ARES Scholarships in Belgium Open Applications for 2026/27 Academic Year Applications are being accepted for the ARES (Académie de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur) scholarships in Belgium for the 2026/27 academic year. The fully funded program provides international students and professionals from developing countries the opportunity to pursue specialized Bachelor's, Master's, and short training courses at institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

Funded by the Belgian government, specifically the Federation of Wallonia-Brussels, the ARES scholarships aim to foster expertise in development-related fields. The program is not designed for full-time degree programs, but rather for deepening existing skills and knowledge through focused, specialized study. The deadline for applications is September 19th, 2025.

Scholarship Details and Benefits The ARES scholarship program offers a comprehensive package of financial support to selected candidates, including:

Round-trip international travel Living allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses Visa application fees (for Bachelor's and specialized Master's programs) Tuition fees (for Bachelor's and specialized Master's programs) Miscellaneous program-related costs (for continuing education courses) Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of the program

Program Structure and Course Offerings The ARES program encompasses a variety of specialized study options:

One-year specialized Bachelor's programs One-year specialized Master's programs Short training courses lasting between two and six months

These programs are designed to provide targeted skill development and knowledge enhancement in areas crucial for global development, allowing participants to return to their home countries equipped to contribute meaningfully to their respective fields.

Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the ARES scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a citizen, resident, and employee of one of the 31 eligible ARES partner countries (see complete list 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.

Application Process The application process for the ARES scholarship is conducted online through the GIRAF platform. The steps involved are as follows:

Create a GIRAF account: If you do not already have one, create an account on the GIRAF platform and ensure it is validated by ARES. Access the application form: Log in to your GIRAF account and navigate to "Application for international training" > "My tasks" > "Competitive calls" to locate the application form. Complete the application: Fill out the application form thoroughly, saving your progress as needed before final submission. Submit your application: Once the application is complete, click "Submit my application." After submission, the application can be viewed in "My submitted files," but no further changes can be made.

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 5 years. Certificate of nationality or copy of passport. Pre-project (for certain courses – see course-specific admission conditions).

Historical Context and Significance The ARES scholarship program builds upon a long history of international development cooperation between Belgium and developing nations. Since the mid-20th century, Belgium has actively supported educational initiatives aimed at building capacity and fostering sustainable development in partner countries. This scholarship program is a continuation of that commitment, providing opportunities for individuals from developing nations to gain specialized knowledge and skills that can contribute to their countries' progress.

Expert Perspective Dr. Emily Carter, Professor of International Education at the University of Brussels, emphasizes the importance of such programs. "Scholarship initiatives like ARES are crucial for fostering global collaboration and addressing critical development challenges. By providing opportunities for individuals from developing countries to access high-quality education and training, we are empowering them to become agents of change in their communities and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world."

Analytical Viewpoint While the ARES scholarship offers significant benefits, some analysts point out the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation to ensure its effectiveness. "It's essential to track the long-term impact of these scholarships on the career trajectories of recipients and their contributions to their home countries," notes David Laurent, an independent consultant specializing in international development. "Regular assessment of the program's alignment with the evolving needs of partner countries is also vital to maximize its impact."

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the ARES website for detailed information about the program, eligible courses, and application guidelines.