Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded PhD for Developing Countries

beAre you a researcher from a developing country aiming to pursue a high-impact PhD with international exposure? The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships 2026 provide a unique opportunity for talented scholars to engage in joint research between Belgium and their home country, with full financial support. These prestigious PhD scholarships are designed under a sandwich model, where students conduct part of their research at Ghent University in Belgium and part at a university or institution in their home country.

Funded by Ghent University, one of Belgium’s top-ranked research institutions, this program not only promotes academic excellence but also fosters sustainable development by supporting scholars who aim to contribute to research and innovation in low- and middle-income countries. If you’re a motivated researcher from a developing nation with a co-supervisor in Belgium, this scholarship could be your path to a transformative academic experience.

About Ghent University

Ghent University is a leading public research university located in the city of Ghent, Belgium. Known for its cutting-edge research output and strong global partnerships, the university has a long-standing commitment to supporting academic collaboration between the Global North and Global South. With over 40,000 students and hundreds of PhD researchers, Ghent University offers an intellectually stimulating environment with access to world-class laboratories, experienced supervisors, and a diverse international academic community.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships for Developing Countries

• Funding Source: Ghent University (Belgium)

• Host Institution: Ghent University

• Level of Study: PhD (Doctoral Research)

• Research Model: Sandwich model (50% in Belgium, 50% in home country)

• Scholarship Duration: Up to 4 years

• Scholarship Value: Fully funded

• Application Deadline: Usually around February (check current cycle)

Research Model: What is a Sandwich PhD?

The sandwich PhD model allows the doctoral candidate to spend part of their research stay (24 months maximum) at Ghent University in Belgium, while the rest is completed in their home country. This approach is designed to strengthen research capacity in developing countries while allowing scholars to benefit from international mentorship, advanced research infrastructure, and academic networking.

The doctoral degree is awarded by Ghent University upon successful completion and defense of the dissertation.

Fields of Study

This scholarship is open to all disciplines, but preference is given to research proposals that are development-relevant and have the potential to make an impact in the scholar’s home country. Some common areas include:

• Agriculture and Food Security

• Public Health and Medicine

• Environmental Sciences and Sustainability

• Renewable Energy and Engineering

• Social Sciences and Development Studies

• Water Resources and Climate Change

• ICT and Innovation for Development

Scholarship Coverage

The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships are fully funded and offer generous financial support to cover both research in Belgium and the scholar’s work in their home country. Key benefits include:

• Full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of the PhD program

• Bench fees and a monthly living allowance during the stay in Belgium (up to 24 months)

• Travel costs between Belgium and the home country, including two international round-trip flights

• Research support in both home and host institutions

• Institutional support to co-supervisors in the home country for local research supervision

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships:

• Must be a national and resident of a developing country, as defined by the scholarship's eligibility list

• Must hold a relevant master’s degree from a recognized institution

• Must have excellent academic credentials and research aptitude

• The proposed PhD project must have development relevance

• The candidate must have a Ghent University supervisor who agrees to host and mentor them during their stay in Belgium

• The candidate must also have a co-supervisor (or local promoter) affiliated with a university or research institute in their home country

• Applicants must commit to conducting 50% of their research in Belgium and the remaining 50% in their home country

Application Process

The application for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarship is submitted by the Ghent University supervisor, in consultation with the applicant and the home-country co-supervisor. Here is a general step-by-step guide:

1. Identify a PhD research topic relevant to development needs and aligned with your background.

2. Find a professor at Ghent University willing to supervise your PhD project.

3. Identify a co-supervisor in your home country who will mentor the part of your research conducted locally.

4. Together with both supervisors, prepare a joint research proposal, which outlines the academic content, research timeline, location split, and expected impact.

5. The Ghent University supervisor submits the application via the official application system before the deadline.

6. Selection is based on academic merit, project quality, development relevance, feasibility of cooperation, and institutional support.

7. Final decisions are typically announced by mid-year (June/July).

Important Notes

• Applications must be jointly prepared by the applicant, Belgian promoter, and home-country co-promoter.

• The Belgian supervisor is responsible for submitting the complete application to Ghent University.

• The sandwich PhD model supports sustainable institutional cooperation between Ghent and institutions in the developing world.

• The candidate will be expected to return and contribute to academic or professional development in their home country after graduation.

Official Links

For full details, application forms, and deadlines, visit the official program page:

• Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships – Official Website

The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships for Developing Countries 2026 are a unique and impactful opportunity for aspiring researchers who want to pursue a PhD that bridges international academic excellence with local development relevance. With its sandwich model, full financial support, and collaborative approach, this program empowers researchers to develop meaningful solutions to real-world challenges while building strong academic partnerships across borders. If you’re a passionate scholar ready to take your research global while staying rooted in your community, this scholarship is your gateway to a world-class PhD journey.