Are you looking for a fully funded scholarship in Belgium for the 2027/28 academic year?

The ARES International Training Scholarships offer international applicants the opportunity to undertake specialized higher-education programs and training in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium.

The program is designed for professionals and graduates from eligible partner countries who want to strengthen their knowledge and professional skills in areas connected to development.

Unlike a conventional multi-year bachelor’s or master’s scholarship, the ARES program focuses on specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs and continuing education/training opportunities. The specialized programs generally last one academic year, while training programs are shorter.

Important: ARES application periods and eligible programs can change from one academic year to another. Always verify the current call and application status on the official ARES website before submitting an application.

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Quick Facts About the ARES Scholarship

ARES emphasizes that scholarship applications are free and that applicants should not pay individuals or organizations claiming to represent ARES in exchange for an application or selection.

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What Is the ARES Scholarship?

The ARES International Training Scholarships are intended to help professionals from eligible partner countries develop specialized knowledge and skills that can contribute to development in their home countries.

The training takes place at higher-education institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium.

Depending on the program, applicants may pursue a specialized Bachelor’s or Master’s program or participate in a shorter continuing-education course.

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What Does the ARES Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship provides substantial financial support.

For eligible specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, the support can include:

✈️ International Travel

ARES provides support for international travel under the conditions of the scholarship.

🎓 Tuition Fees

Tuition-related costs for eligible specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are covered according to the scholarship terms.

💰 Living Allowance

Selected scholarship recipients receive a subsistence allowance during their studies.

🛂 Visa-Related Costs

Eligible visa-related expenses are covered under the applicable scholarship conditions.

🏥 Insurance

Insurance costs are covered according to the program’s scholarship conditions.

📚 Program-Related Costs

Depending on the type of training, additional program-related expenses may also be covered.

The exact financial conditions can differ between specialized programs and continuing education, so applicants should consult the current official scholarship terms.

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How Long Is the ARES Program?

The duration depends on the program selected.

Specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s

These programs generally last one academic year.

Continuing Education

Training programs are shorter and may last several months, depending on the specific course.

Applicants should always check the individual program description because duration and admission requirements can differ.

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Who Can Apply for the ARES Scholarship?

ARES scholarships are intended for applicants from eligible partner countries who meet the academic, professional, nationality, residence, and program-specific requirements.

The requirements can include:

The exact criteria can vary depending on the program.

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Eligible Countries

The source information for this call lists eligible countries across Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean.

African Countries

The listed countries include:

Latin America and Caribbean

Southeast Asia and Asia

Important: Eligibility lists can change between scholarship calls. Always check the current ARES call before applying.

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Academic Requirements

Applicants are generally expected to already hold a higher-education qualification relevant to the program.

Depending on the selected course, this could mean holding a:

You should carefully compare your academic background with the admission requirements of your chosen program before applying.

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Professional Experience Requirements

Professional experience is an important part of the ARES selection process.

The information provided for the 2027/28 call indicates that applicants should have at least two years of relevant professional experience in an ARES partner country.

However, requirements may differ by individual training program.

Therefore, do not assume that meeting the general criteria automatically guarantees eligibility.

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Required Documents

Applicants should prepare their documents before beginning the application.

Depending on the program and your circumstances, documents may include:

Some courses may have additional admission requirements.

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Recommendation Letters

Applicants may be asked to provide recommendation letters.

These can come from academic or professional contacts who can explain your:

Choose referees who know your work well rather than simply selecting someone with an impressive job title.

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How to Apply for the ARES Scholarship

The application process is completed online through the ARES GIRAF platform.

Step 1: Create an ARES/GIRAF Account

Create your account on the official ARES platform.

Step 2: Validate Your Account

Follow the instructions provided by ARES to activate and validate your account.

Step 3: Find the International Training Application

After logging in, locate the relevant international training scholarship application through the platform.

Step 4: Select Your Program

Review the available specialized programs and training opportunities and choose one for which you meet the requirements.

Step 5: Complete Your Application

Provide accurate information about:

Step 6: Upload Your Documents

Upload all required documents in the requested format.

Step 7: Review Everything Carefully

Check your application before submission.

Step 8: Submit

Once you submit the application, changes may no longer be possible.

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Is the ARES Scholarship Application Free?

Yes.

ARES states that applicants do not have to pay an application or selection fee. Applicants should be cautious of anyone requesting money while claiming to guarantee an ARES scholarship.

If someone asks you to pay for “guaranteed selection,” treat this as a major warning sign.

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Why Apply for the ARES Scholarship?

There are several reasons international professionals may want to consider this opportunity:

For professionals returning to their home countries, the knowledge gained through the program can potentially support future career and development work.

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Important: This Is Not a General Undergraduate Scholarship

One of the most important things applicants should understand is that ARES International Training Scholarships are not simply a general scholarship for anyone wanting to start a bachelor’s or master’s degree from scratch.

The program focuses on specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs and continuing education/training, with applicants expected to already have relevant higher education and professional experience.

Therefore, if you have just completed secondary school and are looking for a first undergraduate degree, this may not be the appropriate scholarship for you.

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How to Improve Your Application

A strong application should clearly demonstrate why the training is relevant to your professional development.

1. Choose the Right Program

Do not apply simply because the scholarship is fully funded.

Choose a program that matches your academic background and professional experience.

2. Explain Your Career Goals

Clearly explain what you intend to do with the knowledge gained from the program.

3. Demonstrate Professional Experience

Show how your previous work relates to the program you’re applying for.

4. Prepare Strong Recommendation Letters

Choose referees who can provide specific evidence of your abilities and experience.

5. Check Your Documents

Make sure names, dates, qualifications, and other information are consistent across your application.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes when applying:

❌ Applying for a program you do not qualify for

❌ Providing incomplete documents

❌ Using inaccurate information

❌ Waiting until the last minute

❌ Ignoring program-specific admission requirements

❌ Paying unofficial agents

❌ Trusting anyone promising guaranteed selection

❌ Failing to check the official ARES website for updates

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Important Official Links

🇧🇪 ARES Official Website

Visit the official ARES website

🎓 ARES International Training Scholarships

Check ARES International Training Scholarships

📝 ARES Application Platform

ARES GIRAF Application Platform

Always use the official ARES website and application platform rather than third-party websites when submitting an application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ARES Scholarship fully funded?

ARES provides substantial financial support, including travel, living expenses, insurance, and other eligible costs depending on the type of program. Specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs have specific funding conditions.

Is the ARES Scholarship open to Africans?

Yes, applicants from eligible African partner countries can apply, provided they meet the nationality, academic, professional, and program-specific requirements.

Do I need work experience?

The 2027/28 information provided for the program indicates a requirement for at least two years of relevant professional experience. Always confirm the requirement for your selected course.

Can recent graduates apply?

Having a higher-education degree alone may not be enough. Applicants should check the professional experience and other eligibility requirements for the selected program.

Is there an application fee?

No. ARES states that applying for the scholarship is free.

Where will I study?

The training programs take place at higher-education institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium.

Does the scholarship cover travel?

International travel support is included under the scholarship’s financial conditions. The exact terms depend on the program.

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Final Thoughts

The ARES Scholarship in Belgium is an excellent opportunity for eligible professionals from partner countries who want to gain specialized knowledge and international academic experience in Belgium.

The program provides substantial financial support and can cover major costs such as international travel, living expenses, insurance, and eligible tuition or program-related expenses.

However, applicants should remember that this is a competitive scholarship with specific academic and professional requirements. Having a degree does not automatically guarantee eligibility or selection.

Before applying, carefully read the requirements for your chosen program, prepare your documents early, and submit your application through the official ARES platform.

Do not pay anyone who promises guaranteed ARES selection. The official application is free.

Good luck with your application! 🇧🇪🎓

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