FWO
Special PhD Fellowship
Call closed 2 March 2026 at 5pm CET — past deadline; results announced 2 July 2026, fellowship starts 1 November 2026
Last verified:
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.
Details
| 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 |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | BE |
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.
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.
Related on Grantsby
- FWO writing tips & FAQ
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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