FSR Incoming Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027 at UCLouvain, Belgium (15 Fully Funded Positions)
The fellowship provides tax-free funding for up to three years, comprehensive social security coverage, research funding, and relocation support, making it one of the most attractive postdoctoral opportunities in Europe.
Application Deadline: 23 September 2026, 09:00 AM (Brussels Time).
About UCLouvain
Founded in 1425, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) is one of Belgium's leading research universities and among Europe's oldest and most prestigious institutions. The university hosts a vibrant international research community across multiple campuses, including:
Louvain-la-Neuve
Brussels
Mons
Charleroi
Namur
Tournai
The university is recognized for excellence in:
Sciences and Engineering
Health Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Social Sciences
Humanities
Technology and Innovation
About the FSR Incoming Postdoctoral Fellowships
The programme aims to:
Strengthen UCLouvain's international research dimension.
Promote transnational mobility of researchers.
Build long-lasting scientific collaborations and international research networks.
Support highly qualified postdoctoral researchers from around the world.
Number of Fellowships Available
The 2027 call will fund:
15 Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships
Each fellowship can last between 12 and 36 months, depending on the proposed research project.
Research Fields
The programme follows a bottom-up approach, meaning:
✅ All research disciplines are eligible.
Eligible areas include:
Natural Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Agricultural Sciences
Engineering
Medical and Health Sciences
Social Sciences
Humanities
Economics
Computer Science
Interdisciplinary Research
The research project must be conducted within one of UCLouvain's research entities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions.
1. Hold a PhD Degree
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree no later than: 1 May 2027
The PhD must have been awarded following the successful defence of a doctoral thesis.
2. Early-Career Researchers
At the reference date of: 5 February 2027
the applicant must have obtained their PhD no more than five years earlier.
Extension of Eligibility
The five-year limit is extended by:
One additional year per childbirth.
One additional year per adoption.
3. International Mobility Requirement
Applicants must not have:
Lived in Belgium, or
Conducted their main activity (work or studies)
for more than 24 months during the three years preceding the project start date.
4. Nationality
All nationalities are eligible.
Researchers from any country worldwide may apply.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship can last: 12 to 36 Months
The project must start within: 12 months after the call deadline.
Fellowship Benefits
The FSR Incoming Postdoctoral Fellowship offers an attractive financial package.
1. Tax-Free Fellowship
Researchers receive a: Tax-exempt monthly allowance
The amount depends on the fellow's experience.
For reference:
- Average monthly allowance in 2026 (for a researcher with two years of postdoctoral experience):€3,233.41 net/month.
2. Social Security Coverage
The fellowship includes:
Social security contributions
Personal liability insurance
Third-party insurance coverage
Coverage conditions vary depending on the country of origin.
3. Research Budget
Each fellow receives:
€2,500 per year
for:
Computer equipment
Research consumables
Scientific travel
Project expenses
Larger budgets may be requested if properly justified.
4. Travel Allowance
Researchers receive an annual relocation allowance ranging from:
€250 to €2,000 per year
depending on the country of origin.
Optional Secondments
The programme allows researchers to undertake:
Secondments to partner organisations
within:
European Union Member States
Associated Countries
provided that these secondments:
Benefit the research project,
Are scientifically justified, and
Remain aligned with project objectives.
Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
Mandatory Documents
Application Form
Europass CV
Narrative CV (maximum one page)
Publication List
Recommendation letter from home institution
Recommendation letter from an internationally recognized scientist
Recommendation letter from the UCLouvain host supervisor.
All application materials must be submitted as: One single PDF file and prepared in English.
Important Requirement
The application:
Must be submitted online,
Must be submitted by the UCLouvain supervisor, not directly by the applicant.
Additional Funding Requirement
Applicants must also apply to:
F.R.S.-FNRS "Chargé de recherche" Fellowship Call
which opens in: December 2026
and closes: End of January 2027.
Evaluation Process
Applications are evaluated in four stages.
Stage 1
Administrative eligibility check.
Stage 2
Preselection by the UCLouvain Research Council.
Stage 3
Evaluation by at least two international peer reviewers.
Stage 4
Interview by the Selection Committee of the Research Council.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
Quality of the Applicant
Scientific achievements
Publication record
Motivation
Recommendation letters
Quality of the Research Proposal
Originality
Relevance
Scientific impact
Methodology
Feasibility
Impact
Added value of the fellowship
Future research prospects
Suitability of the host environment.
Support for International Researchers
UCLouvain provides extensive support through:
EURAXESS Services
and the:
Louvain Welcome Desk
Services include:
Visa assistance
Residence permits
Accommodation support
Childcare information
Administrative guidance
Family relocation support.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Call Opens | July 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 23 September 2026 – 09:00 AM (Brussels Time) |
| Interviews | End of January 2027 |
| Fellowship Start | Within 12 months of the deadline |
| Number of Fellowships | 15 |
| Fellowship Duration | 12–36 months |
Official Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many fellowships are available?
The 2027 call will fund 15 postdoctoral fellowships.
2. Are all research disciplines eligible?
Yes. The programme follows a bottom-up approach and accepts proposals from all scientific disciplines.
3. Is there a nationality restriction?
No. Applicants from all countries are eligible.
4. How long can the fellowship last?
Between 12 and 36 months.
5. What is the monthly funding?
The fellowship is tax-free, with an average monthly allowance of approximately €3,233 net for researchers with two years of postdoctoral experience.
6. Is a research budget included?
Yes. Fellows receive €2,500 per year in research funding.
7. Can I apply directly?
No. Applications must be submitted online by the UCLouvain host supervisor.
8. Is Belgium residency allowed before applying?
Yes, but applicants must not have lived or worked in Belgium for more than 24 months during the previous three years.
9. Are family relocation services available?
Yes. UCLouvain provides support through EURAXESS and the Louvain Welcome Desk.
10. When is the application deadline?
23 September 2026 at 09:00 AM (Brussels Time).
Final Thoughts
The FSR Incoming Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027 at UCLouvain offer an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers worldwide to conduct high-quality research in Belgium while benefiting from generous funding, strong institutional support, and an international academic environment.
With 15 fully funded positions, tax-free salary, research funding, and opportunities across all disciplines, this programme is one of the most attractive European postdoctoral fellowship schemes for internationally mobile researchers.
Comments
Post a Comment