# Sabbatical bench fee - permanent call

**Funder:** FWO
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/senior-researchersresearch-teams/sabbatical-bench-fee/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Bench fee support for researchers at Flemish institutions taking sabbatical leave. Applicants must be affiliated with a Flemish research institution. Permanent (rolling) call with no fixed deadline.

## Summary

The FWO Sabbatical Bench Fee is a rolling call that funds bench fees for researchers at Flemish institutions taking sabbatical leave. Researchers must be affiliated with a Flemish research institution and can apply at any time throughout the year. This permanent funding stream supports the operational costs of research activities during sabbatical periods without a fixed deadline cycle.

## Who should apply

- Researchers affiliated with a Flemish research institution
- Researchers planning or taking a scheduled sabbatical leave
- Applicants seeking support for ongoing bench-fee costs during sabbatical

## Key dates

- Permanent rolling call with no fixed deadline, apply anytime

## Tips for applicants

- Apply early: even though the call is continuous, processing may take weeks; plan ahead of your sabbatical start date.
- Clarify the exact bench-fee scope with your institution's grants office before submission, FWO covers operational costs but not salary or major equipment.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I apply for the FWO Sabbatical Bench Fee if I'm on sabbatical?

Yes, researchers taking or planning sabbatical leave at a Flemish institution can apply at any time during the rolling call period.

### What does the FWO Sabbatical Bench Fee cover?

The fund supports operational bench-fee costs for researchers on sabbatical, helping maintain research continuity during leave periods.

### Do I need to be at a specific type of institution to apply?

You must be affiliated with a Flemish research institution; affiliated researchers at other Belgian or international institutions hosting you may inquire about eligibility separately.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwo-sabbatical-bench-fee-permanent-call-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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