Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
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Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
Last updated: November 2026. Official source: Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships for Global South.
Ghent University, through its Special Research Fund (BOF), offers prestigious “sandwich” PhD scholarships to candidates from the Global South.
Specifically, the programme supports doctoral research split between Ghent University in Belgium and a partner university in a developing country.
The 2027 call is now open, with a strict deadline of February 9, 2027 (23:59 Belgian time) for project proposals.
Consequently, successful applicants receive 24 months of funding at Ghent University, alongside mandatory co-funding from their home institution for the remaining 24 months.
Below, this guide explains the funding structure, eligibility rules, the mandatory joint-application process, and practical notes for Indian applicants.
Table of Contents
- Programme at a Glance
- What is the BOF Doctoral Scholarship?
- Scholarship Benefits and Co-funding
- Mandatory Mobility Scheme
- Eligibility Criteria
- Required Documents
- How to Apply Step by Step
- Deadlines and Selection Timeline
- Special Notes for Indian Applicants
- FAQs for Indian Applicants
Programme at a Glance
Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
First, let us examine the core facts of this scholarship pathway.
This summary table highlights the key details, funding structure, and critical deadlines for the 2027 call.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | BOF Doctoral Scholarships for Candidates from the Global South (DOS) |
| Host Institution | Ghent University, Belgium |
| Funding Body | Special Research Fund (BOF) |
| Degree Level | PhD (Doctoral Research) |
| Duration | 48 months total (24 months at Ghent + 24 months in the South) |
| Funding at Ghent | Full-time scholarship for 24 months |
| Co-funding Requirement | Mandatory full-time salary/scholarship from partner university for 24 months |
| Application Deadline | February 9, 2027 (23:59 Belgian time) |
| Expected Results | From May 12, 2027 |
| Scholarship Start | October 1, 2027 |
| Official Portal | Ghent University BOF DOS Page |
What is the BOF Doctoral Scholarship?
Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
The Special Research Fund (BOF) is Ghent University’s internal funding mechanism, supported by the Flemish government.
Specifically, this “sandwich” scholarship model is designed for promising PhD candidates from the Global South.
It allows researchers to conduct half of their doctoral work at Ghent University in Belgium (“North”) and half at a partner university in their home country (“South”).
Unlike a standard PhD, this programme requires a joint application from the candidate, a Ghent University supervisor, and a supervisor at the Southern partner institution.
Furthermore, the programme prioritises research topics that are relevant to North-South development contexts and global priorities.
Scholarship Benefits and Co-funding
Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
BOF provides a comprehensive funding package, but it comes with a strict co-funding condition.
What Ghent University Covers
Ghent University finances the 24 months of research conducted in Ghent.
This includes a full-time monthly scholarship, health insurance, and a travel allowance.
Typically, the scholarship amount is sufficient to cover living costs in Belgium.
Mandatory Co-funding from the South
Crucially, the partner university or research centre in the Global South must provide a full-time local PhD scholarship or salary for the other 24 months.
The partner must also provide a written statement confirming this funding and ensure the candidate is relieved from teaching or administrative duties.
Specifically, candidates can dedicate a maximum of 10% of their time to other tasks during the Southern phase.
Mandatory Mobility Scheme
Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
The BOF programme enforces a strict geographical mobility pattern.
Students must start and end their PhD with a research stay at Ghent University.
The first stay in Ghent must last between 3 and 12 months.
After that, students return to the South for at least 24 months of locally funded research.
Finally, they return to Ghent for their final research stay.
However, exceptions to this mobility scheme can be requested if the partner university requires coursework completion or field research before the first Ghent stay.
Eligibility Criteria
Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
To begin with, applicants must meet the strict nationality, academic, and application requirements.
Nationality and Country of Origin
Candidates must be nationals of, and come from, one of the selected Global South countries on the official BOF country list.
India is included in this list, making Indian researchers eligible.
Academic Status and Timing
This programme is for candidates at the beginning of their PhD.
At the time the fellowship starts (October 1, 2027), candidates must still require at least 36 months to complete their doctoral research.
Therefore, students who have already completed significant portions of their PhD may not qualify.
Joint Application Requirement
Applications are not submitted by the candidate alone.
A supervisor at Ghent University and a supervisor at the partner university in the South must jointly submit the proposal.
Additionally, Ghent University encourages female researchers to apply; a single Ghent supervisor can support up to two candidates per call, provided they are of different genders.
Required Documents
Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
Consequently, you must prepare a complete set of documents before the submission deadline.
Academic and Identity Proofs
A copy of your passport or national ID is mandatory.
You must provide your academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Furthermore, proof of nationality from an eligible Global South country is required.
Research and Funding Documents
A detailed research proposal must be prepared in collaboration with both supervisors.
You must include a written statement from the Southern partner university guaranteeing 24 months of full-time local funding.
Additionally, the statement should confirm that your teaching or administrative duties will be limited to 10% of your time.
Supervisor Agreements
Official letters of support from both the Ghent University supervisor and the Southern partner supervisor are required.
How to Apply Step by Step
Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
Step 1: Secure Supervisors
First, identify and contact a potential supervisor at Ghent University whose research aligns with your interests.
Next, secure a co-supervisor at a recognised university or research centre in your home country.
Step 2: Prepare the Joint Proposal
Work with both supervisors to draft the research proposal and the mandatory co-funding agreement.
Step 3: Submit via Email
The application must be submitted electronically to BOFapplication@UGent.be using the designated templates.
Paper-based applications or applications sent by post are not accepted.
Step 4: Wait for Results
After the February 9, 2027 deadline, the Research Council will evaluate all proposals.
Results will be announced online from May 12, 2027.
Deadlines and Selection Timeline
Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
The university enforces a strict deadline for the 2027 call.
| Stage | Date / Period | Note for Indian Applicants (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | February 9, 2027 (23:59 Belgian time) | Submit by February 9 IST to avoid last-minute technical issues |
| Results Announcement | From May 12, 2027 | Monitor the official BOF results page |
| Scholarship Start | October 1, 2027 | Begin visa processing immediately after selection |
Special Notes for Indian Applicants
Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
India is on the Eligible Country List
India is explicitly listed as an eligible Global South country for this scholarship.
Therefore, Indian researchers can apply, provided they meet all other criteria.
The Co-funding Challenge
The most challenging aspect for Indian applicants is securing the mandatory 24-month co-funding from an Indian university or research institute.
You must identify a partner institution in India that can guarantee a full-time salary or local scholarship for the duration of your research there.
Visa and Language Planning
Once selected, Indian nationals must apply for a Belgian student visa (D visa).
Although the programme is conducted in English, learning basic Dutch or French may help with daily life in Ghent.
Beware of Unauthorised Agents
No third-party website or agent can submit a BOF application.
Applications are submitted directly by the supervisors via email.
FAQs for Indian Applicants
Ghent University BOF Doctoral Scholarships 2027
Eligibility and Application Rules
1. Is India an eligible country for this scholarship?
Yes, India is included in the official BOF Global South country list.
Indian nationals who meet the other requirements can apply.
2. Can I apply on my own without a supervisor?
No, the application must be jointly submitted by the candidate, a Ghent University supervisor, and a supervisor at the Southern partner institution.
You must secure both supervisors before applying.
3. I have already started my PhD in India. Can I apply?
You may apply if you are at the beginning of your PhD and will still require at least 36 months to complete your doctoral research as of October 1, 2027.
If you have already completed significant work, you may not qualify.
Funding and Co-funding
4. Does BOF cover the full 48 months of my PhD?
No, BOF only finances the 24 months you spend at Ghent University.
You must secure full-time funding from your Indian partner university for the 24 months you spend in India.
5. What is the real value of the BOF scholarship in Indian rupees?
The BOF scholarship amount varies, but it is designed to cover living costs in Belgium.
As an estimate, a typical BOF scholarship provides a net monthly allowance of around €2,000, which is roughly ₹1.8–₹1.9 lakh per month at current exchange rates.
However, exact amounts are confirmed in the offer letter.
6. Can I request an exception to the mobility scheme?
Yes, exceptions can be requested if your Indian university requires you to complete coursework or fieldwork before starting your research stay in Ghent.
You must provide a justification in the application.
Submission and Visa Logistics
7. How do I submit the application?
The application must be submitted electronically by the supervisors to BOFapplication@UGent.be using the official templates.
Paper applications are not accepted.
8. What visa will I need for my stay in Belgium?
You will need a Belgian long-stay student visa (D visa).
Apply as soon as you receive your admission letter, as processing times can be several weeks.
9. Can I bring my family to Belgium?
Family reunification rules depend on your individual visa and funding status.
You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources and suitable accommodation for dependents.
10. Who makes the final selection decision?
The Research Council at Ghent University evaluates all applications and advises the board on the allocation of scholarships.
Results are published on the official BOF website from May 12, 2027.
