Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is excited to introduce a Joint PhD Program with La Trobe University (LTU). Enrolment in the program includes access to supervisors and research teams in Australia and India, access to facilities and professional development programs at both institutions and an opportunity to engage in international research training experience, including a period spent at the La Trobe University.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences have joined the Asian Smart Cities Research and Innovation Network (ASCRIN) initiated by La Trobe University, Melbourne Australia, in partnership with premier research institutions in India to create a joint PhD program that will support PhD scholars to deliver global impact.

• Access to resources and exposure to a new research ecosystem, network and environment
• Global expertise via dual supervision between TISS and La Trobe University
• Upon successful completion of the program, you will be offered a jointly awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD in Social Sciences) from both Tata Institute of Social Sciences and La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
• The candidate will receive partial scholarship support for spending one semester at La Trobe University

About La Trobe University, Australia

La Trobe University is a public research university based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. La Trobe is one of the Australian verdant universities and is also part of the Innovative Research Universities group. La Trobe offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses across its two colleges of Arts, Social Science and Commerce (ASSC) and Science, Health and Engineering (SHE). La Trobe was founded in 1967 and is recognized as one of the world's top research universities.

La Trobe University is one of the top public universities in Melbourne, Australia. It is ranked #242 in QS World University Rankings 2024 and 57th in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.

Program Overview

• Candidates will benefit from the research community, networking and collaborations of both institutions. Through enrolment at both institutions, candidates will have access to services and support provided at TISS and LTU, including a range of professional and personal development for researchers.
• The supervisory team will comprise academics from both institutions who will provide support and guidance throughout the project.
• The joint PhD includes a tailored program of progress monitoring to fulfil the requirements of both institutions. On successful completion of the program requirements, candidates will be awarded a PhD jointly by both institutions.
• Candidates will be required to spend typically a minimum of six months at La Trobe University. The timing and duration of this will depend on the program of research, however, is generally in the second or third year of the degree.
• Candidates interested in pursuing a joint PhD from TISS with LTU will go through a selection process at TISS.
• Admission to the joint PhD program will be overseen by the Academic Program Directors and the Doctoral Advisory Committee according to each institution’s admissions procedure. Candidates must meet the admissions requirements of both institutions. Each project on the joint PhD program will have a formal project agreement in place between the two institutions.

Program governance and management

The joint PhD program is overseen by the Academic Program Director and Doctoral Advisory Committee. This Committee maintains each institution’s requirements for the joint program, monitors the academic quality and carries out annual reviews of the joint PhD program and the individual projects.

Thesis examination procedure

The thesis will be evaluated by the procedures of each institution. To be awarded the PhD, candidates must fulfill the admission requirements of both institutions.

TISS Entry Requirements for Joint PhD

• Applicants must have a minimum of 70% or equivalent in their previous qualifying degree to be eligible for a joint PhD
• Candidates who have completed their previous qualifying degree from Indian universities must meet one of the following criteria: 1-year/2-semester master’s degree program following a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree program. or 2-year/4-semester master’s degree program following a 3-year bachelor’s degree program.
• Candidates who have obtained their previous qualifying degree from foreign universities or Boards of Higher Education must ensure that their degree is recognized as equivalent by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to be eligible for a Joint PhD admission.
• Proof of English language proficiency is essential for all applicants. Visit the below link request to refer to the language requirements https://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/apply/international/requirements
• Applicants interested in researching any one of the following themes are invited to submit a research proposal.
• Cultures of Health and Wellbeing
• Environmental and Social Change
• First Nations
• The candidate will be shortlisted based on the eligibility requirement and proposal submitted
• Shortlisted Candidates must present their proposal to the TISS International Joint Research Selection Committee. The committee will review the proposal and presentation and then shortlist the candidate for Joint PHD admission.
• The Academy Doctoral Advisory Committee comprising members from TISS and La Trobe, approves students for admission into the program. Upon approval, students are granted 'Provisional Acceptance’.

Research Areas and Supervisors from TISS

• Cultures of Health and Wellbeing; Supervisors: Prof. Shankar Das
• Environmental and Social Change; Supervisors: Prof. Madhushree Sekher
• First Nations; Supervisors: Prof. Anil Sutar

Joint-PhD Programme Fee (excluding dining hall and hostel charges)

• High-Income Economies: 2800 USD per semester
• Upper Middle-Income Economies / Sponsored:1500 USD per semester
• Lower Middle-Income Economies: 1000 USD per semester
• BIMSTEC (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand)/Low-Income Economies: 750 USD per semester

Application Link: https://oia-admissions.tiss.edu/

Last Date of Application: 31-Jan-2025 (extended)

Email the International Admissions Team at international.admissions@tiss.edu

Contact/Call: +91-22-2552 5919 / 20 / 17 (between 10:30 am to 5 pm IST - Mon to Friday)