Université Libre de Bruxelles - Mini-ARC-ULB Scholarships

Benefit

You will receive a doctoral scholarship equivalent to that of an FNRS research fellow. This is the standard Belgian doctoral scholarship, which is a paid research post; the exact monthly amount is determined internally by the university. In addition, you will receive a budget of 1,250 EUR per year to cover costs associated with your PhD thesis, such as a computer, books or short research trips abroad. The scholarship runs for 2 years and may be renewed once, bringing the total duration to up to 4 years (48 months). The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) funds this scholarship to help you complete a PhD in the humanities and social sciences. If you apply but are not selected, you may instead be offered a one-year ‘start-up’ grant, designed to help you reapply to the FNRS the following year.

Eligibility

• Level: You are about to start a PhD programme at the ULB or are already studying for a PhD there.
• Field of study: Your research is in the humanities or social sciences, for example philosophy, law, psychology, education, languages, communication, economics or management.
• University: You are writing your dissertation at the Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• FNRS application: If you meet the FNRS eligibility criteria, you must also apply for the FNRS ‘Aspirant’ call for applications.
• Tax status: You must meet the eligibility criteria for a tax-free scholarship. If you have already received an ULB scholarship, you can only receive funding for the remaining tax-free period.
• Supervisor: Your supervisor and your research team must be able to support you right through to the completion of your dissertation.

How to apply

Please submit your application documents to your faculty by 17 February 2026. These are the same documents that you use for the FNRS call for applications for research fellows. Each faculty will draw up a ranking list of the applications submitted and forward it. A selection committee of the Research Council will then decide which candidates will receive funding.