For qualified international students and young professionals who want to pursue advanced education in Belgium without having to bear the full cost, the ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 in Belgium are an excellent opportunity.
The scholarship program is offered through the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES), which coordinates higher education institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium. The international training program is designed to strengthen professional and academic skills in areas connected to development and social progress.
Unlike many scholarship programs that focus only on traditional master’s degrees, ARES International Training Scholarships can support specialised bachelor’s programs, specialised master’s programs, and continuing training courses. This makes the opportunity particularly useful for professionals who already have academic qualifications and relevant work experience.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, eligible applicants can apply for one selected training program through the ARES application system. According to the call information provided for this cycle, the application deadline is 18 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Belgian time (UTC+1).
The ARES program has historically targeted nationals of partner countries and applicants with relevant higher-education qualifications and professional experience. The official ARES materials describe the program as a capacity-building initiative intended to help professionals gain specialised knowledge that can later contribute to development in their countries.
ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 at a Glance
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
| Scholarship Name | ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 |
| Host Country | Belgium |
| Provider | Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) |
| Study Level | Specialised Bachelor’s, Specialised Master’s, Continuing Training |
| Study Location | Belgium |
| Scholarship Type | Fully funded international training opportunity |
| Program Duration | Up to 12 months for specialised Bachelor’s/Master’s; up to 6 months for continuing training |
| Application Deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Application System | GIRAF |
| Eligible Applicants | Nationals/residents of listed ARES partner countries, subject to the official requirements |
| Work Experience | Generally at least 2 years of relevant professional experience |
| Application Fee | No fee is indicated for submitting the scholarship application |
| Official Organization | ARES |
What Are the ARES Scholarships in Belgium?
ARES Scholarships are international training scholarships administered by ARES for applicants from eligible partner countries.
The purpose isn’t simply to bring students to Belgium for academic study. The program is connected to international cooperation and professional capacity building. Successful candidates are expected to gain knowledge and skills that can have a practical impact after their training.
The program can therefore be particularly attractive to applicants working in areas such as:
- Public health
- Human rights
- Economics and development
- Food safety
- Cybersecurity
- Risk management
- Disaster management
- Conservation and collections management
- International development
- Other fields covered by the selected training programs
ARES describes its international training initiative as a way of building the capacity of professionals from partner countries through specialised training and continuing education in Belgium.
This means applicants shouldn’t treat the scholarship like a simple financial award. Your motivation, academic preparation, professional background, and potential contribution to your community may all be important.
Why Consider the ARES Scholarship 2027–2028?
International education can be costly. Costs associated with daily living, such as tuition, lodging, insurance, visas, and travel, can quickly add up.
The ARES scholarship is attractive because its support package can cover several important costs connected with the training period.
For eligible applicants, the scholarship can provide support for:
- International travel
- Living or subsistence expenses
- Insurance
- Tuition-related costs for eligible specialised programs
- Certain visa-related expenses
- Other costs connected with the training, depending on the program
The exact financial package and conditions should always be checked against the official call for the relevant academic year.
Because scholarship benefits can change from cycle to cycle, this point is important. Don’t rely on an old blog post or social media announcement when preparing your application.
Programs Offered Under ARES Scholarships 2027–2028
The variety of specialized training options offered by the ARES program is one of its strongest points.
For the 2027–2028 call, the programs listed in the supplied call information include specialised master’s programs and continuing training opportunities. Applicants should carefully review the official program list before choosing a course.
Specialised Bachelor’s Program
ARES includes a specialised bachelor’s pathway among the available training categories.
Applicants interested in this option should carefully verify the academic admission conditions because the scholarship eligibility requirements and the university’s admission requirements are related but aren’t necessarily identical.
Specialised Master’s Programs
The 2027–2028 program list includes specialised master’s opportunities such as:
- Specialised Master in Human Rights
- Specialised Master in Integrated Health Risk Management
- Specialized Master in International and Development Economics
- Advanced Master in Microfinance
- Specialised Master in Public Health – Analysis and Evaluation of International Health Policies, Programs and Systems
- Specialised Master in Food Chain Safety Management
- Specialised Master in Preventive Conservation and Collections Management
- Specialised Master in Risk and Disaster Management in the Anthropocene
These programs cover several areas that are directly connected to development, public policy, health, economics, safety, and professional capacity building.
Continuing Training
The call also includes continuing training opportunities.
One listed example is:
Continuing training can be particularly relevant to professionals who don’t necessarily want to complete another long academic degree but need specialised training to improve their professional expertise.
ARES Scholarship Duration
The duration depends on the type of program selected.
| Program Type | Maximum Duration |
| Specialised Bachelor’s | Up to 12 months |
| Specialised Master’s | Up to 12 months |
| Continuing Training | Up to 6 months |
The structure of specialized bachelor’s and master’s programs typically follows an academic year, whereas continuing education can be significantly shorter.
Before applying, check the specific program’s duration and admission requirements because these details can affect your planning for travel, accommodation, visa arrangements, and professional commitments.
Eligible Countries for ARES Scholarships 2027–2028
ARES scholarships aren’t open to applicants from every country.
The 2027–2028 information supplied for this call identifies eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, South America, and the Caribbean.
African Countries
The listed African countries include:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Guinea
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Niger
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
South America and Caribbean
The listed countries include:
- Bolivia
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Haiti
- Peru
Southeast Asia
The listed countries include:
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Vietnam
Asia
- Palestine
It’s important for applicants to know that country eligibility is just one step in the selection process. Being from an eligible country doesn’t automatically guarantee admission or scholarship selection.
You must also satisfy the academic, professional, language, and program-specific requirements.
ARES Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
One of the application’s most important parts is the eligibility requirements.
Before spending time preparing documents, make sure you meet the basic conditions.
1. You Must Be Connected to an Eligible Country
Applicants generally need to be nationals or permanent residents and workers of one of the countries identified by ARES as eligible.
The official call should be checked carefully for any special provisions or exceptions.
2. You Need the Required Academic Qualification
Applicants must have the academic background required for their chosen program.
The qualification isn’t necessarily the same for every training option. A specialised master’s program, for example, can have different admission requirements from a continuing training course.
So, don’t assume that having a university degree automatically makes you eligible for every program.
3. Relevant Professional Experience Is Required
A key feature of the ARES scholarship is the professional experience requirement.
The call information states that applicants generally need at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing their most recent qualifying degree and before the application deadline.
This requirement is important because ARES is strongly connected to professional capacity building.
When completing your application, don’t simply write your job title. Describe what you actually accomplished, the responsibilities you managed, and how your experience relates to the training you propose.
4. Your Degree Must Meet the Time Requirement
The supplied eligibility conditions indicate that the relevant academic degree must generally have been obtained no more than 20 years before the start of the program.
The period can be extended by one year for each childbirth and/or adoption under the stated conditions.
Applicants should carefully review the official call because eligibility calculations can depend on the specific circumstances of the applicant.
5. Language Ability
Applicants need a good written and spoken command of the language used in their selected program.
The language requirement can therefore vary depending on the course.
Basic French may also be useful for daily life and integration in Belgium, even when the specific academic requirements differ.
6. You Can Select Only One Program
Applicants should carefully select their program.
According to the call information that was provided, applicants can only apply for one training program.
That means you shouldn’t treat the application like a lottery by selecting several unrelated courses.
Instead, choose the program that best matches:
- Your academic background
- Your professional experience
- Your career objectives
- Your community or country’s development needs
- Your long-term professional plans
ARES Scholarship Benefits 2027–2028
The ARES scholarship is considered a fully funded opportunity because it can cover several major expenses associated with the training.
The following are some of the program’s benefits:
International Travel
Successful scholarship recipients can receive support for international travel.
This can significantly reduce one of the biggest costs associated with studying abroad.
Subsistence Allowance
ARES provides a subsistence allowance intended to help cover living expenses during the training period.
The amount and payment conditions should be checked in the official call and scholarship documents.
Insurance
Insurance coverage is included as part of the scholarship support.
This is particularly important for international students and trainees who will be living in Belgium during the program.
Tuition Support
The supplied 2027–2028 information indicates that tuition fees are covered for eligible specialised bachelor’s and master’s programs.
However, applicants should always differentiate between all university-related costs and scholarship coverage.
Visa-Related Expenses
Certain exceptional costs associated with visa applications can be covered for specialised bachelor’s and master’s programs under the stated scholarship conditions.
Applicants should not assume that every immigration-related expense is automatically reimbursed.
Continuing Training Support
Under the applicable conditions, applicants selected for continuing training may receive training-related financial support, including indirect mission-related costs.
Documents Required for the ARES Scholarship
A strong application requires careful document preparation.
Commonly required documents include:
- Academic diplomas
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of professional activity
- Passport or nationality certificate
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation and professional information requested by the application
- Pre-project or related document when required by the selected program
Academic Diplomas and Transcripts
Provide clear and accurate copies of your academic records.
Your documents should support the education history entered in the application form.
If your university uses a different grading system, don’t attempt to convert grades randomly. Follow the application system’s or institution’s instructions.
Recommendation Letters
The call information indicates that applicants should provide two recommendation letters, which may be academic and/or professional depending on the requirements.
Choose recommenders who genuinely know your work.
A detailed letter from a supervisor of your professional work can be much more helpful than a generic letter from a person who barely knows you but has an impressive job title.
Proof of Professional Experience
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their professional experience.
Contracts, employment certificates, letters from employers, or any other recognized evidence could all be used in this.
Make sure the dates are consistent across your CV, application form, and supporting documents.
Passport or Nationality Evidence
A certified copy of your passport or official proof of nationality may be required.
Verify that the document is valid and readable.
Pre-Project
A similar academic or professional proposal or pre-project may be required by some programs.
If your chosen program requires one, don’t leave it until the final day.
A good proposal should clearly explain:
- The issue you want to address.
- Why it matters.
- Your proposed approach.
- How your training will help.
- How you intend to apply your knowledge afterward.
How to Apply for ARES Scholarships 2027–2028
Online application is available for ARES.
The following steps provide a practical overview.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before creating or submitting an application, confirm that:
- Your country is eligible.
- You have the required degree.
- You meet the professional experience requirement.
- You meet the language requirement.
- Your selected program accepts your academic background.
- You can provide the required documents.
This first step can save you a lot of time.
Step 2: Create a GIRAF Account
Applicants need an active GIRAF account to access the application process.
If you don’t already have an account, follow the account creation procedure provided by ARES.
Use an email address that you check regularly.
Step 3: Access the Competitive Calls Section
After logging into GIRAF, look for the relevant competitive call.
The application is identified as: for this cycle.
Application – International Training 2027–2028
Read the instructions before entering information.
Step 4: Complete Your Application Carefully
You don’t necessarily have to finish everything in one sitting.
The application system allows applicants to save a draft and return later.
This is useful because scholarship applications contain many details, and rushing through them can lead to mistakes.
Step 5: Save Your Draft
If you’re not ready to submit, use the Save as Draft function.
You can return to the application at a later time by going to the appropriate section of your GIRAF account.
Step 6: Upload Your Documents
Upload the required supporting documents in the requested format.
Before uploading, check:
- File readability
- Correct document
- Correct applicant name
- Correct dates
- Complete pages
- Required translations or certifications
- File size and format requirements
Step 7: Review Everything
This is one of the most important steps.
Check your:
- Personal information
- Education history
- Employment history
- Program selection
- Motivation
- Professional experience
- References
- Uploaded documents
Don’t submit until you’re confident everything is correct.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Once you’re satisfied with the application, submit it through the GIRAF system.
The supplied instructions indicate that once an application has been submitted, it cannot be modified.
So, take your time before clicking the final submission button.
Step 9: Confirm Your Submission
After submitting, check the My Submitted Applications section.
Keep a record of your submission’s evidence.
How to Make Your ARES Application Stronger
Meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t necessarily make an application competitive.
ARES selection can consider several factors, including the quality of your education, professional experience, institutional connections where relevant, previous scholarship history, and your potential to contribute to society.
Connect Your Experience to Your Program
Don’t choose a program simply because the title sounds impressive.
Explain why it makes sense for your career.
For example, if you’ve worked in public health and your career goal is to improve health policy in your country, a public-health-related training program creates a clear narrative.
Explain Your Future Impact
A strong application should answer a simple question:
What will you do with this knowledge after completing the program?
Explain how your training could help you:
- Improve an organization
- Develop a public service
- Train colleagues
- Create new projects
- Improve community services
- Support policy development
- Address a development challenge
Avoid Generic Motivation Statements
Statements such as “I want to study in Belgium because Belgium has excellent universities” aren’t enough.
Be specific.
Explain:
- What you’ve done.
- What you’ve learned.
- What problem you’ve identified.
- What skills you’re missing.
- Why this program is the right solution.
- What you’ll do afterward.
That’s where your story becomes convincing.
ARES Scholarship Selection Criteria
The selection process can consider several elements.
Important factors include:
- Quality of previous education
- Relevant professional experience
- Motivation and professional objectives
- Potential contribution to development
- Relationship between the applicant’s background and selected program
- Previous participation in ARES scholarship programs
- Institutional or professional connections where applicable
The strongest application is usually one where all the pieces fit together.
Your degree, employment history, selected program, motivation, and future goals should tell the same story.
ARES Scholarship Deadline 2027–2028
The stated deadline for the ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 is:
September 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM Belgian time (UTC+1).
Don’t wait until the final hours.
Technical problems, missing documents, slow uploads, or an incomplete application can create unnecessary stress.
A better approach is to prepare your documents several weeks before the deadline.
Applicants should verify the deadline and any updates directly through the official ARES call before submitting.
ARES Application Checklist
Use this quick checklist before submission:
- Confirm that your country is eligible.
- Confirm that you meet the academic requirement.
- Confirm the professional experience requirement.
- Select only one appropriate program.
- Create or access your GIRAF account.
- Prepare your CV.
- Prepare academic diplomas.
- Prepare academic transcripts.
- Request two recommendation letters.
- Prepare proof of professional experience.
- Prepare passport or nationality documentation.
- Prepare the pre-project if required.
- Review the application carefully.
- Save a copy of important information.
- Submit before the deadline.
- Confirm your application appears under submitted applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many scholarship applicants lose opportunities because of preventable mistakes.
Applying Without Checking Eligibility
Don’t assume you’re eligible because you’ve found the scholarship on a website.
Read the official requirements.
Choosing an Unrelated Program
Your selected program should make sense given your academic and professional history.
Submitting a Generic Motivation Statement
Your motivation should be personal, specific, and connected to your career.
Ignoring Professional Experience
ARES places importance on relevant professional experience. Clearly explain what you’ve done and how it relates to the program.
Waiting Until the Deadline
Last-minute applications are risky.
Start early.
Uploading Incorrect Documents
Check every file before submission.
Forgetting That Submitted Applications May Not Be Editable
Once submitted, the application may no longer be changed. Review it carefully first.
Frequently Asked Questions About ARES Scholarships 2027–2028
What are the ARES Scholarships 2027–2028?
ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 are international training scholarships offered through the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) in Belgium. The program provides eligible applicants from selected partner countries with opportunities to undertake specialised bachelor’s programs, specialised master’s programs, or continuing training courses in Belgium.
The scholarship is designed not only to support academic learning but also to strengthen professional skills that can contribute to development in the applicant’s home country. Depending on the selected program and applicable conditions, the scholarship can provide financial support for travel, living expenses, insurance, tuition-related costs, and certain other expenses.
Applicants should carefully check the official ARES call because eligibility requirements, available programs, and scholarship conditions can vary by academic year.
Are ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 fully funded?
Yes, ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 provide substantial financial support and are generally considered fully funded scholarship opportunities for eligible participants.
The support package can include international travel expenses, a subsistence allowance, insurance, and tuition-related support for eligible specialised bachelor’s and master’s programs. Certain visa-related expenses may also be covered under the applicable conditions.
However, applicants shouldn’t assume that every possible personal or travel expense is automatically covered. The exact benefits depend on the type of training program and the official scholarship conditions. Therefore, applicants should read the official 2027–2028 call carefully before making financial or travel plans.
Who is eligible for ARES Scholarships 2027–2028?
Eligibility for ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 depends on several factors. Applicants generally need to be nationals or permanent residents and workers of one of the countries listed in the official ARES call.
Applicants must also meet the academic requirements of their selected program and normally need relevant professional experience. The supplied 2027–2028 information indicates that applicants generally need at least two years of relevant professional experience after obtaining their most recent graduate degree.
In addition, applicants must satisfy the language and program-specific admission requirements. Simply being from an eligible country doesn’t guarantee selection because ARES also evaluates the quality of an applicant’s academic and professional background.
How much professional experience is required for ARES Scholarships?
For the ARES Scholarships 2027–2028, applicants generally need at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing their most recent graduate degree and before the application deadline.
Professional experience should be relevant to the applicant’s chosen training program and career objectives. Applicants should clearly describe their responsibilities, achievements, and professional development in the application rather than simply listing job titles.
Strong evidence of professional experience can include employment certificates, employer letters, contracts, or other documents accepted by the application system. Applicants should also ensure that the dates in their CV, application form, and supporting documents are consistent.
What programs are available under ARES Scholarships 2027–2028?
The ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 program includes different types of international training opportunities. These can include specialised bachelor’s programs, specialised master’s programs, and continuing training courses.
The specialised master’s options listed for the 2027–2028 cycle cover areas such as human rights, integrated health risk management, international and development economics, microfinance, public health, food chain safety, collections management, and risk and disaster management.
There are also continuing training opportunities, including training related to cybersecurity operations and risk governance. Applicants should review the official program list carefully because they can select only one training program.
What are the benefits of ARES Scholarships 2027–2028?
The major benefit of ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 is that successful applicants can receive financial support for several important costs associated with their training in Belgium.
Depending on the selected program and applicable conditions, benefits can include international travel support, a subsistence allowance, insurance coverage, tuition support for eligible specialised bachelor’s and master’s programs, and certain exceptional visa-related expenses.
The scholarship can therefore significantly reduce the financial burden of studying or receiving professional training abroad. Applicants should still check the official scholarship call for the exact amounts, conditions, and coverage applicable to their particular program.
What is the deadline for ARES Scholarships 2027–2028?
The stated deadline for ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 is September 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM Belgian time (UTC+1).
Applicants shouldn’t wait until the final day to submit their applications. Preparing academic documents, recommendation letters, proof of employment, passport information, and other supporting materials can take time.
It’s best to create the GIRAF account early, complete the application gradually, save the draft when necessary, and review every section before submitting. According to the application instructions, a submitted application cannot be modified, so careful checking is essential.
What documents are required for ARES Scholarships 2027–2028?
Applicants for ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 should prepare several important supporting documents. These can include certified copies of academic diplomas, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of professional activity, and proof of nationality or a passport copy.
The application may also require a pre-project or additional document depending on the selected program.
Applicants should prepare these documents well before the deadline. Every document should be clear, complete, and consistent with the information entered in the online application. If a specific program has additional admission requirements, applicants should satisfy those requirements separately.
Final Thoughts on ARES Scholarships 2027–2028
The ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 in Belgium provide a valuable route for eligible international professionals and graduates who want to develop specialised expertise in Europe.
The opportunity stands out because it combines academic or professional training with a strong development focus. Instead of simply rewarding academic performance, the program is designed around skills, professional experience, and the potential to create meaningful impact.
If you meet the country, academic, professional, and program requirements, the next step is straightforward: choose the right program, prepare your documents early, create your GIRAF application, and carefully review every section before submission.
Most importantly, don’t leave your application until the last minute. A well-prepared application gives you time to fix missing documents, strengthen your motivation, and make sure your professional goals clearly connect with your chosen program.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, the key date to remember is September 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM Belgian time.
Always verify the latest requirements, eligible programs, application instructions, and deadline directly with ARES before submitting your application.
Official ARES source: The Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) is the authoritative source for the 2027–2028 International Training Scholarship call and application instructions.
