ARES Scholarships 2027-28 in Belgium – Fully Funded Study Opportunity

If you’re looking for a funded study opportunity in Europe that focuses on practical skills, professional development, and global development, the ARES Scholarships 2027-28 in Belgium are best for you.

When I went through the ARES requirements and program details, one thing that stood out to me was that this isn’t simply a scholarship for students who want to earn another academic qualification. ARES is particularly focused on applicants who can use their training to contribute to development in their communities and professional fields.

The program supports specialised bachelor’s and master’s programs, as well as shorter continuing training courses at higher education institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium.

Selected applicants receive financial support that can cover major costs such as international travel, living expenses, insurance, tuition fees, and eligible visa expenses, depending on the type of program.

ARES Scholarships 2027-28 at a Glance

What Is the ARES Scholarship?

ARES stands for the Academy of Research and Higher Education, which brings together higher education institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium.

The ARES international training scholarships are designed for professionals and graduates from eligible countries who want to gain specialised knowledge and skills that can contribute to development in their home countries.

When I looked through the eligibility and selection criteria, it became clear that ARES isn’t simply looking for applicants with strong academic records. Professional experience, previous education, the potential to contribute to society, and the relevance of the training all matter.

What Programs Are Available?

One of the first things you should do before applying is check whether your preferred field is actually included in the current ARES call.

For the 2027-28 cycle, the listed opportunities include a specialised bachelor’s program, several specialised master’s programs, and a continuing training course.

Specialised Bachelor’s Program

The current program listed is:

• Bachelier de spécialisation en Digital Integrated Supply Chain

Specialised Master’s Programs

The available master’s-level programs include:

• 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 Training

The current continuing training option is:

• Certificat en opérations de cybersécurité et gouvernance des risques

The exact admission requirements can differ from one program to another.

That’s why I would strongly recommend choosing the program first and then checking its specific academic and admission requirements before spending time preparing the scholarship application.

What Does the ARES Scholarship Cover?

This is where the opportunity becomes particularly attractive. ARES provides different forms of financial support depending on the type of training. Selected scholars can receive support for:

International Travel

The scholarship covers international travel expenses according to the program’s applicable arrangements. For applicants who would otherwise struggle to finance an international trip to Belgium, this can remove one of the biggest problem of students.

Living Allowance

ARES provides a subsistence allowance to help cover living expenses during the training period. The exact amount and conditions should be checked in the current official scholarship documentation.

Tuition Fees

For specialised bachelor’s and master’s programs, tuition fees are covered under the scholarship arrangements.

Insurance

The scholarship also provides insurance coverage. This is another expense that applicants sometimes forget when calculating the real cost of studying abroad.

Visa-Related Expenses

For specialised bachelor’s and master’s programs, certain exceptional costs related to visa applications can be covered.

Continuing Training Support

Participants in continuing training can receive financial support connected with the training, including eligible indirect expenses. The exact benefits can differ depending on whether you’re applying for a degree-level program or continuing training, so don’t assume that every benefit applies identically to every applicant.

Who Can Apply for the ARES Scholarship?

This is where I recommend being particularly careful. ARES has several eligibility requirements, and meeting only one or two of them isn’t enough.

You Must Come From an Eligible Country

Applicants generally need to be permanent residents and workers in one of the eligible countries listed by ARES. Palestinian nationals are treated as an exception to the residence requirement under the current call.

You Need a Relevant Graduate Degree

You must hold the academic qualification required for your selected program and satisfy that program’s admission requirements. This means you should check the university/program requirements separately from the scholarship eligibility requirements.

Professional Experience Is Required

Applicants must have at least two years of relevant professional experience in one of the eligible countries after completing their most recent graduate degree and before the application deadline. If you have an impressive academic background but don’t meet the professional experience requirement, you may not be eligible for the scholarship.

Language Ability

You need a good written and spoken command of the language in which your selected program is taught. Basic French knowledge can also be useful for daily life in Belgium.

How to Apply for the ARES Scholarship

The application process takes place through the GIRAF application system. Here’s the process broken down into manageable steps.

Step 1: Check the Program Requirements

Before creating your application, choose the program you are interested in and make sure you satisfy its specific admission requirements. This should be your first step.

Step 2: Create a GIRAF Account

You need an active GIRAF account to access the application. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to request account creation. After creating your account, follow the instructions to activate and verify it.

Step 3: Find the Application

Once you’re logged in, look under the “Competitive Calls” section. The relevant application should appear as:

“Application – International Training 2027–2028.”

Step 4: Complete the Form

Enter your personal, academic, professional, and other required information carefully.

Step 5: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

You’ll need to provide the required documentation for your application. This can include:

• Two recommendation letters
• Certified copies of original diplomas
• Certified copies of academic transcripts
• Proof of occupation covering the last five years
• Certificate of nationality or passport copy
• Pre-project, where required by the selected program

Always check the latest instructions for your specific program because additional requirements may apply.

Step 6: Save and Review

Before submitting, review everything carefully. The application can be saved as a draft through the system, which I would recommend using. This gives you time to check your documents and answers instead of rushing through everything in one session.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Once you’re completely satisfied with the application, submit it before:

18 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Belgian time (UTC+1).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ARES Scholarship fully funded?

ARES provides substantial financial support, including international travel, subsistence support, insurance, tuition coverage for specialised bachelor’s and master’s programs, and eligible visa-related expenses. Benefits can differ depending on the type of training program.

Can I apply for more than one ARES program?

No. Applicants can select only one training program for their application.

Do I need professional experience?

Yes. Under the current eligibility requirements, applicants need at least two years of relevant professional experience in an eligible country after completing their most recent graduate degree and before the application deadline.

Can recent graduates apply?

Graduation alone isn’t enough. Applicants must also satisfy the professional experience requirement and the academic and admission requirements of their chosen program.

How long are the ARES programs?

Specialised bachelor’s and master’s programs can last up to 12 months, while continuing training can last up to six months.

How do I submit the application?

Applications are submitted through the GIRAF platform. After logging in, applicants can find the relevant call under the “Competitive Calls” section.

Can I edit my application after submitting it?

No. Once the application has been submitted, it cannot be modified. This is why reviewing everything before submission is so important.

What is the ARES Scholarship deadline?

The deadline for the 2027-28 call is 18 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Belgian time (UTC+1).