Ghent University in Belgium is inviting applications for the Special Research Fund (BOF) Doctoral Scholarships for Candidates from the Global South – Call 2026. This prestigious program offers fully funded PhD scholarships for exceptional students from developing countries who wish to pursue part of their doctoral research at Ghent University and part at a partner university in their home country.

About the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship

Through its Special Research Fund (BOF), Ghent University supports promising PhD students from the Global South to conduct research that bridges the gap between the Global North and South.

The fellowship follows a “sandwich” structure, allowing scholars to conduct half of their research (24 months) at Ghent University and the other half at their home institution.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful candidates will receive extensive financial and academic support to ensure a productive research experience.

Funding includes:

• Monthly stipend: Approximately €2,550 during the 24-month stay at Ghent University.
• Supervisor’s bench fee: €310 per month (for each month the student is at Ghent University).
• Travel budget: €8,000 to cover travel costs for the student and supervisors, as well as operational expenses.

This funding covers the portion of the PhD research conducted in Belgium. Applicants must have separate funding for the 24 months spent conducting research in their home country.

Who Can Apply

Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a citizen of a Global South country (see Ghent University’s official country list).
• Submit a joint proposal with:
• A Ghent University supervisor (promoter), and
• A local supervisor from the partner university in the South.
• Apply for a degree-seeking PhD (joint or full PhD degree at Ghent University).
• Have at least 36 months of research work remaining at the fellowship start date (October 2026).
• Research topics must align with North-South collaboration priorities, emphasizing global relevance, partnership, and local impact.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. A Ghent supervisor may support up to two candidates if they are of different genders.

Note: Exchange students are not eligible for this scholarship.

Mobility Scheme

The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship follows a mandatory mobility structure designed to promote academic exchange and collaboration.

Required research structure:

Begin and end the PhD with a research stay of 3–12 months at Ghent University.

The first stay must start between 1 October 2026 and 28 February 2027.

At least 24 months of locally funded research must occur at the partner institution in the Global South between the two Ghent research stays.

Co-Funding Requirements

Co-funding is mandatory for this fellowship. The partner university or research center in the Global South must guarantee:

The appointment of a local PhD supervisor.

A written statement confirming that the candidate will receive a local PhD scholarship or salary for 24 months.

Sufficient time allocation for the PhD research, allowing the scholar to dedicate at least 90% of their full-time effort to research.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 17 February 2026

Fellowship Start Period: Between 1 October 2026 and 28 February 2027

Exception Request Deadline: 16 January 2026

How to Apply

Required documents:

• Completed application form (available on the official website).
• From the Ghent University supervisor:
• A statement evaluating the candidate’s research potential.
• An assessment of ethical and biosafety considerations for the proposed project.

Why Choose Ghent University?

Ghent University is one of Europe’s top research institutions, known for its commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement.

Through the BOF Doctoral Scholarships, the university promotes knowledge exchange and research capacity building in the Global South, empowering scholars to address pressing global challenges through scientific research and international cooperation.

Summary of the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship 2026

Apply here: Application

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