We are proposing the PhDGov project, which aims to promote academic excellence and build the capacity of Palestinian universities, particularly partner universities, for the next decade.The main goal of this project is to build capacity in the development of the academic foundations and governance of PhD programs and to provide universities with the knowledge necessary to develop and manage successful PhD programs that will enrich the scientific and research output of Palestinian higher education institutions and respond to industrial, scientific, and social needs.The project activities will develop the capacity of Palestinian higher education institutions in issues such as developing program objectives and learning outcomes, improving admission and registration policies, designing and implementing credible course and thesis assessments, implementing effective academic and thesis supervision, developing research-oriented programs, and establishing sustainable industry-research partnerships. Additionally, the project aims to strengthen cooperation in scientific research through networking between doctoral students in Palestine and their counterparts in partner European universities.Furthermore, the project aims to reform the national higher education system in Palestine by developing a governance framework for PhD programs at the national level in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Palestine. This will include improving the national accreditation and quality assurance systems and standards to align with international best practices and endorse the internal PhD governance model at all Palestinian universities.The goal of this project, along with its associated objectives, will be achieved through effective knowledge transfer from the EU and partner countries.