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Ghent University (Special Research Fund - BOF) · Ghent University

BOF Doctoral Scholarship at Ghent University, PhD

Deadline
90 days left
Level
Doctorate
Country
Belgium
Language
English

This is a joint PhD scholarship at Ghent University for candidates from the Global South. Research costs are covered through a bench fee of EUR 310 per month of research in Ghent, and a travel budget of EUR 8,000 covers part of the operational costs and travel expenses. In parallel, the Global South partner must provide a local scholarship or a full-time salary for 24 months. Applications are submitted in English through a joint submission by the candidate, a Ghent University supervisor, and a local supervisor.

Verified on 30 October 2026

This joint PhD program at Ghent University is aimed at students from the Global South. It covers research and travel costs, subject to mandatory local co-funding for 24 months. The 2027 call for applications closes on February 9, 2027. Applications close on 9 February 2027, that is in 90 days.

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Conditions

Blocking requirements

  • Co-funding local obligatoire

    “Co-funding is mandatory with this scholarship.”

  • Nationalité d’un pays du Global South listé

    “Candidates need to come from - and have the nationality of, one of the selected Global South countries (see country list).”

  • Soumission conjointe par candidat, promoteur UGent et promoteur local

    “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 (intending to obtain a (joint) PhD at Ghent University)

    “Only degree students (students who intend to obtain a (joint) PhD degree at Ghent University) can apply. Exchange students cannot apply for this scholarship.”

  • Durée et répartition du financement

    “48 months: 24 months funded by Ghent University + 24 months funded by the partner institution in the Global South.”

  • Mobilité obligatoire - période en Ghent et dates de début

    “The first research stay at Ghent University needs to be started between 1 October 2027 and 28 February 2028.”

  • Temps restant minimum pour terminer le PhD au démarrage

    “At the time the fellowship will start (1/10/2027), a minimum of 36 months of doctoral research must still be required to complete the PhD.”

  • Date limite de candidature

    “Application deadline: 9 February 2027”

Assets

  • Pertinence South-North favorisée

    “No restrictions are imposed on the field of research, nevertheless preference will be given to topics that are relevant within the South-North context.”

Watch points

  • Limitation du nombre de candidats par promoteur UGent

    “Ghent University wants to encourage more female researchers to apply for this scholarship. That is why a Ghent University supervisor can support a maximum of 2 candidates per call on condition they are both of a different gender.”

Dr Kafoutchoni’s reading

The key word here is co-funding: the selection first depends on a written commitment from the local partner, not only on the scientific quality of the project. The second check is timing, because the project must be advanced enough to leave at least 36 months of doctoral research at the start, with a first stay in Ghent that fits the required window. The support of the Ghent University supervisor is the practical entry point, because without it the file stops before review. The right move is to secure both supervisors and the local funding letter first, then align the mobility plan before filling in the form.

Dr Medard Kafoutchoni · PhD in Genetics & Bioinformatics · Scholarship Strategist.

Deadlines

Deadline: Announced2027

What is actually funded

  • Frais de rechercheLe promoteur UGent reçoit une bench fee de € 310 par mois de recherche en Ghent
  • Travel€ 8 000 travel budget to cover (part of) the operational costs, as well as part of the travelling costs of the student and both the Ghent University and the local promoter
  • Financement local requis (24 mois)Le partenaire du Global South doit fournir une bourse locale ou un salaire à temps plein pour 24 mois

Countries covered

Applicants must hold the nationality of one of the selected Global South countries and intend to pursue a joint PhD at Ghent University. A Ghent University supervisor can support at most 2 candidates per call, provided they are of different genders. Topics relevant to the South-North context are preferred, although no field is excluded. If an exception to the funding or mobility scheme is requested, it must be submitted before 15 January 2027.

Application pathway

A short path from reading the brief to submitting a properly prepared application.

  1. Check the conditions

    Read the exclusions and blocking requirements before investing time in the application.

  2. Prepare the documents

    Gather the documents below and confirm what the programme actually requests.

  3. Submit on the official site

    Use the official application link and respect the deadline for the relevant cycle.

  4. Track the cycle

    Keep proof of submission and watch for follow-up requests from the provider.

Documents to prepare or confirm

This list helps you prepare; it does not replace the programme’s official checklist.

  • Application form 2027Formulaire de candidature 2027 à compléter (en anglais) et soumis électroniquement à [email protected]
  • Advice on the candidate (promotor)Avis du promoteur UGent sur la capacité du candidat en tant que futur chercheur
  • Advice on the ethical and biosafety context (promotor)Avis sur le contexte éthique et biosécurité du projet de recherche
  • Exception on the funding and/or mobility scheme (si applicable)Formulaire de demande d’exception à soumettre avant le 15 January 2027 si une exception est demandée

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These briefs are drawn from official sources on the date shown. Programmes change their rules without notice: always check the provider’s own site before applying.