PhD Opportunity in Belgium: Special Research Fund Doctoral Scholarship at Ghent University

If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about doing cutting-edge research in Europe (while sipping coffee in a cozy Belgian café), it’s time to make that dream real, thanks to the Special Research Fund Doctoral Scholarship at Ghent University!

This one’s especially exciting for students from the Global South, yes, that includes India, because it’s designed to help brilliant researchers split their PhD between two worlds: the “North” (Ghent University, Belgium) and the “South” (your home university). Think of it as an academic exchange that lets you live the best of both research worlds.

What’s the scholarship all about?

Ghent University offers a “sandwich” PhD model, you’ll spend half your research time (24 months) in Belgium, and the other half (24 months) in your home country. Ghent funds your research in Belgium, and your local university covers your stay back home. Basically, two universities invest in your research career, not a bad deal, right?

This is perfect for Indian students who already have a research partner or mentor back home. You’ll get to work with international supervisors, expand your global research network, and still stay connected to local projects that matter in your community.

Official link

Who can apply?

To keep things simple, here’s what Ghent is looking for:

• You must be from a Global South country (India, check!).
• You’ll need two supervisors, one at Ghent University and one at your home university.
• Your PhD topic should be relevant to the North-South context (think sustainability, development, climate, or social innovation).
• You’re starting your PhD (or at least in the early stages).
• And yes, Ghent encourages more women researchers to apply, so if you’re a female scholar, this is your sign.

What’s the money situation?

Ghent University funds 24 months of your PhD stay in Belgium, which includes 

• a monthly scholarship,
• a bench fee of €310,
• and a €8,000 travel budget for your project expenses.

The other 24 months, your home university funds that part, ensuring you have a full-time scholarship or salary while researching there.

The fine print: co-funding & flexibility

The “sandwich” idea means both sides (Ghent and your home university) need to pitch in. So co-funding is mandatory, your partner university should confirm your 24 months of support back home.

You’ll start your research at Ghent between October 2026 and February 2027, but there’s some flexibility if your local program requires you to start differently.

How to apply?

Applications are open until 17 February 2026, and results will be out from 20 May 2026.

You’ll need to apply via email to BOFapplication@ugent.be, along with your supervisors’ recommendations and ethical clearance documents.

Why it’s worth applying

Let’s be real, getting a PhD abroad isn’t just about the title. It’s about collaborating with world-class researchers, accessing better labs and libraries, and bringing that knowledge back home to create impact.

Plus, living in Belgium? Chocolate, canals, and the most beautiful historic towns, yes, please. So if you’re a curious, research-loving Indian student ready to take your ideas global, Ghent University’s Special Research Fund might just be your next big academic adventure.