# WL-FWO PhD Fellowship

**Funder:** FWO
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/phd-fellowships/wl-fwo-fellowships/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Doctoral fellowships for fundamental and/or strategic basic research hosted at Flanders Hydraulics (WL) as additional host institute. Only FWO call applications approved but unfunded, where WL agreed to act as additional host, are eligible. Research scope: hydraulic, nautical, sediment-related and hydrological topics. Flemish knowledge institutions; bench fee financed by WL.

## Summary

The WL-FWO PhD Fellowship funds doctoral researchers working on hydraulic, sediment and hydrological topics, with Flanders Hydraulics (WL) as a co-hosting institute in Flanders, Belgium. Eligible candidates are those whose applications were approved but unfunded in regular FWO doctoral fellowship calls, where WL has agreed to provide additional host support and covers the bench fee. This is a pathway for strong proposals that align with WL's research priorities to receive funding through a partnership model.

## Who should apply

- Doctoral researchers with approved-but-unfunded FWO fellowship applications
- Projects focused on hydraulic, sediment transport, or hydrological research
- Researchers hosted at Flemish knowledge institutions
- Applicants where Flanders Hydraulics has agreed to act as additional host institute

## Key dates

- Aligned with annual FWO doctoral fellowship call schedule (check FWO website for exact deadlines)
- Funding available only for approved-but-unfunded FWO applications where WL co-hosts
- Doctoral fellowship duration per FWO standard terms

## Tips for applicants

- Co-hosting with WL requires prior agreement; contact WL research management early if your topic aligns with their hydraulic or hydrological focus.
- This route is competitive because it targets proposals already vetted by FWO; ensure your original application was strong and clearly addresses water-related research questions.
- Bench fees are covered by WL, lowering the financial burden on your primary host institution.

## Frequently asked questions

### What research topics are eligible for the WL-FWO PhD Fellowship?

Hydraulic, nautical, sediment-related and hydrological topics hosted at Flemish knowledge institutions with Flanders Hydraulics as a co-host.

### Can I apply directly to the WL-FWO PhD Fellowship?

No, you must have a strong FWO doctoral fellowship application that was approved but unfunded, with WL's agreement to co-host.

### Does Flanders Hydraulics cover the bench fee?

Yes, WL finances the bench fee as part of the co-hosting arrangement.

### When does the WL-FWO PhD Fellowship have deadlines?

It follows the annual FWO doctoral fellowship call schedule; check the FWO website for specific deadlines in your year.

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