Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Applications are now open for the Fully Funded ARES International Training Scholarships 2027-2028 for study in Belgium
This call for applications is part of the ARES International Training programme, which aims to build the capacity of young professionals from partner countries by providing them with specialised training or continuing education in Belgium. The ARES scholarships offer you the opportunity to follow a one-year advanced bachelor’s or master’s degree program or a 2-to-6-month continuing education program within a higher education institution in Belgium
Objectives of ARES International Training Scholarships
- Increase the level of qualifications of participants;
- Empower people in their countries of origin;
- Strengthen interpersonal and professional networks;
- Improve the capacity of the home institutions of scholars;
- Highlight international themes;
- Promote the expertise and experience of participants of training courses;
- Enable scholarship holders to become agents of change in their home institutions and in society, in favour of development.
Who can apply?
The candidate must:
- Be a permanent resident and work in one of the 32 eligible countries (see list below). Exception: Palestinian nationals are eligible even if they do not reside in one of these 32 countries.
- Hold a graduate degree and meet the admission requirements for the program, a description of which can be found on the ARES website. Applicants must have earned the relevant academic degree no more than 20 years prior to the start of the program. This maximum time limit is extended by one year for each childbirth and/or adoption.
- Demonstrate at least two years of relevant professional experience, in one of the 32 eligible countries, between the completion of the most recent graduate degree and the application deadline.
- Complete the application in the language in which the program is taught and demonstrate a good command of that language, both written and spoken. In addition, a basic knowledge of French facilitates integration into daily life in Belgium.
- Apply for only one program.
How do I apply?
Steps to follow to apply:
- Have a GIRAF Account
If you already have a GIRAF account created and validated by ARES, use it to log in. If not, please fill out this account creation request form. - Access the application form
Once logged in to GIRAF, go to “Competitive Calls” > click the “Application – International Training 2027–2028” button (only once). - Complete and save the form
Fill out the form fields. Certain required fields, marked with an asterisk (*), must be completed before you save the form for the first time. You can complete your application in multiple sessions by clicking “Save as Draft.” - Find my saved form
To resume a saved application, go to “Competitive Calls” > “My Tasks.” Select the relevant form, then click “Open.” You can continue to edit it as long as it is saved as a draft and has not yet been submitted. - Submit your application
Once your application is complete, click “Submit my application.” After submission, your application will be available under “Competitive Calls” > “My Submitted Applications.”
Please note: Once the application has been submitted, it can no longer be modified.
Need help? Read the applicant’s guide.
Eligible countries
- In Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, DR Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
- In South America and the Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru.
- Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam.
- In Asia: Palestine.
Duration?
- Bachelor’s and specialised master’s degrees: 12 months maximum.
- Continuing training: 6 months maximum.
Financial support?
The scholarship includes:
- International travel expenses.
- Subsistence allowance.
- Exceptional costs associated with visa applications (only for bachelor’s degrees and specialised master’s degrees).
- Tuition fees (only for bachelor’s degrees and specialised master’s degrees).
- Indirect mission expenses (for continuing education only).
- Insurance costs.
Call details
Download the reference document of the call for applications 2027-2028 ARES International Training Scholarships.
MORE INFORMATION : contact Maryvonne Aubry – [email protected].
