Ghent University–CSC Doctoral and Postdoctoral Scholarships for Chinese Researchers Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University, renowned for its strong tradition of international collaboration, offers a unique opportunity for Chinese researchers through its partnership with the China Scholarship Council (CSC). This program provides both doctoral and postdoctoral scholarships, welcoming Chinese students to pursue a PhD, a jointly-supervised PhD (including double PhD degrees), postdoctoral research, or visiting scholar positions at Ghent University. The initiative is designed to foster academic exchange and support PhD students and their supervisors across a wide range of disciplines.

Each year, approximately 50 PhD students are selected under the Preference program, which allows them to earn a PhD degree at Ghent University or through a joint/double PhD program with their home university in China. Selected students benefit from a full waiver of tuition, bench fees, and other study-related costs at Ghent University. Additionally, a small top-up scholarship is provided by Ghent University to supplement the CSC scholarship, ensuring that students meet the university's recommended minimum monthly income. The program also supports postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars, further strengthening research ties between Ghent University and Chinese institutions.

Chinese students can also apply for the CSC Personal program scholarship, which offers a basic study allowance from CSC and fee waivers at Ghent University. However, unlike the Preference program, no standard top-up funding is provided by Ghent University. The monthly CSC allowance (1350 euros) may not meet the recommended minimum income for doctoral students, so applicants are encouraged to discuss their financial situation with their supervisor. Supervisors may consider topping up the grant if possible, but if not, students and supervisors should evaluate the feasibility of the PhD project.

Eligibility requirements include Chinese nationality and meeting CSC criteria. For a full PhD (4 years), candidates must be last-year Master students from a Chinese university or abroad, or already hold a Master degree, or be a first-year PhD student enrolled outside China. Exchange PhD candidates (<1 year) and joint PhD candidates (2–6 years) must be current PhD students at a Chinese university. English proficiency at level B2 is mandatory for all PhD studies at Ghent University. CSC grant holders are exempt from the APS screening procedure.

Applicants must secure a Ghent University supervisor and obtain an official Letter of Admission or Invitation, which confirms their exemption from tuition and bench fees and specifies the expected duration and language of study. The admission procedure is initiated by the supervisor via the Oasis-tool and includes academic evaluation of degree equivalence, research proposal, and language skills. For joint PhD degrees, candidates must have supervisors at both institutions and arrange a joint PhD agreement covering degree form, authorship, intellectual property, jury composition, place of defense, and tuition fees.

To apply, candidates should first contact a Ghent University professor in their research area. For the Preference program, submit a pre-selection application at Ghent University; only pre-selected candidates can apply to CSC in China. For the Personal program, apply directly to CSC with supervisor support. Include the official Letter of Admission or Invitation in your CSC application. For further information, visit the program webpage or contact the university via the provided email address.

This scholarship program offers a comprehensive package of financial support, academic guidance, and international research opportunities, making Ghent University an attractive destination for Chinese doctoral and postdoctoral researchers across diverse fields.