Ghent University in Belgium offers a unique and funded opportunity through its Special Research Fund – Doctoral Scholarships for candidates from the Global South. This scholarship is a “sandwich” program, which means you will spend half of your research time at Ghent University (the “North”) and the other half at a university in your home country (the “South”). Ghent University funds the 24 months you spend in Belgium, while you secure funding for the 24 months in your home country.
This program is designed to foster international cooperation and development by supporting talented PhD students who can contribute to research that benefits both their home countries and the global community. There are no restrictions on the field of research, but projects that are relevant to the North-South context are given preference. This means your research could address important issues like health, education, environment, technology, or social development in your country.
By participating in this scholarship, you will have the guidance of two supervisors: one at Ghent University and one at your home university. This dual mentorship ensures you receive comprehensive support and access to resources in both locations. The research funding program also encourages more female researchers to apply, promoting gender equality in academia.
If you’re at the beginning of your PhD journey and have a passion for making a difference in your community, this scholarship could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals.
Quick Overview of Ghent University Scholarships in Belgium 2025
- Host Country: Belgium
- Host University: Ghent University
- Deadline: February 19, 2025
- Programs: Doctoral (PhD) research in any field (preference for North-South relevant topics)
- Value:
- Funding for 24 months of PhD research at Ghent University
- Bench fee of €310 per month during research in Ghent
- Travel budget of €8,000
- Age Limit: None specified
- Eligibility:
- Candidates from selected Global South countries
- Joint application with supervisors from Ghent University and a university in the South
- At the beginning stages of PhD research
Applicable Research Fields Global South Doctoral Scholarships
- Open to All Disciplines:
- Science and Technology
- Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Preference for Topics Relevant to North-South Context:
- Sustainable Development
- Public Health
- Environmental Studies
- Education
- Technology Transfer
- Social and Economic Development
Perks of Ghent University PhD Scholarships in Belgium 2025
- Ghent University covers 24 months of your PhD research stay.
- Receive €310 per month during your research in Ghent to cover operational costs.
- An €8,000 budget to cover travel expenses for you and your supervisors between the North and South.
- Benefit from the expertise of supervisors at both Ghent University and your home university.
- Experience different research environments and cultures.
- Connect with international researchers and experts in your field.
- Ghent University promotes applications from female researchers.
Benefits of North-South Sandwich Scholarships in Belgium 2025
- Obtain a PhD degree from a reputable European university.
- Enhance your research capabilities with access to advanced facilities.
- Increase your employability in academia and industry.
- Apply your research to solve real-world problems in your community.
- Develop independence, cultural awareness, and adaptability.
Eligibility Criteria of Scholarships for International Students in Belgium 2025
- Must be a citizen of one of the selected Global South countries (see Country List below).
- Must be at the beginning of PhD research.
- Allowed to have completed preliminary research.
- Must ensure a minimum of 36 months of doctoral research remains at the time the scholarship starts (October 1, 2025).
- Submitted by the candidate, a supervisor at Ghent University, and a supervisor at the partner university in the South.
- Supervisors can support two candidates per call, provided they are of different genders.
- Must have full-time funding for the 24 months of research to be conducted in the South.
- A written statement from the partner university confirming funding and research conditions is required.
Country List of Eligible Global South Countries
- Least Developed Countries:
- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia
- Low-Income Countries:
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Syria, Zimbabwe
- Lower Middle-Income Countries:
- Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini, Ghana, Honduras, India, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, West Bank and Gaza Strip
Co-Funding Requirements for the Funded PhD Scholarships in Belgium
- Applicants must secure funding for the 24 months of research in their home country.
- Provide a full-time local PhD scholarship or salary for 24 months.
- Ensure the candidate is exempted from significant teaching or other duties (maximum 10% of the time on other tasks).
- A formal letter from the partner university confirming funding and research conditions is required.
Mobility Scheme of the Scholarships for International Students
- Begin and conclude with a research stay of 3 to 12 months at Ghent University.
- Must start between October 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026.
- At least 24 months of locally funded research must be scheduled between the two stays at Ghent University.
Exceptions to the Mobility Scheme at Ghent University
- If required complete initial studies or field research in the South.
- If already completed funded PhD research time at Ghent University or the partner university.
- Complete the “Request Exception Funding and Mobility Scheme” form.
- Submit it along with supporting documents to BOF@ugent.be by January 17, 2025.
Funding Details for the Scholarships in Belgium
- Covers the 24 months of PhD research conducted at Ghent University.
- €310 per month during research periods at Ghent University.
- €8,000 to cover travel expenses for the candidate and both supervisors.
- The bench fee is intended to cover operational research costs.
Important Dates of Doctoral Scholarships in Belgium 2025
- Application Deadline: February 19, 2025
- Exception Requests Deadline: January 17, 2025
- Results Announcement: From May 21, 2025
- Start of Scholarship: Between October 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026
How to Apply for Ghent University Scholarships in Belgium 2025
- Browse the Ghent University Research Directory to find a professor in your field.
- Obtain their explicit commitment to act as your PhD supervisor.
- Prepare Your Application:
- Complete the Application Form 2025 in English.
- Your Ghent University supervisor must complete an advice letter about your capabilities.
- The supervisor must also complete the ethical and biosafety context form.
- Email all documents to BOFapplication@ugent.be before the deadline on February 19, 2025.
- Ensure that both you and your Ghent University supervisor are included in the email.
- Results will be announced online from May 21, 2025.
- Successful candidates will be notified via email.
Required Documents for Ghent University Scholarships in Belgium 2025
- Completed Application Form 2025: Filled out in English.
- Candidate’s Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing your academic background and any relevant experience.
- Research Proposal: A detailed plan of your proposed PhD research.
- Written Statement from Partner University: Confirming funding and research conditions in the South.
- Advice on the Candidate: Completed by Ghent University supervisor.
- Ethical and Biosafety Advice: Completed by Ghent University supervisor.
- Exception Request Form (if applicable): If you are applying for an exception to the mobility scheme.
For more information and to start your application, visit the Ghent University website.
