ARES Scholarships in Belgium 2026/27 – Fully Funded Opportunity for International Students and Professionals

The world today is facing complex development challenges, from climate change to economic inequality. To tackle these issues requires a skilled, knowledgeable, and globally aware workforce. For international students and professionals aiming to expand their expertise in development-related fields, the ARES Scholarships in Belgium 2026/27 present an outstanding opportunity.

This scholarship is funded by the Government of Belgium through the Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES) and this program is designed to support individuals from 31 eligible countries who have a strong academic background and a clear professional commitment to sustainable development.

ARES scholarship is not like other traditional academic degrees but this offers specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs as well as short-term training courses. These are targeted programs that provide practical and academic knowledge in areas that directly impact global development.

Whether you’re a mid-career professional looking to enhance your skill set or a recent graduate aiming to gain practical experience, this fully funded scholarship can help you gain access to world-class education, international networks, and new career opportunities in Belgium.

Interested candidates can apply for this scholarship before the deadline September 19, 2025.

Let’s take a closer look at the scholarship’s details, eligibility requirements, benefits, and how you can apply.

About the ARES Scholarships 2026/27

The ARES International Training Scholarships provide selected candidates with an opportunity to enroll in specialized one-year Bachelor’s or Master’s programs, or short training courses lasting between two and six months.

All programs are hosted by higher education institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium and focus on development-related themes such as public health, education, environment, economics, and more.

These scholarships are not meant for full-degree programs but for targeted academic enrichment and practical training to help professionals apply knowledge in real-world contexts.

Quick Overview

Host Country	Belgium
Scholarship Name	ARES International Training Scholarships
Funded By	Government of Belgium (ARES)
Degree Levels	Specialized Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Training Courses
Duration	Bachelor’s & Master’s: 1 Year Short Courses: 2–6 Months
Deadline to Apply	September 19, 2025
Application Mode	Online via GIRAF Platform
Funding Type	Fully Funded

Programs Offered

ARES offers a variety of programs through its scholarship scheme, including:

• 1 Specialized Bachelor’s Program
• 10 Specialized Master’s Programs
• 6 Short Continuing Training Courses

Each program focuses on professional training and academic development in areas aligned with global development priorities.

ALSO READ: Chevening Scholarship 2026 in UK

Scholarship Benefits

Selected applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package that covers:

• Full round-trip international airfare
• Monthly living allowance throughout the program
• Full coverage of visa application fees
• Tuition fee exemption for eligible programs
• Coverage of academic-related costs for short courses
• Full health and accident insurance during the program

These benefits are designed to eliminate financial barriers and help scholars focus entirely on their academic and professional growth.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be citizens of one of the following 31 ARES partner countries:

Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea (Conakry), Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Palestine, Philippines, Vietnam
Latin America & Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ARES International Training Scholarship 2026/27, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Candidates must be a citizen, resident, and employee of an ARES partner country
• Hold a higher education diploma (Bachelor’s or equivalent)
• Have at least two years of relevant professional experience
• Not have previously received the same or equivalent ARES scholarship
• Demonstrate a clear connection between their professional activities and development objectives
• Apply for a program that aligns with their field of expertise

Required Documents

Your application must include the following:

• Two recommendation letters (academic or professional)
• Certified copies of all higher education diplomas
• Certified academic transcripts
• Proof of residence for the past five years
• Copy of passport or a certificate of nationality
• Pre-project proposal (required for some specific programs)

Make sure all documents are clearly scanned and uploaded in the appropriate sections of the online application form.

Application Process

Applying for the ARES Scholarship is completely free and must be done via the GIRAF online platform. Follow these steps:

1. Create a GIRAF account: If you don’t already have one, sign up at the official ARES platform and wait for validation.
2. Access the application form: Once your account is approved, log in and navigate to “Application for international training” → “My tasks” → “Competitive calls.”
3. Fill in the form: Complete all sections of the form. You can save and return later before final submission.
4. Submit the application: Once you’ve completed all parts, submit the application. Note: You won’t be able to edit it after submission.
5. Check application status: You can monitor the status under “My submitted files.”

Application deadline: September 19, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions