Applications are now open for the 2026 Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships through the Special Research Fund (BOF). This prestigious “sandwich” PhD program offers promising researchers from developing countries (Global South) the chance to conduct half their doctoral research at Ghent University in Belgium and the other half at a partner institution in their home country.
Ghent University — ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide — provides 24 months of funding at Ghent (the “North” component), including a monthly stipend, bench fee, and travel support. This initiative fosters international collaboration, capacity building, and development-relevant research.
Deadline: February 17, 2026 (based on current call information). Don’t miss this opportunity — read on for full eligibility, benefits, and application steps!
What is the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship 2026?
Ghent University, one of Belgium’s leading research institutions with 11 faculties and a global campus in South Korea, supports PhD candidates from the Global South via its Special Research Fund (BOF).
The program follows a “sandwich” model:
- 24 months of PhD research at Ghent University (Belgium).
- 24 months at a partner university or research institute in a developing country (Global South).
Total PhD duration is typically 4 years, with Ghent funding only the Belgium portion. The scholarship promotes topics relevant to development and strengthens partnerships between North and South institutions.
Eligibility Criteria for Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026
To qualify, applicants must meet these key requirements:
- Be a national and resident of one of the eligible developing countries (Global South list — check the official Ghent University country list on their website).
- Submit a joint application with:
- A Ghent University supervisor (ZAP member/promoter).
- A local supervisor at the partner institution in the Global South.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance (based on Bachelor’s and Master’s results).
- Propose a high-quality doctoral project relevant to development and capacity building in the home country.
- Show the scientific potential of the Ghent promoter’s research group and the partnership quality with the local institute.
- At the start date (October 1, 2026), at least 36 months of doctoral research must remain.
- Preference for female applicants (supervisors can support max 2 candidates per call if different genders).
- Co-funding from the South partner is mandatory (at least 24 months of local funding secured).
The selection is highly competitive and assessed by Ghent University’s Research Council.
Benefits and Funding Details
- Duration: 24 months of PhD research at Ghent University.
- Financial support (paid to Ghent promoter/supervisor):
- Monthly bench fee of €310 per month of research in Ghent.
- €8,000 travel budget (covers operational costs, part of the students’ and promoters’ travel).
- No direct stipend to the student is mentioned in official details; funding supports research costs, mobility, and operations.
- The remaining 24 months in the South must be funded locally (not covered by Ghent).
- Additional perks: Access to top-tier facilities at a leading European university.
This scholarship does not cover the full PhD but provides substantial support for the Belgium phase.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026
- Find supervisors: Identify a Ghent University promoter (via ugent.be research profiles) and a local supervisor in your home country.
- Prepare your proposal: Develop a joint PhD project with a focus on development relevance.
- Download forms: Get the official application documents from the Ghent University website (call 2026 page).
- Complete the application: Fill out the forms in English (candidate, Ghent promoter, and South supervisor sections).
- Submit: Email the completed form and required attachments (e.g., CVs, advice letters from supervisors) to [email protected] before the deadline.
- Key dates:
- Application deadline: February 17, 2026.
- Start date: October 1, 2026.
- Review official guidelines: Always refer to the latest call documents for full details, country list, and templates.
Why Apply? Key Advantages
- Conduct research at a top-ranked university in Europe.
- Build international networks and contribute to sustainable development in your home country.
- Sandwich model allows you to stay connected to local challenges while gaining global expertise.