FWO
PhD Fellowship fundamental research
17:00 CET; Call opens 3 December 2026
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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.
Details
| Funder | FWO |
| Budget | €2,700/month + €3,720/year bench fee |
| Deadline | 1 March 2027 |
| 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 |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | BE |
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.
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.
Related on Grantsby
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Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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