Are you looking for a prestigious government-funded opportunity to study in Europe? Applications are officially open for the ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 in Belgium. Offered by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, this fully funded program gives international students from eligible partner countries the chance to pursue specialized degrees and professional training in Belgium free of charge.
Whether you are aiming to advance your academic credentials or acquire specialized technical skills, the ARES scholarship scheme covers all major expenses so you can focus entirely on your career growth.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Belgium (Wallonia-Brussels Federation)
- Funding Body: Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES)
- Coverage: 100% Fully Funded
- Application Portal: GIRAF Portal
- Application Fee: Free of cost ($0)
- Deadline: September 18, 2026
Available Academic Programs
The ARES scholarship program supports three distinct practical and advanced academic tracks:
- 1-Year Specialized Master’s Programs: Designed for postgraduates seeking high-level expertise in development-focused disciplines.
- 1-Year Specialized Bachelor’s Degrees: Tailored for candidates looking for advanced practical training following undergraduate studies.
- 2 to 6-Month Professional Continuing Education Courses: Short-term intensive programs intended for mid-career professionals.
Key Benefits & Financial Coverage
Selected candidates receive full financial support throughout their stay in Belgium:
- 100% Tuition Fee Exemption: Full cover for all university and program registration fees.
- Monthly Living Allowance: A generous monthly stipend to support housing and daily living costs in Belgium.
- International Travel: Round-trip economy class flight tickets between your home country and Belgium.
- Visa Expenses: Reimbursement support for official visa application costs.
- Health Insurance: Complete medical and accident insurance coverage provided directly by ARES.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an ARES Scholarship, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Nationality & Residence: Must be a permanent resident working in an eligible ARES partner country.
- Professional Experience: Possess at least 2 years of professional work experience relevant to the chosen field.
- Academic Background: Hold a higher education degree comparable to a Belgian graduate diploma.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in the language of instruction (primarily French or English, depending on the course).
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create a GIRAF Account: Visit the official ARES portal and create an account on the GIRAF system.
- Wait for Validation: Once your account is validated via email, log in to your personal space.
- Access the Application Form: Go to the Competitive Calls tab and click on the International Training Application.
- Fill in Details: Fill out all required personal, academic, and professional details. You can save as a draft and resume anytime.
- Submit Before Deadline: Complete and submit your online application prior to September 18, 2026.
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