Study in Belgium for Free: Fully Funded ARES Scholarships 2026 for Bachelor’s, Master’s & Training Programs

Are you a professional from a developing country seeking to advance your academic and professional journey in Europe? The 2026 edition of the ARES Scholarship Programme in Belgium presents an outstanding opportunity to pursue higher education in one of Europe’s most reputable academic environments. Funded by the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, this fully funded scholarship is specifically tailored for citizens of developing countries, offering a gateway to high-quality education and professional growth.

This comprehensive guide provides in-depth details about the ARES Scholarship, including its scope, eligibility criteria, benefits, available programs, and a step-by-step guide on how to successfully apply for the 2026 intake.

Overview of the ARES Scholarship Program

The ARES (Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur) Scholarship is a prestigious initiative that enables eligible individuals from developing countries to undertake advanced bachelor’s or master’s degree programs, as well as continuing education courses lasting between two to six months, in institutions affiliated with the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium.

The scholarship program is geared towards enhancing capacity building and knowledge exchange by providing academic and professional training in development-related fields. It encourages international cooperation and sustainable development by equipping professionals with relevant skills to address pressing challenges in their home countries.

Scholarship Host Country

Belgium

Study Region

Wallonia-Brussels Federation, a French-speaking region of Belgium, renowned for its academic excellence and cultural diversity.

Academic Categories Covered

Undergraduate Scholarships (Specialization Bachelor’s)

Postgraduate Scholarships (Specialized Master’s)

Continuing Education Scholarships (Professional Training Programs)

Fields of Study

ARES Scholarships are offered in a wide range of fields, particularly those aligned with development priorities. Eligible study areas include but are not limited to:

Agriculture and Rural Development

Food Security and Nutrition

Public Health and Health Systems

Aquaculture

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Environment and Natural Resource Management

Economics and International Development

Human Rights and Governance

Microfinance

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Climate Change and Sustainability

Renewable Energy

Water Resources Management

Target Audience

The ARES Scholarship is designed for nationals from ARES partner developing countries who:

Possess a higher education degree equivalent to the Belgian 1st 2nd cycle diploma.

Have relevant professional experience (minimum of two years).

Seek to deepen their skills and expertise in development-oriented fields.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ARES Scholarship 2026, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

1. Nationality & Residency

Must be a national, resident, and working in one of the 31 eligible countries listed under the ARES partnership (see list below).

2. Educational Qualifications

For Specialized Master’s and Continuing Education Programs:

Hold a degree equivalent to a 2nd cycle diploma (300 ECTS credits) awarded by a Belgian university.

For Specialization Bachelor’s Programs:

Hold a diploma comparable to a 1st cycle diploma (180 ECTS credits) from a Belgian higher education institution.

3. Professional Experience

Demonstrate at least two years of relevant professional experience after completion of higher education.

Work in an area related to the field of study applied for.

4. Language Proficiency

Although IELTS is not required, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of French or English, depending on the language of instruction of the chosen program.

5. Application Limits

An applicant may apply for only one program per academic year.

Previous recipients of ARES scholarships are not eligible to reapply

Eligible Countries for 2026 ARES Scholarships

Africa:

Benin

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cameroon

Democratic Republic of Congo

Ethiopia

Guinea

Kenya

Madagascar

Mali

Morocco

Mozambique

Niger

Rwanda

Senegal

South Africa

Tanzania

Tunisia

Uganda

Zimbabwe

South America & Caribbean:

Bolivia

Cuba

Ecuador

Haiti

Peru

Asia & Middle East:

Combodian

Indonesia

Nepal

Philippines

Vietnam

Palestinian Territories

Scholarship Benefits and Inclusions

Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive scholarship package that covers all essential academic and living expenses during their study or training period in Belgium. These benefits include:

Full Tuition Fees: Covers registration and academic-related expenses at the host institution.

Monthly Living Allowance: Provides financial support for accommodation, meals, and daily expenses.

International Travel Costs: Includes round-trip airfare to and from Belgium.

Visa and Insurance Coverage: Costs related to visa applications and health insurance are fully funded.

Arrival and Settlement Allowance: Additional funds to support the initial relocation phase.

Special Costs: May include professional tools, fieldwork, or course materials when required.

Number of Scholarships Available

For the 2026 intake, ARES will award:

130 Scholarships for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs.

70 Scholarships for Short-Term Continuing Education Courses.

Scholarship Duration

Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs: Duration varies by course structure (typically 1–2 years).

Continuing Education Programs: Ranges from 2 to 6 months, depending on the selected training

Application Timeline

Application Deadline:

19 September 2025 at 12:00 PM (Belgian time, UTC+1)

How to Apply for ARES Scholarship 2026: Step-by-Step Process

Applying for the ARES Scholarship is a straightforward but competitive process. Follow the detailed steps below to enhance your chances of success:

Step 1: Review the Eligible Programs

Visit the official ARES scholarship portal to view the full list of available bachelor’s, master’s, and continuing education programs.

Choose only one program that best aligns with your academic background and professional experience.

Step 2: Create a GIRAF Account

Go to the ARES online application platform (GIRAF).

Create a personal account using a valid email address and password.

You may log in multiple times to complete your application progressively.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Fill in the required personal, academic, and professional information.

Upload all supporting documents, including:

Academic transcripts and certificates

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Motivation letter

Proof of professional experience

National ID or passport

Recommendation letters (if required)

Language proficiency documents (if applicable)

Step 4: Submit the Application

Ensure all sections are correctly filled out and supporting documents uploaded.

Submit the final application via the GIRAF portal before the deadline.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Step 5: Await Selection Results

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Final results are typically announced a few months after the deadline.

Why Choose Belgium for Your Studies?

Belgium offers a rich educational experience within a vibrant multicultural setting. As a hub for international institutions and development agencies, studying in Belgium provides:

Access to world-class education

Exposure to diverse cultures and global networks

Opportunities for professional growth and development-oriented learning

A gateway to careers in international organizations, NGOs, and development sectors

Additional Notes

Application is free of charge.

Candidates are advised not to contact universities directly; all communication and applications should be handled through the official ARES platform.

There is no requirement to take IELTS or TOEFL, unless your chosen course specifically states so.

Conclusion

The ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2026 presents a life-changing opportunity for dedicated professionals from developing countries who are passionate about contributing to sustainable development. With generous funding and access to internationally recognized institutions, this program supports individuals in transforming their knowledge into actionable impact in their home communities.

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early, select the most relevant program, and submit a compelling application before the deadline.

Stay Updated

To receive timely updates and alerts about the ARES Scholarship and other international opportunities, consider subscribing to official newsletters or joining scholarship alert groups on platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram.

For official updates and to start your application:

Visit the ARES Official Website