The Global Minds Research Scholarships Call for 2026 is closed.
1. Background and objectives
Within this project, Ƶ invites researchers from the “Global South” to participate in a short- or medium-term research stay at our institution.
This call is open to researchers affiliated with higher education institutions or research organizations based in eligible countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America (see list below) and opting for a research stay (ranging from 2 to 9 months) at Ƶ.
The objectives of the Global Minds Research Scholarships are:
- Stimulating collaborative research: stimulating researchers from the “Global South” to conduct research on -related topics, while being integrated in a research group at Ƶ, in order to ensure a mutual learning experience. By promoting dialogue and bridging gaps, the quality and relevance of academic research is enhanced.
- Advancing collaboration on equal terms: encouraging researchers to explore and strengthen collaboration between institutions located in the “Global South” and Ƶ, located in Belgium. The lead in these partnerships lies with the visiting researchers.
- Supporting the professional development of research scholars.
Selected candidates will receive a scholarship to cover living expenses during their stay at Ƶ. The scholarship is not a salary and candidates will not be employed by Ƶ. Visiting researchers continue to be affiliated with their home institution (i.e. officially recognized higher education institution or research organization in one of the countries listed below).
To maximize the impact of this opportunity, candidates must be physically present at Ƶ throughout their mobility period and actively participate in academic activities.
2. Scholarship info
The Global Minds Research Scholarships are designed for researchers from the “Global South”, affiliated with officially recognized higher education institutions or research organizations in eligible partner countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America (see eligible country list below).
The Global Minds Research Scholarships support researchers in spending a research term of 2 to 9 months at Ƶ as part of their ongoing academic research trajectory. While retaining their employment and salary at their home institution, recipients will collaborate with a research group at Ƶ during their stay. Candidates are encouraged to take ownership by defining and pursuing their own research agenda.
Candidates are invited to choose the duration of their research term at Ƶ (between 2 and 9 months) based on what best fits their research needs. Please note that the proposed duration will also be evaluated in terms of the match with research needs and efficiency. Kindly note that candidates who will not register as a PhD student at Ƶ can only stay a maximum of 6 months.
Important: Research stays of more than 90 days
Scholars intending to stay at Ƶ for more than 90 days must meet one of the following conditions:
- be enrolled as a PhD student at their home institution during the academic year of their stay in Belgium
- enroll as a PhD student at Ƶ
This requirement exists because scholars staying longer than 90 days must apply for a student visa. If the scholar cannot apply for a student visa, their stay will be limited to a maximum of 90 days.
Joint PhD Candidates: To qualify for a Joint PhD, a PhD candidate must conduct at least six months of research at Ƶ. As this exceeds 90 days, candidates must enroll at Ƶ and apply for a student visa. More information about the terms, processes and conditions: Antwerp Doctoral School.
Postdoctoral researchers and university staff without student registration: Postdoctoral researchers or university staff who are not registered as PhD students cannot stay in Belgium for more than 90 days under this scheme.