Are you looking for a PhD scholarship in Belgium? The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2027 offer an excellent opportunity for talented researchers from eligible Global South countries to pursue doctoral research in Europe. Funded by Ghent University’s Special Research Fund (BOF), this program supports international research collaboration between Ghent University in Belgium and a partner university or research centre in the Global South.
The Ghent University PhD Scholarships 2027 follow a sandwich doctoral research model, allowing candidates to spend 24 months conducting research in Belgium and another 24 months at their partner institution in the Global South. The program awards 15 doctoral sandwich scholarships annually, encouraging scientific innovation, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation.
Ghent University funds the research period in Belgium, while the partner institution must guarantee full-time funding for the remaining 24 months. Applicants should therefore confirm their eligibility, research arrangements, and funding commitments before applying.
If you aspire to pursue a PhD in Europe and collaborate with international researchers, the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships provide a valuable opportunity to advance your academic career.
Ghent University Scholarships 2027: Overview
- Host Country: Belgium
- Host University: Ghent University
- Funding Organization: Ghent University’s Special Research Fund (BOF)
- Opportunity Type: PhD / Doctoral Research
- Eligible Applicants: Candidates from eligible Global South countries
- Scholarship Duration: 48 months (four years)
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: February 9, 2027
Study Level and Available Subjects
Study Level:
- PhD / Doctoral Research
Available Subjects and Research Areas:
The program does not restrict applications to specific academic disciplines. Research topics relevant to North–South collaboration may receive preference.
Potential research areas include:
- Environmental Science
- Food Technology
- Molecular Biotechnology
- Agriculture
- Health Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Social Sciences
- Educational and Development Studies
- Other research fields, depending on the proposed project and available supervisors
Applicants should develop a research proposal that aligns with the expertise of their supervisors at both institutions.
Eligibility Criteria for Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2027
To qualify for the Ghent University PhD Scholarships 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of an eligible Global South country listed by Ghent University.
Joint research proposal: Candidates must prepare a research proposal with supervisors from Ghent University and a partner university or research centre in the Global South.
Female applicants: Women are encouraged to apply. Each Ghent University supervisor may support up to two candidates per call, provided the candidates are of different genders.
Doctoral enrollment: Applicants must intend to obtain a PhD degree from Ghent University or through a joint doctoral arrangement.
Exchange students: Students applying solely for an exchange program are not eligible.
Mobility requirements: Applicants must agree to the scholarship’s mandatory mobility arrangements.
Research start date: The first research stay at Ghent University must begin between October 1, 2027, and February 28, 2028.
Remaining research period: Applicants must have at least 36 months of doctoral research remaining when the scholarship begins on October 1, 2027.
Research field: All research disciplines are eligible, although preference may be given to projects relevant to North–South cooperation.
Local supervisor: Candidates must have a PhD supervisor at their partner institution in the Global South.
Partner funding: The partner institution must guarantee full-time funding through a doctoral scholarship or salary for the 24-month research period in the Global South.
Research availability: Applicants must receive sufficient exemption from teaching and other duties to focus on their doctoral research. Other duties may account for no more than 10% of their full-time appointment.
Co-funding: Candidates must arrange the required funding for the 24 months spent at the partner institution in the Global South.
Applicants should carefully review the official call to confirm that their country, research project, and partner institution meet the program’s requirements.
Benefits of Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2027
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships support international research through collaboration between two institutions.
- Research funding in Belgium: Ghent University funds 24 months of doctoral research in Belgium under the scholarship conditions.
- Funding in the Global South: The partner institution must provide a salary or doctoral scholarship for the remaining 24 months.
- Four-year research opportunity: The program supports a total doctoral research period of 48 months across both institutions.
- Monthly bench fee: The Ghent University supervisor receives a €310 bench fee for each month of research conducted at Ghent University.
- Travel budget: The Ghent University supervisor receives an €8,000 budget to help cover operational and travel costs associated with the student and both supervisors.
- International research experience: Fellows gain experience at Ghent University and a partner university or research centre in the Global South.
- Joint supervision: Candidates benefit from academic guidance and collaboration between supervisors at both institutions.
- Professional development: Participants can strengthen their research skills, expand their academic networks, and contribute to international scientific cooperation.
Important funding note: The €310 monthly bench fee and €8,000 travel budget are allocated to the Ghent University supervisor to support research-related expenses. They are not a monthly stipend or guaranteed direct payments to the student. Applicants must secure full-time funding from the partner institution for the 24-month research period in the Global South.
Required Documents for Ghent University Scholarships 2027
Applicants should prepare the following documents and information for the application process. The exact requirements should be confirmed in the official application call and forms.
- Completed application form: Fill out the official scholarship application form.
- Research proposal: Prepare a clear doctoral research proposal developed in collaboration with the supervisors at both institutions.
- Academic CV: Provide an updated curriculum vitae highlighting your education, research experience, publications, and relevant achievements.
- Academic qualifications: Prepare degree certificates and transcripts as requested by the university.
- Proof of nationality: Provide a valid document confirming citizenship of an eligible Global South country.
- Ghent University supervisor confirmation: Obtain the required support and agreement from your prospective supervisor at Ghent University.
- Partner institution supervisor confirmation: Secure confirmation from a local PhD supervisor at the partner university or research centre.
- Proof of partner funding: Arrange documentation confirming full-time funding for the 24-month research period in the Global South.
- Doctoral enrollment information: Provide evidence of your doctoral status and remaining research period, where required.
- Supporting documents: Include any additional forms, declarations, or evidence requested in the official call.
Tip: Do not assume that every document listed above is mandatory in the same format. Check the current call and application forms for the definitive document checklist.
How to Apply for Ghent University Scholarships 2027 in Belgium
Follow these steps to prepare your application for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that your nationality is included in Ghent University’s list of eligible Global South countries. Review the doctoral research requirements, mobility arrangements, and funding conditions.
Step 2: Find Supervisors at Both Institutions
Identify a suitable supervisor at Ghent University and a local PhD supervisor at a partner university or research centre in the Global South. Discuss your research interests and confirm that both supervisors can support the proposed project.
Step 3: Develop a Joint Research Proposal
Prepare a research proposal in collaboration with both supervisors. Explain your research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and the value of conducting research across the two institutions.
Step 4: Secure Funding from the Partner Institution
Arrange confirmation that your partner institution will provide a salary or doctoral scholarship for the 24 months of research in the Global South. This funding is an essential requirement of the program.
Step 5: Complete the Official Application
Visit the official Ghent University website and access the current call and application forms. Complete the required forms and provide the supporting documents requested in the call.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your application according to the instructions provided by Ghent University. Make sure all required approvals and funding arrangements are in place before the deadline.
Ghent University Scholarships 2027 Deadline
The application deadline provided for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2027 is February 9, 2027.
The first research stay at Ghent University must begin between October 1, 2027, and February 28, 2028. Applicants should check the official call for the confirmed submission deadline, time zone, and any additional requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Ghent University Scholarships 2027 fully funded?
The program funds 24 months of doctoral research at Ghent University. The partner institution in the Global South must provide full-time funding for the remaining 24 months. Applicants must arrange this partner funding to meet the program’s requirements.
2. Who can apply for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships?
Citizens of eligible Global South countries who meet the doctoral research requirements and can secure supervisors at Ghent University and a partner institution in the Global South may apply.
3. How long does the Ghent University PhD scholarship last?
The doctoral research period is 48 months, or four years, divided between 24 months at Ghent University in Belgium and 24 months at the partner institution in the Global South.
4. Do students receive a monthly stipend of €310?
No. The €310 monthly bench fee is allocated to the Ghent University supervisor for each month of research in Belgium. It is not a direct monthly stipend for the student.
5. Who receives the €8,000 travel budget?
The €8,000 travel budget is allocated to the Ghent University supervisor to help cover eligible operational and travel expenses associated with the student and both supervisors.
6. Are all academic fields eligible?
Yes. The program does not impose a restriction to specific research disciplines. However, projects relevant to North–South collaboration may receive preference.
7. Is a partner university in the Global South required?
Yes. Applicants must have a local PhD supervisor at a partner university or research centre in the Global South, and the partner institution must guarantee full-time funding for the 24-month research period.
8. What is the deadline for the Ghent University Scholarships 2027?
The deadline provided is February 9, 2027. Applicants should verify the date and submission instructions on the official university website.
9. When must the research stay in Belgium begin?
The first research stay at Ghent University must start between October 1, 2027, and February 28, 2028.
