Is the KU Leuven Global Minds PhD Scholarship open now?
No. The latest call closed on 27 February 2026, and a new deadline has not yet been published.
Is the full four-year PhD paid by KU Leuven?
No. KU Leuven funds up to 24 months in Belgium. The home institution must fully fund the other 24 months through an eligible staff position or equivalent support.
What must applicants arrange before applying?
A KU Leuven supervisor, a local co-supervisor, doctoral admission and formal home-university funding are all essential before the scholarship application can succeed.
Does the programme require English proof?
Yes. The current rules require official English-language proof such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL or accepted Cambridge certificates.
What does this scholarship actually cover?
This is a co-funded sandwich PhD. KU Leuven finances up to half of the four-year doctorate in Belgium, while the scholar's home institution finances the other half.
Other verified benefits
A 48-month sandwich PhD: up to 24 months are financed at KU Leuven through a doctoral scholarship appointment, while the home university must fully fund the other 24 months through a full-time position with social-security coverage.
Costs not confirmed or not covered
KU Leuven does not independently fund all 48 months. The home institution must formally guarantee full funding for the research periods spent there.
Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates need admission to a KU Leuven doctoral or predoctoral programme, a KU Leuven supervisor, a local co-supervisor, a development-relevant research proposal, home-institution support and strong recommendations.
Applicants first obtain doctoral admission. The KU Leuven supervisor then submits the scholarship application. Two external academic recommendation letters and proof of home-institution financial support are required.
Eligible countries
Applicants from the selected Global South countries in KU Leuven's current call; the country list must be checked for each cycle.
Language requirements
Official English proof is required; accepted tests include IELTS Academic, TOEFL and Cambridge CAE/CPE under current rules.
Which documents were historically required?
This is a historical checklist, not a current application checklist.
- CV or résumé
- Research proposal
- Two reference letters
- Host supervisor commitment letter
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- English test certificate
What should you do next?
- Secure a KU Leuven supervisor and local co-supervisor.
- Apply early for doctoral or predoctoral admission.
- Obtain formal full-time funding/support from the home institution.
- Prepare the research proposal, CV, language evidence and external references.
- The KU Leuven supervisor submits the scholarship application when the next call opens.
Frequently asked questions
Is the KU Leuven Global Minds Doctoral Scholarship fully funded?
The full four-year doctorate must be funded, but not by KU Leuven alone. KU Leuven finances up to 24 months in Belgium, while the scholar's home institution must finance the remaining 24 months through a full-time funded position.
Does KU Leuven Global Minds require IELTS?
The current programme requires official English-language proof. IELTS Academic is accepted, alongside qualifying TOEFL and Cambridge CAE/CPE certificates, subject to KU Leuven's current rules.