What the funding covers
- A PhD scholarship for 24 months of research at Ghent University.
- A bench fee of €310 per month of research in Ghent and an €8,000 travel budget, paid to the Ghent supervisor for the project.
- The other half of the research happens in the Global South and must be funded full-time by the partner institution there.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| 24 months of PhD funding while you are in Ghent | Ghent University's Special Research Fund (BOF) |
| Research and travel costs | Paid to your Ghent supervisor: €310 per month of research in Ghent, plus an €8,000 travel budget |
| 24 months of funding at home | Your partner institution — a full-time local scholarship or salary is mandatory |
Who can apply
- Nationality of a country on Ghent University's Global South country list.
- The explicit commitment of a Ghent University professor to act as your PhD supervisor.
- Mandatory co-funding: a partner institution in the South that provides full-time PhD support for 24 months.
- At least 36 months of doctoral work remaining when the scholarship starts.
Documents you will need
- A joint proposal, submitted together by you, your Ghent supervisor (promoter) and a supervisor at your home institution
- The candidate application form
- Your Ghent supervisor's 'advice on the candidate'
- The ethics and biosafety questionnaire
- Your home institution's written commitment to fund you full-time for 24 months, with no more than 10% of your time on teaching or other duties
How to apply
- Find a Ghent supervisor whose research matches yours and agree a joint project with a home institution.
- Secure written co-funding for the 24 months in the South.
- Your supervisor and you submit the application to the BOF office — the 2026 call closed on 17 February 2026.
- Results are announced from late May, for a start on 1 October.
Before you apply: things to know
- This is only half of a PhD's funding. Without the home institution's 24 months of funding, you cannot apply.
- Supervisors receive many requests; a focused, well-researched email is essential.
- Check the current Global South country list — it is updated.
Common questions
How is my time split between Ghent and home?
You start and end the PhD with a research stay of 3–12 months in Ghent, with at least 24 months of locally funded research at home in between. The first Ghent stay must begin between 1 October and 28 February.
Which research topics are preferred?
Projects with clear North–South relevance: they address the needs of the people who would benefit, create synergies between the partners, and connect to global priorities.
What do I owe at the end?
A final scientific report, due within three months of the grant ending.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next typical deadline (≈ Feb 17, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Nov 25, 2026Research the route in depth — confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Dec 9, 2026Ask your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Dec 23, 2026Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Jan 6, 2027Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Jan 20, 2027Second draft — get feedback from someone who reads critically
Feb 3, 2027Finalise every document and complete the online form
Feb 10, 2027Submit — never on the last day
Feb 17, 2027Typical deadline
Related routes
Master Mind Scholarships (Flanders)
Next call not yet announcedDetails →
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Due ≈ in 36 daysDetails →
Norwegian PhD Fellowships (salaried)
Rolling · open year-roundDetails →
DAAD Scholarships (nationwide)
Due ≈ in 6 daysDetails →
Sources
Page reviewed Sep 25, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.