Pursue your higher education in Belgium with full financial support. Applications for the ARES Scholarships are now open, offering an outstanding opportunity for international students from developing countries to study in one of Europe’s most respected education systems. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the ARES Belgium Scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, and the complete step-by-step application process.
The ARES Scholarships are fully funded and cover all major study and living expenses. Selected candidates receive full tuition coverage, international travel, a monthly living allowance of €1,150, an arrival allowance, medical insurance, and a return travel grant of €700. These scholarships are available for specialised bachelor’s degrees, master’s programs, and professional training courses, making Belgium accessible to talented students who might otherwise be unable to afford studying abroad.
These scholarships are awarded by the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES), a public institution funded by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium. ARES brings together 127 higher education institutions and plays a central role in ensuring quality, cooperation, and international academic excellence across the region. Through this program, students from eligible developing countries can pursue a one-year specialised master’s degree or a 4-to-6-month advanced training program at top Belgian universities, gaining high-level skills that contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
ARES Belgium Scholarship Summary
The ARES Belgium Scholarship provides fully funded opportunities to pursue:
- Specialised bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Short professional training courses
All programs are focused on development-related fields such as governance, environment, education, public health, agriculture, and engineering.
Scholarship Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | ARES Belgium Scholarship |
| Funded By | Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) |
| Study Location | Belgium |
| Study Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Training |
| Program Duration | 4 years (Bachelor), 1 year (Master), 4 to 6 months (Training) |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | Developing countries |
| Deadline | Intake will open on January 8, 2026 |
Courses Offered Under the ARES Belgium Scholarship
Bachelor’s Programs
The ARES Belgium Scholarship supports selected specialised bachelor’s programs, including:
- Specialized Bachelor’s in Business Data Analysis
- Specialized Bachelor’s in Pediatrics and Neonatology
Master’s Programs
Students applying for the ARES Belgium Scholarship can choose from a wide range of master’s degrees including:
- Master’s in Development, Environment, and Societies
- Master of Specialization in Human Rights
- Master of Specialization in Aquatic Resources Management
- Master’s in Risk and Disaster Management
- Specialized Master’s in Integrated Risk Management in the Global South
- Master in International and Development Economics
- Master in Transfusion Medicine
- Master in Microfinance
- Master in Natural Resource Management
- Master in Public Health Methodology
- Master in Global Health Research
- Master in Environmental Science and Management
- Master in Transport and Logistics
Training and Internship Programs
- Agricultural innovation internship
- Internship in medicine quality and control
- Health systems research internship
- GIS and mapping internship
- Sustainable construction training
Eligibility for ARES Belgium Scholarship
General Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the ARES Belgium Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible developing country
- Be living and working in your home country at the time of application
- Be under 40 years for degree programs
- Be under 45 years for training programs
- Hold a university degree equal to a Belgian degree
- Have at least two years of professional experience
- Have strong English or French skills
- Apply for only one program
Eligible countries include Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Madagascar, Morocco, Niger, Peru, the Philippines, DR Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, and Vietnam.
Language and Academic Requirements
Some programs are taught in French, others in English. You must meet the language requirement of your chosen program.
You must also show that your academic background matches the program. If your degree is not related, your application will be rejected even if you meet other conditions.
What Does the ARES Belgium Scholarship Cover
The ARES Belgium Scholarship is fully funded and provides generous financial support.
For Bachelor’s and Master’s Students
- Round trip economy class air ticket
- Monthly living allowance of €1,150
- Arrival and return allowance of €700
- Registration and tuition fees covered
- Medical and travel insurance
- Reimbursement of academic travel expenses
- One-time mission support of €150
For Training Programs
- International travel cost
- Daily or monthly living allowance
- Arrival allowance
- Health insurance
- Training-related travel reimbursement
What Makes ARES Different from Other Scholarships
ARES is not just about studying in Europe. It is about development impact.
They want to know:
- What problem exists in your country
- How your training will help solve it
- How will you apply this knowledge after returning
Your motivation letter is evaluated more on impact than grades.
Documents Required for ARES Belgium Scholarship
You must prepare:
- Passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Two recommendation letters
- Proof of work experience
- Language certificate if required
All documents must be in French or English.
How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter for ARES
This is where most people fail.
Your motivation letter must answer three things clearly:
- What is your professional background
- What problem exists in your country
- How this ARES program helps you solve it
Do not write emotional stories. Write impact-based logic.
Bad example:
“I want to study in Belgium because it is a good country.”
Good example:
“I work in rural healthcare. This program will help me improve community health systems in my region.”
How to Apply for ARES Belgium Scholarship
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the ARES GIRAF platform
- Create an account
- Choose International Training 2026-2027
- Select one eligible program
- Fill in the application form
- Upload all required documents
- Review carefully
- Submit before the deadline
You can only submit one application per year.
Selection Process
ARES evaluates:
- Relevance of your profile
- Professional experience
- Motivation and impact
- Academic background
- Country balance
They are not looking for perfect students. They are looking for useful professionals.
Deadline for ARES Belgium Scholarship
The deadline is usually in September each year.
Exact dates are published on the ARES website.
Never wait until the last week.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Weak motivation letter
- No clear development impact
- Irrelevant academic background
- Not enough work experience
- Poor document quality
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the ARES Belgium Scholarship?
Applicants must be nationals and residents of ARES partner countries and meet academic, professional, and age requirements.
Does the ARES Belgium Scholarship cover tuition fees?
Yes, for specialised bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
Is the ARES Belgium Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it includes travel, living allowance, insurance, and sometimes visa costs.
How long are the funded programmes in ARES Belgium Scholarship?
Degree programmes last up to 12 months; short training lasts between 2–6 months.
How do I submit my application for the ARES Belgium Scholarship?
Applications are submitted online via the GIRAF platform.
Can I apply for more than one programme in ARES Belgium Scholarship?
No, only one application per candidate per call is permitted.
