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