Special Research Fund - Doctoral Scholarships for Candidates from Developing Countries

Deadline of the 2027 call: 15 January 2027 (official source). Check the conditions on the official page before applying.

Special Research Fund - Doctoral Scholarships for Candidates from Developing Countries

With support from its “Special Research Fund” (BOF), Ghent University grants annually 15 PhD "sandwich" scholarships to promising PhD students from Global South countries who wish to carry out half of their PhD research at Ghent University ('North') and the other half at a university in the Global South ('South').

Who can apply?

• Candidates need to come from - and have the nationality of – one of the selected Global South countries (see country list)
• The proposals must be jointly submitted by the candidate, a supervisor (promoter) at Ghent University and a supervisor at the partner university (Global South country)
• Only degree students (students who intend to obtain a (joint) PhD degree at Ghent University) can apply

What the scholarship covers

48 months: 24 months funded by Ghent University + 24 months funded by the partner institution in the Global South. Co-funding is mandatory with this scholarship.

How to apply?

• Find a supervisor (promotor) at Ghent University
• Find a supervisor at a partner University/Research Center in the Global South who is willing to supervise the PhD
• Submit application forms (in English) electronically to BOFapplication@ugent.be