University of Science and Technology Hanoi (USTH, Vietnam-France University)

Programme overview

The Co‑Tutelles PhD is a joint doctoral training pathway run by USTH (Vietnam–France University) together with French higher education partners. The formal training lasts three years, with research and coursework delivered as 18 months at USTH and 18 months at a French institution. On successful completion the candidate receives two doctoral degrees: one issued by USTH and one by the French partner. Each PhD topic is co‑designed and co‑supervised by a supervisor from each country.

What you'll study

Students undertake an original research project agreed with both supervisors and conduct substantial research both in Vietnam and in France. Applicants must submit a 2‑page pre‑proposal (A4) approved by their expected supervisors. The announcement lists specific available PhD topics that applicants must choose from; examples include:

• Angle‑based correlation in space images for enhanced sensors in nanosatellites (PSL, Observatoire de Paris)
• Molecular imprinted plasmonic platform for high performance sensing substrates (University of Paris‑Cité)
• Functional analysis by knockout of candidate genes involved in coffee root architecture and water‑stress tolerance (University of Montpellier)
• Deep learning methods for satellite retrieval of peatland surfaces (PSL, Observatoire de Paris)
• Observational studies of primeval galaxies (University of Marseille)
• Multimodal analytical modelling for sustainable management of heritage documents (University of La Rochelle)
• Investigation of sulfido‑selenido‑molybdenum complexes as catalysts for CO2‑to‑fuels conversion (University of Grenoble)
• Formation, evolution and impact of stellar binaries (University of Paris‑Cité)
• Agent‑based simulation of innovation diffusion; application to agro‑ecological practice adoption in the Mekong Delta (University of Toulouse III‑Paul Sabatier)
• Agent‑based modelling of urban traffic impact on air pollution in a digital twin of Hanoi (Sorbonne University)
• Design and evaluation of opto‑acoustic instrumentation for studying loaded fluids (ENGEES – Strasbourg University)

Entry requirements

To apply candidates must hold a Master’s degree in the relevant or a related field. They must demonstrate English proficiency by holding either a Bachelor’s degree taught in English or one of the accepted test scores: TOEFL iBT ≥46, IELTS ≥5.5, Cambridge B2 First/Linguaskill ≥160, or an equivalent certificate to level 4 of Vietnam’s six‑level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework. Applicants submit a research pre‑proposal (max 2 pages) that is approved by their expected supervisors and include standard documents: application form, notarized degree and transcript copies (with English translations if needed), CV, motivation letter, at least one recommendation letter, proof of English test, and application fee payment documents. Provisional transcripts or graduation confirmation are accepted if the Master diploma is not yet issued; final documents are required for official acceptance. The application deadline in the announcement was June 30, 2024, and applications are submitted to USTH Doctoral School (room and address provided) with a 1,000,000 VND non‑refundable fee.

Career prospects

Graduates receive two doctoral degrees and are prepared for research careers in academia, research institutes, and industry R&D where international collaboration and advanced technical competence are valued. Exact career pathways depend on the chosen research topic and discipline, spanning sectors such as space and earth observation, materials and catalysis, biotechnology and agriculture, heritage science, and environmental modelling.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Co‑funding is expected from both Vietnamese and French sides. USTH provides a local stipend of 5,550,000 VND per month for the 18 months spent at USTH. Financial support from the French partner varies by the doctoral school in France. USTH also awards several scholarships for enrolled PhD students, including:

• Pathway to Success Scholarship (DS‑PS): up to 100% of USTH tuition for PhD students who graduated from USTH Master programmes (applies for the first training year at USTH).
• Capacity Building Scholarship (DS‑CS): 50% tuition for PhD students employed by VAST institutes and centers.
• Access Scholarship: for PhD students employed by institutions that have cooperation agreements with USTH, awarded according to those agreements.
• Global Scholarship (GS): for international PhD applicants with combined GPA equivalent to ≥12/20; up to 100% tuition for the training duration at USTH.
• Academic Encouragement Scholarship: for PhD students with excellent academic records; values up to 100% of tuition for the USTH training duration.

USTH’s Scholarship Committee determines recipients under the university’s scholarship regulations.