Postdoctoral researchers planning to work at Hasselt University (UHasselt) can explore several funding channels, including individual fellowships from FWO, European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), university-level BOF funding and industry-oriented schemes.
Main funding channels
1. FWO – Junior and Senior Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) offers competitive fellowships to help researchers develop an independent research career.
- Junior postdoctoral fellowship: for researchers who have recently obtained their PhD.
- Senior postdoctoral fellowship: for researchers with more postdoctoral experience.
- Fellowships typically last three years and include a salary and a research bench fee.
Applicants need a supervisor and an eligible host institution in Flanders. The 2027 call is open, with a deadline of 16 November 2026.
More information:
2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – Postdoctoral Fellowships
MSCA supports international research mobility, advanced training and career development for researchers holding a PhD.
- European Postdoctoral Fellowship: typically 12–24 months, hosted in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.
- Global Postdoctoral Fellowship: includes an outgoing research period outside these countries and a mandatory return phase to Europe.
Applications are developed jointly by the researcher and the host institution. Applicants must meet the programme’s mobility and research-experience eligibility requirements.
More information:
3. BOF UHasselt – University Research Funding
UHasselt’s Special Research Fund (BOF) offers opportunities to support postdoctoral research and international collaboration. The relevant options can include temporary postdoctoral mandates and mobility funding, depending on the specific call.
One option is the BOF postdoctoral temporary mandate, which can provide a one-year appointment to eligible FWO applicants who receive a scientifically favourable ranking but are not awarded an FWO fellowship because of budget limitations. Other BOF schemes may support incoming researchers or research mobility.
Availability and eligibility depend on the call and institutional conditions; some opportunities require an application through a UHasselt supervisor.
More information:
Additional funding channels
4. VLAIO – Innovation Mandates
These fellowships support researchers conducting PhD-level or postdoctoral research with a focus on translating scientific knowledge into industrial or commercial applications. The postdoctoral innovation mandate is particularly relevant for researchers working on technology transfer, innovation or collaboration with industry.
More information:
5. European Research Council (ERC) – Starting Grants
ERC Starting Grants support promising early-career researchers who are ready to develop an independent research programme and establish their own research team. They provide substantial project funding rather than a personal postdoctoral salary alone.
Under the 2027 programme, the eligibility window has been broadened to 0–10 years after the PhD, subject to the applicable rules. The grant can support the researcher’s team, including postdoctoral staff and PhD candidates.
More information:
At a glance
| Funding channel | Main purpose | Typical format |
|---|---|---|
| FWO Junior/Senior | Individual career development | 3-year fellowship |
| MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship | International mobility and training | 12–24 months in Europe; Global scheme includes an outgoing and return phase |
| BOF UHasselt | University-level support and bridging opportunities | Depends on the scheme; some temporary mandates last 1 year |
| VLAIO Innovation Mandate | Research with industrial application | Project- and call-dependent |
| ERC Starting Grant | Independent research programme and team | Up to 5 years |
