# Special PhD Fellowship

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** Net monthly scholarship (equivalent to last net salary, capped at university assistant level) + €3,720/year bench fee
**Duration:** 1 year
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage: online application via e-portal; promotor submits letter of recommendation; Cross-Domain expert panel evaluation; Board of Trustees final decision
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/phd/special-phd-fellowship/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For permanently employed persons not involved in scientific research who wish to complete a PhD in 1 year. Applicant must hold a Master's-equivalent degree from EEA/Switzerland, obtain temporary/unpaid leave from employer, and have no prior FWO fellowship. Host institution must be a university in the Flemish Community (or Evangelical Theological Faculty Leuven / Faculty of Protestant Theology Brussels). Proposals must be submitted in English via FWO e-portal.

## Summary

The FWO Special PhD Fellowship funds working professionals to complete a doctoral degree in one year at a Flemish university, covering monthly living expenses (capped at the university assistant salary level) plus a €3,720 annual bench fee. Eligible applicants are permanently employed non-researchers holding a Master's degree from the EEA or Switzerland who can secure temporary unpaid leave from their employer. This call is unique in bridging career-switchers into academia rather than supporting established researchers.

## Who should apply

- Permanently employed professionals outside research seeking a doctoral qualification
- Applicants holding a Master's-equivalent degree from the EEA or Switzerland
- Candidates able to obtain temporary unpaid leave from their employer
- Projects hosted at universities in the Flemish Community or affiliated Protestant theology faculties

## Key dates

- Past deadline: 2 March 2026 (5pm CET)
- Single-stage online application via FWO e-portal
- One-year fellowship duration, starting 1 November 2026

## Tips for applicants

- Your promotor's letter of recommendation is critical, choose an advisor with a strong FWO track record and clear commitment to your fast-tracked PhD pathway.
- The €3,720 bench fee is fixed; budget additional research costs separately and justify them in your proposal context.
- Emphasise the feasibility of completing your PhD in 12 months; the panel will scrutinise your timeline and milestone plan rigorously.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for the FWO Special PhD Fellowship?

Permanently employed professionals not currently involved in research who hold a Master's-equivalent degree from the EEA or Switzerland and can arrange temporary unpaid leave from their employer.

### What does the FWO Special PhD Fellowship cover?

A monthly living allowance equivalent to your last net salary (capped at university assistant level) plus €3,720 per year for bench fees.

### Where can I pursue the PhD under this fellowship?

At a university in the Flemish Community or one of the two affiliated Protestant theology faculties (Leuven and Brussels).

### Is the FWO Special PhD Fellowship annual?

Yes, FWO runs this call annually with a single application deadline.

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

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