ARES Belgium Scholarships 2026–2027: Fully Funded Opportunities for International Students

The ARES (Academy of Research and Higher Education) Belgium Scholarships provide a prestigious chance for professionals and graduates from developing countries to pursue advanced education in Belgium. Funded by the Belgian government through the Federation Wallonia-Brussels, these scholarships aim to enhance skills and knowledge in development-related fields.

Program Overview

The ARES scholarships are available for:

• Advanced Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees: One-year programs culminating in an academic degree.
• Continuing Education Programs: Practical, short-term courses lasting 2 to 6 months, leading to a professional certificate.

These programs are hosted by renowned higher education institutions across Belgium and focus on development-related fields.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be citizens, residents, and employees of one of the following 31 countries:

Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe.

South America & Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru.

Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam.

Asia: Palestinian territories.

Available Programs

The ARES scholarships cover a wide range of programs, including:

• Specialized Bachelor’s Programs: e.g., Business Data Analysis.
• Advanced Master’s Programs: e.g., Human Rights, Integrated Health Risk Management, Microfinance, Public Health Methodology.
• Continuing Education Programs: e.g., Data Science for Global Health, Transitional Justice, Digital University Pedagogy, Open-Source GIS, Quality Assurance in Medicines.

All programs are taught in English.

Scholarship Benefits

The ARES scholarships are fully funded and include:

• Tuition Fees: Covered for advanced bachelor’s and master’s programs.
• Living Allowance: €1,150 per month for the program duration.
• Travel Expenses: Round-trip economy airfare and visa fees.
• Insurance: Comprehensive coverage during the study period.
• Miscellaneous Costs: Indirect mission costs and settling-in allowances for continuing education programs.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be under 40 years old for degree programs and under 45 years old for training courses.
• Hold a higher education diploma equivalent to a Belgian bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Have at least two years of relevant professional experience in an eligible country.
• Demonstrate English proficiency sufficient to follow the course content.
• Be a citizen, resident, and employee of one of the eligible countries.

Application Process

1. Create a GIRAF Account: Register on the official ARES application portal.
2. Access the Application Form: Navigate to the “My Task” tab to find the form.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the form and upload all required documents.
4. Submit the Application: Review carefully before submission, as changes cannot be made afterward.

Application Deadline: 19th September 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply for multiple programs under the ARES scholarships?
A1: No, applicants are allowed to apply for only one program.

Q2: Are there language requirements?
A2: Proficiency in English is necessary to follow the course content, but specific language tests are not mandatory.

Q3: Is there an age limit for applicants?
A3: Yes, under 40 for degree programs and under 45 for training courses.

Q4: Do I need to secure university admission before applying?
A4: No, ARES will place successful candidates in the most suitable institution within its network.

Q5: Are there any gender-specific requirements?
A5: No, though women are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

For detailed information and to apply, visit the official ARES website: ARES International Training Scholarships