Ghent-university · Ghent, Belgium
Ghent University in Belgium is inviting applications for its 2027 Special Research Fund doctoral scholarships for candidates from eligible countries in the Global South. The programme offers 15 scholarships to early stage doctoral researchers seeking to conduct research through a partnership between Ghent University and a university or research centre in their home region.
The scholarship follows a sandwich PhD model, allowing researchers to undertake part of their doctoral studies in Belgium and the remaining research at a partner institution in the Global South. The programme aims to strengthen international research collaboration, support emerging scholars and encourage knowledge exchange between institutions in the Global South and the Global North.
The doctoral programme lasts 48 months and is open to applicants across academic disciplines. Proposals demonstrating relevance to collaboration between the Global South and Global North are particularly encouraged. Applicants must establish supervision arrangements at both institutions and secure a commitment from their partner institution to fund the locally based research period.
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships for Candidates from the Global South are provided through the university’s Special Research Fund, known as BOF. The scheme supports doctoral researchers who intend to obtain a PhD degree from Ghent University or pursue a joint doctoral degree through collaboration with an eligible institution in the Global South.
The programme is designed to help researchers benefit from international academic expertise while maintaining strong connections with universities and research centres in their home regions. It encourages partnerships that strengthen research capacity, promote shared knowledge and contribute to addressing challenges relevant to participating countries.
All research disciplines may be considered, although proposals with clear relevance to South and North collaboration receive preference. Candidates should develop a well defined research proposal and identify suitable supervisors before applying.
• PhD scholarship support from Ghent University for 24 months of research conducted in Belgium.
• A total doctoral programme duration of 48 months, combining research in Belgium and the Global South.
• A travel budget of €8,000 administered through the Ghent University supervisor to support eligible operational and travel expenses.
• A monthly bench fee of €310 for each month of research conducted in Ghent, provided to the Ghent based supervisor for eligible research costs.
• Opportunities to collaborate with international researchers and academic institutions.
• Access to the research environment and academic expertise available at Ghent University.
• The possibility of obtaining a PhD degree or joint PhD degree from Ghent University.
Important funding condition: This is not an automatically fully funded four year scholarship from Ghent University alone. The partner university or research centre in the Global South must guarantee full time scholarship or salary funding for the other 24 months. Applicants should secure this commitment before submitting their applications.
The scholarship accepts proposals from different academic fields. No single discipline is specified as the exclusive focus of the programme.
Potential applicants should demonstrate how their proposed research can benefit from collaboration between institutions in Belgium and the Global South.
Priority may be given to proposals that:
• Address research questions relevant to the needs and priorities of participating countries.
• Demonstrate opportunities for meaningful collaboration between institutions.
• Contribute to shared research goals and international knowledge exchange.
• Establish sustainable academic partnerships.
Applicants must meet the programme’s nationality, academic and institutional requirements.
• Be a national of a country included on Ghent University’s official list of eligible Global South countries for the 2027 call.
• Meet the programme’s residence and country eligibility conditions.
• Be at the beginning of their doctoral research and intend to obtain a PhD degree from Ghent University, either independently or through a joint doctoral arrangement.
• Have at least 36 months of doctoral research remaining as of 1 October 2027.
• Secure the support of a qualified supervisor at Ghent University.
• Identify a supervisor at a partner university or research centre in an eligible country in the Global South.
• Obtain written confirmation that the partner institution will provide full time funding for the 24 month research period in the Global South.
• Have sufficient release from teaching and other duties to concentrate on research. Such duties may account for no more than 10 percent of a full time appointment.
• Comply with the programme’s research mobility requirements unless an exception is approved.
Exchange students who are not seeking a PhD degree from Ghent University are not eligible. The university also encourages female researchers to apply.
Selected candidates must follow the programme’s prescribed research schedule. Under the standard arrangement, doctoral researchers must begin and end their PhD programme with research stays at Ghent University, each lasting between three and 12 months.
The first research stay must begin between 1 October 2027 and 28 February 2028. At least 24 months of locally funded research in the Global South must take place between the first and final research stays in Belgium.
Limited exceptions may be available in specific circumstances, including certain academic programme requirements or field research needs. Applicants seeking an exception must submit the relevant request and supporting documents by 15 January 2027.
Applicants should prepare the official application and supporting documents in accordance with the 2027 call requirements.
• Completed official 2027 application form in English.
• Written confirmation from the partner institution in the Global South guaranteeing 24 months of full time scholarship or salary funding.
• Confirmation of the candidate’s research arrangements and limits on teaching or other duties at the partner institution.
• Candidate assessment form completed and submitted by the Ghent University supervisor.
• Assessment of the ethical and biosafety context of the proposed research, submitted by the Ghent University supervisor.
• Additional mobility or funding exception documents, where applicable.
Applicants should consult the official call documents to confirm the complete requirements and ensure that both supervisors provide the necessary support.
Applications are expected to demonstrate academic quality, research potential and a credible partnership between the participating institutions.
Important considerations include:
• Relevance and quality of the proposed doctoral research.
• Suitability of the research topic for collaboration between the Global South and Global North.
• Availability and commitment of supervisors at both institutions.
• Feasibility of the proposed research plan and mobility schedule.
• A confirmed funding arrangement for the research period in the Global South.
• Compliance with the university’s academic, ethical and administrative requirements.
Only 15 scholarships are available, so applicants should ensure that their proposals are well developed and that all institutional commitments are in place.
Ghent, Belgium
Ghent-university
End of Content.
Do you have a scholarship, job opening, grant, fellowship, or event you’d like to share with a wider audience? Opportunity Desk gives you the platform to reach thousands of students and young professionals who are actively seeking opportunities like yours.
At Opportunity Desk, we go beyond simply sharing opportunities, we make them accessible, relevant, and tailored to your growth journey.
© 2023 Created with Kredibble Creatives & IT Agency
Be the first to comment on this opportunity.