# PhD Fellowship fundamental research

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** €2,700/month + €3,720/year bench fee
**Deadline:** 1 March 2027 (17:00 CET; Call opens 3 December 2026)
**Duration:** 3 or 4 years
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant, prepared in collaboration with a promotor at a Flemish university
**Application:** Single stage: application with mandatory promotor recommendation letter; preselection meeting may lead to invited interview
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/phd/phd-fellowship-fundamental-research/
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For recently graduated researchers (master's degree, max 2 years before deadline) pursuing an independent PhD fundamental research project, affiliated with a university in the Flemish Community (or the Evangelical Theological Faculty in Leuven/Faculty of Protestant Theology in Brussels). Promotor recommendation letter is a mandatory, scored component.

## Summary

The FWO PhD Fellowship fundamental research funds a full doctoral project at a Flemish university, paying a monthly stipend plus an annual bench fee over three or four years. It targets recent master's graduates who want to pursue an independent, fundamental-research PhD, working with a promotor at a Flemish institution. FWO runs this call annually, and the promotor recommendation letter is a mandatory, scored part of the application.

## Who should apply

- Recently graduated master's holders, within 2 years of their degree
- Applicants affiliated with a university in the Flemish Community (or the Leuven/Brussels theology faculties)
- Researchers proposing an independent fundamental-research project
- Candidates who have secured a promotor willing to co-prepare the application and write a recommendation letter

## Key dates

- Deadline 1 March 2027, 17:00 CET; call opens 3 December 2026
- Single-stage application with mandatory promotor recommendation letter; a preselection meeting may lead to an invited interview
- Fellowship runs 3 or 4 years

## Tips for applicants

- Secure your promotor early, their recommendation letter is a mandatory, scored component, not a formality.
- Prepare for a possible preselection meeting and interview; shortlisted applicants should rehearse defending the project's originality and feasibility.
- Frame the project as fundamental research distinct from your promotor's existing line of work to demonstrate independence.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the FWO PhD Fellowship pay?

It pays a monthly stipend of €2,700 plus an annual bench fee of €3,720.

### Who is eligible for the FWO PhD Fellowship?

Recently graduated master's holders, within 2 years of their degree, affiliated with a university in the Flemish Community (or the Leuven/Brussels theology faculties).

### How long does the FWO PhD Fellowship last?

The fellowship runs for 3 or 4 years.

### Is there an interview for the FWO PhD Fellowship?

It is a single-stage application, but a preselection meeting may lead to an invited interview for some candidates.

### Is the FWO PhD Fellowship a recurring call?

Yes, FWO runs this call annually, with the next deadline on 1 March 2027.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwo-phd-fellowship-fundamental-research-2027-03) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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