Ghent University announces 2025 Special Research Fund PhD “Sandwich” Scholarships for Global South doctoral candidates, allowing impactful research collaboration with Ghent University and partner universities.
Program Overview
The Special Research Fund enables doctoral students to split their PhD research between Ghent University (“North”) and a university in the Global South (“South”), ensuring a collaborative and diverse academic experience. Ghent University finances up to 24 months of research conducted at its facilities, while the remaining 24 months of research in the South must be fully funded by the partner institution.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nationality: Must hold citizenship of one of the eligible Global South countries.
Collaborative Submission: Applications must be jointly submitted by the candidate, a Ghent University supervisor, and a supervisor from the partner university.
Degree Requirement: Only candidates seeking a (joint) PhD degree from Ghent University are eligible. Exchange students are not eligible.
Research Stage: The scholarship targets students beginning their PhD or those who have completed minimal preliminary research. At least 36 months of research must remain by the fellowship start date (1 October 2025).
Gender Inclusivity: Supervisors at Ghent University are encouraged to support up to two candidates per call, provided they represent different genders.
Preference is given to research topics that align with the North-South context. Ghent University strongly encourages female researchers to apply.
Co-Funding Requirements
Co-funding is a key requirement of the program. The partner university in the South must guarantee:
A local PhD supervisor to guide the candidate.
A written statement confirming full-time local funding (scholarship or salary) for the 24 months spent in the South.
Exemption from substantial teaching or administrative duties, ensuring full dedication to research, with a maximum of 10% of time allotted to other tasks.
Mandatory Mobility Scheme
Candidates must follow this mobility plan:
Begin and end the program with a 3–12 month research stay at Ghent University.
The initial stay at Ghent University must commence between 1 October 2025 and 28 February 2026.
A minimum of 24 months of locally funded research must take place at the partner university in the South between these stays.
Exceptions to Mobility Requirements: Applicants facing specific academic or logistical constraints may request modifications to the scheme by completing the “Request Exception Funding and Mobility Scheme” form before 17 January 2025.
Funding Details
The scholarship includes:
24 months of PhD research funding at Ghent University.
A bench fee of €310/month for research conducted in Ghent.
A travel budget of €8,000, covering operational costs and travel expenses for the student and both supervisors.
