
Deadline: February 17, 2026
Ghent University has opened the 2026 call for its prestigious BOF PhD “sandwich” scholarships, aimed at talented researchers from the Global South. This fully funded program enables candidates to conduct 24 months of research at Ghent University and 24 months at a partner institution in their home country.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an eligible Global South country.
- Submit a joint proposal with a Ghent University supervisor and a co-supervisor from a Southern institution.
- Plan to pursue a full or joint PhD at Ghent University.
- Have at least 36 months of PhD research remaining by October 1, 2026.
- Propose research with strong North–South relevance and development impact.
Funding and Institutional Support
The scholarship funds the 24-month stay in Ghent.
The Southern partner institution must provide:
- A full-time PhD scholarship or salary for 24 months.
- A local supervisor.
- Reduced teaching/administrative workload (maximum 10 percent).
Research Fields
All disciplines are eligible. Preference is given to projects addressing global challenges such as climate adaptation, health, sustainability, digitalization, or governance.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: February 17, 2026
- Start date: October 1, 2026
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted jointly by the candidate and both supervisors. Full guidelines, forms, and the list of eligible countries are available via the Ghent University Africa Platform and BOF funding page.