Belgium’s ARES International Training Scholarships are back for the 2026–2027 academic year, offering fully funded specialized bachelor’s, master’s, and short professional training programmes for talented individuals from 31 ARES partner countries.
If you’ve ever dreamed of upgrading your expertise in a top European institution while having every major cost covered, this is your signal to get ready—applications open 4 August 2025.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out?
Unlike many scholarships that only fund tuition, ARES covers everything you need to live, learn, and succeed in Belgium:
- Round-trip international flights
- Monthly living allowance (for the full programme duration)
- Full tuition fees
- Insurance and visa costs
- Support for living expenses during short training courses.
Whether you’re aiming for a Specialized Bachelor’s, a Specialized Master’s, or a 2–6 month continuing training course, this programme is designed to make you an agent of change in your home country.
Who Can Apply?
You’re eligible if you:
- Hold nationality from one of the 31 partner countries (Palestinian nationals are also eligible).
- Are permanently residing in one of these countries.
- Hold a relevant higher education degree:
- Bachelor’s or equivalent for Specialized Masters
- Secondary-level qualification for Specialized Bachelor
- Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience after graduation.
- Can provide strong academic and professional references.
What Can You Study?
ARES offers a rich variety of programmes for 2026–2027, including:
- Specialized Bachelor’s – Business Data Analysis
- Specialized Masters – Health Risk Management, International & Development Economics, Human Rights, Microfinance, Transport & Logistics, and more
- Short Continuing Training Courses – Digital University Pedagogy, Transitional Justice, Sustainable Development Project Management, Global Health Data Science, and more.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step
- Create a GIRAF Account – The official online application system (do this before 12 September 2025).
- Choose Your Programme – Select only one programme per application year.
- Prepare Your Documents – This includes recommendation letters, certified diplomas, transcripts, and proof of employment/residence.
- Submit Online – Applications via GIRAF only; email submissions are not accepted.
- Wait for Results – Notifications sent by June 2026 to successful and waitlisted candidates.
Call: https://www.ares-ac.be/en/scholarships.
Application Dates to Remember
The race for the ARES International Training Scholarships 2026–2027 officially kicks off on 4 August 2025, when applications open. But don’t get too comfortable—your first checkpoint is creating a GIRAF account by 12 September 2025 at exactly 12:00 noon Belgian time (miss it, and you’re out).
The final sprint is the application submission by 19 September 2025 at 12:00 noon Belgian time. Then comes the waiting game, with the finish line in sight when final results are announced in June 2026—either bringing you the winning news or pushing you to try again next year.