In this article
- What is an international double degree?
- Types of double degree
- Benefits of an international double degree
- Challenges to plan for
- How do you get into a double degree programme?
- Examples of well-known double degree programmes
What is an international double degree?
An international double degree (also called a joint degree / dual degree) is a programme that lets you earn two degrees at the same time from two institutions in two different countries. At the end of the programme, you receive two separate degrees, one from each partner university, each recognized in its own country.
This is different from a standard Erasmus exchange (where you earn a single degree) or a cotutelle (a jointly supervised PhD). A double degree combines the academic rigour of two systems, a double alumni network and an exceptional CV.
Types of double degree
Double degrees between French grandes écoles and universities abroad
This format is very common at French engineering and business grandes écoles. Examples:
- HEC Paris + MIT (Sloan-HEC Dual Degree)
- Polytechnique + Columbia University
- CentraleSupélec + Imperial College London
- Sciences Po + Columbia University (EMILE program)
- ESSEC + Mannheim Business School
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Funded by the EU, these are joint master’s programmes run by 2 to 4 European universities (and sometimes universities outside Europe). You study in at least 2 countries and earn either a joint degree or multiple degrees. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers all fees plus an allowance of €1,400 per month. More than 150 programmes are available across all disciplines.
International dual bachelor’s degrees
Sciences Po Paris offers, among others, the French-American dual degree with Columbia University (New York), the French-British dual degree with University College London, and partnerships with Beijing, Fudan, Sciences Po/Minas Gerais, and more. These programmes last 4 years (2 years at each university).
Benefits of an international double degree
- Twofold academic credibility: two degrees at equivalent levels, from two countries and two reference systems
- A double network: alumni from both institutions and access to two job markets
- Fluency in two languages: often one of the programme requirements
- Proven adaptability: adjusting to two different academic systems is a skill employers value highly
- A strong competitive edge in the international job market
Challenges to plan for
- Academic intensity: a double degree is often more demanding than a standard programme, so expect a heavier workload
- Higher cost: two institutions sometimes means two sets of tuition fees (except for Erasmus Mundus, which is fully funded)
- Relocation: you will move to another country partway through, sometimes more than once
- Administrative recognition: depending on the country, getting your double degree recognized may involve specific procedures
How do you get into a double degree programme?
Through your home institution
Most French grandes écoles and universities have double degree agreements with institutions abroad. Contact the international relations office as soon as you are admitted. Places are often limited and competitive (based on class rank, language level and an admissions interview).
Applying directly to a joint programme
Some double degree programmes accept direct applications from external candidates (Erasmus Mundus, Sciences Po dual degrees, some LMD programmes). In that case, apply directly through the application portal of one of the partner institutions.
Building your own path (dual enrolment)
It is technically possible to enrol at two different universities (simultaneously or one after the other) and earn two degrees in sequence. This approach is more flexible, but you miss out on the financial benefits of official programmes.
Examples of well-known double degree programmes
- Sciences Po Paris / Columbia University: 4 years, humanities and social sciences, 2 years in Paris + 2 years in New York
- Centrale-Supélec / Georgia Tech: engineering double degree, MSE programme
- HEC Paris / MIT Sloan: MBA + Master of Finance
- Erasmus Mundus IMLEX: Master’s in Computer Science and Cognition (Leuven, Saint-Étienne, Glasgow)
- Erasmus Mundus PANGEA: Master’s in Geosciences (Bordeaux, Barcelona, Lisbon)
Conclusion
An international double degree is one of the most rewarding and most demanding experiences in higher education. It takes organization, resilience and strong language skills, but it offers an exceptional return on investment for both your career and your personal development. YourDreamSchool helps you identify the double degree programmes best suited to your profile and supports you as you prepare your applications.
Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam co-founded Your Dream School in 2018. Since then the company has coached more than 1,000 students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
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