f you are dreaming of a fully funded PhD scholarship in Europe, the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships in Belgium – Sandwich Scholarships 2026 is one of the most valuable opportunities for international students. This prestigious program allows talented students from developing countries to conduct high-quality doctoral research at Ghent University, one of the most respected research universities in Europe. The best part is that it is a fully funded scholarship, covering all major expenses, which makes it ideal for students searching for fully funded PhD scholarships in Belgium, international research grants, and high-earning study abroad opportunities.
| Host Country | Belgium |
| Host Institute | Ghent University |
| Level | PhD |
| Eligible Nationality | Developing countries |
| Fellowship Type | Fully Funded |
| Benefits | Monthly stipend, Tuition Fee Waiver |
| Duration | 24 months (at Ghent University) |
| Closing Date | February 17, 2026. |
This program is designed to support strong academic profiles and students who want to build a successful research career in Europe. With growing searches for Belgium scholarships 2026, PhD funding opportunities, fully funded scholarships for international students, and European doctoral grants, this scholarship continues to be one of the top trending opportunities for 2026.
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What Are Ghent University Sandwich Scholarships?
The Sandwich Scholarship Program is a unique research system where the PhD student spends part of their study period in Belgium at Ghent University and the remaining research time in their home country. This system ensures that students receive world-class training while contributing to research development in their own countries.
It is ideal for students searching for terms like international PhD programs, dual research scholarships, top European scholarships, and global research funding. This scholarship not only supports academic excellence but also helps developing countries build stronger research networks
What Are Ghent University Sandwich Scholarships?
The Sandwich Scholarship Program is a unique research system where the PhD student spends part of their study period in Belgium at Ghent University and the remaining research time in their home country. This system ensures that students receive world-class training while contributing to research development in their own countries.
It is ideal for students searching for terms like international PhD programs, dual research scholarships, top European scholarships, and global research funding. This scholarship not only supports academic excellence but also helps developing countries build stronger research networks
Degree Levels
Although this scholarship mainly targets PhD research, the general Ghent University scholarship system supports:
- Undergraduate Students
- Master’s Students
- PhD Students (Primary Focus for Sandwich Scholarships)
Students frequently search for Europe scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s scholarships in Belgium, and PhD funding in Europe, making this a highly visible category online.
Scholarship Coverage (Fully Funded)
This is one of the most generous fully funded PhD scholarships, especially for students wanting high-CPC keyword opportunities, study abroad funding, and high-income educational grants.
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Research funding
- Supervisory support from two universities (Belgium + home institution)
- Travel allowance (to Belgium and back)
- Health insurance cost
- Living expenses in Belgium
This makes it perfect for students searching for free study in Europe, PhD with stipend, and fully funded doctoral scholarships.
Eligible Nationalities
Students from all countries can apply, especially those from developing nations. Applicants from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe make up a major portion of the selected candidates.
Because many users search for scholarships for Pakistani students, scholarships for Indian students, African student PhD scholarships, and international PhD grants, this scholarship is globally relevant.
Eligible Countries
The following countries are eligible to apply for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships:
Afghanistan
Algeria
Angola
Belize
Bangladesh
Bolivia
Peru
Benin
Bhutan
Cabo Verde
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Congo
Cote d’Ivoire
Cambodia
Central African Republic
Cuba
Chad El Salvador
Comoros Ghana
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Djibouti
Egypt
Eswatini
Ecuador
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia Kenya
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Honduras
Haiti
India
Indonesia
Iran
Kyrgyzstan
Kiribati
Kenya
Micronesia
Mongolia
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Liberia
Lesotho
Morocco
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Madagascar
Mauritania
Malawi
Mali
Mozambique
Myanmar
Nepal
Niger
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Samao
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syrian Arab Republic
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Tajikistan
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tokelau
Tunisia
Tuvalu
Ukraine
Uganda
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vietnam
West Bank and Gaza Strip
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
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Criteria for Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships
To apply for the Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships, candidates have to fulfill the following criteria:
- Eligibility Criteria (Explained in Simple Words)
- To apply for Ghent University Sandwich Scholarships 2026, you must:
- ✔ Have a Master’s degree
- Your previous degree must qualify you for PhD admission.
- ✔ Have strong academic performance
- Good CGPA, research experience, publications, or thesis work.
- ✔ Have a research proposal
- Your research must contribute to development in your home country.
- ✔ Have a supervisor at Ghent University
- You must find a professor willing to supervise your PhD.
- ✔ Be willing to spend research time in both countries
- Half of your research will be in Belgium, the other half in your home country.
- ✔ Have good English proficiency
- (TOEFL/IELTS recommended but depends on department)
- ✔ Be from a developing country
- Students from developing regions get priority.
- Students commonly search for easy scholarships to apply, no fees PhD scholarships, scholarships without IELTS, and high acceptance rate scholarships — this program fits these categories.
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Award Country
Belgium
(Research periods conducted both in Belgium and in the student’s home country)
Belgium is known for its excellent international education system, world-class research labs, modern lifestyle, and high salaries for researchers — which makes the phrase study in Belgium free, PhD in Belgium fully funded, and Belgium scholarship 2026 highly searched by global students.
Types of Scholarships Offered
Ghent University provides multiple funding options, but the Sandwich Scholarship is the highlight for doctoral students. Types include:
1. Sandwich PhD Scholarships (Main Program)
- Dual research structure
- Partially at Ghent University
- Partially in home-country university
2. Full PhD Scholarships
For students who want to complete their entire doctoral research in Belgium.
3. Collaborative Research Grants
Joint programs where two universities share supervision and funding.
4. Short-Term Research Grants
Ideal for research mobility, lab experience, or thesis data collection.
Eligibility Criteria (Explained in Simple Words)
To apply for Ghent University Sandwich Scholarships 2026, you must:
✔ Have a Master’s degree
Your previous degree must qualify you for PhD admission.
✔ Have strong academic performance
Good CGPA, research experience, publications, or thesis work.
✔ Have a research proposal
Your research must contribute to development in your home country.
✔ Have a supervisor at Ghent University
You must find a professor willing to supervise your PhD.
✔ Be willing to spend research time in both countries
Half of your research will be in Belgium, the other half in your home country.
✔ Have good English proficiency
(TOEFL/IELTS recommended but depends on department)
✔ Be from a developing country
Students from developing regions get priority.
Students commonly search for easy scholarships to apply, no fees PhD scholarships, scholarships without IELTS, and high acceptance rate scholarships — this program fits these categories.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare strong documents to increase acceptance chances:
- CV (academic resume)
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- Recommendation letters
- Copies of degrees and transcripts
- Passport copy
- English language proof (if required)
- Supervisor’s acceptance letter from Ghent University
- Academic publications (optional, but helpful)
Students searching for research proposal sample, PhD CV format, and motivation letter for PhD scholarship often apply here.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose a research area
Identify a PhD topic related to your field.
Step 2: Find a supervisor at Ghent University
Contact professors through departmental pages.
Step 3: Prepare required documents
Make sure your proposal is strong and well-structured.
Step 4: Submit application
You apply through the official university portal.
Step 5: Evaluation process
Applications are reviewed on academic excellence + development impact.
Step 6: Scholarship decision
Selected students receive a fully funded scholarship offer.
This process is ideal for keywords like how to apply for PhD in Europe, PhD application process Belgium, and international admissions 2026.
Important Dates
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Early 2026 |
| Application Deadline | To Be Announced |
| Result Announcement | Mid-2026 |
| Program Start | Late 2026 |
Students searching for scholarship deadlines 2026, Ghent University intake 2026, and fully funded PhD admissions 2026 often follow these timelines.
For more information and to apply for Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships, visit the official website.
FAQs – Ghent University Sandwich PhD Scholarships
1. Is this scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition, stipend, travel, insurance, and research expenses.
2. Do I need a supervisor before applying?
Yes. You must secure a Ghent University professor as your supervisor.
3. Can students from any country apply?
Yes, but priority is given to developing countries.
4. Is IELTS mandatory?
Not always, but some departments may require it.
5. Can Master’s students apply?
You must have completed your Master’s degree to start the PhD.
6. Do I need research experience?
Not compulsory, but it increases your chances of selection.
7. Is it possible to work during the scholarship?
The scholarship already covers living expenses, so additional work is not needed.
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Conclusion
The Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships in Belgium – Sandwich Scholarships 2026 is one of the most prestigious and fully funded PhD opportunities for international students. With its dual research structure, high academic value, and full financial support, this scholarship is perfect for students seeking fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe, research opportunities, and international career-building programs. If you want to grow academically and professionally, this is the best scholarship to apply .
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