Applications are now open for the UCLouvain Incoming International Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027 in Belgium. The programme offers talented early-career researchers from around the world the opportunity to conduct high-quality research at one of Belgium’s leading universities.
Only 15 fellowships will be awarded for the 2027 intake, making this one of the most competitive international postdoctoral programmes in Europe. Successful applicants will receive funded research support for 12 to 36 months, along with access to UCLouvain’s world-class laboratories, research facilities, and international academic networks.
Researchers from all academic disciplines and all nationalities are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Scholarship Overview
- Partial Funding
- UCLouvain
- Fellowship
- All Subjects
- International Students
- Belgium
Degree Level
The fellowship is available for:
- Postdoctoral Research
Applicants must already hold a doctoral (PhD) degree before the fellowship begins.
Available Subjects
Applications are accepted in all academic disciplines, including:
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Economics
- Business
- Education
- Law
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Humanities
- Literature
- History
- Philosophy
- Interdisciplinary Research
Benefits
Successful fellows will receive:
- Tax-exempt postdoctoral fellowship funding
- Financial support for 12 to 36 months
- Social security contributions
- Insurance coverage
- Research operating budget
- Access to advanced laboratories and research facilities
- Membership in UCLouvain’s international research community
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Professional development within a leading European university
Note: The official programme does not confirm separate funding for airfare, visa expenses, accommodation, family relocation, or settlement costs. Applicants should discuss possible additional support with their host department.
Why Apply?
The UCLouvain Incoming Fellowship enables researchers to:
- Conduct independent research in Belgium
- Collaborate with internationally recognised experts
- Build long-term international research partnerships
- Access cutting-edge research infrastructure
- Strengthen their academic profile
- Increase competitiveness for future grants and faculty positions
- Publish high-impact research in their field
Eligible Nationalities
Researchers of all nationalities are eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Hold a PhD or doctoral degree.
- Have no more than five years of postdoctoral research experience.
- Be of any nationality.
- Meet the programme’s mobility requirement.
- Submit an original and high-quality research proposal.
- Obtain the support of a UCLouvain academic host or supervisor.
- Demonstrate strong research achievements appropriate to their career stage.
Mobility Rule
Applicants must not have lived, worked, or studied in Belgium for more than 24 months during the three years immediately before the fellowship start date.
This rule applies regardless of nationality.
Language Requirements
The fellowship announcement does not require IELTS, TOEFL, or another English language test as a standard eligibility condition.
However, applicants should confirm the working language requirements of their host research group before applying.
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed online application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- PhD degree certificate
- Detailed research proposal
- Publication list
- Academic transcripts (if requested)
- Host supervisor confirmation
- Recommendation letters (if required)
- Any additional supporting documents requested by UCLouvain
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Identify a suitable UCLouvain academic supervisor.
- Contact the potential host with your CV and research idea.
- Discuss the feasibility of your proposed project.
- Prepare a competitive research proposal.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit the application before the official deadline.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Scientific quality of the research proposal
- Originality and innovation
- Academic excellence
- Research achievements
- Quality of publications
- Feasibility of the proposed project
- Suitability of the host research environment
- Expected scientific or societal impact
- Applicant’s future research potential
Tips for a Competitive Application
To maximise your chances of selection:
- Contact your prospective supervisor early.
- Tailor your proposal specifically to UCLouvain.
- Clearly explain why the project should be conducted in Belgium.
- Present realistic research objectives for the fellowship period.
- Highlight your strongest publications and research achievements.
- Demonstrate how the fellowship will advance your academic career.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the UCLouvain Incoming International Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027 is:
23 September 2026 (09:00 CEST)