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

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted by both the candidate and the Ghent supervisor to BOFapplication@UGent.be

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