KU Leuven Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme

Scholarship Overview

Every academic year, KU Leuven selects exceptional scholars from institutions from around the world as scholarship candidates to obtain their PhD from the largest university in Belgium.
The Global Minds Scholarship aims to give scholars the opportunity to conduct 4 years of PhD research in a ‘sandwich’ system. 50% of the research is financed by and takes place at KU Leuven, and the other 50% takes place and is financed by the home institution of the scholar, supported by a local co-promoter.
These scholarships are offered to excellent proposals dealing with a development-relevant research topic linked to one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Host School(s)

Field(s) of Study

Each candidate works on a formal doctoral research topic proposal of their own.
This research proposal must be original, innovative, clear, and goal-oriented, and should be completed within a maximum period of four years (48 months). The topic is preferably related to one of the Sustainable Development Goals.

What does the scholarship cover?

How many scholarships are given?

Which countries are targeted?

Am I Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for this scholarship, you should:

Not be a citizen of the EU.
Be a citizen of one of the countries listed above.
Should hold a Master’s degree. This degree should have been awarded no more than ten years prior to 1 October 2023 (including the ongoing calendar year).
Have been awarded an academic grade equivalent to High Distinction or higher.
Have a research project that is of excellent academic quality, with a special focus on the development relevance of the proposal.
Have a clear time frame for the research project indicating how the research periods at KU Leuven and the home institution will alternate (a maximum period of 12 months at the home institution should alternate with a maximum period of 12 months at KU Leuven).
Be formally affiliated with a university in the home country. This home university should demonstrate that it is providing sufficient financial support for the doctoral project.
Not already enrolled as a PhD-students at KU Leuven or are financed by KU Leuven.
Not have been employed before in an EEA country other than Belgium.
Demonstrate a development-oriented motivation.
Be supported by a KU Leuven supervisor and a local co-supervisor at her/his home university.
Demonstrate excellent recommendations from at least two relevant referees.

How Do I Apply – Next Steps

Apply for admission to a doctoral or pre-doctoral programme.
Apply for the KU Leuven Global Minds Doctoral Scholarship. Applications are submitted using the digital application form, which must also be filled out by the supervisor.
Make sure you follow the online application instructions correctly.
Get your admission early so that you are able to apply for the scholarship well before the deadline.
Note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required Documents

A curriculum vitae (CV) in the Europass format.
A bibliography filled out using a form available on the scholarship website.
The local supervisor’s CV.
The research proposal (not more than 6 pages long).
A motivation letter (not more than 3 pages long).
Proof of your affiliation to your home university.
A guarantee from your home university (in writing) indicating that you can dedicate yourself to conducting doctoral research during the periods spent at the home institution.
A certified copy of your contract with the home institution.
Two recommendation letters by external, relevant referees, using the form on the website.

Closing Date

How do I get more information?