ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 (Fully Funded)
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 is now accepting applications from eligible international students and professionals who want to pursue advanced studies or professional training in Belgium. Funded through the Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES) and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the program provides fully funded opportunities for candidates from eligible partner countries.
Unlike a conventional full-degree scholarship, the ARES program focuses on specialized Bachelor's and Master's programs and continuing education courses related to development issues. Specialized degree programs generally last one year, while training opportunities are shorter.
The scholarship is designed for professionals and graduates who already have higher education qualifications and want to strengthen their expertise in areas relevant to development and international cooperation.
What Is the ARES Scholarship?
The ARES International Training Scholarships provide opportunities for professionals from eligible countries to study or receive specialized training at higher education institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium.
The program is particularly suitable for applicants who already have a higher education qualification and want to develop specialized knowledge that can contribute to the development of their home country or professional sector.
Applicants can apply for:
- A specialized Bachelor's program
- Specialized Master's programs
- Continuing education and professional training courses
These programs are not intended to replace a standard Bachelor's or Master's degree. Instead, they provide specialized academic or professional training for candidates who already have relevant higher education backgrounds.
Degree Level
For the 2027/28 intake, the program information lists:
1 specialized Bachelor's program
10 specialized Master's programs
6 continuing education courses
The exact academic programs and admission requirements can vary. Applicants should therefore carefully review the conditions of their chosen program before applying.
Available Subjects
- All subjects
Benefits
The ARES Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to successful applicants.
Depending on the type of program, the scholarship may cover:
Round-trip international airfare
Living allowance
Tuition fees for specialized Bachelor's and Master's programs
Visa application costs for eligible degree programs
Insurance coverage
Program-related expenses
Other approved costs associated with participation
The exact benefits can depend on whether the applicant is selected for a specialized degree program or a continuing education course.
Eligible Nationalities
According to the provided program information, eligible countries include:
Africa
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Ethiopia
Guinea
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Madagascar
Mali
Morocco
Mozambique
Niger
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rwanda
Senegal
South Africa
Tanzania
Tunisia
Uganda
Zimbabwe
South America and the Caribbean
Bolivia
Cuba
Ecuador
Haiti
Peru
Southeast Asia
Cambodia
Indonesia
Nepal
Philippines
Vietnam
Asia
Palestine
Important: Applicants should verify the current official ARES list and the eligibility conditions for their selected program before applying, as country eligibility and program requirements can change.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic and Professional Requirements
The ARES program is aimed at applicants who already have higher education qualifications.
Candidates should generally have:
A Bachelor's or Master's degree, depending on the selected program.
Relevant professional experience.
An academic background related to the selected course.
The ability to demonstrate how the training will contribute to their professional and development goals.
Some programs may have additional academic prerequisites or specific professional experience requirements.
Who Can Apply?
The ARES Scholarship is not open to applicants from every country. Candidates must meet the nationality, residence, employment, academic, and professional experience requirements established by ARES.
Applicants generally need to:
Be a citizen of an eligible ARES partner country.
Be a resident and employee in an eligible partner country.
Hold a higher education qualification.
Have relevant professional experience in an eligible partner country.
Meet the admission requirements of the selected program.
Demonstrate that the proposed study or training is relevant to their professional development and development-related objectives.
Applicants should check the specific conditions for their selected course because additional requirements may apply.
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before starting the online application. These may include:
Two recommendation letters from academic and/or professional referees
Certified copies of diplomas
Certified academic transcripts covering the required years of study
Proof of residence or occupancy for the required period
Certificate of nationality or a copy of passport
Pre-project or other course-specific documents, where required
Applicants should make sure that documents are complete and meet the format requirements specified by ARES.
ARES Scholarship Application Deadline
The application deadline for the ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 is 18 September 2026.
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day. Some documents, such as certified academic records and recommendation letters, can take time to obtain.
How to Apply for the ARES Scholarship 2027/28?
Applications are submitted online through the GIRAF application platform.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, confirm that your country, academic background, professional experience, and other qualifications meet the ARES requirements.
Step 2: Select a Program
Review the available specialized Bachelor's, Master's, and continuing education programs and choose the course that matches your academic and professional background.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Collect your diplomas, transcripts, passport or nationality certificate, recommendation letters, proof of residence, and any other documents required for your selected program.
Step 4: Create a GIRAF Account
Applicants who do not already have an account must create one on the GIRAF platform and complete the required account validation process.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Log in to your GIRAF account and access the relevant application section. Complete all required fields and upload your supporting documents.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Review your application carefully before submitting it. Once the application has been submitted, changes may no longer be possible.
Why Apply for the ARES Scholarship?
The ARES Scholarship offers an opportunity to gain specialized education and professional training in Belgium while receiving substantial financial support.
The program can be particularly valuable for professionals who want to:
Develop specialized expertise
Gain international academic experience
Build professional networks in Belgium
Learn about development-related approaches
Strengthen their qualifications
Bring new knowledge and skills back to their home country
Because the program focuses on specialized training rather than conventional full-degree study, it can be a strong option for experienced graduates looking to advance their professional careers.
Final Thoughts
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 provides eligible graduates and professionals with an opportunity to pursue specialized education or professional training in Belgium with substantial financial support. The program combines international academic exposure with practical knowledge in development-related fields.
If you meet the nationality, academic, and professional requirements, review the available programs carefully and prepare your documents well before the 18 September 2026 deadline.
