Ghent University (UGent) in Belgium offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students wishing to pursue Master’s and PhD studies. As one of Belgium’s top research universities, UGent provides financial support through competitive scholarship programs that help reduce the cost of research and enable students from different backgrounds to access high-quality European education.
Key Scholarship Opportunities at Ghent University
1. Master’s Mind Scholarships (Master’s Level)
Master Mind scholarships are designed to support excellent international students who have been admitted to a Master’s programme at Ghent University. Approximately 30 scholarships are available across Flemish universities, with around 6 allocated to Ghent University each year.
Scholarship Benefits:
- A maximum financial award of €10,000 per academic year towards study costs.
- Eligible for Master’s programmes of 60 ECTS (1 year) or 120 ECTS (2 years).
- Tuition is charged at the lowest Flemish rate for sponsored students (for example, around €136.5 for 2025/26).
Eligibility:
- International students academically admitted to a Master’s programme at Ghent University.
- Strong academic record (e.g., high GPA and good English proficiency).
- The Master programme coordinator must preselect students — direct application is not allowed.
2. Special Research Fund (BOF) – Doctoral Scholarships (Global South)
Ghent University offers Special Research Fund (BOF) Doctoral Scholarships for PhD candidates from eligible countries in the Global South. These are often referred to as “sandwich” PhD scholarships because the research is split between Ghent University and a partner university in the applicant’s home region.
Scholarship Features:
- Funding for 24 months of research at Ghent University.
- Includes a monthly stipend for living expenses during the stay in Belgium.
- A bench fee (€310 per month) and a travel budget (~€8,000) support research and mobility costs.
- Requirement for partner co-funding for the portion of the PhD conducted outside Belgium.
Eligibility and Requirements:
- Applicants must be nationals and residents of eligible Global South countries and hold a relevant research proposal.
- A Ghent University professor must act as the PhD supervisor and support the application.
- The application includes detailed research plans and supervisor endorsements.
Important Dates:
- Application deadline: 17 February 2026.
- Scholarship results will be announced from 20 May 2026 onwards.
3. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Specific Programmes)
Some faculty programmes at Ghent University participate in VLIR-UOS scholarship schemes, particularly in fields like Nutrition and Food Systems, Rural Development, Aquaculture, and Food Technology. These scholarships are provided through partnerships aimed at students from selected developing countries.
Key Features:
- Full scholarship opportunities for specific programmes.
- Candidates must typically be from designated countries and meet programme entry requirements.
- VLIR-UOS scholarships include tuition, living allowance, travel, and research support.
Additional Funding Options
In addition to these flagship scholarships, Ghent University may offer a range of top-up grants, partial funding awards, and faculty-specific financial support. For example, top-up grants provide a monthly allowance and insurance benefits but are usually limited and awarded through programme nominations rather than open application.
How to Apply
To be considered for scholarship support at Ghent University:
- Apply for admission to a Master’s or PhD programme at UGent through the official university application portal.
- If you aim for Master Mind or top-up funding, express your interest and submit any required supporting documents (such as motivation letters or academic references) as part of your application.
- For BOF Doctoral Scholarships, secure a Ghent University supervisor and prepare a detailed research proposal with your promoter.
- Meet all application deadlines (e.g., 17 February 2026 for the Global South PhD call).
Scholarship eligibility often depends on academic excellence, research relevance, and programme fit. It is recommended to consult the university’s official scholarship pages and specific faculty requirements before applying.
Conclusion
International students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in Belgium might benefit significantly from Ghent University’s scholarship offerings for 2026. With financial support such as the Master Mind scholarships, BOF Doctoral Scholarships, and VLIR-UOS prizes, students from diverse backgrounds, especially those from low-income countries, can access world-class education and research environments. To be considered for PhD scholarships, prospective students should build firm academic profiles, contact potential supervisors, and submit completed applications by the deadlines.
Application Process and Deadline
The application for the 2026–28 intake of the EMABG programme typically opens in September 2025. All applications for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship must be submitted through the official programme portal before the deadline, which is 15 January 2026. Documents required usually include academic transcripts, a CV, a motivation letter, and proof of language proficiency.
Why Choose the EMABG Scholarship?
The EMABG programme offers a unique opportunity to combine advanced academic training with international exposure and practical scientific experience. Graduates of this Erasmus Mundus joint degree are well-positioned for careers in research institutions, industry, conservation organisations, governmental agencies, and international development, thanks to their interdisciplinary expertise and multicultural experience.
How to Apply
Applications for the Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship are submitted online through the official EMABG programme application portal. Applicants should prepare their academic documents, language test scores, motivation letters, and any other required materials before the deadline (15 January 2026). Apply for the Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship here.
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