Belgium Fully Funded PhD Scholarships 2026

January 3, 2026 10:45 am

Belgium Fully Funded PhD Scholarships 2026

For emerging social scientists passionate about health policy and gender studies, a remarkable doctoral opportunity is now available in Belgium. Université catholique de Louvain is inviting applications for a fully funded, four-year PhD scholarship under the 3CoBe research project. This position offers a unique chance to investigate the historical evolution of contraceptive cost coverage in Belgium, working at the intersection of public policy, social history, and reproductive justice.

A Comprehensive, Four-Year Doctoral Scholarship

This position provides complete financial and academic support for an in-depth research journey. The successful candidate will receive:

A Full Four-Year PhD Scholarship: A secure doctoral position structured as a 2-year contract, renewable for another 2 years following a positive evaluation.
Competitive Monthly Remuneration: A salary in line with UCLouvain’s official scales for doctoral researchers.
Integrated Research Environment: Embedded within the interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary Research Center on Families and Sexualities (Cirfase), with dedicated academic supervision.
Professional Development: Full support for publishing, conference participation, and public outreach activities in both French and English.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

This PhD seeks a researcher with a strong foundation in qualitative social sciences and a keen interest in policy history. You are an excellent candidate if you:

Hold a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) with distinction in History, Sociology, Political Science, or a closely related field.
Have demonstrated experience with qualitative research methods, such as interviews and thematic analysis, and can work effectively with historical archives and documents.
Are orally proficient in French and possess strong professional proficiency in either Dutch or English.
Have excellent academic writing skills in both French and English.
Can show research exposure to gender studies, reproductive health, or public policy, which is a significant advantage.

Application Process

Applying requires a meticulous and targeted submission. The process involves:

Prepare Your Application Dossier: Compile all required documents, including a detailed CV, a two-page motivation letter, your Master’s diploma and transcripts, a copy of your Master’s thesis with a summary, and contact details for two academic referees.
Submit via the Official Portal: Upload your complete application through UCLouvain’s official online recruitment portal by the deadline.
Interview Stage: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an academic interview scheduled for the week of 23 February 2026.

Click Here to Apply

Key Application Deadline

The final deadline to submit your application is 25 January 2026 at 22:59 UTC. The selected doctoral researcher is expected to begin the PhD program in April 2026.

How to Prepare a Standout Application

Given the project’s specific focus, your application must demonstrate a clear alignment with the 3CoBe project’s historical objectives. Your motivation letter should articulate a sophisticated understanding of the research theme and propose initial ideas for exploration. Furthermore, highlighting any prior experience with archival work, policy analysis, or research on gender and health will significantly strengthen your candidacy. Your Master’s thesis is a critical component of evaluation; ensure your summary effectively showcases your analytical rigor and methodological skills.

This UCLouvain PhD scholarship represents a premier opportunity to contribute to a vital evidence-based policy debate while developing your research profile at a leading European university. By presenting a cohesive application that highlights your linguistic abilities, methodological expertise, and genuine passion for the subject, you can position yourself for this fully funded doctoral journey. For the official application portal and detailed project description, visit the Euraxess job listing for the 3CoBe PhD Scholarship.