Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 for Candidates from the Global South (Fully Funded)
Ghent University (UGent), Belgium — Special Research Fund (BOF)
Location: Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (in collaboration with a partner institution in the applicant’s home country)
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 offer talented researchers from developing countries a unique opportunity to pursue part of their PhD studies in Belgium under a “sandwich” scholarship model.
Funded by the Special Research Fund (BOF), this fully funded program enables candidates from the Global South to conduct high-level doctoral research in collaboration with a UGent supervisor (North) and a local supervisor from a university or research institute in the South.
The aim is to strengthen academic collaboration between UGent and universities in developing countries, promote research capacity building, and address global challenges through joint research.
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply:
• Must be a citizen of a developing (Global South) country
• Must have a Master’s degree relevant to the proposed field of study
• Must be at the start of their PhD and have at least 36 months of full-time research remaining as of October 2026
• Must have both:
– A Ghent University promoter/supervisor (Belgium)
– A local supervisor from a university or research institution in the applicant’s home country (Global South)
• The partner institution in the South must provide funding or salary for 24 months of the research stay there
• Research should be relevant to development cooperation or capacity building in the Global South
• Female researchers are strongly encouraged to apply
• Applicants must be able to conduct research in English
Funding / Coverage
The scholarship provides:
• 24 months of full-time PhD funding at Ghent University (Belgium)
• Monthly stipend of approximately €2,500 during the stay at UGent
• Bench fee (€310/month) for the UGent promoter to support research expenses
visors
• Co-funding (salary or equivalent) by the South partner institution for 24 months of research in the applicant’s home country
Research Fields / Areas of Study
Open to all academic disciplines offered at Ghent University, with preference for research contributing to:
• Sustainable development
• Health and biosciences
• Agriculture and food security
• Engineering and technology
• Environmental sciences
• Social sciences and humanities related to Global South contexts
17 februari 2026