• Host Country: Belgium & Global South partner country
• Host Organizer: Ghent University (Special Research Fund - BOF)
• Degree Level: PhD (Sandwich model)
• Deadline: February 9, 2027

DETAILED INFORMATION

Benefit

• Funding for 24 months in Belgium: Ghent University fully finances the 24 months of research carried out in Ghent.
• The Ghent University promoter receives a bench fee of €310/month of research in Ghent plus an €8,000 travel budget to cover operational costs and travel costs for the student and both promoters.
• Note: Co-funding is mandatory. The partner institution in the Global South must guarantee a full-time local PhD scholarship or salary for the other 24 months of research.

Eligibility

• Must have the nationality of one of the selected Global South countries (Vietnam is typically included, but check the official country list).
• Must have a joint proposal submitted by the candidate, a supervisor (promoter) at Ghent University, and a supervisor at the partner university in the Global South.
• Must intend to obtain a (joint) PhD degree at Ghent University. (Exchange students cannot apply).
• At the time the fellowship starts (October 1, 2027), a minimum of 36 months of doctoral research must still be required to complete the PhD.
• Must adhere to the mandatory mobility scheme (starting and ending with a 3-12 month research stay at Ghent University, with 24 months of locally funded research in between).

Required Documents

• Completed official Application Form (in English).
• Written statement from the partner university/research center guaranteeing full-time funding/salary and sufficient exemption from teaching (max 10% of time on other tasks) for the 24 months in the South.
• Advice on the candidate (submitted by the Ghent University supervisor).
• Advice on the ethical and biosafety context (submitted by the Ghent University supervisor).

How to Apply

• Step 1: Find a supervisor (promoter) at Ghent University willing to support your PhD. (Without the support of a Ghent University professor, the application is not eligible).
• Step 2: Find a supervisor at a partner University/Research Center in the Global South and secure the 24-month co-funding guarantee.
• Step 3: Prepare the joint proposal and complete the application forms.
• Step 4: Submit the application forms electronically to BOFapplication@ugent.be before the deadline on February 9, 2027.

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