# For incoming PhD candidates

**Source**: https://www.ugent.be/phd/en
**Parent**: https://www.ugent.be/en/programmes

## Interested in doing doctoral research at Ghent University?

All applications need the **explicit commitment of a Ghent University professor** who will act as your PhD supervisor.

There are two possibilities to start a PhD:

- Apply for an open PhD position
- Approach a specific professor

> Use [this roadmap](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch/roadmap/overview.htm) to discover all the relevant information and which steps you need to take.

## Topic, supervision, funding

- [Research topic](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch/research-topic.htm)
- [PhD supervisor](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch/doctoral-supervision.htm)
- [Doctoral advisory committee](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch/doctoral-supervision.htm#supervisory-team)
- [Funding opportunities](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/funding)
- [Recommended financial means](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch/recommended-financial-means-for-phd-students)

## Admission, fees

- [Diploma requirements](https://www.ugent.be/prospect/en/administration/application/requirement/phd.htm)
- [Language requirements](https://www.ugent.be/prospect/en/administration/application/requirement/languagerequirements)
- [Tuition fee](https://www.ugent.be/prospect/en/administration/fees-funding/overview.htm)
- [Bench fee](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch/benchfee.htm)

## Specific options

- [Joint PhD](https://www.ugent.be/doctoralschool/en/joint_phd)
- [Interdisciplinary PhD](https://www.ugent.be/doctoralschool/en/joint_phd/interdisciplinary-phd)
- [Exchange/visiting PhD student](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/globalsouth/exchange-phd/exchangephd.htm)
- [Doctoral Training Programme](https://www.ugent.be/doctoralschool/en/doctoraltraining)

## Start the application

- [Procedure for applicants](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch/enrolment-doctorate)
- [Procedure for supervisors](https://ugentbe.sharepoint.com/sites/intranet-onderzoek/SitePages/en/Aandachtspunten-voor-promotoren-van-een-doctoraat.aspx?connectsource=TopicNavigator)

## [Life @ Ghent University](https://www.ugent.be/en/facilities)

Includes housing facilities, restaurants, sport facilities, bicycle rent and repair\

## [Already a Ghent University PhD candidate?](https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch)

Read more about guidance and support, further administration, doctoral training programmes, ...\

## News

| 26 February 2026 | [Ellen Moons is Ghent University Alumnus of the Year 2026](https://www.ugent.be/en/news-events/ellen-moons-is-ghent-university-alumnus-of-the-year-2026 "Ellen Moons is Ghent University Alumnus of the Year 2026") |
| 27 January 2026 | [Kristof Cools wins ERC Proof of Concept Grant for simulation software](https://www.ugent.be/en/news-events/erc-poc-grantee-2026.htm "Kristof Cools wins ERC Proof of Concept Grant for simulation software") |
| 27 January 2026 | [Five years of ENLIGHT, five impactful achievements](https://www.ugent.be/en/news-events/five-years-enlight "Five years of ENLIGHT, five impactful achievements") |
| 15 December 2025 | [Ingrid Moerman selected as IEEE Fellow](https://www.ugent.be/en/news-events/moerman-ieee.htm "Ingrid Moerman selected as IEEE Fellow") |
| 9 December 2025 | [Ghent University hits milestone: 150 ERC grantees with 4 new winners](https://www.ugent.be/en/news-events/4-new-consolidator-grant-winners-2025.htm "Ghent University hits milestone: 150 ERC grantees with 4 new winners") |
| 17 November 2025 | [Diatoms are continuously having sex, and that's good for our planet](https://www.ugent.be/en/news-events/diatoms.htm "Diatoms are continuously having sex, and that's good for our planet") |

- [More news](https://www.ugent.be/phd/en/news-events/news)

## Events

- [Mar
  24

  Lecture 'Person-centred care and the human experience of ageing'

  Bibliotheek De Krook - Zaal Blauwe Vogel, Miriam Makebaplein 1, 9000 Ghent](https://www.ugent.be/en/agenda/charm)
- [Mar
  26

  Happening 'Breakfast café FEA: Sustainable and Fair Breakfast'

  Foyer 1.1 UGent, Campus Ardoyen, ,](https://www.ugent.be/en/agenda/breakfast-cafe)
- [Mar
  26

  Film screening 'Eat More Trees'

  Auditorium André Vlerick - Campus Tweekerken Hoveniersberg, Tweekerkenstraat 2, 9000 Ghent](https://www.ugent.be/en/agenda/eat-more-trees)
- [Mar
  26

  Workshop 'Docu night Fast Fashion and workshop Clothes Repair'

  Campus Coupure, Blok E, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent](https://www.ugent.be/en/agenda/fast-fashion)

- [More events](https://www.ugent.be/phd/en/news-events/events)