Doing a PhD
A PhD at the VIB‑KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience is an opportunity to immerse yourself in world‑class research while growing as an independent scientist within a supportive, international community. Discover what it means to pursue your doctorate here, from the training environment and mentoring culture to the scientific breadth that makes our center an inspiring place to launch your research career. If you're interested in doing your PhD with us, keep an eye out for Vacancies, apply to our annual International PhD Call, or reach out to specific Labs with an expression of interest.
Doing a PhD
PhD Resources at KU Leuven
A lively community counting over 1200 PhD students, more than 250 supervisors and a dedicated administrative staff, the doctoral school provides an integrated framework for PhD training and offers career perspectives for doctoral graduates in different sectors.
Doing a PhD at KU Leuven
Doing a PhD at KU Leuven
If you’re thinking about a PhD in neuroscience, this page gives you a clear picture of what doing a doctorate at KU Leuven actually looks like — from how the program is structured to what kind of support you’ll receive along the way. It explains the application process, funding options, training opportunities, and the university’s expectations for doctoral researchers. It’s a great starting point if you want to understand how KU Leuven helps PhD students grow as independent scientists while preparing for diverse career paths.
Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences
Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences
This page introduces the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences’ PhD environment — the home base for many neuroscience doctoral students. It outlines the faculty’s research strengths, training programs, and the interdisciplinary nature of biomedical research at KU Leuven. You’ll find details on doctoral schools, mentoring structures, and the scientific community you’ll be part of. If you want to work at the intersection of biology, medicine, and neuroscience, this page shows you how KU Leuven supports that journey.
Life at KU Leuven
Life at KU Leuven
Curious what your day‑to‑day life would feel like as a PhD student in Leuven? This page gives you a sense of the city, the campus atmosphere, and the international community you’d be joining. It covers housing, student services, cultural activities, and what makes Leuven such a vibrant place to live and study. For anyone considering relocating for a neuroscience PhD, this page helps you imagine yourself here — not just as a researcher, but as a person.
Biomedical Sciences Group
Biomedical Sciences Group
This page showcases the broader scientific ecosystem you’d be part of as a neuroscience PhD student. It highlights the faculty’s research institutes, labs, and educational programs, giving you a sense of the scale and diversity of biomedical research at KU Leuven. It’s especially useful if you want to explore how neuroscience connects with fields like molecular biology, imaging, genetics, and clinical research.
Doctoral Ombuds
Doctoral Ombuds
Doing a PhD is exciting, but it can also be challenging — and KU Leuven takes that seriously. This page explains the Doctoral Ombuds service, a confidential support system for PhD students who need help navigating conflicts, supervision issues, or difficult situations. It’s reassuring to know that the university has formal structures in place to protect your well‑being and ensure a healthy research environment.
Life in Leuven
Life in Leuven
If you’re specifically interested in joining VIB’s neuroscience community, this page gives you an insider’s look at what it’s like to live and work in Leuven as a researcher. It highlights the city’s culture, affordability, international vibe, and the supportive environment at VIB. You’ll also get a sense of the collaborative spirit, scientific excellence, and social life that make Leuven a fantastic place to start your neuroscience career.
International PhD Call
Each year, the VIB‑KU Leuven Center for Neuroscience welcomes a new cohort of ambitious PhD researchers to join its vibrant, international community and work on cutting‑edge brain research. Keep an eye out for the 2027 PhD call and take the first step toward launching your neuroscience career.
PhD Association
Our Center's PhD Association brings together all doctoral researchers to foster community, collaboration, and peer support across the center. Learn more about their activities and get involved in shaping the PhD experience.