The Doctoral Scholarship Human Rights Law 2026 in Belgium offers a fully funded PhD position at the University of Antwerp’s Law and Development Research Group. This scholarship supports research in human rights law and global justice, with a focus on topics like universities as human rights duty-bearers, children’s rights, and equality. The position includes a monthly stipend, teaching support duties, and access to the Antwerp Doctoral School.
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking European university with over 20,000 students and 6,000 employees from 100 countries. It is known for pioneering scientific research and holds the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. The Faculty of Law provides a stimulating environment at the City Campus, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities.
Doctoral Scholarship Human Rights Law Benefits
- Doctoral scholarship for two years, renewable for another two years after positive evaluation.
- Monthly scholarship amount according to the pay scales for contract research staff (BAP).
- Access to a wide range of courses and educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- Ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- Work at the City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating environment.
Doctoral Scholarship Human Rights Law Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a law degree, a master’s degree in law or social sciences (with demonstrated knowledge of human rights law) by the start date.
- Submit a concise research proposal in English (2 pages) with problem statement, central research question, methodology, and core bibliography, addressing global justice and Global South dimensions.
- Demonstrate excellent study results in human rights law, substantiated with a detailed overview of study grades.
- Adequate command of English or Dutch for teaching support; Dutch preferred at least as a basic user.
- Teaching competences aligned with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
- Research qualities in line with faculty and university research policies.
- Willingness to apply for additional research funding.
- Ability to plan and organize own work, self-reliance, stress-resistance, and attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
- Motivation for professional development and interest in human rights law and global justice research.
- Deep knowledge of human rights law combined with research interest in the global (South) context.
Required document
- Motivation letter
- Two-page research proposal
- Detailed academic transcripts
- Academic curriculum vitae (CV)
How to Apply for Doctoral Scholarship Human Rights Law
- Apply through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform before Thursday 25 June 2026 (CET).
- Complete the online application form and attach: a motivation letter, a concise research proposal (2 pages), a detailed overview of study grades, and your academic CV.
- Note the interview date: Tuesday 7 July 2026.
- For questions about the online form, check the FAQ or email [email protected]. For questions about the job, contact prof. dr. Wouter Vandenhole at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Doctoral Scholarship Human Rights Law at the University of Antwerp. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the focus of the Doctoral Scholarship Human Rights Law?
The scholarship supports a PhD thesis in the broad domain of human rights law and global justice, with preferred topics including universities as human rights duty-bearers, new human rights duty-bearers, children’s rights, and equality and non-discrimination.
What is the duration of the scholarship?
The doctoral scholarship is offered for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, it can be renewed once for another two-year period, allowing up to four years total to complete the PhD.
What are the eligibility criteria for this scholarship?
Applicants must hold a law degree or a master’s in law or social sciences with demonstrated knowledge of human rights law. They need excellent study results, a research proposal, and adequate English or Dutch for teaching. Dutch is preferred at least as a basic user.
What benefits are included in the scholarship?
Benefits include a monthly scholarship amount according to BAP pay scales, access to Antwerp Doctoral School courses, ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, bicycle allowance or full public transport reimbursement, and a dynamic work environment at City Campus.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is Thursday 25 June 2026 (CET). Applications submitted after this date will be declared inadmissible.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a motivation letter, a concise research proposal of 2 pages, a detailed overview of study grades, and an academic CV through the online application platform.
When is the planned start date?
The planned start date is 15 September 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
What is the selection procedure?
The selection committee reviews applications after the deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be informed about next steps, and interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 7 July 2026.
Can I apply if I don’t speak Dutch?
Yes, but you must have adequate command of English or Dutch for teaching. If you do not master Dutch, you must agree to acquire at least basic user level in the short term, evaluated during the renewal process.
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions about the online application form, email [email protected]. For questions about the job itself, contact prof. dr. Wouter Vandenhole at [email protected].
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