ARES Scholarships in Belgium Open Applications for 2026-2027 Academic Year

Applications are now being accepted for the ARES (Académie de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur) scholarships in Belgium for the 2026-2027 academic year. This fully funded program offers international students and professionals the opportunity to pursue specialized Bachelor's, Master's, and short training courses at higher education institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. The scholarships, funded by the Belgian government, aim to bolster expertise in development-related fields.

Funding and Program Details

The ARES scholarships are specifically designed for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas crucial to global development. The program does not offer full-time degree opportunities, but rather concentrated learning experiences to refine existing expertise. Specialized Bachelor's and Master's programs typically span one year, while training courses are structured for a duration of six months.

The scholarship covers a comprehensive range of expenses, including:

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

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for the ARES scholarship, applicants must:

Be a citizen, resident, and employee of one of the 31 ARES partner-eligible countries (listed below). Hold a higher education diploma (Bachelor's or Master's degree). 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.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application:

Two recommendation letters (academic and/or professional) Certified copies of original diplomas Certified copies of original transcripts for all years of study Proof of occupancy for the last five years Certificate of nationality or copy of passport Pre-project (for certain courses – see course-specific admission conditions)

Application Process

The application process is free and conducted online through the GIRAF platform:

Create a GIRAF account (if you don't already have one) and have it validated by ARES. Log in to your GirAF account and navigate to "Application for international training" > "My tasks" > "Competitive calls" to find the application form. Complete the application form, saving your progress as needed. Once complete, click "Submit my application."

The application deadline is September 19th, 2025.

Expert Perspective: The Role of International Scholarships in Development

Dr. Emily Carter, a Professor of International Education at the University of Oxford, emphasizes the critical role scholarships like the ARES program play in fostering global development. "These scholarships are more than just financial aid; they are investments in human capital," Dr. Carter explains. "By providing opportunities for individuals from developing countries to gain specialized knowledge and skills, these programs contribute to building capacity within their home countries, ultimately leading to sustainable development."

Dr. Carter also points out the importance of the program's focus on development-related topics. "Targeting specific areas like sustainable agriculture, public health, and environmental management ensures that the knowledge gained is directly applicable to addressing pressing global challenges."

Historical Context and Current Trends in International Scholarships

The ARES scholarship program aligns with a broader historical trend of international scholarships aimed at promoting global cooperation and development. Following World War II, programs like the Fulbright Scholarship were established to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through educational exchange. Over time, the focus of many scholarship programs has shifted to prioritize supporting students from developing nations and addressing specific development challenges.

Current trends in international scholarships include an increased emphasis on online and blended learning formats, allowing for greater accessibility and flexibility for students. There is also a growing focus on impact assessment, with scholarship providers seeking to measure the long-term effects of their programs on the careers and contributions of their alumni.

Analytical Viewpoint

While the ARES scholarship program offers a valuable opportunity for individuals from eligible countries, it's important to acknowledge potential limitations. The focus on short-term training and specialized programs may not be suitable for all individuals seeking advanced education. Additionally, the requirement of two years of professional experience could exclude recent graduates with exceptional academic records.

Despite these limitations, the ARES scholarship program remains a significant contributor to international development by providing targeted training and educational opportunities to individuals from developing countries. The program's commitment to covering a wide range of expenses ensures that financial barriers do not prevent qualified candidates from pursuing their educational goals. The deadline to apply is September 19th, 2025.