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KU Leuven
KU Leuven·Belgium

Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme

Fully FundedPhD36-48 monthsVaries per programme

The Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme at KU Leuven is a fully funded PhD scholarship for outstanding scholars from institutions in the Global South. The programme supports doctoral research in development-related topics across all disciplines at KU Leuven, Belgium's largest and most research-intensive university. Covers full tuition, monthly living allowance, insurance, travel, and research costs. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to contributing to their home country's development after completing the PhD.

Popular Participating Universities

KU LeuvenKU Leuven

Quick info

Application status

Varies per programme

DAAD deadlines vary per program. Check the official site for the current intake window.

Belgium
PhD
36-48 months
Development-related research topics across all disciplines
Open to: Citizens of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) — Global South
Apply on official site

Opens the provider's official website

Info sourced from official providers. Always verify deadlines, requirements, and eligibility directly before applying.

What you get

  • Full tuition fee coverage
  • Monthly living allowance
  • Insurance
  • International travel costs
  • Research funding
Monthly: Full tuition + monthly allowance + insurance + travel + research costs

Requirements

First degree: Required
Professional experience: Required
Country restriction: Citizens of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) — Global South

Detailed requirements

  • - Citizen of a low- or middle-income country (Global South)
  • - Must hold a relevant Master's degree
  • - Research proposal must be development-related
  • - Must be affiliated with or nominated by an institution in the Global South
  • - Strong academic record and research potential
  • - Must demonstrate commitment to contributing to home country development

Who can apply

Outstanding scholars from institutions in the Global South (low- and middle-income countries) who wish to pursue a PhD at KU Leuven in development-related topics. KU Leuven selects exceptional candidates each academic year as part of its contribution to global development.

Fields of study

Development-related research topics across all disciplines

Application window

Varies per programme

Dates are based on data sourced from official providers (2025-2026 cycle). Deadlines may shift between intake years. Always verify on the official website before applying.

Important dates

Application deadline: 27 February
Selection results: mid-year
Course starts: October

How to apply

  1. 1Step 1: Identify a potential PhD topic and supervisor at KU Leuven
  2. 2Step 2: Prepare a development-related research proposal
  3. 3Step 3: Secure nomination/affiliation from an institution in the Global South
  4. 4Step 4: Submit application via KU Leuven's Global Development portal before 27 February
  5. 5Step 5: Selection based on academic excellence, research quality, and development impact
  6. 6Step 6: If selected, complete enrolment and visa procedures for October start
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Provider

KU Leuven

KU Leuven

Belgium

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