Ghent University in Belgium is inviting applications for the Special Research Fund (BOF) Doctoral Scholarships for Candidates from the Global South \u2013 Call 2026. This prestigious program offers fully funded PhD scholarships for exceptional students from developing countries who wish to pursue part of their doctoral research at Ghent University and part at a partner university in their home country.<\/p>\n
Through its Special Research Fund (BOF), Ghent University supports promising PhD students from the Global South to conduct research that bridges the gap between the Global North and South.<\/p>\n
The fellowship follows a \u201csandwich\u201d structure, allowing scholars to conduct half of their research (24 months) at Ghent University and the other half at their home institution.<\/p>\n
Successful candidates will receive extensive financial and academic support to ensure a productive research experience.<\/p>\n
Funding includes:<\/p>\n
This funding covers the portion of the PhD research conducted in Belgium. Applicants must have separate funding for the 24 months spent conducting research in their home country.<\/p>\n
Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:<\/p>\n
Note: Exchange students are not eligible for this scholarship.<\/p>\n
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship follows a mandatory mobility structure designed to promote academic exchange and collaboration.<\/p>\n
Required research structure:<\/p>\n
Begin and end the PhD with a research stay of 3\u201312 months at Ghent University.<\/p>\n
The first stay must start between 1 October 2026 and 28 February 2027.<\/p>\n
At least 24 months of locally funded research must occur at the partner institution in the Global South between the two Ghent research stays.<\/p>\n
Co-funding is mandatory for this fellowship. The partner university or research center in the Global South must guarantee:<\/p>\n
The appointment of a local PhD supervisor.<\/p>\n
A written statement confirming that the candidate will receive a local PhD scholarship or salary for 24 months.<\/p>\n
Sufficient time allocation for the PhD research, allowing the scholar to dedicate at least 90% of their full-time effort to research.<\/p>\n
Application Deadline: 17 February 2026<\/p>\n
Fellowship Start Period: Between 1 October 2026 and 28 February 2027<\/p>\n
Exception Request Deadline: 16 January 2026<\/p>\n
Ghent University is one of Europe\u2019s top research institutions, known for its commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement.<\/p>\n
Through the BOF Doctoral Scholarships, the university promotes knowledge exchange and research capacity building in the Global South, empowering scholars to address pressing global challenges through scientific research and international cooperation.<\/p>\n
| Program<\/td>\n | Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships (Global South \u2013 Call 2026)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
| Funding<\/td>\n | Fully funded (24 months at Ghent University)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Monthly Stipend<\/td>\n | Approximately \u20ac2,550<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Bench Fee<\/td>\n | \u20ac310\/month to supervisor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Travel Budget<\/td>\n | \u20ac8,000 for research and travel expenses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Eligibility<\/td>\n | Nationals of Global South countries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Application Deadline<\/td>\n | 17 February 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Start Date<\/td>\n | Between 1 October 2026 and 28 February 2027<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Apply here: Application<\/a><\/p>\n For more information: GHENT UNIVERSITY<\/a><\/p>\n |