Applications are now open for the ARES Scholarship in Belgium for the academic year 2026/27. This fully funded opportunity is ideal for international students and professionals from developing countries who wish to pursue advanced Bachelor’s, Master’s degrees, or professional training in Belgium.
Funded by the Belgian Government through the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES), this scholarship offers a chance to study in top institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. The programs focus on development-related fields, providing high-quality education, professional skills, and practical exposure.
Program Overview
- Host Country: Belgium
- Program Name: ARES International Training Scholarships
- Funded by: Belgian Government (ARES)
- Degree Levels:
- Specialized Bachelor’s (1 year)
- Specialized Master’s (1 year)
- Short Training Courses (2–6 months)
- Specialized Bachelor’s (1 year)
- Application Deadline: 19th September 2025
What Does the ARES Scholarship Cover?
This is a fully funded scholarship, and it includes:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Monthly living allowance
- Visa costs (Bachelor’s & Master’s only)
- Full tuition coverage
- Health insurance
- Training-related expenses
- Accommodation & daily support during your stay
Programs Offered
ARES provides a total of 17 funded programs under this scholarship:
- 1 Specialized Bachelor’s Program
- 10 Specialized Master’s Programs
- 6 Professional Training Courses
All programs are hosted at renowned Belgian universities and institutions, focusing on practical skills and global development goals.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen, resident, and employee of one of the 31 eligible countries (listed below)
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Have at least 2 years of professional experience in a development-related field
Eligible Countries Include:
Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, DR Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Peru, Philippines, Guinea (Conakry), Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Palestine, Tunisia, Uganda, Vietnam, Zimbabwe
Documents Required
Prepare the following for your application:
- 2 recommendation letters (academic or professional)
- Certified copies of your degree(s)
- Certified transcripts (all academic years)
- Passport or national ID
- Proof of residence from the past 5 years
- Pre-project proposal (required for some courses)
How to Apply for the ARES Scholarship
Applications are free and must be submitted via the GIRAF platform:
- Create a GIRAF account: Sign up at the official ARES platform and get your account validated.
- Find the application form: Navigate to “Application for international training” > “My tasks” > “Competitive calls.”
- Complete the form: Save your progress anytime and ensure all documents are uploaded.
- Submit: Once complete, click “Submit my application.” No changes can be made afterward.
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