Are you looking for a fully funded scholarship to study in Belgium in 2027? The ARES Scholarship 2027–2028 is now open for applications and offers international students and professionals from eligible countries the opportunity to undertake specialised higher education and professional training in Belgium.
The scholarship programme is organised by ARES (Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur) and supports selected international training programmes within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, the new ARES call includes opportunities for a specialised bachelor’s programme, specialised master’s programmes and continuing professional development training. Applications opened on August 3, 2026, and the final application deadline is September 18, 2026, at 12:00 noon Belgian time.
If you are interested in studying in Belgium with financial support, this is an opportunity worth checking carefully.
ARES Scholarship 2027–2028 at a Glance
| Scholarship | ARES International Training Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Belgium |
| Academic Year | 2027–2028 |
| Organisation | ARES |
| Study Location | Wallonia-Brussels Federation |
| Programmes | Specialised Bachelor’s, Specialised Master’s & Continuing Training |
| Duration | Up to 12 months for degree programmes; up to 6 months for continuing training |
| Eligible Applicants | Applicants from selected eligible countries |
| Application System | GIRAF |
| Application Opens | August 3, 2026 |
| Final Deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Deadline Time | 12:00 noon Belgian time |
| Scholarship Type | Fully funded international training scholarship |
What Is the ARES Scholarship?
The ARES International Training Scholarship is a Belgian scholarship programme designed to provide specialised education and professional training opportunities to applicants from selected partner countries.
Rather than allowing applicants to choose any degree programme in Belgium, ARES publishes a specific list of international training programmes for each call.
The programme is focused on developing professional skills and strengthening knowledge that can be used in applicants’ home countries and institutions.
For the 2027–2028 call, ARES has introduced a new range of international study programmes as part of its 2027–2032 programme cycle.
What Does the ARES Scholarship Cover?
One of the biggest advantages of the ARES Scholarship is that selected candidates receive substantial financial support during their training in Belgium.
Depending on the programme and applicable scholarship conditions, the funding can cover major expenses such as:
- International travel
- Living expenses
- Accommodation-related support
- Insurance
- Tuition and study-related costs for eligible degree programmes
- Certain visa-related expenses
- Other costs associated with the approved training programme
The exact benefits can depend on the type of programme and the applicable ARES scholarship rules, so applicants should carefully review the official call before applying.
What Programmes Are Available?
The 2027–2028 ARES International Training call offers different types of specialised training.
These include:
Specialised Bachelor’s Programme
ARES offers a specialised bachelor’s opportunity under the international training programme. Applicants must meet the specific academic and professional requirements established for the programme.
Specialised Master’s Programmes
The call also includes specialised master’s programmes covering development-related and professional fields.
These programmes can provide an opportunity for qualified professionals to gain specialised knowledge in Belgium and take that experience back to their home countries.
Continuing Professional Development
ARES also offers shorter continuing training opportunities. These programmes can last up to approximately six months and are designed for professionals who want to strengthen their skills in a particular field.
Who Can Apply for the ARES Scholarship?
The ARES Scholarship is not open to applicants from every country.
For the 2027–2028 international training call, applicants must have their permanent residence and employment in one of the countries listed by ARES.
The current ARES application system lists eligible countries including:
Africa:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ethiopia
- Guinea
- Ivory Coast
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Niger
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
Other eligible countries include:
- Bolivia
- Cambodia
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Haiti
- Indonesia
- Nepal
- Palestinian Territory
- Peru
- Philippines
- Vietnam
The official ARES application system should always be checked for the current eligible-country list before you begin your application.
ARES Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on the specific programme, but applicants generally need to satisfy several important conditions.
1. You Must Be From an Eligible Country
You must permanently reside and work in one of the countries included in the current ARES call.
Simply holding citizenship of an eligible country may not be enough if you do not meet the residence and employment conditions.
2. You Need the Required Academic Background
Applicants must hold the educational qualification required by their selected training programme.
Because ARES offers different types of programmes, the required degree or academic background can vary.
3. Professional Experience Is Important
The programme is particularly focused on applicants who already have professional experience.
For the current call, the eligibility information requires relevant professional experience, with the exact requirements depending on the programme. Applicants should carefully check the conditions shown in the official ARES application system before submitting an application.
4. Language Requirements
Applicants must complete the application in the language in which their selected programme is taught and demonstrate an appropriate level of written and spoken proficiency.
A basic knowledge of French can also be helpful for daily life in Belgium, even when the programme itself is taught in another language.
5. You Can Apply for Only One Programme
Applicants should carefully choose their preferred programme because the current ARES call allows applicants to apply for one programme only.
What Fields Can You Study?
The available programmes change from one ARES call to another.
The 2027–2028 programmes cover areas connected with professional development and international development. Examples of fields associated with the current call include:
- Human rights
- Public health
- International and development economics
- Microfinance
- Health risk management
- Food chain safety
- Digital integrated supply chain
- Cybersecurity
- Risk and disaster management
- Preventive conservation and collections management
Applicants should select a programme that matches both their academic background and professional experience.
How to Apply for the ARES Scholarship 2027–2028
The ARES application process is completed online through the GIRAF platform.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before creating an application, confirm that your country, academic background, professional experience and other conditions match the requirements.
ARES provides an eligibility questionnaire through its application system.
Step 2: Create or Validate Your GIRAF Account
You need a GIRAF account to access the application.
If you already have a validated GIRAF account, you can log in.
If you do not have one, you should request account creation and validation as early as possible.
Step 3: Select the ARES International Training Application
After logging into GIRAF, access the competitive calls section and select the application for International Training 2027–2028.
Step 4: Complete Your Application
Enter your personal, academic and professional information carefully.
You can save the application as a draft and return to it later while completing the required sections.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
Prepare your supporting documents according to the requirements of your selected programme.
These may include academic documents, proof of professional experience, identification documents and other supporting materials.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Once your application is complete, submit it through GIRAF.
Important: After submission, the application can no longer be modified, so review everything carefully before clicking the final submission button.
ARES Scholarship Deadline 2027–2028
The final deadline for the ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 is:
September 18, 2026, at 12:00 noon Belgian time.
Applications opened on August 3, 2026.
Important GIRAF Account Warning
If you do not already have a validated GIRAF account, do not wait until the last day to start.
The account creation/validation process has its own timing requirements. Applicants should create their account early enough to complete the application before the final September 18 deadline.
Official ARES Scholarship Application Link
Applicants should use the official ARES platform to check eligibility and begin the application.
👉 Official ARES 2027–2028 Application:
https://form.ares-ac.be/international_trainings_2027_2028
The official ARES application page allows applicants to begin by checking their country of permanent residence and other eligibility conditions.
How to Make Your ARES Application Stronger
ARES scholarships can be competitive, so submitting an application is only the first step.
Here are some practical tips that can help you prepare a stronger application.
Connect Your Experience With the Programme
Do not choose a programme simply because it is fully funded.
Your academic background and professional experience should make sense for the programme you are selecting.
Explain Your Future Plans Clearly
Think about what you will do with the knowledge after completing the training.
A strong application should show how the programme can contribute to your professional development and your home country.
Prepare Early
Gather your academic certificates, employment information and other documents before starting the application.
Leaving everything until the final days can create unnecessary problems.
Read the Programme Requirements
Different ARES programmes can have different academic and professional requirements.
Always read the requirements for the specific programme you are applying for.
Submit Only One Application
Since the current call allows applicants to apply for only one programme, take time to choose the option that best matches your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About ARES Scholarship 2027–2028
Is the ARES Scholarship fully funded?
The ARES International Training Scholarship provides extensive financial support, including travel, living and insurance support, with tuition and certain visa-related costs covered for eligible degree programmes under the scholarship conditions. Applicants should check the official programme details for the exact coverage.
Who can apply for the ARES Scholarship?
The scholarship is intended for applicants who permanently reside and work in countries included in the current ARES international training call and who meet the academic, professional and programme-specific requirements.
Can I apply from any country?
No. ARES publishes a specific list of eligible countries for each call. Applicants should verify their country on the official ARES application page.
What is the deadline for ARES Scholarship 2027–2028?
The final deadline is September 18, 2026, at 12:00 noon Belgian time.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the ARES GIRAF application system.
Can I apply for more than one programme?
No. For the current 2027–2028 call, applicants should apply for only one programme.
Do I need work experience?
Professional experience is an important part of the eligibility criteria for the international training scholarships. The exact amount and type of experience can depend on the selected programme.
Can I apply if I have never studied in Belgium?
Yes, previous study in Belgium is not generally required. However, you must meet the eligibility and admission requirements of the programme you select.
Is IELTS required?
There is no single IELTS requirement that applies to every ARES programme. Language requirements depend on the selected programme and its teaching language. Applicants should check the specific programme requirements.
What is the GIRAF platform?
GIRAF is the online system used by ARES for applications to its competitive calls, including the International Training 2027–2028 scholarship application.
Final Thoughts
The ARES Scholarship 2027–2028 is an excellent opportunity for eligible professionals and graduates who want to gain specialised education and professional experience in Belgium.
However, applicants should not treat it as a general scholarship for any university programme. ARES offers a specific selection of international training programmes, and applicants must meet the requirements for the programme they choose.
With the application deadline set for September 18, 2026, eligible applicants should start preparing their documents and GIRAF account as soon as possible.
If your academic background and professional experience match one of the available programmes, this could be a valuable opportunity to study in Belgium while gaining skills that can support your future career and contribute to development in your home country.
Good luck with your ARES Scholarship application!
Important Disclaimer
Scholarship programmes, eligibility requirements, participating programmes and deadlines can change. The information in this article is provided for guidance and was checked against the current 2027–2028 ARES information available at the time of writing. Always verify the final requirements and application instructions on the official ARES website before submitting your application.