BAEF Doctoral Research Fellowship
Offered by Belgian American Educational Foundation
About this scholarship
The BAEF Doctoral Research Fellowship funds Belgian PhD candidates to spend twelve months conducting dissertation-related research at a U.S. university or research center during 2027–2028. The outright, nonrenewable grant provides a $35,000 stipend, and BAEF separately covers the fellow under its health-insurance policy. Applicants must be Belgian nationals enrolled in a PhD or equivalent doctoral program and, by July 1, 2027, may have completed no more than two years of doctoral study. They arrange their own U.S. affiliation and should secure a formal invitation from the research unit that best fits the proposed work. The application is assessed for academic excellence, a focused and feasible research plan, the scholarly value of working in the United States, recommendations, and English proficiency. Fellows are expected to reside in the United States throughout the twelve-month tenure, with the start date falling between July 1, 2027 and January 3, 2028. Candidates begin by submitting BAEF’s online eligibility form. Those who pass the eligibility screen receive a link to the application platform, where they provide an autobiographical essay, two-page project statement, rationale for U.S. research, host information, transcripts, and references. The application deadline is October 31, 2026.
Eligibility
- Hold Belgian nationality
- Be enrolled in a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree program
- Have completed no more than two years of doctoral study by July 1, 2027
- Arrange a twelve-month research affiliation with a U.S. university or research institution
- Propose a focused research project that benefits from being conducted in the United States
- Demonstrate an outstanding academic record
- Have a good command of English
- Complete BAEF’s eligibility form and full application by October 31, 2026