ARES Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded | Study in Belgium

Are you looking to study in Belgium on a fully funded scholarship? Excellent news! Applications are now open for the ARES Scholarships 2025-2026, a prestigious funding opportunity for international students from developing countries. In this guide, you'll find complete details about the ARES scholarship program, its comprehensive benefits, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step overview of how to apply.

The ARES (Academy of Research and Higher Education) Scholarships are offered for undergraduate, master’s, and short-term training programs at top universities in Belgium. These fully funded scholarships cover all major expenses — including international airfare, monthly living stipend of €1,150, arrival and return allowances totaling €700, tuition fees, and health insurance.

Targeted at students and professionals from low and middle-income countries, the ARES Belgium Scholarships aim to foster academic excellence and international cooperation. Managed by ARES — a public institution under the Federation Wallonie-Bruxelles — this initiative supports over 120 higher education institutions, ensuring quality and coordination in Belgium’s academic landscape.

Whether you're planning to pursue a one-year specialized master's degree or a 4-to-6-month advanced professional training course, ARES offers the ideal platform to boost your career and contribute to sustainable development back home.

What is the ARES Scholarship?

The Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) is a public organization funded by the Federation Wallonia-Brussels of Belgium. Established by the “Landscape” decree on November 7, 2013, ARES brings together over 120 Belgian higher education institutions under one coordinated academic framework.

The ARES Scholarships are part of Belgium’s development cooperation efforts, aimed at supporting students and professionals from eligible developing countries by offering access to high-quality education in Belgium. Each year, dozens of students are awarded fully funded positions in bachelor’s, master’s, and short-term training programs.

These scholarships are tailored not just for academic excellence but for individuals who wish to return and create a positive impact in their home countries.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: ARES Scholarships 2025-2026

• Type: Fully Funded

• Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / Short-Term Training

• Host Country: Belgium

• Host Institutions: Accredited institutions in Wallonia-Brussels Federation

• Duration:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years

  • Master’s Degree: 1 year

  • Training Programs: 4 to 6 months

• Application Deadline: Opens in August 2025

List of Courses Offered

Bachelor’s Level

The specialized bachelor’s programs are designed for candidates seeking professional or technical training in specific fields. Available programs include:

• Specialized Bachelor in Business Data Analysis

• Specialized Bachelor in Pediatrics and Neonatology

These programs focus on applied knowledge and are ideal for students aiming to work in developmental and medical fields.

Master’s Specialization Programs

Master’s degrees offered under ARES are mostly one-year specialization programs. These courses are highly practical, designed for individuals who already have an undergraduate degree and some professional experience. The available programs include:

1. Master’s Degree in Development, Environment, and Societies

2. Master of Specialization in Human Rights

3. Master of Specialization in Aquatic Resources Management and Aquaculture

4. Master of Specialization in Risk and Disaster Management

5. Specialized Master in Integrated Risk Management in the Global South (IManHR)

6. Specialized Master in International and Development Economics

7. Master of Specialization in Transfusion Medicine

8. Specialized Master in Microfinance

9. Master of Specialization in Integrated Production and Preservation of Natural Resources in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas

10. Specialized Master in Public Health Methodology

11. Master of Specialization in Public Health Sciences – Research Methods Applied to Global Health

12. Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Management in Developing Countries

13. Master of Specialization in Transport and Logistics

Short-Term Training Programs

Short-term advanced internships and training programs provide practical exposure and knowledge in key development sectors. These include:

• Internship in Control and Quality Assurance of Medicines and Health Products

• Research Internship for Health Systems Strengthening

• Internship in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

• Internship in the Valorization of Secondary Resources for Sustainable Construction

• Methodological Internship in Support of Innovation in Family Farming

ARES Scholarship Coverage & Benefits

The ARES Scholarships are completely funded by the Belgian government, ensuring that recipients do not have to worry about financial constraints. Here's what the scholarship includes:

For Bachelor’s & Master’s Degree Recipients:

• Airfare: One economy-class round-trip ticket per academic year on an IATA-approved airline

• Monthly Living Allowance: €1,150 per month, for 12 months

• Arrival & Misc. Allowances:

  • €150 Indirect mission fee (one-time upon arrival)

  • €700 (includes arrival allowance, tuition, and return fees)

• Full Tuition Fee: Paid at current rates for DGD (Directorate-General for Development Cooperation) grantees

• Insurance: Fully covered by ARES

• Mobility Costs: Travel within Belgium or to other institutions (when part of course curriculum) reimbursed upon receipt

For Short-Term Trainees:

• Airfare: One economy-class round-trip ticket

• Living Allowance:

  • €83 per day (for 8–17 days)

  • €1,400 per month (for durations of 18+ days to 6 months, prorated)

• Arrival & Misc. Allowance: €150 Indirect mission fee

• Insurance: Fully covered

• Travel for Coursework: Reimbursed based on actual expenses with receipts

Eligible Countries

ARES Scholarships are specifically for applicants from the following developing countries (as listed by the ARES program):

• Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia*, Madagascar, Morocco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal

• Asia: Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines

• Latin America/Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru

*Note: Ethiopian candidates are eligible only for English-language training courses.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ARES Scholarships 2026, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Nationality: Be a national and resident of an eligible developing country at the time of application.

2. Age:

   • Under 40 years old for bachelor’s/master’s programs

   • Under 45 years old for training programs

3. Academic Background:

   • Hold a degree equivalent to a Belgian graduate-level diploma

   • Meet specific educational prerequisites for the program applied

4. Professional Experience:

   • Minimum 2 years of professional experience in a relevant field in your home country

   • Or 3 years if you obtained a postgraduate qualification from an industrialized country

5. Language Requirements:

   • For French-language programs: Must have a working proficiency in French

   • For English-language programs: Must demonstrate sufficient command of English

   • Willingness to learn French for living and integrating in Belgium is mandatory

6. Program Limit: You may apply to only one course or program per year

How to Apply for ARES Scholarships?

Applications are handled through the GIRAF online platform. Follow the steps below carefully:

Step 1: Create Your GIRAF Account

• Visit the GIRAF portal (link below)

• Create an account and wait for validation by ARES staff (this may take a few hours to a few days)

• If you already have an account from a previous year, you can reuse it or reset your password

Step 2: Access the Application Form

• After login, go to Competitive Calls

• Select the form titled “International training application 2025-2026”

• You’ll see the application listed under the “My Tasks” table

Step 3: Complete the Form

• Fill out all sections carefully: personal info, educational background, experience, motivation, etc.

• Use the “Save and Edit Later” option to complete over time

Step 4: Submit the Application

• Once ready, click on Submit my application

• After submission, the form is locked but still viewable under “My Submitted Files”

Step 5: Wait for Results

• ARES will contact selected candidates via email. Keep checking your inbox and spam folder.

Official Website

Visit the official ARES website to learn more, download program brochures, and access the GIRAF platform:

🌐 ARES Official Scholarship Portal

The ARES Scholarships 2025-2026 are a life-changing opportunity for aspiring scholars and professionals from developing countries. If you're passionate about creating sustainable change and bringing global education to your local community, don't miss this chance.

From tuition to travel to living costs — everything is covered. All you need to do is prepare a strong application and apply early. The next intake opens in August 2025, so start gathering your documents, refining your motivation letter, and get ready.

Stay tuned to our platform for step-by-step video guides, free samples, and updates on more international scholarships!