Fully Funded Grants at Ghent University for Global South Candidate

Ghent University (UGent) offers a transformative doctoral funding opportunity through its Special Research Fund (BOF) — specifically for candidates from the Global South. The DOS (Doctoral Opportunities & Sandwich) grant enables early-career researchers to split their PhD journey between Ghent (Belgium) and their home institution, fostering both international exposure and local impact. Universiteit Gent+2Universiteit Gent+2

Who Is Eligible

Applicants must come from and hold nationality in one of the designated Global South countries. Universiteit Gent+1
Applications must include a joint proposal, co-supervised by a Ghent University (Northern) promotor and a promotor from the home (Southern) institution. Universiteit Gent
There are no restrictions on the research discipline; all fields are welcome. Preference is given to projects that align with North–South relevance, meaning research that addresses issues affecting both local Global South communities and global challenges. Universiteit Gent
At application time, the candidate should still need at least 36 months of PhD work remaining. Universiteit Gent
Maximum teaching or administrative duties: 10% of the candidate’s workload is allowed. Universiteit Gent
Gender encouragement: Each UGent supervisor may support up to two candidates per call, provided they are of different genders. Universiteit Gent

Programme Structure & Mobility

The DOS grant follows a “sandwich” model: PhD candidates will spend time both in Ghent and in their home country. Universiteit Gent
Required stays at Ghent University range between 3 to 12 months, with a total of 24 months funded by UGent. Universiteit Gent
The remaining 24 months of research should take place at the candidate’s home institution, where co-financing must be arranged. UniScholars 2025-2026+1

Funding Details

The grant covers 24 months of full-time PhD work at Ghent University, with a monthly stipend (typically ~€2,600, though the exact amount may depend on the candidate’s personal situation). Universiteit Gent
A “bench fee” of €310/month goes to the Ghent supervisor to support operational research costs. Universiteit Gent
In addition, there is a €8,000 travel budget shared between the candidate and promotors to support mobility. UniScholars 2025-2026
At the end of the funding period, candidates are required to submit a final scientific report. Universiteit Gent