to submit one thesis for examination at both participating institutions. On completion, each participating institution confer the degree and issue a testamur, each recognising that the program was delivered under dual award arrangement and name the partner university.
Can I initiate Joint Award partnership MOU with a partner institution?
According to the Higher Degree by Research and Dual Award Research Degrees Policy, WSU only establishes HDR Dual Award partnership MOUs.
What are the benefits of enrolling in a Dual Award HDR program?

Benefits include access to resources and expertise from two reputed global institutions, international exposure, enhanced employability, and the opportunity to be part of a broader research community.

Dual award programs aim to provide a global research experience and enhance career prospects by earning dual degrees from prestigious institutions.

You gain the advantage of dual supervision, enhanced insights from global experts, and access to double the resources, facilities, and funding opportunities. Additionally, you get the enriching experience of immersing yourself in a new culture and country.

How long does it take to complete a Dual Award HDR program?
The duration of a Dual Award HDR program is generally the same as a standard HDR program, minimum three and maximum four years for a PhD and 2 years for MPhil/MRes, depending on the specific requirements of the participating institutions and area of research.
How many supervisors are in a Dual Award HDR program for a candidate?
The candidate will have a Principal Supervisor and Co-Supervisor at Western Sydney University and a Principal Supervisor at the Partner Institution. The supervisors guide the candidate's research and ensure academic standards are met.
What is an MOU in the context of Dual Award HDR programs?
An MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is a formal agreement between two institutions outlining the terms and conditions of the Dual Award HDR program, including, but not limited to responsibilities of each participating institution, academic, funding, supervision, examination, governance and administrative processes.
How do I initiate a Dual Award MOU at WSU?

To initiate a Dual Award MOU at WSU, the academic proposer needs to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form and an Intention Form detailing the proposed partnership. The EOI form will be reviewed by Graduate research School.

Refer to Process to Establish Dual Award MOU.

What information is required in the EOI form for a Dual Award MOU?

The EOI form should include details about the partner institution, the proposed research areas, supervision arrangements, funding mechanisms, and any specific terms and conditions relevant to the partnership.

Institutional Framework Agreements will be made only where evidence is presented that demonstrates:

  • An existing research collaboration with participating institutions supported by a School or Research unit (this could be in the form of shared grants or ongoing projects, co-authorship of research publications, programmed visits etc); or
  • That dual enrolment will create a sustainable research relationship and contribute strategic or reputational value to the University; and
  • Research training standards at participating institutions are at least equivalent to those at the University.
Who reviews and approves the EOI form at WSU?

The EOI form is reviewed by Graduate Research School at WSU, and approved by Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development at Graduate Research School. Approval is required from Graduate Research School before proceeding with the dual award MOU.

Refer to Process to Establish Dual Award MOU.

Can I participate in a Dual Award program with an institution not listed in the partner institutions list?
For WSU HDR candidates, you can consult with your primary supervisor and email GRS (grs.internationalpartnerships@westernsydney.edu.au) to establish Dual Award Partnership MOU and to facilitate this arrangement. Please be advised that these arrangements may take up to 12 months to establish.
What are the deadlines to submit application for HDR Dual Award programs?

The following are the deadlines to accept complete application from the prospective applicant (via GRS portal) and paperwork from WSU primary supervisor for the upcoming intakes:

Intake Deadline
Q1 2026 (commencing on 05 Jan 2026) 05 July 2025
Q2 2026 (commencing on 30 Mar 2026) 30 Sep 2025
Q3 2026 (commencing on 22 Jun 2026) 22 Dec 2025
Q4 2026 (commencing on 14 Sep 2026) 14 Mar 2026

For more information

Refer to the HDR Dual Award Higher Degrees Policy about the requirements and procedures.

You may also be interested in the TEQSA guidance in relation to HDR Dual Awards.

HDR Knowledge Directory

Dual Awards FAQs

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