Guidelines for Implementing a Double Degree Program
28 March 2023
Approved by the Educational Committee of SOKENDAI
These guidelines set out the requirements and procedures to be followed when implementing a Double Degree
program.
Double Degree (hereafter abbreviated as DD) program means that a program in which one graduate student
is enrolled in both SOKENDAI and an overseas university at the same time, aiming to complete two degree
programs of the same level, and receives joint research guidance from two faculty members belonging to each
university. The purpose of the DD programs is to obtain two degree programs by moderating the period andamount of study and the two degrees are conferred through individual thesis defenses.

1.

Approval of Program Establishment and Implementation

The department that intend to implement the DD program shall consult with the partner university, andconclude a framework agreement. Procedures for concluding framework agreement are the same as those forgeneral academic exchange agreements. With the conclusion of the framework agreement, SOKENDAI
authorizes the establishment of the DD program.
The framework agreement should include requirements for implementing DD program, admission
requirements for the students of the partner university, degree requirements, arrangements for academic fees
and financial support, and matters related to the conduct of research, such as publication of research results,
intellectual property and compliance. For more details, please refer to the framework agreement template.
Prior to the implementation of the program, the student and the supervisors should discuss the research andteaching plan. When SOKENDAI is the host university, the implementation of the program shall be approved
upon the student's successful completion of SOKENDAI's entrance examination and enrollment.
2.

Program operation and implementation

Hereinafter, the university where the student originally enrolled will be referred to as the “home university”, andthe partner university where joint research guidance will be implemented will be referred to as the “hostuniversity”. The home university is responsible for the main operation of the program based on cooperation
with the host university. At SOKENDAI, the department to which the student belongs is mainly responsible forthe management and implementation of the program.
In principle, a joint steering committee consisting of faculty members from both universities will be establishedbased on the framework agreement. At SOKENDAI, the department committee selects the joint steeringcommittee members of SOKENDAI side. The joint steering committee discusses matters related to program
implementation. If there are any changes in the research / teaching plan of the student, the departmentcommittee will also review and confirm them.

3.

Acceptance and Dispatch of Students

In principle, students who wish to implement the DD program must obtain the consent of their supervisors at
both universities before applying to their home university. If the home university considers the application to
be appropriate, the student will be recommended to the host university. Students participating in the DD
program must meet the admission requirements of the host university, and the host university may refuse
admission if the student does not meet the requirements.
When accepting students from the partner university to SOKENDAI, the admission requirements for
SOKENDAI must meet the following i and ii.

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i.

In principal, students must be enrolled in a doctoral program at the host university during the program
period.

ii.

Students must meet the qualifications to apply for the doctoral program of SOKENDAI and have to pass
SOKENDAI`s entrance examination (General Admission or Special admissions for applicants residingfrom overseas). It is possible to carry out a special selection of applicants for the DD program based on
the special selection for privately-financed international students applying from overseas.

After the host university approves the admission of the student, the joint steering committee will be set up to
approve the research plan.
The number of students (by grade and total number) that can be accepted and dispatched shall be determinedin a framework agreement so that the number is as balanced as possible.

4.

Joint Research Guidance

One supervisor who jointly supervise the coursework and research guidance will be appointed from each
university per one student.
Appointment of supervisors will be done in accordance with individual circumstances such as academic
exchanges and joint research between faculty members. Both universities shall jointly take responsibility forthe education and research guidance.
5.

Program Duration

In principle, the duration of the DD program shall be at least three years. SOKENDAI students must include
the latter three years of a five-year doctoral program or third-year doctoral program in the program period. The
program duration can be extended with reasonable ground. The procedures and maximum limits for extension
shall be stipulated in advance in the framework agreement.

In principle, students shall conduct research at SOKENDAI for at least one year during the program period.
However, it does not have to be a continuous period of one year, and may be the total of multiple periods. In
order to conduct the most effective co-supervision, supervisors can decide at which university and for what
period the student will conduct research.
6.

Status and Period of Enrollment at Host university

Students must be enrolled in the doctoral programs of both universities as regular (degree-seeking) students
throughout the program period. For SOKENDAI students, the period of dispatch to the partner university canbe included in the period of enrollment required for completion at SOKENDAI.
However, at SOKENDAI, students may not be enrolled for more than eight years in the case of the five-year
doctoral program and five or six years (depending on their department) in the case of the three-year doctoral
program.

7.

Credits

Credit earned by SOKENDAI students at the partner university can be transferred toward SOKENDAI`s
completion requirements in accordance with SOKENDAI`s regulations. Whether the credits earned at
SOKENDAI can be transferred to the partner university depends on the regulations of the partner university
and shall be stipulated in the framework agreement.

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8.

Thesis Defense

Student submits a dissertation to the host university within the duration of the program upon completion of thehost university’s requirements for completion. At the same time or later, the student submits anotherdissertation to the home university within the duration of the program upon completion of the home university.
Thesis defense is conducted individually according to the regulations of each university. In case that faculty
members of the partner university are appointed as members of the thesis defense committee, they shall beconsidered as external members under the SOKENDAI degree regulations. Thesis defense process, including
preliminary examination, will also be conducted individually at each university.
If necessary, the framework agreement shall stipulate the sharing of travel expenses and honorariums for thethesis defense committee members belonging to the partner university.
9.

Degree Conferment

Students who pass each thesis defense will be awarded two degrees, one from SOKENDAI and one from thepartner university, and will be issued two diplomas.

The researcher CV of the person who complete the DD program shall clearly state the year of degree awarded,
the name of the university, the name of the program, the name of degree and the dissertation title. The twodegrees must be listed in parallel.
The description shall be as follows.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, JAPAN (20XX)
Dissertation title: “XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Doctor of Philosophy, XXXX University in (Nation) (20XX)
Dissertation title: “XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

10. Tuition fee, Admission (Entrance) fee, Examination fee, Scholarships and other expenses
In principle, students pay tuition fees to the home university and tuition fees at the host university shall be
exempted during the program period. However, depending on the provisions of the framework agreement, thetuition fee for the term of stay at the host university may need to be paid to the host university. In such cases,
with regard to SOKENDAI students, the tuition fees for the semester corresponding to the period of stay at thepartner university may be exempted or covered by some kind of scholarship. In other words, in the DD program,the home university and the host university do not collect tuition fee at the same time in general. In addition,
students who are exempted from tuition fee for other reasons (e.g. financial reason) at SOKENDAI are
considered to be paying tuition fees to SOKENDAI.
Also, on the basis of reciprocity, the examination and admission (entrance) fees may be mutually exempted.
In principle, the travel expenses and living expenses related to the dispatch to the partner university shall beborne by the student. However, SOKENDAI students can apply for and receive support from SOKENDAI
Research Dispatch Program when participating in the DD program. Please note that some universities require
students to obtain scholarships or financial support in order to offer DD programs.
The framework agreement shall clearly state the arrangements regarding travel fees, living fees andinsurances in addition to tuition fee, examination fee, admission (entrance) fee and scholarships as necessary.
In principle, expenses related to activities of the supervisors, such as travel expenses and additional
allowances shall be borne by the university to which the supervisor belongs. However, this shall not apply ifotherwise stipulated in the framework agreement.

311. Modification
Students may withdraw from the DD program in accordance with the procedures stipulated in the frameworkagreement before submitting their thesis. In that case, the student may continue the doctoral program at thehome university, but may not continue the program at the host university.
If both universities deem it necessary for research guidance or if there are other reasonable grounds, they
may change the supervisor or the research topic.
12. Other
Handling of intellectual property, disclosure of research results, compliance, confidentiality obligation, handlingof personal information, procedures for program extension and cancellation, and procedures for amending andsuspending framework agreements should also be stipulated in advance in the framework agreement.
If a project that falls under the control of sensitive technologies for security export is included, it must be
stipulated in advance in the agreement and should be checked by the department in charge of each university.
When handling personal data of persons in the European Economic Area, in addition to complying withdomestic laws and regulations, both universities must comply with GDPR (the EU General Data Protection
Regulation).
※This guidelines will be enforced from April 2023
[Notes]・This English translation is for reference purposes only.
In the event of any differences in meaning between the original Japanese version and this English translation,
the original Japanese version takes precedence.
・ In these guidelines, programs that are internal organizations of SOKENDAI (e.g., Molecular Science
Program) are referred to as "departments" for convenience.

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【Attachment】DD program Framework Agreement Template
DOUBLE DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAM
FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT
Between
THE GRADUATE UNIVERSITY FOR ADVANCED STUDIES, SOKENDAI
Located at Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0193 Japan
Represented by its President, Dr.
Hereinafter referred to as “SOKENDAI” on one hand,And(________________ (NAME OF PARTNER INSTITUTION))
Located at
Represented by its
Hereinafter referred to as “____________” on the other hand,
Hereinafter jointly referred to as the “Institutions” and singularly as the “Institution,”
Having regard to:
For SOKENDAI
School Education Act (Act No. 26 of March 31, 1947, Japan);Standards for Establishment of Graduate Schools (Ordinance of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture,
No.28 of June 20, 1974, Japan);
Degree Regulations (Ordinance of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, No.9 of April 1, 1953,
Japan);
School Regulations of SOKENDAI (April 1, 2004); and,
Degree Regulations of SOKENDAI (April 1, 1989)
For ____________________________________________________________;_________________________________________________;_________________________________________________;_________________________________________________; and,_________________________________________________
This agreement is agreed upon the two institutions to set forth the terms and conditions for the implementationof the Double Degree Program. The agreement settles the general rules of the program and such rules should
be respected in all cases falling under this agreement. All matters not regulated by this agreement fall under
the MoU between SOKENDAI and ___________, or the appropriate rules of each institution.
ARTICLE I. OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this agreement is to specify the general terms and conditions under which a doctoral student
from SOKENDAI studying at ___________ or the one from ___________ studying at SOKENDAI may beawarded, upon successful fulfillment of all requirements for graduation at each institution, two doctoral
degrees, each granted by one institution.
ARTICLE II. PROGRAM OUTLINE
The institution where students are originally enrolled is considered as their “home institution.” Each student
must start at the home institution at the beginning of their doctoral study. Subsequently, the student enrolls in5the "host institution" as a regular student and studies there to fulfil conditions for acquiring a doctoral degree.
2-1. Joint Supervision
The field of study for the student must be one for which both the home and host institutions can appoint a
qualified research supervisor. Each institution must appoint one supervisor for each student. The study program
will be determined for the student in consultation with supervisors (academic advisors) of both institutions.
2-2. Program Duration
The research related to the doctoral thesis will be carried out in both institutions, in alternate periods of similar
length spent, at least one year in each institution as a general rule (this can be cumulative). The total durationof the program must be at least three years. Such a duration can be extended by ___ year(s), but cannot exceed___ years, in accordance with the rules in force at both institutions.
2-3. Credit Exchange
Each institution can accept transfer of credits obtained by a student from the other institution, with no fee
involved, in the accordance with the rules of each institution.
ARTICLE III. ADMISSIONS AND ENROLMENT
Both institutions affirm and agree that a student participating in the program will be entitled to the same rights
and privileges and subject to the same rules, policies and discipline as other enrolled students at the home andhost institutions.
3-1. Number
The number of the program to whom this agreement is applied is no more than ___ students per year, and no
more than ___ students in total at the same time. The two institutions will admit a balanced number of students
through this agreement.
3-2. Admissions
A student wishing to participate in the program under this agreement shall be selected by both institutions. The
student must comply with concrete admissions requirements.
The home institution will select candidates for the program first, among the students who have been admitted
to or passed the entrance examination for the doctoral program of the home institution. The candidates thenwill be screened by the host institution in accordance with its admission requirements and regulations. The
host institution reserves the right to deny admissions to a student who does not meet the requirements.
The student must possess sufficient English language proficiency.
3-3. Status of the Students
The students, participating in the program, shall be admitted as a degree (regular) student at SOKENDAI, andas a (regular student) at ___________. They should register each academic (semester/year) at both institutions
until the (semester/year) in which they hold their defense.
ARTICLE IV. GRANTING A DEGREE
A student must follow the two institutions’ degree conferment requirements respectively in order to be granted
two Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees, one from each institution.
4-1. Doctoral Thesis
6Each student shall complete two different doctoral theses, and submit one to SOKENDAI, and another to___________.
4-2. Thesis Defense
Each institution shall carry out a thesis defense and make a final decision.
The degrees shall be awarded independently. A decision by the host institution not to award the degree does
not preclude the home institution from awarding it.
4-3. Diploma (optional)
The following statement shall be appended to a diploma:
SOKENDAI:
A diploma shall include the words, “The doctoral research project leading to this degree was concluded undera Double Degree agreement between SOKENDAI and __________ (host institution)”___________:A diploma shall include the words, “”ARTICLE V. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT AND FEES
5-1. Fees and Scholarship
Regardless of the place of study, the home institution shall hold the right to charge the students for the entrance
examination, admissions, and tuition fees. The host institution shall not collect the above fees for the students.
In principle, the student shall cover the following expenses by themselves:
Visa application and travel expenses
Accommodations and other living expenses
Health insurance and medical expenses
Personal expenses such as books, printing/copying, and communication
Both institutions shall make efforts to financially support the program students by a scholarship or grant,
including the ones from a third party.
5-2. Student’s Insurance
The student will be required to show a proof of health insurance before attending the host institution.
The host institution instructs the student to have: an insurance against any physical injuries that they may sufferwhen they are carrying out their research activities at the host institution; and, a liability insurance the covers
legal responsibility of the student, as a policy holder, when the student damages to the property belonging to athird party or causes a third party’s injuries.
SOKENDAI:
A student is required to take out the Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research(Gakkensai).
___________:
A student is required to take out ____________________________________.
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ARTICLE VI. PROGRAM COMMITTEE
A bilateral committee will be formed and will consist of a few academic representatives from each institution.
Other professors as well as administrative personnel may also attend the meetings of this committee whenneeded. The bilateral committee will meet at least once a year.
The committee will have the following tasks:
To exchange and discuss the present status and situation of the program and students
To discuss exceptional and problematic cases (for example, when a student wishes to extend theregistration period, to take a leave of absence, and to withdraw from the home/host institution)
To review the regular procedures and general rules of the program; and, if appropriate, propose theamendments of and/or additions to this agreement
ARTICLE VII. OTHER PROVISIONS
7-1. Intellectual Property
The titles of knowledge, inventions and discoveries belong to and generated solely by each institution resulting
from the research performed hereunder is and remains its property. The agreement does not give to the otherinstitution any right on the intellectual property.
The institution remains the owner of knowledge, inventions and discoveries that could be resulted from theresearch in its laboratory during the stay of a student at the other institution.
The titles of knowledge, inventions and discoveries generated jointly by the two institutions resulting from theresearch performed hereunder shall be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
The titles of knowledge, inventions and discoveries generated by the program student under the research
activities will belong to the student and shall be available for further development and dissemination. Students’research results shall be protected according to national laws in force in each country. Both institutions canstipulate a specific agreement for its protection, development, and dissemination.
7-2. Confidentiality and Publication
Each institution undertakes not to disclose to any third party any information, data, knowledge, documents orother materials disclosed each other under this agreement, which has been stated in writing to be confidential.
The obligation shall remain in force for a period of (number) years.
Both institutions agree to collect, process, use, disclose and otherwise manage personal information of thestudents only for the purposes of fulfilling their obligations under this agreement.
Both institutions recognize that the copyright of the doctoral thesis belongs to the student. The thesis shall be
released to the public in the accordance with the rules of each institution. The institutions also inform eachother about the deliverables of the research projects (such as written publication, oral communication andreports) undertaken during the stay of a student at the other institution.
7-3. Conflict Resolution
Both institutions will amicably consult with each other and attempt to resolve conflicts, disputes or
misunderstandings that arise in the administration of this agreement or any subsequent associated agreements.
7-4. Duration, Extension, Termination and Amendment
This agreement will remain effective for a period of five years starting the later date of the signing indicatedbelow by the institutions hereto. Its period of validity may be extended by mutual agreement.
Either institution may, by giving six months written notice to the other institution, terminate this agreement8during its period of validity.
The provisions of this agreement may be amended at any time with the mutual consent of the institutions inwriting.
The termination, expiration and amendment of this agreement will not affect the terms of activities ongoing at
the time of notification of termination, expiration and amendment unless otherwise agreed between theinstitutions.
7-5. Language and Number of Copies
This agreement is executed in duplicate in English (two signed identical copies), both of which shall be deemedas originals. Each institution will retain one copy.
Home institution_______________________________Dr.
President
The Graduate University
for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI
Date:

Host institution_______________________________
Dr.

Date:

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