.png)
The Ghent University PhD Scholarship for Developing Countries 2026 (officially the Special Research Fund – Doctoral Scholarships for Candidates from the Global South) is a research funding opportunity offered by Ghent University. It is aimed at promising PhD students from eligible developing (Global South) countries who wish to conduct doctoral research that bridges institutions in their home region and Ghent University in Belgium. Scholarships are awarded under a sandwich research model — part of the doctoral project is carried out at Ghent University in Belgium, and part is undertaken at a partner university in the student’s home (or another developing) country. This collaborative approach fosters international research cooperation and strengthens research capacity both in Belgium and in developing institutions.
Location
This scholarship takes place across two locations:
Ghent — Ghent University hosts part of the PhD research.
Partner institution in a developing country — The remainder of the research is conducted at a university or research centre in the student’s home region (Global South), under local supervision.
The model encourages mobility between Belgium and the candidate’s home region, strengthening research capacity on both sides.
Benefits
The scholarship provides substantial support for the period spent at Ghent University:
PhD scholarship for up to 24 months at Ghent University, covering research costs while in Belgium.
Monthly research allowance for the period of residence in Ghent to support living expenses and academic work.
Bench fee for the supervisor of approximately €310 per month, which supports research infrastructure and resources.
Travel budget (up to €8,000) to support mobility and research‑related travel between the host and partner institutions.
As part of the sandwich model, the funding specifically supports the Ghent portion of the PhD; the scholarship does not fund the 24 months of research at the partner institution in the developing country — that portion must be funded through a local scholarship, PhD salary, or other full‑time funding arrangement confirmed by the partner institution.
Compensation / Funding
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship is considered fully funded for the portion of the PhD conducted at Ghent University. This means:
Tuition fees for those 24 months are waived or covered.
Research stipend/allowance is provided to support the candidate in Belgium.
A travel grant is available to assist with mobility costs between Belgium and the partner institution.
However, full PhD funding overall depends on securing funding for the remaining 24 months of research in the developing country — the scholarship itself does not fund that portion. Applicants must demonstrate that such full‑time co‑funding is in place.
Positions / Study Fields
This opportunity is for PhD research positions and is open to all academic and scientific disciplines. There are no strict field restrictions, but preference is given to research topics that address development‑related issues or have relevance within a North–South research context. Applicants and supervisors are encouraged to propose projects that contribute to global and local development priorities.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Ghent University PhD Scholarship for Developing Countries 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Nationality: Must be a citizen of one of the eligible developing (Global South) countries (a defined list is available from Ghent University).
PhD intention: Must be starting a joint PhD research project that will span both Ghent University and a partner university in the Global South.
Joint proposal: The research proposal must be jointly submitted by the candidate, a supervisor at Ghent University, and a supervisor at the partner institution.
Research readiness: Applicants should be at the beginning stages of their PhD, with sufficient remaining research time (minimum ~36 months) to complete the degree.
Full‑time funding at partner institution: Must have full‑time funding in place for the 24 months of research that will be carried out at the partner university (e.g., a local PhD scholarship or salary).
Exclusion: Exchange students are not eligible; the focus is on degree‑seeking PhD researchers.
Preference is often given to proposals with development impact or that enhance capacity in the applicant’s home region. Women candidates are specifically encouraged to apply.
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is suitable for individuals who:
Are citizens of developing countries and commencing PhD research.
Have a clearly defined research project that can be jointly supervised by mentors at Ghent University and a partner institution in the Global South.
Are committed to research that contributes to development, capacity building, or global cooperation.
Are able to secure full‑time co‑funding for the portion of PhD research conducted outside Belgium.
Seek international research experience, cross‑institutional supervision, and exposure to European research networks.
Required Documents
Applicants typically must submit the following as part of the scholarship application:
Completed application form (usually emailed to the designated scholarship email).
Research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, timeline, and relevance to development.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic achievements and research experience.
Proof of nationality (passport or national ID).
Joint letters of support from the Ghent University supervisor and the partner institution supervisor.
Statement from the partner institution confirming full‑time funding for the research in the developing country.
Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Additional documents, such as publications, reference letters, and language proficiency evidence, may be requested by supervisors or during review.
How to Apply (Steps)
Identify a PhD supervisor at Ghent University
Contact potential supervisors whose research aligns with your proposal and secure their agreement to support your application.Contact a partner institution supervisor.
Secure supervision and co‑funding confirmation from a university/research centre in your home or another developing country.Develop a joint research proposal.
Work with both supervisors to prepare a detailed proposal, including objectives, methodology, and timelines.Prepare required documentation
Gather academic transcripts, CV, proof of nationality, and letters from supervisors confirming support and co‑funding.Submit the application electronically
Email the complete application package (in English) to the designated address provided in the official call (typically BOFapplication@ugent.be).Follow up and track status.
Monitor communication from Ghent University and respond to any requests for additional materials or clarifications.
Applications are usually assessed by a selection committee based on academic merit, research quality, feasibility, and relevance to development.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips:
Start early in contacting potential supervisors to ensure commitment and support.
Tailor the proposal to show clear development impact and feasibility for both research locations.
Provide strong evidence of academic performance and research readiness.
Ensure that co‑funding for the partner institution phase is documented and agreed in writing.
Common Mistakes:
Submitting proposals without confirmed co‑funding at the partner institution.
Missing or incomplete joint letters from both supervisors.
Vague or poorly structured research proposals.
Applying late or missing the official deadline.
Deadline
Applications for the Ghent University PhD Scholarship for Developing Countries 2026 are open until 17 February 2026. Submissions received after this date will generally not be considered.
Official apply link
https://www.ugent.be/en/research/funding/bof/dos/docos.htm
FAQ
1. Is this scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship is fully funded for the portion of the PhD conducted at Ghent University (tuition waiver, monthly research allowance, and travel support), but the remaining part of the PhD must be funded through a separate local scholarship or salary.
2. Can I apply from any research field?
Yes. All fields are eligible, with preference given to projects relevant to a North–South development context.
3. Do I need a partner supervisor in my home country?
Yes — your proposal must be co‑supervised by faculty at Ghent University and at a partner institution in your home region, with confirmed funding for the local research portion.