About the Program
KU Leuven invites applications for a fully funded PhD in Anthropology titled “Unpacking the Asylum Procedure in Its Intersecting Linguistic, Sociocultural, Psychological and Legal Dimensions (UNPACK)” at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology. This doctoral research position focuses on an ethnographic investigation of asylum procedures in Belgium, examining fairness in migration governance and institutional decision-making. The project is supervised by Professor Karel Arnaut and forms part of the interdisciplinary UNPACK research consortium, integrating anthropology, linguistics, psychology, and law. The research duration is up to four years and is based in Leuven, Belgium, with an expected start date of September 2026. This PhD offers distinctive opportunities for collaborative fieldwork within asylum institutions, interdisciplinary analysis, and international academic networking within a leading European research environment.
Program Details
- Position: Fully Funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: KU Leuven
- Department/Faculty: Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology
- Supervisor: Professor Karel Arnaut
- Location: Leuven, Belgium
- Start Date (Anticipated): September 2026
- Duration: Up to 48 months
- Funding: Fully funded salaried doctoral fellowship with employee benefits
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Anthropology
Research Focus/Area
- Anthropology of asylum procedures
- Ethnographic research on migration governance
- Institutional decision-making and bureaucratic processes
- Refugee and asylum systems in Belgium
- Interdisciplinary migration research
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Anthropology
- High proficiency in Dutch or French (C2) and working knowledge of the other language (B1)
- Fluent in academic English
- Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in migration, refugee studies, or state institutions
- Experience with ethnographic fieldwork
- Familiarity with multilingual or intercultural research environments
- Knowledge of languages spoken by refugee communities
Key Features of the Program
- Interdisciplinary collaboration across Belgian universities
- Fieldwork within real-world asylum and migration institutions
- Supportive international research environment
- Professional academic development and training
- Employee benefits, including travel reimbursement and allowances
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Apply online via the official KU Leuven application portal
Required Documents:
- Academic CV
- Transcript of records
- Motivation letter (maximum two pages)
- Copy of diploma
- One-page summary of Master’s thesis or recent publication
Important Dates
- Applications Open: January 2026
- Deadline: 15 March 2026
- Interviews (if applicable): To be announced
Where to Apply
- University Website: KU Leuven
- Official Notification: Click here
- Application Portal: Click here
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