Doctoral Scholarships for Candidates from Developing Countries

With support from its “Special Research Fund” (BOF), Ghent University is able to finance doctoral scholarships for candidates from developing countries who wish to obtain a Ph.D. at Ghent University. No restrictions are imposed on the field of research, nevertheless preference will be given to topics that are relevant for development. Relevance for development measures the degree in which the action of development corresponds with the expectations of the beneficiaries, the needs of the country, global priorities and the policies of partners and donors.

There are two types of scholarships: full grants for starting PhD students and grants with a maximum duration of 1 year for students finalizing their PhD research at Ghent University.


Type 1: Grants with a duration of 2x2 years for starting PhD researchers

This type of grant is intended for new PhD researchers who want to obtain a PhD degree at Ghent University.

Duration

There is an initial period of two years, which can be extended by an additional two years, depending on the evaluation of the progress report.

Who can apply?

The candidates must come from - and must also possess the nationality of – one of the countries on this list.

How does it work

The candidate applies to Ghent University jointly with a promoter of Ghent University. The Research Council makes a selection of the applications based in part on the recommendations obtained from members of the Council for Development Cooperation. The recommendation is based on the evaluation of the doctoral project, the qualifications of the applicant for the doctoral scholarship and the scientific/scholarly potential of the promoter’s research group(s). The development of the research potential of the institution can also be taken into account in the evaluation.

How much funding is involved

The value of the scholarship depends on, a.o., the researcher’s family situation. The monthly allowance is approx. € 1,545.

Deadline: March 22, 2010.


Type 2: Grants with a maximum duration of 1 year, for finalizing PhD research at Ghent University

This type of grant is for PhD researchers who have already carried out a substantial part of their PhD research and who need maximum 1 year to finalize their PhD.

Duration

The grant can be either 6 or 12 months.

Who can apply

Candidates must come from - and must also possess the nationality of – one of the countries on this list. They also must prove that the doctoral research they have done so far, is clearly linked to Ghent University, meaning that previous collaboration with Ghent University must exist (please see the call for more information).

How does it work

The same application and evaluation procedure as for the type 1 grants is followed, with the exception that the feasibility to finalize the doctorate within the time span of the requested grant will also be taken into account for the evaluation of the applications.
How much funding is involved

The value of the scholarship depends on, a.o., the researcher’s family situation. The monthly allowance is approx. € 1,545.

Deadline: March 22, 2010.

Further information: http://www.ugent.be/en/research/opportunities/phd/docos.htm