Invitation of International Second Supervisors

Funding covers travel and accommodation expenses for the international second supervisor. Funding consists of a flat travel rate (based on the country of origin [available in German only]) and a flat accommodation rate of 160 euros per day.

Funding requires the second supervisor to participate in the doctoral student’s thesis defense or conduct an on-site supervisory meeting in Bonn. The funded travel must take place within 12 months upon the submission deadline and cannot be granted for past visits.

• Explanation of the reason for involving the international second supervisor
• Extent of the international second supervisor’s involvement in other research activities at the institute or faculty in Bonn
• Conduction of the doctoral project as part of a cotutelle agreement (joint doctorate); this is not a pre-condition for applying in this funding line.

The decision on the award of funding will be made by an interdisciplinary selection committee of scholars. The Bonn Graduate Center supports the members of the committee in an advisory capacity. The members are:

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Alessandro Bismuto, Prof. Dr. Sabine Feist, Jun.-Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Lorenzen, Jun.-Prof. Dr. Marie-Christine Simon  , Prof. Dr. Andreas Forstner and Jun.-Prof. Dr. Luna Rösinger.

Applications should include the following documents:

• Letter from the doctoral student (1-2 pages) briefly describing (1) the doctoral project, (2) the reason for choosing the international second supervisor, and (3) the reason for the visit; the letter needs to be signed by the Bonn-based primary supervisor
• Academic CV of the doctoral student¹
• Academic CV of the international second supervisor¹

The review of the applications normally takes four to six weeks from the deadline. Please refrain from any inquiries in this regard during this period of time.

¹ Family responsibilities, parental leave, illness and further breaks are, of course, taken into account. Please explain possible interruptions in your application.

Can I submit an application before my dissertation has been graded and the date for the defense has been set?

Yes, this is possible. However, please enclose the confirmation from your faculty that the examination procedure has been initiated and a letter from your primary supervisor confirming the planned date for the oral defense with your application. The grant will only be paid out once the confirmation of the date for the oral defense has been issued by the doctoral office.

Can my second supervisor in Bonn attend my thesis defense abroad? 

If you are pursuing your doctorate as part of a cotutelle or joint PhD program, the travel and accommodation expenses of your second supervisor in Bonn for your thesis defense abroad can be reimbursed. In such cases, please contact us before submitting your application.

When can I expect a decision on my application?

The decision on your application will be sent to you by email approximately six weeks after the deadline for applications. The deadline for applications applies, not the date on which you submitted your application. Please refrain from making any inquiries during this period.

What do I need to bear in mind when the funding is paid out?

Once the payment details of your international second supervisor have been submitted, it takes approximately six weeks for the funding to be paid out. Second supervisors receive lump sums for travel and accommodation costs regardless of the actual costs incurred. This means that they do not need to submit any receipts to prove the actual costs. Please note that advance payments are not possible.