Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026: PhD Sandwich Program

Applications are now open for the 2026 Ghent University Doctoral “Sandwich” Scholarships, funded by the Special Research Fund (BOF). This program supports promising PhD students from Global South countries to conduct half their doctoral research at Ghent University (Belgium) and half at a partner university in their home country.

It is a funded scholarship, fully covering 24 months of research in Ghent (including stipend, €310/month bench fee, and €8,000 travel budget), but requiring full-time co-funding for the other 24 months in the South.

No restrictions on field of study, though preference is given to research relevant to North-South development. Open to early-stage PhD students aiming for a Ghent University (joint) PhD degree. Exchange students are not eligible. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Scholarship Type: PhD “Sandwich” (24 months North + 24 months South)
• Fields: Any
• Funding in Ghent: Full stipend + €310/month bench fee + €8,000 travel budget
• Funding in South: Mandatory full-time local scholarship/salary (24 months)
• Eligible Nationalities: Global South countries (view list)
• PhD Stage: Early-stage; ≥36 months of research remaining by 1 Oct 2026
• Application Fee: None
• Deadline: 17 February 2026

Who Can Apply?

You are eligible if you meet all these conditions:

• You are a citizen and resident of a Global South country (see official list)
• Your PhD proposal is jointly submitted with:
  • A supervisor at Ghent University
  • A supervisor at your home country university
• You are pursuing a full PhD degree (or joint PhD) from Ghent University
• You are at the beginning of your PhD — at least 36 months of research must remain as of 1 October 2026
• You are not an exchange student

Note: Ghent University encourages female researchers to apply. A supervisor can support up to 2 candidates per call, but they must be of different genders.

Also check: Global Development Fellowship at Imperial College London (Fully Funded)

Co-Funding (Mandatory)

You must have full-time funding for the 24 months in your home country. The partner university in the South must provide:

• A local PhD supervisor
• A written statement confirming:
  • You will receive a full-time PhD scholarship or salary for 24 months
  • You will be free from heavy teaching duties (max 10% time on other tasks)

Best opportunity: CERN Administrative Student Programme 2026 (Fully Funded)

Mobility Scheme (Must Follow)

Your 4-year PhD must follow this exact pattern:

1. First stay in Ghent: 3 to 12 months (must start between 1 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 2027)
2. 24 months of research in your home country (fully funded locally)
3. Final stay in Ghent: 3 to 12 months

You start and end your PhD at Ghent University.

Check for undergraduate study: Qatar University Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

Exceptions to Mobility Scheme

You can request an exception before 16 January 2026 in these cases:

• Your home university requires local coursework before research
• You must complete field research in the South first
• You already completed up to 12 months of funded PhD study in the South (can count toward 24-month requirement)
• You already completed up to 12 months of funded PhD study in Ghent (can count toward Ghent time)

How to apply for exception: Email the “Request exception funding and mobility scheme” form + proof to [email protected] by 16 January 2026.

Scholarship Benefits

• 24 months full PhD scholarship at Ghent University
• €310 per month bench fee (for research costs)
• €8,000 travel budget (covers student travel, supervisor visits, and operational costs)

How to Apply

Step 1: Find a Supervisor at Ghent University

• Visit the Ghent University Research Directory
• Contact professors in your field
• Get their written commitment to supervise your PhD

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Application (in English)

Email all documents to [email protected]:

1. Application Form 2026 (filled by you)
2. Advice on the Candidate (filled by Ghent supervisor)
3. Advice on Ethical & Biosafety Context (filled by Ghent supervisor)

Deadline: 17 February 2026

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 17 February 2026
• Exception Request Deadline: 16 January 2026
• Results Announced: From 20 May 2026 (online)
• First Stay in Ghent: 1 October 2026 – 28 February 2027