ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 (Fully Funded)
Studying in Belgium can be expensive. For many students, the tuition fees, travel, living costs, and other expenses can be difficult to manage. The ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 gives eligible students and professionals a chance to study or take special training in Belgium with many major costs covered.
The ARES International Training Scholarships are funded by the Government of Belgium through the Federation of Wallonia-Brussels.
The program is for people who already have a higher education degree and want to improve their knowledge and professional skills in development-related fields.
For the 2027/28 academic year, applicants can apply for specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs or shorter training courses.
The application is free, and the deadline is 18 September 2026.
In this article, you will learn about the eligibility requirements, scholarship benefits, eligible countries, required documents, and how to apply.
ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 – Quick Details
| Scholarship | ARES International Training Scholarships |
| Host Country | Belgium |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Funded By | Government of Belgium |
| Study Level | Specialized Bachelor’s, Master’s & Training |
| Bachelor’s Duration | 1 year |
| Master’s Duration | 1 year |
| Training Duration | 2–6 months |
| Eligible Countries | 32 |
| Experience Required | At least 2 years |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Application Platform | GIRAF |
| Deadline | 18 September 2026 |
What Is the ARES Scholarship?
The ARES Scholarship is an international education and training opportunity for people from selected ARES partner countries.
Unlike a traditional long-term university scholarship, ARES focuses on specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs and short professional training courses.
There are:
- 1 Specialized Bachelor’s program
- 10 Specialized Master’s programs
- 6 Continuing training courses
The Bachelor’s and Master’s programs last one year, while training courses can last between two and six months.
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ARES Scholarship Benefits
Selected participants can receive several financial benefits, depending on their program.
The scholarship covers:
- Round-trip international travel
- Living allowance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Tuition fees for specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
- Visa application fees for specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
- Certain program-related costs for continuing education
Because coverage can differ between programs, applicants should check the requirements and benefits of their chosen course.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for the ARES Scholarship, applicants must generally:
- Candidates must be a citizen, resident, and employee of one of the 32 eligible countries.
- Candidates must hold a higher education diploma.
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience in an ARES partner country.
This means the scholarship is mainly intended for graduates and professionals who already have some experience in their field.
Eligible Countries
The 32 eligible countries listed in the provided information are:
Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, DR Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
South America & Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, and Peru.
Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Asia: Palestine.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Two academic and/or professional recommendation letters
- Certified copies of original diplomas
- Certified copies of transcripts for all years of study
- Proof of occupancy for the last five years
- Certificate of nationality or passport copy
- Pre-project, if required by the selected course
Check the specific course requirements before submitting your application, as some programs may ask for additional documents.
How to Apply for the ARES Scholarship?
The application is free and is completed online through the GIRAF platform.
Step 1: Create a GIRAF Account
Create a GIRAF account if you don’t already have one and complete the required validation.
Step 2: Find the Application
Log in and go to:
Application for international training → My tasks → Competitive calls
Step 3: Complete the Form
Fill in the application and upload your required documents. You can save the application and return to it later.
Step 4: Submit
When everything is ready, click “Submit my application.”
After submission, you can view your application under “My submitted files.” Keep in mind that you cannot make changes after submitting it.
ARES Scholarship Deadline 2027/28
The deadline to apply for the ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 is: 18 September 2026
Don’t wait until the last day. Certified documents and recommendation letters can take time to arrange, so it is better to start early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ARES Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The ARES program is described as fully funded and provides benefits such as travel, living support, insurance, and certain tuition and visa costs. Coverage depends on the program.
Is the ARES application free?
Yes. There is no application fee.
How long are ARES programs?
Specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs last one year. Training courses last approximately 2–6 months.
How much work experience is required?
Applicants need at least two years of relevant professional experience in an ARES partner country.
Final Thoughts
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 is a valuable opportunity for eligible graduates and professionals who want to gain specialized education or professional training in Belgium.
With financial support for travel, living expenses, insurance, and other eligible costs, it can make international study much more accessible.
If you meet the requirements, start preparing your documents early and carefully check the conditions of your chosen program before submitting your application.
Application Deadline: 18 September 2026
