The Belgium Government ARES Scholarship 2026-27 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity designed for international students from developing countries who aspire to pursue advanced studies or specialized training in Belgium. This scholarship program, funded by the Belgian government through the Agency for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (ARES), focuses on equipping professionals with enhanced skills and knowledge in development-related fields.
Basic Information and Application Deadline
The Belgian Government ARES Scholarship is available for the 2026-27 academic year. It covers specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs as well as short training courses. The Bachelor’s and Master’s programs typically last one year, while training courses span four to six months. The application deadline for the 2026-27 scholarships is 19th September 2025, with applications submitted online through the official GIRAF platform.
Universities and Institutions
The scholarship is offered in cooperation with higher education institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium. The program involves collaboration with 127 universities and academic centers coordinated by ARES, ensuring high-quality education and practical training.
Study Areas and Eligible Programs
Applicants can pursue:
- Specialized Bachelor’s degrees in fields like Business Data Analysis, Pediatrics, and Neonatology.
- Specialized Master’s degrees in areas such as Development, Environment and Societies, Human Rights, Aquatic Resources Management, Risk and Disaster Management, Integrated Risk Management in the Global South, International and Development Economics, Transfusion Medicine, Microfinance, Public Health, Environmental Science, and Transport and Logistics.
- Short-term training courses and internships in diverse fields, including Quality Assurance in Medicines, Health Systems Strengthening, GIS, Sustainable Construction, and Family Farming Innovation.
Belgium Government ARES Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship is fully funded and includes:
- Coverage of tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
- International return airfare.
- A monthly subsistence allowance of approximately €1,150 (~$1,230 USD) to cover living expenses.
- Arrival allowance.
- Visa fees and insurance coverage.
- Registration fees.
- Some exceptional costs related to visa applications or indirect mission expenses for training programs.
- Health insurance coverage during the study period.
Benefits Not Included
- The scholarship may not cover personal expenses beyond the monthly allowance.
- It does not cover family or dependent expenses.
- Costs related to leisure or travel outside the study program are not included.
Eligibility Criteria for Belgium Government ARES Scholarship
- Must be a national of and reside/work in one of the 31 eligible developing countries mostly in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Palestinian Territories.
- Be under 40 years old for degree programs and under 45 for training/internship programs at the start of the training.
- Hold a diploma equivalent to Belgian higher education standards: a first-cycle degree (180 ECTS) for Bachelor’s programs, and a second-cycle degree (300 ECTS) for Master’s and training programs.
- Possess at least two years of relevant professional experience in a developing country.
- Have good proficiency in French or, for certain courses, the language of instruction (English or French). Commitment to learning French for daily life interaction in Belgium is required.
- Apply for only one scholarship program/course per application cycle.
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Required Documents
- Completed application form via the GIRAF platform.
- Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts.
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional).
- Proof of employment or professional experience.
- Certificate of nationality or passport copy.
- Pre-project or motivation letter depending on the program requirements.
- Other documents as specified per course or training program.
Belgium Government ARES Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Visit the official ARES scholarship website and register on the GIRAF platform.
- Review the list of eligible programs and select the degree or training course.
- Prepare all required documents, ensuring certifications and translations if needed.
- Complete the online application form carefully with accurate personal, academic, and professional details.
- Upload all supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline (19 September 2025).
- Await selection notifications; shortlisted candidates may go through interviews or additional procedures.
- Successful candidates receive scholarship award letters and proceed with visa and travel arrangements.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start the application process early to gather all documents.
- Write a compelling pre-project or motivation letter that aligns with development goals relevant to your country.
- Demonstrate professional experience clearly with supporting evidence.
- Ensure proficiency in required languages and mention willingness to learn French.
- Follow all guidelines meticulously and double-check the application before submission.
- Apply only once per cycle to avoid disqualification.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
Living in Belgium as an international student generally costs between $920 and $1,550 per month depending on city and lifestyle, including:
- Accommodation: $370–$650 (varies by shared rooms, studios, or dormitories)
- Food: $250–$400
- Transportation: $25–$55
- Utilities: $90–$220
- Health insurance and personal expenses included in the monthly allowance provided by the scholarship usually cover these costs comfortably, especially in cities where institutions are located such as Brussels, Leuven, and Liège.
Why Choose This Scholarship? Five Reasons
- Fully Funded Opportunity: Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, visa, and insurance, allowing students to focus fully on studies without financial stress.
- Diverse Study Areas: Offers specialized training in development fields critical for emerging economies.
- Expands Professional Horizons: Provides international exposure and networking with experts in development and higher education institutions.
- Supports Developing Countries: Targeted at nationals of developing countries, aiming to foster sustainable development through education.
- Highly Recognized Program: Run by ARES funded by the Belgium government, ensuring credibility and career-enhancing qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can apply for the ARES Scholarship?
A1: Applicants must be nationals of eligible developing countries, residing and working there, under 40 years (or 45 for trainings), with relevant academic degrees and professional experience.
Q2: What programs are covered?
A2: Specialized bachelor’s, master’s, and short training courses in various development-related fields.
Q3: Does the scholarship cover all expenses?
A3: Yes, it includes tuition, travel, living allowance, visa fees, and insurance but excludes personal discretionary expenses.
Q4: How do I apply?
A4: Applications are submitted online via the GIRAF portal before the deadline on 19 September 2025.
Q5: Are language tests required?
A5: Good knowledge of French or the course language is necessary, and candidates must commit to learning French for daily life.
This comprehensive ARES Scholarship opportunity opens doors for international students seeking quality education and professional growth in Belgium with robust financial support and development focus.
If you are planning to apply, visit the official scholarship website and prepare early for the application to maximize your chances of success.
