📢 Call for PhD Applicants – PhD Scholarships for Researchers from the South (KU Leuven)

KU Leuven invites applications from outstanding candidates from low- and lower-middle-income countries for fully funded PhD positions under the PhD Scholarships for Researchers from the South programme. The scholarships support doctoral research that addresses development challenges in the Global South and contributes to capacity building in the country of research.

Successful candidates will conduct their PhD research at KU Leuven, in close collaboration with a local academic or research institution in the country concerned. Upon completion of the doctorate, candidates are expected to return to the country of research and strengthen the partner institution through teaching, research, or policy engagement.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of countries listed as Least Developed, Low Income, or Lower Middle Income Countries on the OECD DAC list
  
  (candidates from upper-middle-income countries are not eligible, except from the West Bank and Gaza Strip);

• Hold a first Master’s degree obtained within the last 15 years;

• Propose a research project focusing on a DAC-listed low- or lower-middle-income country;

• Have or be able to secure a local co-supervisor at a university or research institute in the country of research;

• Be willing to complete the PhD within four years and commit to returning after graduation.

Funding

The scholarship provides:

• A 4-year fully funded PhD fellowship at KU Leuven;

• Full tuition fee waiver;

• An annual bench fee of €3,720;

• Optional predoc funding (if required): up to 12 months at €1,600/month;

• One-time travel support (up to €1,000).

Application procedure

Applicants cannot apply directly. Interested candidates must first identify and contact a potential KU Leuven supervisor willing to submit the application on their behalf.

Academic admission to a KU Leuven PhD programme is required before the scholarship application can be submitted.

🗓 Deadline: 5 February 2026 (5:00 PM)

📍 Expected start date: October 2026

📌 Projects requiring extensive fieldwork in the Global South should consider the Global Minds PhD Scholarships (sandwich format).

🔗 For further details, please consult the KU Leuven Research website