Ghent University PhD Scholarships 2026 in Belgium (Fully Funded)
Overview: The Ghent University PhD Scholarships 2026 offer outstanding young researchers from developing countries a fully funded doctoral opportunity under the Special Research Fund (BOF). The program follows a sandwich model (24 months in Belgium + 24 months in home country) to strengthen North–South research collaboration.
Why study at Ghent University (UGent)?
Founded in 1817, UGent is one of Belgium’s leading research universities. It excels in environmental sciences, biotechnology, engineering, social sciences, and health sciences. The BOF scholarships emphasize sustainable development, capacity building, gender balance, and long-term North–South partnerships.
Program Summary
- Scholarship name: Ghent University PhD Scholarships 2026 (Special Research Fund – BOF)
- Host country / Institution: Belgium — Ghent University (UGent)
- Degree level: PhD (Doctoral)
- Duration: 4 years (24 months in Belgium + 24 months in home country)
- Application deadline: 17 February 2026
- Results announced from: 20 May 2026 onwards
- Official BOF page: UGent BOF – Doctoral Opportunities & Sandwich (DOS)
Key benefits (financial coverage)
- Monthly allowance in Belgium: approx. €2,550 / month
- Research bench fee for supervisor: €310 / month
- Travel allowance: Total €8,000 (candidate + Ghent promoter + local supervisor)
- Research mobility: 24 months in Belgium funded; remaining 24 months in home country (local funding/co-funding required)
Sandwich PhD structure (typical)
- First research stay (Belgium): 3–12 months — orientation, lit review, initial data collection.
- Home country phase: at least 24 months — fieldwork, implementation, locally funded research.
- Final research stay (Belgium): 3–12 months — final analysis, thesis writing, defense preparation.
Eligibility
- Nationality: Citizens of Global South / OECD-DAC ODA recipients list.
- Degree: Master’s degree (relevant field) required.
- Joint application: Candidate + Ghent University supervisor + local supervisor.
- Research relevance: Development-oriented topics relevant to Global South.
- Timing: At least 36 months of PhD research remaining as of 1 Oct 2026.
- Full-time commitment (max 10% teaching allowed). Female candidates encouraged to apply.
Required documents
- CV (Europass preferred)
- Bachelor & Master degree certificates (copies)
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter
- Two recommendation letters
- Research proposal (objectives, methodology, outcomes)
- Advice letter from UGent supervisor
- Ethical / biosafety statement (if relevant)
- Passport copy + recent photo
Application steps
- Find a Ghent University supervisor (UGent Research Directory).
- Prepare a joint proposal with UGent and local supervisors.
- Download & complete official application form from BOF portal.
- Attach required documents and submit by email to BO************@***nt.be.
- Deadline: 17 February 2026.
Selection criteria
- Academic excellence and research background
- Feasibility & innovativeness of proposal
- Relevance to North–South collaboration & development priorities
- Motivation & long-term research potential
- Institutional and gender diversity considerations
Encouraged research fields
Environmental & climate sciences, agriculture & food security, renewable energy, water management, public health & biomedical sciences, engineering & materials, social sciences & development studies.
Important dates (at-a-glance)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 17 February 2026 |
| Results announced | From 20 May 2026 |
| Research start window (Belgium) | 1 October 2026 – 28 February 2027 |
Contact / Official info
Team Flemish, Federal & BOF Projects
Email: BO*@***nt.be
Official BOF page: https://www.ugent.be/en/research/funding/bof/dos
Final thoughts: The Ghent University PhD Scholarships 2026 are an excellent pathway to combine world-class training in Belgium with impactful research in your home country. Make sure your proposal clearly shows local development relevance and strong joint supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Ghent University PhD Scholarship 2026?
It is a fully funded doctoral scholarship for researchers from developing countries, offering a sandwich model where candidates research both in Belgium and their home country. - Is there an application fee?
No. The application process is completely free of charge. - Can I apply without a local university supervisor?
No. A valid joint proposal must include both a Ghent University supervisor and a South (local) supervisor. - How long does the PhD take to complete?
Typically 3–4 years, with 24 months funded for the research stay at Ghent University. - Are female candidates prioritized?
Yes, the program encourages female researchers to apply to promote gender equity in research. - What is the deadline to apply?
The deadline for submission is 17 February 2026.
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