Applications are now open for the ARES Scholarship in Belgium for the 2026/27 academic year. This is a fully funded scholarship in Europe for international students and professionals, allowing them to enroll in specialized Bachelor’s, Master’s, and training courses at Belgian universities. The specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs last one year, while training courses are six months in duration. This program aims to deepen skills and knowledge in development-related topics; it is not a full-time degree program. The ARES Scholarship is funded by the Government of Belgium, specifically through the Federation of Wallonia-Brussels. Applicants must have already obtained a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree. More details are provided below.
Details About ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026/27
- Host Country: Belgium
- Program Name: ARES International Training Scholarships
- Funded by: Agency for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (ARES)
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Degree Level: Specialized Bachelors and Masters, and Short Training Courses
- Deadline: 19th September 2025
Financial Benefits
The Program Covers:
- Round-trip international travel.
- Living Allowance.
- Visa application fees (for bachelor’s and specialized master’s degrees).
- Tuition fees (for bachelor’s and specialized master’s degrees).
- Miscellaneous program-related costs (for continuing education).
- Comprehensive insurance coverage.
A Short Information about the ARES International Training Scholarships
Do you already have a higher education degree? Are you looking to gain professional experience and sharpen your skills in a field that helps with global development?
If so, the ARES scholarships offer a fantastic opportunity! You can apply to:
- Study for one year to get an advanced bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Take a shorter training course (from two to six months) to boost your knowledge.
All these programs take place at top higher education institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium.
Number of Courses
- One specialized Bachelor’s Program.
- Ten Specialized Master’s Programs.
- Six continuing training courses.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen, resident, and employee of one of the 31 ARES partner-eligible countries.
- Hold a higher education diploma.
- Possess at least two years of relevant professional experience in an ARES partner country.
Eligible Countries
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.
List of Required Documents
List of documents required for an application to be accepted:
- 2 recommendation letters (academic and/or professional)
- Certified copies of original diplomas
- Certified copies of original transcripts for all years
- Proof of occupancy for the last 5 years
- Certificate of nationality or copy of passport
- Pre-project (for certain courses – see course-specific admission conditions).
How to Apply for the ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026/27?
Applying for an ARES scholarship is free. Applications can be made online through the GIRAF platform. Follow these steps to apply:
- Create a GIRAF account: If you don’t have one already, create a Giraf account and have it validated by ARES.
- Access the application form: Log in to your Giraf account and go to “Application for international training” > “My tasks” > “Competitive calls” to find the application form.
- Complete the application: Fill out the application form. You can save and return it multiple times before submitting it.
- Submit your application: Once your application is complete, click “Submit my application.” After submission, you can view your application in “My submitted files,” but you cannot make any changes.