Ghent University, through its Special Research Fund (BOF), announces the 2026 call for its prestigious PhD “sandwich” scholarships for promising researchers from the Global South. These scholarships are designed to foster academic collaboration and capacity building between institutions in the Global South and Ghent University, Belgium. The program supports PhD candidates who wish to conduct half of their research at Ghent University (“North”) and the other half at a partner university in their home country or another Global South institution (“South”). Ghent University provides funding for the 24-month research period conducted in Ghent, while candidates are required to secure full-time funding for the remaining 24 months at their Southern institution. Eligibility Criteria To qualify, applicants must: Hold citizenship from one of the eligible Global South countries (as listed by Ghent University). Jointly submit a research proposal with a Ghent University promoter (supervisor) and a South-based co-supervisor. Intend to pursue a joint or full PhD degree at Ghent University. Exchange or non-degree students are not eligible. Be at the beginning stages of their doctoral studies. Limited prior research is permissible; however, at the fellowship’s start (October 1, 2026), at least 36 months of doctoral research must remain to complete the PhD. Present a proposal that demonstrates relevance within a North–South or South–North context, aligning with the priorities of the Global South partner, global development goals, and synergy opportunities. Ghent University encourages gender balance in research. Each Ghent University supervisor may support a maximum of two candidates per call, provided they are of different genders. Co-Funding and Institutional Support Co-funding is a mandatory requirement for this program. Applicants are encouraged to review the detailed call documents for acceptable co-funding arrangements. The partner university or research center in the South must guarantee: The appointment of a local PhD supervisor to guide the research. A formal statement confirming that the candidate will receive a full-time local PhD scholarship or salary for 24 months while based at the Southern institution. Assurance that the candidate will be exempted from most teaching or administrative duties to dedicate sufficient time to research. A maximum of 10% of work time may be allocated to non-research tasks. Research Areas There are no restrictions on research disciplines. However, preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate clear North–South relevance — particularly projects that address shared global challenges such as sustainability, health, governance, digitalization, or climate adaptation. Value and Duration The scholarship covers: Living and research costs during the 24-month stay in Ghent. Access to Ghent University’s facilities, supervision, and academic resources. Integration into a vibrant research community that promotes knowledge exchange and academic excellence. The total PhD trajectory will last approximately four years, divided equally between Ghent University and the partner institution. Key Dates Application deadline: February 17, 2026 Start of scholarship: October 1, 2026 How to Apply Applications must be jointly prepared and submitted by the candidate and both supervisors (Ghent and South). The full application package, guidelines, and list of eligible countries are available on the Ghent University Africa Platform and BOF funding page. Applicants should ensure that all required documentation — including institutional support letters, co-funding confirmations, and research proposals — is complete before submission. This scholarship represents an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars to contribute to globally relevant research while strengthening academic networks between North and South. By combining resources, expertise, and diverse perspectives, the program aims to nurture future leaders in research who will drive sustainable development and innovation in their home regions. For more information and detailed guidelines, visit the Ghent University Africa Platform website. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.