Ghent University PhD Scholarships 2026 offer fully funded “sandwich” doctoral grants for promising researchers from developing countries, covering 24 months of research in Belgium with a monthly stipend of about €2,550. With support from its “Special Research Fund” (BOF) Ghent University grants PhD “sandwich” scholarships to promising PhD students from Global South countries who wish to carry out half of their PhD research at Ghent University (‘North’) and half at a university in the Global South (‘South’). Ghent University only finances the part of the research that will be carried out in Ghent (24 months). The candidate must have full-time funding for the other 24 months of research to be carried out in the South.
Basic Scholarship Information
These scholarships, funded by Ghent University’s Special Research Fund (BOF), support South-North collaboration through a sandwich model: 24 months at Ghent University split into at least two stays (3-12 months each at start and end), plus 24 months locally funded at a home institution in the Global South. The first stay begins between October 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027, with at least 36 months of PhD research remaining at start. Key deadline: February 17, 2026, at 23:59 Belgian time; exception requests by January 16, 2026.
University Overview
Ghent University, a top-ranked public research institution in Ghent, Belgium, hosts over 11 faculties including Arts & Philosophy, Law & Criminology, Economics & Business, Psychology & Education, Political & Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering & Architecture, Bioscience Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Known for innovation and global partnerships, it emphasizes responsible research assessment via DORA principles and offers a Doctoral School for PhD training.
Available Study Areas
No field restrictions apply, but priority goes to North-South relevant topics like development, sustainability, capacity building, and societal impact in areas such as economics, public health, engineering, biosciences, social sciences, and environmental studies. Research must align with Ghent faculties and demonstrate synergy with Global South priorities, including institutional partnerships.
Ghent University PhD Scholarships Benefits
- 24 months Ghent University PhD scholarship (paid by Ghent).
- Ghent promoter receives:
- €310/month bench fee
- €8,000 travel/operational budget.
- Access to world-class facilities, Doctoral School training, and Ghent PhD degree (full or joint).
Benefits Not Included
Scholarship covers only Ghent research portion; 24 months in South requires separate full-time local funding/salary (90% research focus max). No tuition waiver specified (PhD enrollment separate), health insurance, family support, or post-PhD extensions. Pre-existing Ghent funding disqualifies applicants.
Eligibility Criteria for Ghent University PhD Scholarships
- Must be a national of a selected Global South country.
- Application must be submitted jointly by:
- The candidate
- A Ghent University supervisor
- A local supervisor at a partner university in the Global South.
- Any research field allowed, but priority for North–South relevant topics.
- Must be a degree student (aiming for a PhD at Ghent University).
- Must have at least 36 months of PhD research remaining by 1 Oct 2026.
- One Ghent supervisor may support only 2 candidates of different genders.
Co-Funding Requirement
- Mandatory: The partner university in the South must provide:
- Full-time funding/scholarship for 24 months, and
- Teaching exemption (max 10% work allowed).
Mobility Scheme (Mandatory)
- Start and end the PhD with a 3–12 month stay at Ghent University.
- First stay must begin between 1 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 2027.
- 24 months must be completed at the partner university in the South (locally funded).
Exceptions (Possible with Approval Before 16 Jan 2026)
- If required to:
- First finish a PhD program in the South, or
- Start with fieldwork in the South.
- Previous funded PhD research (up to 12 months) at:
- The partner university, or
- Ghent University
can be integrated into the required research period.
Required Documents
- Online application form (English, Arial 10pt).
- Study records/diplomas with rankings/percentiles (translated if needed).
- South partner statement on co-funding/supervisor.
- Ghent supervisor: Candidate advice + ethics/biosafety advice.
- Max 3-page project (Arial 10pt) + ½-page timeline.
Ghent University PhD Scholarships Application Process
- Secure Ghent professor as supervisor via research directory; get commitment.
- Find South supervisor/partner; obtain co-funding commitment letter.
- Prepare joint proposal: 3-page research plan, timeline, abstracts/keywords.
- Candidate submits form + annexes (named “Surname DOS_Annex_x”) to [email protected]; CC supervisors.
- Supervisor emails separate advices to same address.
- Ghent supervisor must also submit:
- Advice on the candidate’s research potential
- Advice on ethical & biosafety aspects
- Await results from May 20, 2026; then start PhD admission (separate, supervisor-initiated).
Success Tips
Tailor research to North-South relevance (sustainability, capacity building); highlight top rankings/GPA. Contact supervisors early via Ghent’s research portal. Ensure strong co-funding proof. Women: Leverage gender priority. Proofread for ethics/data plans; practice clear abstracts.
Monthly Living Expenses in Ghent (USD)
International PhD students need $1,300-$1,950 USD/month (using 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD). Breakdown:
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| Shared housing/student room | $430-$700 |
| Studio/small flat | $755-$1,135 |
| Utilities/internet | $130-$215 |
| Groceries | $270-$540 |
| Transport (bike/sub) | $0-$65 |
| Health insurance | $10-$35 |
| Leisure/phone/clothing | $110-$215 |
| Total | $1,300-$1,950 |
Why Choose Ghent PhD Scholarships?
- Prestigious Ghent PhD degree boosts global career prospects in academia/industry.
- Sandwich model builds dual networks, enhancing North-South impact.
- Generous stipend (~$2,750 USD/month) covers Ghent living comfortably.
- World-class facilities/Doctoral School training in top-ranked university.
- Focus on development topics aligns with Global South priorities for societal change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bangladesh eligible? Yes, as a least developed country on the list.
Can I apply without prior PhD research? Preferred; max limited pre-work if 36 months remain.
What if my South funding ends early? Ghent scholarship terminates too.
Joint PhD possible? Yes, with signed agreement post-award.
Application fee? None; fully funded for selected.
Results timeline? From May 20, 2026; list online
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 17 February 2026
- Results announced: From 20 May 2026
- Contact: [email protected]
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