Fully Funded PhD in Political Science at UCLouvain 2026 in Belgium: Study Inclusive Political Representation Through the WEAVE Research Project
UCLouvain and Vrije Universiteit Brussel offer a fully funded four-year joint PhD position in Political Science focused on inclusive political representation. Successful candidates will conduct participatory research in Brussels under the WEAVE project.
Overview
UCLouvain in Belgium, in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), invites applications for a fully funded four-year PhD position in Political Science. The position is part of the WEAVE Project: Co-Designing Inclusive Political Representation, which is funded by the FNRS and FWO. The research adopts a bottom-up approach to examine how democratic representation can better include marginalized communities experiencing socio-economic precarity in Brussels.
The successful candidate will participate in a joint doctoral programme spanning two universities, spending years one and two based at UCLouvain and years three and four at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, ultimately earning a joint doctoral degree.
Benefits
- Fully funded four-year doctoral scholarship (48 months) in accordance with FNRS and FWO regulations.
- Dedicated budget for qualitative fieldwork, conference participation, and research dissemination.
- Professional training support and international academic networking opportunities.
- Access to seminars and doctoral training at both UCLouvain and Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
- Opportunities to collaborate directly with NGOs, community organizations, and policymakers.
Eligibility
- Possession of a Master’s degree in Political Science or a related social science discipline, or final-year Master’s students.
- Strong academic interest in political representation, democracy, and qualitative or participatory research.
- Excellent proficiency in spoken French, written English, and spoken English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
- Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, independent working ability, and willingness to conduct extensive fieldwork in Brussels.
How to Apply
Applicants must combine their application documents into a single PDF where possible. The required documents include a cover letter of maximum two pages, a curriculum vitae, a one-page statement of research interests and project ideas, a Master’s thesis or writing sample, an academic diploma, and contact details for two academic referees.
Submissions must include the specific email subject line: PhD Position (4 years) in Political Science – Co-Designing Inclusive Political Representation. Applications lacking this subject line may not be reviewed.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 31 August 2026.