Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026

Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships are funded through the Special Research Fund (BOF) of Ghent University in Belgium. The programme is designed to support promising doctoral researchers from developing countries through a sandwich PhD model, combining research stays at Ghent University with research work at the candidate’s home institution.

The scholarship is intended for PhD-level study and typically supports joint research supervision between a Ghent University supervisor and a local supervisor in the applicant’s home country. A key feature of the scheme is international academic collaboration, helping researchers build capacity both in Belgium and in their local academic environment.

Based on reference postings, funding can include a monthly PhD salary according to Ghent University regulations, a bench fee for research carried out in Ghent, and a travel budget to cover research-related travel and operational costs. The programme is therefore best understood as a fully funded doctoral scholarship, though exact benefits may vary by project and call year.

The scholarship is mainly aimed at applicants from selected developing countries / Global South countries. Candidates are usually expected to have a strong academic background, a relevant doctoral research proposal, and support from both the Ghent University host supervisor and a supervisor at their home institution. Applications are generally submitted in English.

Students should consult Ghent University’s BOF doctoral scholarship pages for the current call, eligible countries, application procedures, and required documentation. Because the programme is tied to doctoral research collaboration rather than a standard taught degree, applicants normally need to identify a suitable academic supervisor and prepare a solid research plan before applying.