The ARES Scholarships 2025-26 offer a golden opportunity for nationals from ARES partner countries to pursue advanced studies in Belgium. This prestigious program, funded by the Belgian Government, is designed to empower professionals by providing them with the chance to enhance their skills in development-related fields. The fully funded scholarships are available for advanced Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as continuing education courses in higher education institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium.
The scholarships by the Belgian government are particularly aimed at individuals with a higher education degree and relevant professional experience who wish to deepen their expertise and contribute to the development of their home countries. By participating in these programs, scholars will not only increase their qualifications but also strengthen their professional networks, improve the capacities of their home institutions, and ultimately become agents of change within their societies.
The ARES Scholarships in Belgium cover a wide range of disciplines and provide full financial support, including tuition fees, travel expenses, subsistence allowance, and insurance costs. This fully funded scholarship ensures that selected candidates can focus entirely on their studies and professional development without the burden of financial constraints. The application process for the academic year 2025-2026 is now open, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the GIRAF platform by the deadline of October 18, 2024.
Quick Overview of ARES Scholarships 2025-26
- Host Country: Belgium
- Host Institutions: Higher education institutions of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation
- Deadline: 18 October 2024 at 12:00 PM
- Programs Covered:
- Advanced Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (12 months maximum)
- Continuing education courses (2-6 months maximum)
- Scholarship Value:
- International travel expenses
- Subsistence allowance
- Visa application costs (for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Tuition fees (for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Indirect mission expenses (for continuing education)
- Insurance costs
- Eligibility: Nationals of eligible ARES partner countries with relevant professional experience
Perks of the Scholarships by the Belgian Government
- Full financial support covering tuition fees, travel, and living expenses
- Opportunities to study in top Belgian institutions
- Engagement in development-related academic programs
- Access to a global network of professionals and experts
- Empowerment to drive change in your home country through enhanced skills and knowledge
Benefits of the Bachelors’ and Masters’ Scholarships 2025-26
- Gain advanced qualifications in your field of expertise
- Strengthen your professional network with peers and experts from around the world
- Improve the capacities of your home institution with new knowledge and skills
- Contribute to societal development and become an agent of change in your country
- Experience Belgium’s rich culture and academic excellence
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarships in Belgium
- Nationality: Must be a national of, reside in, and work in one of the 31 eligible ARES partner countries
- Educational Background:
- For specialized Master’s and continuing education courses: Hold a diploma comparable to a 2nd cycle diploma (300 ECTS credits) from a Belgian university
- For specialization baccalaureates: Hold a diploma comparable to a 1st cycle diploma (180 ECTS credits) from Belgian higher education
- Professional Experience: Minimum of two years relevant professional experience in an ARES partner country
Important Dates for the Scholarships for Bachelors’ and Masters‘
- Application Open Date: Currently open
- Application Deadline: 18 October 2024 at 12:00 PM
How to Apply for the ARES Scholarships 2025-26
- Application Process: Applications must be submitted online via the GIRAF platform.
- Steps to Follow:
- Create a GIRAF account (or use an existing account if already validated by ARES)
- Access the application form under “Application for international training” > “My tasks” > “Competitive calls”
- Complete the form (can be filled in multiple times)
- Submit the application by clicking “Submit my application”
Required Documents for the ARES Scholarships 2025-26
- Personal Information: Fill out the online application form
- Educational Documents: Diploma(s) and transcripts demonstrating relevant qualifications
- Professional Experience: Proof of at least two years of relevant work experience
- Other Supporting Documents: As required by the specific program you are applying to
For more information and to apply, visit the ARES scholarships page.