IRO Pre-Doctoral and PhD Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries – Belgium 2016
Course(s) Offered: Humanities/Social Sci, Science/Engr/Tech, Biomed Sci
Course Level: Graduate (pre-doctoral, PhD)
Provider: K.U. Leuven
Country to Study in: Belgium
Scholarship Description
As one of its contributions to development co-operation, K.U. Leuven offers each academic year scholarships to deserving students from developing countries to do their PhD in the largest university in Flanders, Belgium.
Also commonly referred to as the IRO scholarships (IRO in Dutch stands for Interfacultaire Raad voor Ontwikkelingssamenwerking AND in English for Interfaculty Council for Development Co-operation), this scholarship programme has supported more than sixty Ph.D. graduates over the past five years.
After obtaining their doctorates at KU Leuven, these Ph.D. holders are now valorising their degrees in their home countries either in university academic research or in various sectors of industry.
Eligibility/Admission Requirements
General Eligibility Conditions:
- The applicant must be a citizen of one of the countries on the OECD DAC table that are listed under the following categories: Least Developed Countries, Low Income Countries or Low Middle Income Countries. Click here fore an overview of these countries.
The applicant may not possess dual citizenship, where the second citizenship is from an EU country. - The candidate must have been awarded his master’s degree or an immediately contiguous master’s degree no more than ten years prior to the 1st of October 2016 (including the ongoing calendar year).
- The candidate must hold an academic qualification at least with distinction or equivalent.
- Research project of excellent academic quality, taking into account the development relevance of the proposal.
- The candidate must demonstrate a development oriented motivation.
- Excellent recommendations.
- In order to ensure embeddedness of the research within the context of the home country, a local co-promoter must be appointed.
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Eligible groupCitizens of ALL developing countriesParticipating Institution(s)Katholieke Universiteit (KU Leuven) in Flanders, BelgiumFields of StudyPredoctoral and doctoral level studies.Priority research fields for the IRO scholarships are proposed by the three doctoral schools: Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Engineering and Technology, and Biomedical Sciences. The research topics proposed by the KU Leuven Doctoral Schools can be found on their respective websites.New applicants are now provided two alternatives: either by selecting amongst the faculty research topics offered by the doctoral schools (Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Engineering and Technology (Arenberg doctoral school) and Biomedical Sciences) or by submitting their own personal research proposal.Number of AwardsEach year, although not specified, around 15 new scholarships can be granted.The scholarship programme has supported more than sixty Ph.D. graduates over the past five years. Women are encouraged to apply for the doctoral scholarship.Sponsorship durationThe maximum period for which you may be awarded a scholarship is five (5) years: 1 pre-doctoral year and 4 doctoral years. The scholarship is renewable each year and its renewal depends on the annual evaluation by your supervisor.Scholarship benefitsThe scholarships offers a monthly allowance, housing allowance, waived tuition fee, health insurance, accident insurance, and return tickets.The monthly scholarship allowance is €1,415 (75% of the net salary of an assistant) paid at the end of each month for doctoral students; and €1000 paid at the beginning of each month for pre-doctoral students.Method of Application
If you meet the elgibility conditions, you will need
to complete the ‘Online Application Form’ accurately and fully. Please read the online application instructions carefully on how to fill in and submit the application form.It is important to read the ‘Application Procedures‘ and also visit the official website (link to it is below) to access the online application form and for complete information on how to apply.DEADLINES:If you meet the eligibility conditions, you will need to complete the online application form and submit supporting documents not later than 9 November 2015.PLEASE NOTE:Any applications that do not meet the requirements and any incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. KU Leuven does not acknowledge receipt of inadmissible applications.Essential to the application for the IRO scholarship and to completing a doctoral programme successfully is the choice of a good doctoral research topic and supervisor. New applicants are now provided two alternatives: either by selecting amongst the faculty research topics offered by the doctoral schools or by submitting their own personal research proposal.Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for almost six centuries. Founded in 1425 by Pope Martin V, KU Leuven bears the dual honour of being the oldest extant Catholic university in the world and the oldest university in the Low Countries.Application Deadline: 9 November 2015Open to International students: Yes