Ghent University 2025 Special Research Fund: Doctoral Scholarships For Students From Developing Nations

About the Ghent University Special Research Fund Doctoral Scholarships

Ghent University is accepting applications for its Special Research Fund Doctoral Scholarships, designed to support talented PhD students from developing countries through a unique “sandwich” program. This funding opportunity allows students to conduct their doctoral research both at Ghent University and at a partner institution in the Global South. Here’s everything you need to know about the program, eligibility requirements, and application process.

This doctoral scholarships program is a part of Ghent University’s commitment to promoting collaborative research between universities in the Global South and Belgium. The scholarship supports students from eligible Global South countries by covering 24 months of their doctoral research at Ghent University (the “North”) while requiring the remaining 24 months to be completed at a partner institution in the Global South (the “South”). Ghent University provides funding for the research conducted in Belgium, while applicants are expected to secure separate funding for their research at the partner university.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Ghent University Special Research Fund Doctoral Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Country of Origin: Candidates must be from a designated Global South country. A full list of eligible countries is available on the program’s website.
Joint Application: The scholarship application must be a joint effort between the PhD candidate, a Ghent University supervisor, and a supervisor at a partner university in the Global South.
Research Fields: There are no specific restrictions on the field of study, but priority is given to projects with strong relevance to the North-South context.

PhD Requirements: Only those pursuing a joint PhD degree from Ghent University are eligible. The program does not support exchange students.
Doctoral Research Period: Candidates should be in the early stages of their PhD research with at least 36 months of research remaining as of October 1, 2025, when the fellowship begins.
Gender Inclusivity: To encourage gender diversity, Ghent University permits each supervisor to support up to two candidates of different genders in each application call.

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the doctoral scholarships considers the following:

Academic and Research Potential: Evaluated by both supervisors, assessing the candidate’s qualifications and ability to complete high-level research.
Relevance of the Research: Preference is given to projects that address issues relevant to both the Global South and the Global North.

Mobility Requirements: Successful applicants must be able to conduct their research according to the program’s required mobility scheme, which involves alternating between research periods in Belgium and the Global South.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the Ghent University Special Research Fund Doctoral Scholarship receive the following support:

Funding for 24 Months at Ghent University: Coverage for a 24-month research stay in Belgium, supported by Ghent University.

Bench Fee: A monthly bench fee of €310 to cover additional research expenses during the stay at Ghent University.
Travel Budget: An €8,000 travel allowance, intended to support travel and operational costs for the student and supervisors across both institutions.

Duration of the Scholarship

The scholarship is awarded for a four-year PhD program. Ghent University funds 24 months of research conducted in Belgium, while applicants must secure funding for the remaining 24 months of research to be conducted at a partner institution in the Global South.

How to Apply for the Ghent University Special Research Fund Doctoral Scholarships

Follow these steps to apply for the Ghent University Special Research Fund Doctoral Scholarship:

Complete the Application Form: Ensure the application is filled out in English and all necessary information is included.
Electronic Submission: Submit the completed application form electronically to BOFapplication@ugent.be by the deadline.

Supervisor’s Commitment: Before applying, secure the commitment of a Ghent University professor to act as your PhD supervisor.
Supporting Documents: Your Ghent University supervisor must provide:

An assessment of your research potential and abilities.

An evaluation of any ethical or biosafety considerations related to your project.

5. Submit by Deadline: Ensure all materials are submitted by February 19, 2025. Results will be announced from May 21, 2025, on the Ghent University website.

The Ghent University Special Research Fund Doctoral Scholarship provides a remarkable opportunity for promising researchers from the Global South to advance their studies, collaborate internationally, and make impactful contributions to scientific and societal challenges relevant to both their home countries and the global community.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY