Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2027 in Belgium – Excellent PhD Funding

Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2027 are now accepting applications from eligible researchers in Global South countries who want to pursue a PhD in Belgium. The university offers 15 scholarships through its Special Research Fund (BOF), supporting doctoral research conducted jointly at Ghent University and a partner institution in the Global South.

This opportunity follows a four-year sandwich PhD model. Successful applicants spend 24 months conducting research in Belgium with Ghent University funding and another 24 months at their partner institution with mandatory local funding.

The application deadline is February 9, 2027.

Applicants can propose research across different academic disciplines, although projects addressing development challenges and priorities relevant to the Global South receive particular consideration.

This guide explains the scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, research arrangements, required documents and application process.

Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2027 Details

About Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University is a public research university located in Ghent, Belgium. It has an international academic community and offers doctoral research opportunities across science, engineering, medicine, humanities, economics and other disciplines.

The university supports research collaboration with institutions around the world, including universities in developing regions.

Through the Special Research Fund, Ghent University provides doctoral funding for researchers whose work contributes to scientific development and international research partnerships.

The Global South doctoral scholarship is particularly suited to applicants who already have a research interest and are willing to collaborate with supervisors at two institutions.

Unlike a conventional scholarship where students remain in one country throughout their degree, this opportunity requires academic participation in Belgium and at a partner institution.

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Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships Benefits

The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships provide financial and research support through a shared funding arrangement.

1. PhD Scholarship for Research in Belgium

Ghent University provides a doctoral scholarship covering the 24 months of research conducted at the university.

The official call does not specify a fixed personal monthly stipend amount on its main scholarship page.

Applicants should confirm their individual payment conditions with the university rather than rely on estimated figures published by third-party scholarship websites.

2. Research Funding for Four Years

The complete PhD arrangement lasts 48 months:

• 24 months of scholarship-funded research at Ghent University in Belgium.
• 24 months of locally funded research at the partner institution in the Global South.

The second funding component is mandatory. Candidates must provide evidence that their partner institution will financially support them during the period outside Belgium.

3. Research and Operational Budget

Ghent University provides additional funds to the university supervisor:

The travel and operational budget helps cover research expenses and part of the travel costs of the candidate and supervisors.

Important: These funds are administered through the Ghent University supervisor. They are not automatically paid to the student as a personal allowance.

4. International Research Collaboration

Selected doctoral researchers work with two academic supervisors:

• A professor at Ghent University.
• A supervisor at an eligible partner university or research institution in the Global South.

This structure supports joint research, academic cooperation and knowledge exchange between institutions.

5. Research Experience in Belgium

The scholarship provides opportunities to conduct doctoral research at Ghent University while maintaining research connections with the partner institution.

Candidates can gain experience with different academic environments, research methods and international collaborations.

Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the university’s doctoral scholarship requirements.

The main eligibility conditions are:

• Applicants must be from an eligible Global South country and hold the nationality of one of the countries on the official list.
• Candidates must intend to obtain a PhD or joint PhD degree at Ghent University.
• Applicants must have the support of a Ghent University professor who is willing to supervise their research.
• A second supervisor must be available at a partner institution in the Global South.
• The partner institution must provide full-time funding for the 24-month research period conducted there.
• Applicants must submit a research proposal jointly supported by the candidate and both supervisors.
• The scholarship is intended for researchers near the beginning of their PhD.
• At the scholarship start date of October 1, 2027, at least 36 months of doctoral research must still be required.
• Exchange-only doctoral students are not eligible.

Ghent University does not restrict the scholarship to a particular research discipline.

However, research proposals demonstrating relevance to the Global South and international development priorities receive preference.

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Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships Eligible Countries

The scholarship is intended for applicants from countries included in Ghent University’s official Global South eligibility list.

Nationality matters: Living or studying in a developing country does not automatically make an applicant eligible.

Applicants should download and check the university’s official Country List Global South 2027 before contacting prospective supervisors.

The country list is published with the application documents on the official scholarship website.

Available Research Fields at Ghent University

The scholarship is open across academic research disciplines.

Examples of potential research fields include:

• Engineering and technology
• Agricultural sciences
• Environmental science and climate research
• Public health and medical sciences
• Biological sciences
• Computer science and data science
• Economics and development studies
• Social sciences
• Education
• Humanities
• Law and governance

These are examples of research areas, not a separate list of pre-approved funded projects.

Applicants must develop a suitable doctoral proposal and obtain support from a Ghent University supervisor.

Projects addressing scientific, social, economic or environmental challenges in the Global South may be particularly relevant to the scholarship’s objectives.

Understanding the Ghent University Sandwich PhD Program

One of the most important features of this scholarship is its international research structure.

The four-year PhD is divided between Ghent University and a partner institution.

Under the standard mobility arrangement:

1. The researcher begins with a stay of 3–12 months at Ghent University.
2. The first stay must begin between October 1, 2027, and February 28, 2028.
3. The researcher spends at least 24 months conducting locally funded research at the partner institution.
4. The researcher returns to Ghent University for a final research stay of 3–12 months.

The research plan must fit the total 24 months at Ghent University and 24 months at the partner institution.

Can Applicants Change the Research Schedule?

Ghent University allows limited exceptions to the standard mobility and funding arrangement.

Candidates may request an exception for circumstances such as necessary fieldwork or required doctoral training at the partner institution.

For the 2027 call, requests for these exceptions must reach the university by January 15, 2027.

Students should request approval before assuming that a different mobility arrangement will be accepted.

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Required Documents for Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships

Applicants should begin by downloading the official 2027 application form.

The core application documents include:

• Completed Ghent University doctoral scholarship application form.
• Research proposal and supporting information required in the form.
• Details of the proposed Ghent University supervisor.
• Details of the supervisor at the partner institution.
• Official confirmation of the partner institution’s 24-month full-time financial support.
• Information demonstrating that the applicant meets the scholarship’s eligibility requirements.
• Supervisor’s assessment of the candidate’s research potential.
• Supervisor’s advice on ethical and biosafety considerations.
• Exception request form and supporting documents, if applicable.

The Ghent University supervisor must submit the two required assessment documents before the deadline.

Applicants should also keep academic transcripts, degree certificates, an updated CV and other research records ready if requested during discussions with supervisors or doctoral admission procedures.

These additional materials should not be confused with a universal scholarship document checklist.

How to Find a PhD Supervisor at Ghent University

Finding a suitable supervisor is one of the most important stages of the application process.

A scholarship application without the support of a Ghent University professor is not eligible.

Start by exploring Ghent University’s Research Explorer to identify faculty members whose research matches your proposed topic.

Before contacting a professor:

• Read several of their recent research publications.
• Understand their research specialization.
• Prepare a clear summary of your proposed project.
• Explain how your research connects to their expertise.
• Identify a suitable partner institution in the Global South.

When emailing a professor, keep the message professional and specific.

Introduce your academic background, proposed research area and reason for requesting their supervision.

Avoid sending the same generic email to dozens of professors.

A well-matched research proposal is more useful than a long message that does not explain your research interests.

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How to Apply for Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2027

Follow these steps to prepare and submit your application.

Step 1: Check Your Country’s Eligibility

Visit the official Ghent University scholarship page and download the Global South 2027 country list.

Confirm that your nationality meets the scholarship requirements.

Step 2: Identify a Research Topic

Choose a doctoral research topic connected to your previous academic background and future research goals.

Your topic should be feasible within the proposed four-year research period.

Step 3: Find a Ghent University Supervisor

Use the university’s Research Explorer to find a professor working in your area.

Contact the professor with a brief introduction and research proposal.

You must receive the professor’s agreement to supervise your PhD.

Step 4: Arrange a Partner Supervisor

Identify a qualified supervisor at a university or research center in an eligible Global South country.

The partner supervisor will help oversee the research conducted outside Belgium.

Step 5: Secure the Required Co-Funding

Obtain confirmation that your partner institution will provide a full-time scholarship or salary during the 24-month research period there.

The partner institution must also ensure that sufficient time is available for your doctoral research.

Step 6: Prepare the Joint Research Proposal

Work with both supervisors to develop a detailed research proposal.

Clearly explain your objectives, methodology, planned research activities and relevance to the Global South.

Step 7: Complete the Application Form

Download the official 2027 application form from Ghent University’s scholarship website.

Complete the form in English and prepare the required supporting documents.

Step 8: Arrange the Supervisor Documents

Ensure that the Ghent University supervisor prepares and submits:

• Advice on the candidate’s research potential.
• Advice on the proposed project’s ethical and biosafety context.

Both documents are required before the application deadline.

Step 9: Submit Your Application by Email

Send the completed application documents electronically to:

BOFapplication@ugent.be

The scholarship uses email submission rather than a general online scholarship portal.

Step 10: Wait for the Selection Results

Ghent University will announce results online from May 12, 2027.

Successful candidates should follow the university’s instructions for doctoral admission, research arrangements and scholarship administration.

Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2027 Deadline

The official deadline for the 2027 application cycle is February 9, 2027.

Applicants should contact supervisors well before the final deadline.

Securing supervision, preparing a research proposal and obtaining partner-institution funding can require substantial coordination.

Ghent University Scholarship Selection Process

Ghent University evaluates applications through its Special Research Fund scholarship process.

The university considers eligibility and the proposed research collaboration.

Important factors include:

• The candidate’s research potential.
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed research.
• Relevance to the Global South and South–North research priorities.
• Support from the Ghent University supervisor.
• A credible partnership with the Global South institution.
• Confirmed funding for the research period outside Belgium.
• Compliance with the scholarship’s mobility and documentation requirements.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection because only 15 scholarships are offered in this call.

Practical Tips for a Strong Application

Develop a realistic research plan. Explain what you will do during each research period and why the two institutions are necessary.

Secure funding early. The scholarship requires documented financial support from the partner institution, so do not leave this step until the final week.

Show development relevance. Make clear how your research could contribute to knowledge, capacity building or practical challenges relevant to the Global South.

Coordinate with supervisors. Both institutions should understand their responsibilities before the application is submitted.

Check ethical requirements. If your research involves human participants, biological materials or other sensitive research activities, discuss the relevant approval requirements with your supervisor.

More Scholarships for International Students

Applicants exploring European research and postgraduate funding opportunities may also be interested in other scholarship programs.

Students considering European master’s programs can read our Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships 2027 guide.

Researchers interested in science and engineering opportunities in Switzerland can explore the EPFL Excellence Fellowships 2027.

Students comparing postgraduate funding opportunities in Asia can also review the KAIST University Scholarship 2027.

For applicants considering postgraduate study in the United Kingdom, our King’s College London Scholarship guide provides another option to explore.

These programs have different degree levels and eligibility requirements, so applicants should select opportunities that match their qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships

1. Are the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships fully funded?

Ghent University finances the 24 months of doctoral research conducted in Belgium. The partner institution must fund the remaining 24 months in the Global South. The program requires combined funding rather than providing four years of funding solely from Ghent University.

2. What is the deadline for Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2027?

The application deadline is February 9, 2027. Applicants requesting an exception to the funding or mobility arrangement must submit that request by January 15, 2027.

3. Can international students apply for these PhD scholarships in Belgium?

Yes. However, applicants must come from and hold nationality of a country included in the official Global South eligibility list. The program is not open to every nationality.

4. Can I apply without a Ghent University supervisor?

No. Applicants need the support of a Ghent University professor willing to supervise the proposed doctoral research. A second supervisor at the partner institution is also required.

5. Is IELTS required for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships?

The scholarship announcement does not specify a universal IELTS score. Applicants must separately satisfy the language and doctoral admission requirements applicable to their research program. The absence of a scholarship-specific IELTS requirement does not guarantee an exemption.

6. How do I submit the Ghent University PhD scholarship application?

Download the official 2027 application form, complete the required documents in English, coordinate with both supervisors and send the application electronically to BOFapplication@ugent.be before the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships offer an excellent opportunity for eligible researchers to pursue a PhD through an international partnership between Belgium and the Global South.

The program supports 24 months of research at Ghent University while requiring another 24 months of funding from the partner institution.

Applicants should pay particular attention to supervisor selection, co-funding arrangements, research proposal quality and the official country eligibility list.

With just 15 available awards and a February 9, 2027 deadline, early preparation is especially important.

If your research interests align with the program, begin by checking your eligibility and contacting a suitable Ghent University professor.

Apply Now and Official Website

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Application Email: BOFapplication@ugent.be

Application Deadline: February 9, 2027

Author: Muhammad Khayam Afridi — Founder & Editor

Global Scholarship Point

This independent scholarship guide is based on the official Ghent University 2027 call. Applicants should verify program conditions and download the latest documents from the university before applying.