KU Leuven – Melbourne Call for Joint PhD Projects

Overview

In 2020, KU Leuven and the University of Melbourne (UoM) established the KU Leuven—Melbourne joint PhD program, providing opportunities for international research collaboration. The first cohort consisted of 12 supervisory teams supporting 24 candidates completing joint PhD projects in a wide range of research areas. Candidates benefit from access to international supervisory teams and high-quality research networks, and the opportunity to develop global perspectives.

Candidates participating in the PhD program are enrolled at both institutions, perform their research work under joint supervision, and are assessed according to the academic standards of both institutions. Upon successful completion, each candidate will be eligible to receive a PhD recognised by two testamurs – one from UoM and one from KU Leuven. Both testamurs will state the joint nature of the award and the name of the partner institution.

Following successful rounds in 2020, 2021 and 2023, KU Leuven and UoM are calling for proposals to establish up to 10 joint research projects across ten pairs of supervisors in 2025-26. Each of these ten PI pairs will support two (2) joint PhD candidates.

This call for joint PhD project proposals is open to applications from academic supervisors only. If you are a prospective candidate interested in applying for a joint PhD, please refer to the information available here.

Eligibility

The Supervisory team must comprise of at least two Principal Investigators (PIs), one from KU Leuven and one from the University of Melbourne. The PIs must have capacity to serve as primary supervisors for two jointly enrolled PhD candidates.

UoM academics

Melbourne academics must be registered to supervise as per the Graduate Research Training Policy (MPF1321). Principal supervisors should be employed at Melbourne beyond the envisaged submission date of their PhD candidates (2031). If their employment contract does not extend beyond the submission date, then alternative arrangements must be in place, by either having:

1. A named co-supervisor employed at Melbourne beyond the envisaged submission date of their PhD candidates (2031); or
2. A letter of support from the respective Head of Department/Head of School detailing the arrangements in place to ensure continuity of supervision.

For more information, including forms for supervisor registration, please consult the information for supervisors section on the Graduate Research Hub.

Honorary employees whose primary academic affiliation is with UoM are eligible to lead an application as a PI if they are a registered Principal Supervisor at UoM, and either:

1. Their primary employer has entered into a written agreement for this call to fund the Melbourne cash component of the collaborative activity ($10,000 AUD); or 
2. They participate at their own expense if they are otherwise unaffiliated (for example, they hold an emeritus position).

Melbourne academics must not have outstanding Progress Reports or Final Reports from any other University of Melbourne RDS or ICRA scheme.

KU Leuven academics

KU Leuven academics must meet the requirements of the General regulations and conditions: Internal Funds. The KU Leuven PI and main applicant will also become the ‘promoter’ of the doctorate at KU Leuven. KU Leuven co-PIs can become co-promoters of one or both PhDs

Supplementary notes for all applicants

Additional colleagues (including other partners in Australia, Belgium, or internationally) are not eligible to apply as PIs, but can participate as co-supervisers of joint PhD candidates. Involvement of shared external partners that benefit the project, for example through translation support or providing internship opportunities, is encouraged.

PIs cannot submit more than one proposal (for two joint PhD candidates) as part of this call but can co-supervise other projects.

Applications that do not satisfy these criteria will not be eligible.

How to apply

1. Review the guidelines

   Please review the Guidelines before submission.

2. Complete and submit the SmartyGrants application

   Step 1: PIs from Melbourne and KU Leuven should submit one jointly-prepared proposal in English via SmartyGrants by Friday 6 February 2026 5.00 pm AEDT (Melbourne) / 7.00 am CEST (Brussels).
   
   Applications should be written in English and for an audience proficient, but not expert, in the field.
   
   All Melbourne PIs must ensure that the Head of Department/School and Associate Dean (Graduate Research) endorsement is attached to the application using the Joint PhD Approval form available under Supporting Documents below (ADGR sign off is not required for MDHS applicants).
   
   ** Applicants from ABP, please contact abp-gradresearch@unimelb.edu.au for additional EOI steps. **
   
   Melbourne applicants who hold an Honorary position must also complete the Honorary Declaration form.
   
   If the application involves a Principal Investigator from the Faculty of Arts at Melbourne, the proposed project must first obtain Faculty pre-approval prior to submission to the University. As part of this process, the required approval documentation must include details of how the candidate will meet the Faculty of Arts PhD coursework requirements. 
   
   Step 2: KU Leuven PIs must also register their application via the link to GeDOCumenteerd by Friday 6 February 2026 5.00 pm AEDT (Melbourne) / 7.00 am CEST (Brussels).

Supporting documents

-  KU Leuven website:  GeDOCumenteerd – Research funding
- KU Leuven—Melbourne Joint Call Guidelines 2025-26
- KU Leuven—Melbourne SmartyGrants Application Form
- Joint PhD Proposal Approval Form (Note: ADGR sign-off is not required for MDHS applicants)
- Honorary Declaration Form
- Previous Awardees of KU Leuven—Melbourne Joint PhD Calls  ** UPDATED, 2025 Awardees **

Contacts