2026 Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships in Belgium. Applications are now open for the 2026 Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship, a fully funded PhD opportunity for outstanding international students from developing countries who wish to pursue doctoral research in Belgium.
The scholarship is offered through Ghent University’s Special Research Fund (BOF) and supports doctoral candidates under a “sandwich” PhD model. This allows scholars to conduct part of their research at Ghent University in Belgium (the North) and part at a partner institution in their home country (the South).
Successful candidates will receive full financial support, including a stipend of €11,720, research bench fees, and travel funding.
Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship at a Glance
Host Institution: Ghent University
Study Location: Belgium (Europe)
Level: Postgraduate (PhD)
Category: PhD Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships
Eligible Countries: All Developing Countries
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Stipend: €11,720
Duration: 24 months (Ghent University funding period)
Application Deadline: February 17, 2026
About Ghent University
Ghent University is a top 100 global university and one of the leading research institutions in Belgium. It has 11 faculties, offers over 200 academic programmes, and is known for its strong emphasis on scientific research across diverse disciplines.
Ghent University also operates the Ghent University Global Campus in Songdo, South Korea, making it the first European university to establish a campus there.
Scholarship Details and Structure
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship is designed as a sandwich PhD programme, meaning:
- Part of the PhD research is conducted at Ghent University in Belgium.
- The remaining research is carried out at a university or research institute in the candidate’s home country.
- The programme strengthens research collaboration between Ghent University and institutions in developing countries.
The scholarship is funded by Ghent University’s Special Research Fund (BOF) and is awarded to highly promising doctoral candidates whose research has strong development relevance.
Eligibility Requirements for the 2026 Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be international students from developing countries.
- Applications must be submitted using the official application forms provided and will be assessed by the Ghent University Research Council.
- The scholarship is highly competitive, and selection is based on:
- Academic performance in Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Quality, originality, and feasibility of the proposed doctoral research project.
- Relevance of the research to development and capacity building in the applicant’s home country.
- Strong consideration is given to:
- The scientific quality and research strength of the Ghent University supervisor’s research group.
- The partnership between Ghent University and the local (home-country) institution.
- The academic and research capacity of the local institution where part of the research will be conducted.
Duration and Financial Benefits
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship covers a total funding period of 24 months at Ghent University.
Financial support includes:
- A doctoral stipend of €11,720.
- A research bench fee of €310 per month for the duration of research conducted at Ghent University.
- An €8,000 travel budget to cover part of the operational and research-related costs.
Mandatory Mobility Scheme (Important)
All applicants must comply with the compulsory mobility structure outlined below:
- The PhD programme must start and end with a research stay at Ghent University lasting between 3 and 12 months each.
- The first research stay at Ghent University must begin between 1 October 2026 and 28 February 2027.
- Between the first and final research stays in Belgium, candidates must complete at least 24 months of locally funded research at their home institution in the Global South.
Failure to meet this mobility structure may result in disqualification.
How to Apply for the 2026 Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship
All applications must be submitted electronically and in English.
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
Applicants must fill out the official Ghent University BOF application form.
Step 2: Submit Application by Email
Completed application forms must be emailed to:
Step 3: Supervisor’s Supporting Documents
In addition to the application form, the Ghent University supervisor must submit the following two documents:
- A formal assessment of the candidate, stating the supervisor’s opinion on the applicant’s academic ability and potential as a future researcher.
- An ethical and biosafety assessment of the proposed doctoral research project.
Both documents are mandatory and must be submitted alongside the application.
Application Deadline
February 17, 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Final Note
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship is a prestigious and highly competitive opportunity aimed at building long-term research capacity in developing countries. Applicants are strongly advised to begin early, secure a committed Ghent University supervisor, and submit a well-developed research proposal with clear development relevance.
