The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 offer a fully funded research opportunity for talented PhD candidates from Global South countries who wish to pursue a joint doctoral degree in Belgium and their home country.
This prestigious program supports outstanding researchers and aims to strengthen academic collaboration between Ghent University and institutions in developing regions.

About the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026

This scholarship is exclusively for doctoral candidates from eligible Global South countries.
The scholarship follows a unique sandwich PhD model, allowing the researcher to conduct part of their doctoral study at Ghent University and part at their home university.

Key features include:

  • A 24-month funded research stay at Ghent University (Belgium)
  • A 24-month research period at the partner university in the applicant’s home country
  • A full doctoral scholarship covering living expenses, research costs, and travel support
  • Supervision from two professors, one from the University and one in the home country

The program is merit-based and highly competitive, emphasizing academic capability, research relevance, and North–South collaboration.

Why Pursue a PhD at Ghent University?

Ghent University is one of Europe’s top public research institutions, recognized for:

  • High-impact international research
  • Strong commitment to development-focused studies
  • A rich multicultural academic environment
  • Advanced laboratories, libraries, and research technology

The scholarship is ideal for doctoral students aiming to:

  • Gain access to world-class research facilities
  • Strengthen academic collaboration between Europe and the Global South
  • Contribute to research that supports development, sustainability, or global challenges
  • Earn a doctoral degree from a highly respected European institution

Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Belgium
  • Host Institution: Ghent University
  • Study Level: PhD / Doctoral Degree
  • Program Duration: 4 years (24 months in Belgium + 24 months in the home country)
  • Category: Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarship
  • Eligible Applicants: Candidates from Global South countries
  • Scholarship Type: Full funding for research stay in Belgium + travel + bench fees
  • Intake: First research stay begins between October 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027
  • Application Deadline: February 17, 2026

Scholarship Benefits

The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship 2026 provides:

  • Monthly stipend for 24 months during research stay in Belgium
  • Bench fee and research funding for the Ghent University supervisor
  • Travel budget covering the student’s mobility between Belgium and the home country
  • Access to advanced research facilities and academic resources
  • Joint supervision to ensure high-quality academic progress

Note:
The home university must fully fund the 24-month research period in the applicant’s country, ensuring the candidate can work full-time on their PhD.

Eligible Fields of Study

There are no restrictions on academic discipline.

However, preference is given to proposals with:

  • Clear North–South or South–North relevance
  • Contribution to development-focused research
  • Potential impact on local or global challenges

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026, applicants must:

  • Be a citizen of an eligible Global South country
  • Apply jointly with a Ghent University supervisor AND a home-country supervisor
  • Have at least 36 months of PhD research remaining at the time the scholarship begins
  • Provide a research proposal demonstrating strong North–South relevance
  • Be committed to completing a full PhD (this is not an exchange program)
  • Ensure the home institution agrees to co-fund the 24-month local research stay
  • Meet Ghent University’s academic and language requirements

Supervisors at Ghent University may support a maximum of two applicants, and they must be of different genders.

Application Timeline

  • Applications Open: As per Ghent University’s 2026 funding calendar
  • Application Deadline: February 17, 2026
  • Evaluation Period: March – May 2026
  • Results Announcement: May 20, 2026 (expected)
  • Program / Research Start: Between October 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027

Applicants submit a joint application with both supervisors. Scholarship and admission results are issued simultaneously.

Required Documents

Typical documents include:

  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • Detailed PhD research proposal
  • Motivation letter or research statement
  • CV of the candidate
  • CVs of both supervisors
  • Signed supervisory commitment from both universities
  • Proof of nationality

Any additional documents required by Ghent University or the specific faculty