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. This 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 higher education institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

Funded by the Belgian government through the Federation of Wallonia-Brussels, the ARES scholarships aim to foster expertise in areas crucial for development. The deadline for applications is September 19, 2025.

Scholarship Details and Benefits

The ARES scholarship program offers comprehensive financial support to selected candidates, including:

Round-trip international travel Living allowance Visa application fees (for Bachelor's and Master's programs) Tuition fees (for Bachelor's and Master's programs) Miscellaneous program-related costs (for continuing education) Comprehensive insurance coverage

The specialized Bachelor's and Master's programs are typically one year in duration, while the continuing training courses range from two to six months.

Who is Eligible?

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

Be a citizen, resident, and employee of one of the 31 ARES partner-eligible countries. 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 include 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.

Available Programs

The ARES scholarship supports a variety of programs, including:

One specialized Bachelor's program Ten specialized Master's programs Six continuing training courses

Application Process

The application process for the ARES scholarship is conducted online through the GIRAF platform. Applicants must create an account, complete the application form, and submit all required documents. The application is free of charge.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents with 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)

Expert Perspective: The Role of International Scholarships in Global Development

Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of International Education at the University of Oxford, emphasizes the critical role of scholarships like ARES in fostering global development. "These programs are not merely about individual academic advancement," she explains. "They are strategic investments in human capital within developing nations. By providing opportunities for specialized training and education, ARES and similar initiatives empower individuals to return to their home countries and contribute meaningfully to economic, social, and political progress."

Historical Context and Current Trends

The ARES scholarship builds upon a long history of international educational exchange programs aimed at promoting development. Following World War II, the Fulbright Program and similar initiatives sought to foster mutual understanding and cooperation through academic exchange. Over time, these programs have evolved to focus increasingly on addressing specific development challenges and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.

Current trends in international scholarship programs emphasize sustainability and impact. Programs like ARES are designed to equip scholars with the skills and knowledge needed to address pressing issues such as climate change, public health, and sustainable agriculture. The focus is shifting from simply providing access to education to ensuring that scholars are well-prepared to become agents of change in their communities.

Analytical Viewpoint: Addressing the "Brain Drain"

While international scholarships offer significant benefits, concerns remain about the potential for "brain drain," where highly skilled individuals choose to remain in developed countries after completing their studies. Dr. David Miller, a development economist at the London School of Economics, argues that mitigating brain drain requires a multi-faceted approach. "Scholarship programs should include provisions that encourage or incentivize graduates to return to their home countries," he suggests. "This could involve offering research grants, facilitating job placement opportunities, or providing mentorship and networking support. Ultimately, the success of these programs depends on creating an environment where talented individuals feel empowered to contribute to their own countries' development."

The ARES scholarship program represents a significant opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to enhance their skills and knowledge in fields related to development. By providing comprehensive financial support and focusing on areas of critical need, the program aims to contribute to sustainable development and positive change in the global community. Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements before submitting their applications by the September 19, 2025 deadline.