Are you an early-stage researcher from a developing country seeking high-level doctoral training in Europe? The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 provide a unique, funded opportunity to pursue a PhD in Belgium through an innovative “sandwich” research model.
Through this program, promising doctoral candidates are supported in conducting advanced research, partly at Ghent University and partly at a partner institution in the Global South. By combining international academic excellence with strong local relevance, the scholarship is designed to strengthen research capacity and foster sustainable North–South collaboration.
Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 are awarded under the university’s Special Research Fund (BOF). These scholarships are specifically structured for doctoral students from selected Global South countries who intend to obtain a (joint) PhD degree at Ghent University.
Unlike conventional PhD funding schemes, this program operates on a sandwich model, meaning that doctoral research is divided equally between Belgium and the candidate’s home region. Under this arrangement, Ghent University finances 24 months of doctoral research to be carried out in Belgium.
In comparison, the remaining 24 months must be fully funded through another source in the Global South. As a result, academic mobility is encouraged, while research relevance to local contexts is preserved. This balanced approach ensures that advanced scientific training is delivered alongside meaningful development impact.
Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Belgium |
| Study Destination | Ghent University |
| Scholarship Type | PhD (Sandwich Doctoral Program) |
| Funded By | Ghent University – Special Research Fund (BOF) |
| Eligible Applicants | Candidates from Developing (Global South) Countries |
| Scholarship Value | Funded (24 Months at Ghent University) |
| Study Mode | Full-Time Doctoral Research |
| Fields of Study | All Research Fields |
| Application Deadline | February 17, 2026 |
| Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
What Are the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships All About?
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships were established to support high-quality doctoral research while strengthening academic partnerships between Europe and the Global South. Rather than focusing solely on mobility, the program prioritizes collaboration, capacity building, and long-term institutional cooperation.
Through the sandwich PhD model, candidates are embedded in two academic environments. On one hand, they benefit from Ghent University’s world-class research infrastructure, supervision, and international academic networks. On the other hand, their research remains deeply connected to their home institutions and local realities. Consequently, research outcomes are more likely to be applicable, impactful, and sustainable.
Furthermore, no restrictions are imposed on research disciplines. However, preference is given to proposals that clearly demonstrate relevance within a North–South context. This relevance is assessed based on how well the research objectives align with global priorities, partner needs, and development-oriented policies. Therefore, proposals addressing societal challenges, innovation gaps, or regional development issues are often viewed favorably.
Why Pursue a PhD at Ghent University?
Ghent University is consistently ranked among Europe’s leading research-intensive institutions. Known for its strong commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and internationalization, the university offers an ideal environment for doctoral training.
In addition, Ghent University hosts a diverse academic community, with researchers from across the globe contributing to cutting-edge discoveries. Doctoral candidates are supported through structured PhD training programs, access to advanced laboratories, libraries, and research centers, as well as continuous academic mentoring.
Equally important, Belgium’s central location in Europe allows for easy access to international conferences, research networks, and policy institutions. As a result, PhD candidates gain both academic depth and global exposure, which significantly enhances their future career prospects.
Funding and Financial Support
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 provide funding for a total of 24 months of doctoral research in Belgium. During this period, candidates are supported as PhD scholarship holders at Ghent University.
In addition to the doctoral scholarship, the Ghent University promoter receives a bench fee of €310 per month of research conducted in Ghent. This bench fee is intended to cover essential operational research costs. Furthermore, a travel budget of €8,000 is allocated to support part of the travel and operational expenses of the doctoral candidate, as well as mobility costs for both the Ghent University supervisor and the local supervisor in the Global South.
However, it must be emphasized that Ghent University does not finance the remaining 24 months of research to be conducted in the South. Therefore, applicants must demonstrate that full-time funding for this period has already been secured from another source. This requirement ensures continuity and feasibility throughout the entire PhD trajectory.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Eligibility for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 has been carefully defined to ensure that the program benefits its intended audience.
Applicants must be nationals of one of the selected Global South countries. In addition, they must come from and hold the nationality of an eligible country as defined by Ghent University.
Applications must be jointly submitted by three parties: the doctoral candidate, a supervisor (promoter) at Ghent University, and a supervisor at a partner university in the Global South. This joint supervision structure is mandatory and forms the backbone of the sandwich model.
Only degree-seeking PhD students are eligible. This means that applicants must intend to obtain a (joint) doctoral degree at Ghent University. Exchange students are explicitly excluded from applying.
The program is designed for candidates at the beginning of their PhD journey. Although limited preliminary research may have been completed, at least 36 months of doctoral research must still be required at the official start of the fellowship on October 1, 2026.
In addition, Ghent University actively encourages gender balance in research. As such, a Ghent University supervisor may support a maximum of two candidates per call, provided that both candidates are of different genders. This policy has been introduced to promote female participation in doctoral research.
Required Application Documents
A complete and well-prepared application package is essential for consideration. All applications must be submitted in English and sent electronically.
The core requirement is the completed official application form. In addition, the Ghent University supervisor must submit two compulsory advisory documents. The first is an academic assessment of the candidate, outlining the supervisor’s evaluation of the applicant’s potential as a future researcher. The second is an advisory note addressing the ethical and biosafety aspects of the proposed research project.
These documents are used to assess not only academic merit but also the feasibility, integrity, and ethical soundness of the proposed research. Therefore, careful preparation and close collaboration between the candidate and supervisors are strongly recommended.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Procedure
The application process for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 has been structured to ensure clarity and transparency.
First, prospective candidates should identify and contact a suitable supervisor at Ghent University, as well as a supervisor at their home or partner institution in the Global South. Once supervisory agreements are in place, the research proposal should be jointly developed.
Next, all required documents must be completed and reviewed. The application form and supporting materials must then be submitted electronically to the designated Ghent University email address before the deadline.
Because applications are evaluated competitively, early preparation is strongly advised. Incomplete or late submissions are generally not considered.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 is February 17, 2026. Successful candidates are expected to commence their doctoral fellowship on October 1, 2026.
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