ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026/27 | Fully Funded
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026/27 is an exceptional, fully funded opportunity for international students and professionals from eligible developing countries to advance their education and skills at top Belgian universities. Funded by the Government of Belgium through the Federation of Wallonia-Brussels, the program offers one-year specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees as well as short professional training courses lasting two to six months. Designed to strengthen expertise in development-related fields, this scholarship supports participants in gaining advanced knowledge while fostering global cooperation.
Summary of Key Information
- Host Country: Belgium
- Funding Body: Agency for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (ARES)
- Program Types: Specialized Bachelor’s, Specialized Master’s, and Short Training Courses
- Program Duration:
- Bachelor’s & Master’s: 1 year
- Short Training Courses: 2–6 months
- Benefits: Fully funded (travel, living allowance, tuition, insurance, visa fees, and more)
- Eligibility: Citizens and residents of ARES partner countries with relevant work experience
- Application Deadline: 19 September 2025
- Application Method: Online via the GIRAF platform
About the ARES International Training Scholarships
The ARES International Training Scholarships provide a platform for degree holders who want to enhance their professional expertise in areas that contribute to sustainable development. Whether you are pursuing an advanced degree or aiming to acquire specialized skills through short-term training, the programs are tailored to help participants apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
All courses take place at prestigious higher education institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, offering an academically rigorous and culturally enriching experience.
Available Programs
For the 2026/27 academic year, the ARES Scholarship covers:
- One Specialized Bachelor’s Program
- Ten Specialized Master’s Programs
- Six Short Training Courses
These programs are carefully designed to align with development priorities, enabling scholars to return to their home countries with practical and impactful expertise.
Financial Coverage
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium is fully funded, covering all major expenses to allow participants to focus on their academic and professional growth.
Benefits include:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Monthly living allowance to cover basic expenses
- Visa application fees (for specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs)
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Program-related costs for continuing education
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for the duration of the program
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen, resident, and employee of one of the 31 eligible ARES partner countries.
- Hold a higher education diploma (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience in an eligible country.
Eligible countries include:
Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Guinea (Conakry), Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, the Palestinian Territory, Tunisia, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
Required Documents
When applying, candidates must prepare the following:
- Two recommendation letters (academic and/or professional)
- Certified copies of original diplomas
- Certified copies of academic transcripts for all years of study
- Proof of residence for the last 5 years
- Certificate of nationality or passport copy
- Pre-project proposal (required for certain programs—see course-specific requirements)
How to Apply
Applications for the ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026/27 are submitted online through the GIRAF platform. The process is entirely free.
Step-by-step process:
- Create a GIRAF account if you do not have one and wait for ARES validation.
- Log in and navigate to: Application for International Training > My tasks > Competitive calls.
- Access and complete the online application form (you may save progress and return later).
- Attach all required documents.
- Once complete, click Submit my application. After submission, applications can be viewed but not edited.
Application Deadline
The final date to apply for the ARES International Training Scholarships is 19 September 2025. Early submission is highly recommended to ensure adequate time for processing and document verification.
Why Apply?
This fully funded scholarship in Europe offers more than just academic advancement. It is a chance to immerse yourself in Belgium’s diverse cultural environment, network with global professionals, and acquire skills that can directly impact development efforts in your home country.
Official Application Link: Apply Here
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