In an effort to support development cooperation and provide opportunities for exceptional students from developing countries, KU Leuven, the largest university in Belgium, offers the Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme. This initiative, managed by the Interfaculty Council for Development Cooperation (IRO), aims to enable students to pursue a Ph.D. degree through a “sandwich” system, where 50% of the research is conducted at KU Leuven and the remaining 50% at the student’s home institution, with the guidance of a local co-promoter.
Scholarship Details
The Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme at KU Leuven is open to citizens of selected countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The scholarship covers various expenses, including tuition fees, a monthly allowance, insurance, travel costs, and a research allowance. The exact number of scholarships offered is not specified, but each year, KU Leuven selects exceptional students to join the programme. The scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for students to pursue a Ph.D. research degree in development-related topics and contribute to the development of their home countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme, applicants must be citizens of one of the countries included in the scholarship country list. Individuals with citizenship in the European Union (EU) or possessing a long-term EU residence permit are not eligible for the scholarship. Additionally, the candidate’s latest Master’s degree must have been awarded no more than ten years ago, with a focus on academic excellence. Only degrees equivalent to High Distinction or higher will be considered, while degrees with lower scores will not meet the eligibility criteria. The research project proposed by the candidate must demonstrate excellent academic quality and a strong focus on development relevance.
Application Process
The application process for the Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme involves two steps. Firstly, candidates must obtain admission to a doctoral or predoctoral program at KU Leuven. It is crucial to start this procedure well in advance, as applications submitted too late may not be evaluated in time. Once admission has been obtained, candidates can proceed to apply for the scholarship. The deadline for scholarship applications is typically in February of each year. Detailed information on the application procedure can be found on the official scholarship website.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme at KU Leuven offers numerous benefits to selected scholars. These benefits include coverage of tuition fees, a monthly allowance to support living expenses, insurance coverage, travel costs, and a research allowance. The scholarship provides financial support to ensure that students can focus on their research and academic pursuits without worrying about the associated costs. Additionally, being part of the Global Minds Programme allows scholars to collaborate with experts at KU Leuven and their home institution, providing a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange and networking.
Research Opportunities
The Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme offers students the chance to undertake Ph.D. research in development-related topics. KU Leuven, with its renowned faculty and research facilities, provides an excellent environment for scholars to delve into their chosen field of study. The “sandwich” system, where research is conducted both at KU Leuven and the home institution, allows scholars to benefit from the resources and expertise available at both locations. This collaborative approach fosters interdisciplinary research and ensures that the research conducted is relevant to the development needs of the scholar’s home country.
Impact on Development Cooperation
The Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme plays a significant role in development cooperation. By offering scholarships to exceptional students from developing countries, KU Leuven contributes to capacity building and knowledge transfer in these regions. The program not only supports individual scholars but also strengthens research networks between KU Leuven and partner institutions. The research conducted by scholars under this program has the potential to address pressing development challenges and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
Alumni Success Stories
The Global Minds Doctoral Scholarships Programme has seen numerous success stories among its alumni. Scholars who have completed their Ph.D. research through this program have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. From academia to policy-making and community development, the alumni of the Global Minds Programme have utilized their research and expertise to drive positive change. These success stories serve as inspiration for future scholars and highlight the program’s impact on individual careers and societal development.
How To Apply?
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