A premier opportunity for structured international PhD research is now open! Ghent University in Belgium invites applications for its Special Research Fund (BOF) Doctoral Scholarships 2026. This prestigious “sandwich” PhD programme offers fully funded, 24-month research stays in Belgium for outstanding doctoral candidates from the Global South, in partnership with their home institutions. If you are an early-stage PhD researcher aiming for a joint degree with strong international collaboration, this is your pathway to world-class training. The application deadline is February 17, 2026.
Ghent University BOF Sandwich PhD 2026 – Key Details
Here’s a quick overview of this unique collaborative scholarship:
- University: Ghent University, Belgium
- Fund: Special Research Fund (BOF)
- Programme Type: Co-funded “Sandwich” PhD Scholarship
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded for 24 months at Ghent University
- Programme Duration: 4-year PhD (24 months in Belgium + 24 months in home country)
- Target Group: Early-stage PhD Candidates from Eligible Global South Countries
- Application Deadline: February 17, 2026
About the BOF Sandwich PhD Programme
The BOF Doctoral Scholarship is a flagship “sandwich” programme designed to foster equitable North-South academic collaboration. It supports a four-year PhD journey split equally between Ghent University in Belgium and a partner university in the researcher’s home country in the Global South.
This model is built on mutual knowledge exchange and capacity building. It allows researchers to access advanced facilities and expertise in Belgium while ensuring their work remains rooted in and addresses challenges relevant to their home regions. The programme prioritizes research with clear global relevance, particularly in areas aligned with sustainable development.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
This is a competitive programme with specific co-funding and partnership requirements. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a national and resident of an eligible country on the official Global South list.
- Be in the early stage of your PhD. At the programme start (Oct 2026), you must still require at least 36 months to complete your degree.
- Have secured a Ghent University supervisor (promoter) and a local supervisor at your home institution.
- Have guaranteed full funding for the 24 months of research conducted in your home country (provided by your local partner institution).
- Aim for a (joint) PhD degree from Ghent University.
Mandatory Co-Funding & Mobility Scheme
A cornerstone of this programme is the mandatory co-funding partnership:
- Funding Split: Ghent University funds 24 months of research in Belgium. Your home institution must fund the other 24 months in the Global South.
- Local Commitment: Your partner university must provide a written commitment for a full-time salary/scholarship and ensure you can dedicate at least 90% of your time to research.
- Mobility Structure: The PhD must follow a specific path:
- Start with a 3-12 month research stay at Ghent University (beginning between Oct 2026 – Feb 2027).
- Conduct at least 24 months of funded research at your home institution.
- End with a final 3-12 month research stay at Ghent University.
Comprehensive Scholarship Benefits
For the 24-month period at Ghent University, the scholarship provides:
- Full PhD Funding: A grant covering your stay and research in Belgium.
- Research Bench Fee: €310 per month paid to your Ghent supervisor for operational costs.
- Travel Budget: A €8,000 allowance to cover international travel for the candidate and both supervisors.
- World-Class Training: Access to Ghent University’s advanced research infrastructure and academic networks.
How to Apply for the BOF Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
The application requires careful preparation and a strong partnership:
- Find Your Supervisors: This is the most critical step. Identify and secure a commitment from both a Ghent University professor (use the university’s research directory) and a local supervisor at your home institution.
- Secure Local Funding: Obtain the official funding guarantee for 24 months from your home institution.
- Prepare Application: Complete the official 2026 application form and gather all required documents, including ethical assessments from your Ghent supervisor.
- Submit Electronically: Send the complete application package in English via email to BOFapplication@ugent.be.
🔥 Pro Tip: Start contacting potential Ghent University supervisors at least 3-4 months before the deadline. Your research proposal must convincingly demonstrate clear North-South relevance and how the sandwich model is essential to achieving its goals.
Key Application Dates & Deadlines
- Exception Request Deadline (for mobility scheme): January 16, 2026
- Final Application Deadline: February 17, 2026
- Results Announcement: From May 20, 2026 onwards
Official Contact
For programme inquiries and to request official forms:
- Email:
BOF@UGent.be - Application Submission:
BOFapplication@ugent.be
👉 CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL GHENT UNIVERSITY BOF SCHOLARSHIP PAGE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is a “sandwich” PhD programme?
A: It is a doctoral model where the research is split between two institutions—in this case, 24 months at Ghent University (Belgium) and 24 months at your home university in the Global South—leading to a joint or single degree.
Q2: Do I need to find my own funding for the 24 months in my home country?
A: Yes. Securing full funding for the 24-month “South” period is a mandatory eligibility requirement. This must be guaranteed by your partner institution or another source in your home country.
Q3: I have already started my PhD. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, if you are in the early stages. At the programme’s start (Oct 2026), you must still have at least 36 months of research remaining. Exceptions may be requested if you’ve completed up to 12 months already.
Q4: Can I apply if I don’t have a supervisor at Ghent University yet?
A: No. A confirmed commitment from a Ghent University professor (promoter) is required before application submission. You cannot apply without it.
Q5: Are all academic fields eligible?
A: Yes, applications from all disciplines are welcome. However, priority is given to research with clear North-South relevance, such as projects addressing global development challenges.
Need Help? Reaching out to potential supervisors or drafting a co-funding commitment? Ask your questions in the comments below!
