The ARES Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year in Belgium offers a remarkable opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in a vibrant and multicultural environment. This fully funded scholarship program is designed to support talented individuals from developing countries, enabling them to access quality education and gain valuable skills for their future careers.
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The ARES Scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, allowing students to focus on their studies and personal development. Participants can choose from a range of master’s programs and training courses in various fields, all taught by leading experts at renowned Belgian institutions.
By joining the ARES community, scholars will not only enhance their academic qualifications but also engage in meaningful cultural exchanges, fostering global connections and understanding. This scholarship represents a significant step towards achieving your educational and professional aspirations while contributing to sustainable development in your home country.
Who can apply?
The candidate must:
- Be a permanent resident and work in one of the 31 eligible countries (list below). Exception: Palestinian nationals are eligible even if they do not reside in one of these 31 countries.
- Be a holder of:
- For specialised masters and continuing education courses:
- hold a degree comparable to a 2nd cycle diploma (300 ECTS credits) from a Belgian university;
- For specialisation baccalaureates:
- hold a diploma comparable to a 1st cycle diploma (180 ECTS credits) from Belgian higher education.
- For specialised masters and continuing education courses:
- Demonstrate at least two years’ relevant professional experience in an ARES partner country.
How do I apply?
- Online via the GIRAF platform.
- Steps to follow to apply:
- Have a Giraf account (create one or use your account if it has already been created and validated by ARES).
- Access the application form by clicking on Application for international training 2026-2027 > My tasks > Competitive calls.
- Fill in the form (it can be filled in several times. You can find it in Competitive calls > My tasks).
- Submit your application by clicking on Submit my application. Once submitted, you will be able to consult your file in the My submitted files table. However, you will no longer be able to modify it.
Eligible countries
- In Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, DR Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
- In South America and the Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru.
- Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam.
- In Asia: Palestinian territory.
Duration?
- Bachelor’s and specialised master’s degrees: 12 months maximum.
- Continuing training: 2 to 6 months maximum.
Financial support?
The scholarship includes:
- International travel expenses;
- Subsistence allowance;
- Exceptional costs associated with visa applications (only for bachelor’s degrees and specialised master’s degrees);
- Tuition fees (only for bachelor’s degrees and specialised master’s degrees);
- Indirect mission expenses (for continuing education only);
- Insurance costs.
Call details
Download the reference document of the call for applications 2026-2027.
Appeal
An appeal may be lodged against any decision with the Council of State, in accordance with the procedures and deadlines prescribed by law.
