Applications are now open for the 2026 Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship for international candidates. The scholarship provides full funding of €11,720 for doctoral students over a 24-month period.
Eligible and promising doctoral candidates from developing countries are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to conduct part of their research at Ghent University in Belgium and part at a university in their home country.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Ghent University
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €11,720 Stipend
- Deadline: February 17, 2026
Scholarship Details
Supported by its Special Research Fund (BOF), Ghent University offers “sandwich” scholarships to exceptional PhD students from developing countries. This scheme allows candidates to complete part of their PhD research at Ghent University (“North”) and the remainder at a local university in their home country.
Ghent University ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide and is one of Belgium’s major institutions. The university has 11 faculties, offering over 200 courses and engaging in advanced research across multiple scientific disciplines. It also operates a Global Campus in Songdo, South Korea, the first European university campus in the country.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be international students from developing countries
- Submit applications using the official scholarship application forms, which will be assessed by the Research Council
- Have strong academic results from their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
- Demonstrate the relevance of their doctoral project to development and capacity building
- Be evaluated based on the scientific and scholarly potential of their supervisor’s research group and the partnership between Ghent University and the local institute
- Possess the scholarly disposition required for the research at the local institute
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of this scholarship will receive:
- The scholarship covers PhD research for a total of 24 months
- Includes a bench fee of €310 per month for research conducted at Ghent University, plus an €8,000 travel budget to support research-related operational costs
- Mandatory mobility scheme:
- Research must start and end with a stay of 3–12 months at Ghent University
- The first research stay at Ghent University should begin between 1 October 2026 and 28 February 2027
- A minimum of 24 months of locally funded research in the home country must occur between the first and last stays at Ghent University
Required Documents
Applicants must submit their application electronically in English via [email protected], including:
- Completed application form
- A supervisor’s advice, assessing the candidate’s potential as a future researcher
- A supervisor’s advice on the ethical and biosafety aspects of the proposed research project
How to Apply
To apply for this scholarship:
- Prepare and submit all required documents
- Submit before the deadline
To begin application, click HERE
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