Université Catholique de Louvain - Doctoral Grants for Students from Developing Countries

South Partnership Scholarship (UCLouvain)

You will receive a monthly PhD scholarship for up to 36 months for a doctoral thesis in collaboration with the Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) in Belgium. You may spread the 36 months over a doctoral programme lasting up to 6 years. The scholarship may also cover one or more return flights between the airport nearest to your place of residence and Brussels Airport. The Office for International Cooperation at UCLouvain (Conseil de l’action internationale, CAI) administers the scholarship with the aim of building research capacity in developing countries and establishing lasting links with institutions there.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a national of one of the eligible developing countries. The list includes numerous countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Ethiopia, India, Peru, Tunisia and Vietnam.
• Residence status: You do not already have the same residence or social rights as a Belgian student through an EU status.
• Degree level: You are currently studying for a PhD or are just starting one.
• Field of study: Any topic is allowed.
• Supervisor: A researcher at UCLouvain (your supervisor) will support your project and submit the application on your behalf.
• Admission: You will be admitted by a doctoral committee (CDD) at UCLouvain, or you will apply for a research certificate (a PhD at your home university).
• Development angle: Your project will be carried out in collaboration with a partner institution in the Global South, for example through joint supervision by a researcher from the Global South or the planned exchange of expertise and findings.
• No conflicting ties: You are not obliged to return to your home country as part of a previous scholarship, and you do not yet hold another scholarship to study for a PhD at UCLouvain.

How to apply

You cannot apply yourself. Your supervisor at UCLouvain will send your application by email to the Chair of the CAI. The application deadline is at the end of March each year, and the results are announced towards the end of June.

How realistic are your chances?

In round 2023, 11 out of 77 applications were selected – in other words, roughly one in seven.