Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Belgium 2026 for Global South Students

Applications are now open for the 2026 Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships. Supported by its "Special Research Fund" (BOF), Ghent University offers PhD "sandwich" scholarships to promising students from Global South countries. This program allows students to conduct half of their PhD research at Ghent University and the other half at a partner university in the Global South.

Financial Benefits and Coverage

The scholarship covers 24 months of research at Ghent University. The Ghent University promoter receives a bench fee of €310 per month of research in Ghent plus an €8,000 travel budget for the student and the local promoter’s travel expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be nationals of Global South countries.
• Proposals must be jointly submitted by the candidate and supervisors at both Ghent University and a partner university in the South.
• Open to degree students only; exchange students are not eligible.
• The program is intended for students at the beginning of their PhDs.
• At least 36 months of doctoral research must be required to complete the PhD from the start of the fellowship on 01 October 2026.

Available Fields of Study

All research fields are eligible, with preference for topics relevant to the North-South context.

How to Apply Step by Step

1. Submit the application form in English electronically to the specified email.
2. Provide an opinion on the candidate’s capability as a future researcher by the Ghent University supervisor.
3. Include advice on the ethical and biosafety context of the proposed research project.