ARES Scholarship 2026-27 applications are now open for international students and professionals looking to study in Belgium. This fully funded European scholarship offers a unique opportunity to enroll in specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, as well as short-term training courses at top Belgian institutions. The Bachelor’s and Master’s programs typically last one academic year, while the training programs span six months, focusing on development-related subjects rather than full-time academic degrees.
Funded by the Belgian Government through the Federation Wallonia-Brussels, the ARES Scholarship 2026-27 is designed to build practical skills and academic knowledge for candidates from developing countries. Applicants must already hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree to be eligible. This program emphasizes real-world impact through education, making it an excellent path for those aiming to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development in their home countries. Explore full details and eligibility criteria below.
Scholarship Summary
- Country: Belgium
- Host: Agency for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (ARES)
- Study Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 19 September 2025
Benefits
- Round-trip international travel.
- Living Allowance.
- Visa application fees (for bachelor’s and specialized master’s degrees).
- Tuition fees (for bachelor’s and specialized master’s degrees).
- Miscellaneous program-related costs (for continuing education).
- Comprehensive insurance coverage.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen, resident, and employee of one of the 31 ARES partner-eligible countries.
- Hold a higher education diploma.
- Possess at least two years of relevant professional experience in an ARES partner country
Eligible Countries
Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Guinea (Conakry), Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, the Palestinian Territory, Tunisia, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
A Brief Overview of the ARES Scholarship 2026-27 Training
Are you a graduate looking to deepen your skills and gain practical experience in a field that supports global development?
The ARES Scholarship 2026-27 offers an excellent opportunity to do just that!
Through this fully funded program, you can:
- Pursue a one-year advanced bachelor’s or master’s degree at a recognized university or institution in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Belgium.
- Join a short-term training program, lasting 2 to 6 months, designed to enhance your professional knowledge in key development areas.
Both options are hosted by top-tier institutions and are aimed at building future changemakers from developing countries.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic or professional journey — this scholarship might be for you!
Required Documents
List of documents required for an application to be accepted:
- 2 recommendation letters (academic and/or professional)
- Certified copies of original diplomas
- Certified copies of original transcripts for all years
- Proof of occupancy for the last 5 years
- Certificate of nationality or copy of passport
- Pre-project (for certain courses – see course-specific admission conditions).
How to Apply?
- Before anything else, make sure you qualify. You’ll need a degree relevant to the training program and professional experience (usually 2+ years). Citizens of eligible developing countries can apply—confirm your country is on ARES’ list.
- ARES offers 20+ specialized courses in Belgium. Browse their catalog and choose one program that aligns with your career goals. You can’t apply for multiple courses, so pick wisely!
- Submit Your Application Online
- Gather these essentials:
- A copy of your diploma (translated if not in French/English)
- A professional resume (CV)
- Two recommendation letters
- A motivation letter explaining why this scholarship will help your community
- Head to the ARES application portal when submissions open (usually around October 2025). Fill in your details, upload your documents, and double-check for errors—incomplete applications get rejected fast.
- ARES reviews applications over several months. If shortlisted, you’ll need to pass an interview (held in your home country or online). Final results come by June 2026.
- Winners get a scholarship covering tuition, flights, insurance, and a living allowance. Once confirmed, start your visa process ASAP—Belgian student visas can take weeks to arrange.
- Deadline Alert: Applications typically close in February 2026 (exact dates update yearly). Bookmark the ARES page to avoid missing out!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The ARES Scholarship 2026-27 offers fully-funded professional training in Belgium for developing country nationals. Covering diverse fields, it requires a bachelor’s degree, 2+ years experience, and has a competitive selection process with applications due February 2026.
What is the ARES Scholarship 2026-27?
The ARES Scholarship offers fully-funded training opportunities in Belgium for professionals from developing countries. It covers various fields through intensive 1-2 year programs at Belgian universities, including tuition, living costs, and travel expenses.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least two years of professional experience, and be citizens of eligible developing countries. Strong academic records and commitment to community development are essential for selection.
What fields of study are available?
The scholarship offers programs in development-related fields including public health, agricultural sciences, environmental management, and education. Each year features 20+ specialized training courses across different Belgian institutions.
What expenses does the scholarship cover?
The award includes tuition fees, international travel costs, insurance, housing allowance, and monthly living stipends. Additional support may cover visa fees and settling-in allowances upon arrival in Belgium.
How competitive is the selection process?
With thousands of applicants annually, selection is highly competitive. The evaluation considers academic merit, professional experience, motivation, and potential impact on the applicant’s home country.
What’s the application deadline for 2026-27?
Applications typically open in October 2025 and close in February 2026. Exact dates are announced yearly, so interested candidates should monitor updates to avoid missing the window.
Can I apply for multiple programs?
No, applicants must choose only one training program that aligns with their professional background. Submitting multiple applications will disqualify candidates from consideration.
What documents are required for application?
Required materials include certified academic transcripts, a detailed CV, two recommendation letters, and a motivation letter explaining how the training will benefit your community.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
A rigorous two-stage process includes document review followed by interviews. Final decisions consider academic potential, professional relevance, and commitment to development goals.
When will successful applicants be notified?
Selection results are typically announced by June 2026. Shortlisted candidates may need to complete additional steps like medical checks before final confirmation.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Scholarship Union shares publicly available scholarship opportunities for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any listed institution unless clearly stated.
Listings may come from public sources or user submissions. We do not guarantee their accuracy, completeness, or availability.
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