Apply for the ARES Scholarship in Belgium 2027/28 (Fully Funded) - officially the ARES International Training Scholarships 2027 - 2028. ARES (Academy for Research and Higher Education) funds nationals from 32 partner countries to study development-focused programmes at higher education institutions of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium.
For 2027 - 2028 there are about 100 scholarships across 1 specialised bachelor, 8 specialised master’s, and 1 continuing-education course. The call opened on 3 August 2026. Submit via GIRAF by 18 September 2026 at 12:00 (Belgian time, UTC+1). New GIRAF accounts must be requested by 4 September 2026 at 16:00 Belgian time.
This Opportunity Station guide covers programmes, benefits, eligibility, countries, and how to apply on the official ARES / GIRAF portals.
Quick Facts - ARES Scholarship Belgium 2027/28
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | Belgium (Wallonia-Brussels Federation) |
| Organisation | ARES - Academy for Research and Higher Education |
| Type | Fully funded international training scholarships |
| Academic year | 2027 - 2028 |
| Scholarships | ~100 places |
| Programmes | 1 specialised bachelor, 8 specialised masters, 1 continuing course |
| Duration | Up to 12 months (bachelor/master) or 6 months (continuing education) |
| Eligible countries | 32 ARES partner countries (+ Palestinian nationals exception) |
| Call opened | 3 August 2026 |
| GIRAF account deadline | 4 September 2026, 16:00 Belgian time (new accounts) |
| Application deadline | 18 September 2026, 12:00 Belgian time (UTC+1) |
| Official apply | giraf.ares-ac.be |
Why Apply?
- Fully funded package: travel, living allowance, tuition (degree tracks), insurance, and visa-related support
- Study at Belgian French Community HEIs on development-related themes
- ~100 competitive scholarships for professionals from partner countries
- Strengthen skills and networks to drive change in your home institution and country
- No application fee to ARES for the scholarship call itself
Programmes Offered (2027 - 2028)
Specialised bachelor (1)
- Bachelier de spécialisation en Digital Integrated Supply Chain
Specialised master’s (8)
- Master de spécialisation en droits humains
- Master de spécialisation en gestion intégrée des risques sanitaires
- Specialized Master in International and Development Economics
- Advanced Master in Microfinance
- Master de spécialisation en sciences de la santé publique - analyse et évaluation des politiques, programmes et systèmes de santé internationale
- Master de spécialisation en management de la sécurité de la chaîne alimentaire
- Master de spécialisation en conservation préventive et gestion des collections
- Master de spécialisation en gestion des risques et des catastrophes à l’ère anthropocène
Continuing education (1)
- Certificat en opérations de cybersécurité et gouvernance des risques
Apply to only one programme. Teaching language requirements apply (complete the form in the language of instruction; basic French helps daily life in Belgium).
Fully Funded Benefits
- International travel (economy round trip, max one return per academic year)
- Subsistence / living allowance (monthly package for the training period; bachelor/master typically 12 months + reduced 13th month)
- Tuition fees for specialised bachelor and master’s programmes
- Exceptional visa-application costs (bachelor/master tracks; rules/thresholds in the call document)
- Insurance costs paid directly by ARES
- Indirect mission / related travel support for continuing education (as published)
- Inter-establishment travel support (up to stated ceilings with receipts)
Exact amounts and ceilings are in the official 2027 - 2028 call reference document - always confirm on ARES before applying.
Eligibility
- Permanent resident and working in one of the 32 eligible partner countries (exception: Palestinian nationals may be eligible even if not residing in those countries)
- Hold a higher-education / graduate degree meeting the chosen programme’s admission rules
- Degree obtained no more than 20 years before programme start (extended +1 year per childbirth/adoption)
- At least 2 years relevant professional experience in an eligible country after the most recent graduate degree, before the application deadline
- Language proficiency for the programme of study
- Submit only one application / one programme
Eligible Countries (32)
Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
Latin America & Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru.
Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Palestine, Philippines, Vietnam.
How to Apply
- Read the official call: International Training Scholarships 2027 - 2028.
- Create / validate a GIRAF account early (new accounts by 4 Sep 2026, 16:00 Belgian time).
- Log in at giraf.ares-ac.be.
- Go to Competitive Calls → Application - International Training 2027 - 2028 (once).
- Complete the form (save as draft if needed), then Submit my application.
- Deadline: 18 September 2026, 12:00 Belgian time (UTC+1). Submitted forms cannot be edited.
Selection typically runs from October 2026 through May 2027, with results around mid-2027 - follow official ARES communications.
Official Links
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FAQs - ARES Scholarship Belgium 2027/28
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers international travel, a living allowance, insurance, and - for bachelor/master tracks - tuition and visa-related support as described by ARES.
What is the deadline?
18 September 2026 at 12:00 Belgian time (UTC+1). Request new GIRAF accounts by 4 September 2026, 16:00.
Who can apply?
Graduates with ≥2 years’ relevant work experience who permanently reside and work in one of the 32 ARES partner countries (see Palestinian nationals exception).
How long is the programme?
Specialised bachelor/master: up to 12 months. Continuing education: up to 6 months.
Can I apply to several programmes?
No - you may apply for only one training programme.
