Belgium Government Scholarship 2026–27 (Fully Funded) – ARES Program
Company Name: Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur (ARES)
Position Title: Belgium Government Scholarship 2026–27 (Fully Funded)
Location: Belgium
Industry: Higher Education / International Scholarship
Employment Type: Fully Funded Scholarship (Bachelor’s, Master’s & Training Programs)
Apply Link: ARES Belgium Scholarship Application – GIRAF Platform
Official Website: https://www.ares-ac.be/en
Scholarship Offering Organization Introduction
The Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur (ARES) is the official body in Belgium responsible for higher education cooperation, academic research, and scholarship programs that link Belgium with the wider international community. It was established to manage academic cooperation and to strengthen the exchange of knowledge between Belgium and other countries, especially those in the developing world. Over the years, ARES has become a leading platform for international students who wish to study in Belgium under government-funded programs. Its goal is not only to support talented individuals but also to build long-term cooperation between universities in Belgium and partner institutions abroad.
Each year, ARES manages one of the largest fully funded scholarship programs offered by the Belgium Government, targeting students from developing countries. This initiative reflects Belgium’s commitment to contributing to education, sustainable development, and human capacity building across the globe. By offering scholarships at both bachelor’s and master’s levels, as well as specialized continuing education and training courses, ARES provides opportunities for candidates who are motivated to contribute to social, economic, and environmental development in their home countries.
The Belgian Government Scholarship through ARES has a reputation for inclusivity and diversity. Applicants from Africa, Asia, and South America are especially encouraged to apply, making the program one of the most internationally diverse scholarship opportunities in Europe. The scholarship ensures that education is not restricted to financial affordability but is made accessible to deserving candidates who demonstrate academic potential, professional experience, and a strong commitment to development work.
In Belgium, universities and higher education institutions involved in the ARES program are recognized for their academic excellence, research contributions, and international collaboration. By enrolling in this scholarship, students not only get the chance to receive a high-quality education but also immerse themselves in Belgium’s multicultural environment. Belgium, being the political heart of Europe and home to international institutions such as the European Union and NATO, offers a unique academic and professional atmosphere for students.
Another key strength of ARES is the comprehensive financial coverage it provides. Unlike partial scholarships, the ARES program covers tuition fees, travel, accommodation, living expenses, and insurance. This means students can focus entirely on their studies and research without the burden of financial stress. The holistic support also includes allowances for settling-in costs, mission expenses, and support for travel within Belgium for inter-university courses.
The impact of this program goes beyond individual growth. By equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills, the scholarship strengthens the academic, professional, and developmental networks between Belgium and the recipient’s country. Graduates of the ARES program often return home to take leadership positions in government, academia, and industry. This multiplier effect is why the Belgian Government continues to invest heavily in the program.
For the academic year 2026–27, ARES will award more than 150 fully funded scholarships for bachelor’s and master’s studies and approximately 70 scholarships for specialized training programs. This makes it a highly competitive but equally rewarding scholarship for international students seeking fully funded opportunities to study abroad in Belgium.
Scholarship Description
The Belgian Government ARES Scholarship 2026–27 is a fully funded scholarship that allows students from developing countries to pursue higher education in Belgium without financial barriers. The program is open for bachelor’s, master’s, and training courses, offering opportunities to study in fields that align with sustainable development goals and global priorities.
For the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, the scholarship provides coverage for a maximum of 12 months, allowing students to complete an academic year in Belgium. For continuing education and training programs, the duration may vary from two months to six months, depending on the course structure. These training programs are targeted toward professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in specialized fields while continuing to contribute to their organizations back home.
One of the most important aspects of this scholarship is its focus on development-relevant academic fields. The Belgian Government has designed the program to support areas such as development studies, human rights, public health, environmental management, microfinance, aquaculture, risk and disaster management, transport and logistics, and more. These subjects are critical for developing countries, and by training individuals in these areas, the program creates long-term positive impacts in local communities.
The financial benefits provided under this scholarship are comprehensive. They include:
- International air travel in economy class.
- A monthly living allowance of €1,150 for master’s students.
- Indirect expenses of €150 are provided once per stay.
- A one-time arrival allowance of €700 for settling-in costs.
- Registration and tuition fees fully covered.
- Health insurance and coverage of other related costs.
- Travel expenses for inter-university training where applicable.
For training courses, the financial coverage is slightly different but equally supportive. Depending on the duration, participants receive daily or monthly allowances, coverage of travel costs, and insurance. For shorter training programs (8–17 days), the allowance is €83 per day, while for longer stays (up to six months), the monthly allowance is €1,400.
In addition to financial assistance, the scholarship provides participants with exposure to international networking opportunities. Students and professionals will study alongside peers from diverse countries, exchange ideas, and build professional networks that often last well beyond the duration of the program. This networking aspect is particularly valuable in today’s globalized world, where international cooperation is key to solving common challenges.
The Belgium Government Scholarship 2026–27 is not only about covering financial needs but also about providing a high-quality educational experience. Students benefit from Belgium’s world-class universities, research facilities, and academic culture. Furthermore, Belgium’s strategic location in Europe allows scholars to experience cultural diversity and professional opportunities that extend beyond academic learning.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for the ARES Belgium Government Scholarship 2026–27 are carefully designed to ensure that the program benefits deserving students who can make meaningful contributions to their countries after completion of studies. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship and Residency:
Candidates must be citizens and permanent residents of one of the 31 eligible countries recognized by ARES. These countries include nations from Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and Asia. Palestinian nationals are also eligible, even if they do not reside in one of these 31 countries. - Academic Background:
- For specialized master’s programs and training courses, applicants must hold a degree comparable to a second-cycle diploma (equivalent to 300 ECTS credits) from a recognized institution.
- For specialized bachelor’s programs, applicants must hold a diploma comparable to a first-cycle diploma (180 ECTS credits) in higher education.
- Professional Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience is required. This condition ensures that applicants bring practical knowledge and can apply the skills learned in Belgium to their professional roles upon returning home. - Age Limit:
Applicants must be under 40 years old for bachelor’s programs and under 45 years old for training courses at the time of enrollment. - Language Proficiency:
While advanced English or French proficiency is not mandatory, candidates must demonstrate passive knowledge of English, particularly reading ability, to follow lectures and course material. - Motivation and Commitment:
Candidates must show a strong motivation to contribute to development in their home country. This commitment is evaluated through personal statements, recommendations, and the alignment of chosen fields of study with national development priorities. - Equal Opportunity Considerations:
ARES strongly encourages applications from women. In cases where applicants are of equal quality, preference will be given to female candidates.
These criteria emphasize the scholarship’s mission: selecting candidates who are academically capable, professionally experienced, and committed to using their education for development purposes.
Location
The scholarship is hosted in Belgium, across multiple recognized higher education institutions affiliated with ARES.
Last Date
The deadline to apply for the ARES Belgium Government Scholarship 2026–27 is 19 September 2025 at 12 pm (Belgian time, UTC+1).
Apply Link
Interested candidates must apply online through the official ARES GIRAF platform. Applications submitted outside the platform will not be considered.
- Apply Here: ARES Belgium Scholarship Application – GIRAF Platform
- Official Website: https://www.ares-ac.be/en
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