The UCLouvain PhD Scholarship 2026 in Belgium offers a fully funded doctoral position in Political Science, focusing on inclusive political representation through the WEAVE research project. This joint programme between UCLouvain and Vrije Universiteit Brussel enables students to conduct qualitative participatory research with marginalized communities in Brussels, combining democratic theory and community engagement.
UCLouvain (Université catholique de Louvain) is one of Belgium’s leading universities, renowned for its research in social sciences and humanities. The Political Sciences Institute at the Louvain-Europe Institute provides a dynamic academic environment, and the WEAVE project is funded by FNRS and FWO, combining academic excellence with societal impact.
UCLouvain PhD Scholarship Benefits
- Fully funded four-year doctoral scholarship (48 months)
- Funding according to FNRS and FWO regulations
- Dedicated budget for qualitative fieldwork
- Conference participation funding
- Professional training support
- Research dissemination funding
- International academic networking opportunities
- Joint doctoral degree from UCLouvain and Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Supervision by leading political science scholars
- Access to seminars and doctoral training at both institutions
- Opportunity to collaborate with NGOs and policymakers
- Participation in a major European research collaboration
UCLouvain PhD Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- A Master’s degree in Political Science or a related social science discipline
- Final-year Master’s students are encouraged to apply
- Strong interest in political representation and democracy
- Demonstrated interest in qualitative and participatory research
- Excellent spoken and written French
- Excellent spoken and written English
- Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage
- Intellectual curiosity and initiative
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Willingness to conduct extensive qualitative fieldwork in Brussels
How to Apply for UCLouvain PhD Scholarship
- Prepare a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), CV, statement of research interests (maximum 1 page), Master’s thesis or another writing sample, academic diploma, and contact information for two academic referees.
- Combine all documents into a single PDF file.
- Email the application to the hiring team with the exact subject line: “PhD Position (4 years) in Political Science – Co-Designing Inclusive Political Representation”.
- Submit the complete application by the deadline of 31 August 2026.
- Only applications with the correct subject line and submitted on time will be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UCLouvain PhD Scholarship 2026 in Belgium. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the UCLouvain PhD Scholarship?
The UCLouvain PhD Scholarship is a fully funded four-year doctoral position in Political Science at UCLouvain in Belgium. It is part of the WEAVE project, which studies inclusive political representation by directly engaging communities in Brussels through participatory research methods.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides a four-year stipend following FNRS and FWO regulations, a dedicated budget for fieldwork, conference participation funding, professional training, and research dissemination support. It also offers a joint doctoral degree from UCLouvain and Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Political Science or a related social science field (final-year students may also apply). They should have strong interest in political representation, democracy, and qualitative research, with excellent French and English skills.
What are the language requirements?
Candidates must have excellent spoken and written French and excellent spoken and written English. Knowledge of Dutch is considered an advantage but is not mandatory for the position.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit the complete application is 31 August 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so ensure all documents are sent by this date with the correct email subject line.
How do I apply for this PhD?
Combine your cover letter, CV, research statement, Master’s thesis/writing sample, diploma, and two referee contacts into a single PDF. Email it to the provided address with the subject line: “PhD Position (4 years) in Political Science – Co-Designing Inclusive Political Representation”.
Where will the research take place?
The PhD researcher will be based at UCLouvain for the first two years and at Vrije Universiteit Brussel for the final two years. Qualitative fieldwork will primarily be conducted in Brussels, working directly with local communities and organizations.
Will I receive a joint degree?
Yes, the programme is a joint doctoral programme between UCLouvain and Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Successful candidates earn a joint degree from both institutions, with access to seminars, supervision, and resources at both universities.
What is the WEAVE project about?
The WEAVE project, “Co-Designing Inclusive Political Representation,” examines how democratic systems can better include marginalized voices. It uses a bottom-up, participatory approach to co-design solutions with communities experiencing socio-economic precarity in Brussels.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include a cover letter (max 2 pages), CV, statement of research interests (max 1 page), Master’s thesis or another writing sample, copy of academic diploma, and contact details for two academic referees. Recommendation letters are not needed at the application stage.
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