External thesis project

External doctoral thesis projects are those carried out at private institutions or universities outside the ETH domain. Doctoral projects conducted outside the ETH domain are only approved on condition that the external institution does not impose any requirements that could hinder the supervision of the doctoral student by the ETH doctoral supervisor or the timely publication of research results.

With the application to ETH, the candidate must submit:

• a concept for the planned doctoral thesis, explaining why the doctoral thesis project should be carried out outside the ETH domain
• a confirmation that the external institution agrees to abide by the ETH Zurich stipulations 

D-MAVT defines the following procedure and additional Download documents (PDF, 132 KB) for the final decision in DK about an external thesis project. The supervisor must provide in writing for the doctoral committee and the PK/DK:

1. the reasons why the doctoral thesis should be carried out outside ETH,
2. the name and function of an experienced and qualified person at the external institution who will supervise the student at the external institution,
3. a plan of activities at ETH Zurich (credits, discussions, meetings with the doctoral thesis supervisor, milestones, etc.),
4. information on the time schedule and finances of the doctoral studies.  

Approval is granted, if the thesis topic requires that the project be carried out at an external institution and if all requirements are met.