ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 🇧🇪 |An Elite Fully Funded Study in Belgium – Apply Now!

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The ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 are now open for applications.

The programme offers scholarships for one specialised bachelor’s degree, eight specialised master’s programmes and one continuing training course in Belgium.

The ARES scholarship provides financial support that can include international travel expenses, subsistence allowance, tuition fees, insurance costs and visa-related expenses, depending on the type of programme.

Applicants from 32 eligible countries, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, can apply, subject to the eligibility requirements.

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

📌 ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 – Quick Overview

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship	ARES International Training Scholarships
Study Location	Belgium 🇧🇪
Academic Year	2027–2028
Scholarship Type	International Training Scholarship
Programmes	1 Specialised Bachelor’s, 8 Specialised Masters, 1 Continuing Training
Eligible Countries	32 countries
African Countries Eligible	20
Scholarship Duration	Up to 12 months for Bachelor’s/Master’s; up to 6 months for Continuing Training
Application Opens	3 August 2026
Application Deadline	18 September 2026
Deadline Time	12:00 PM Belgian time (UTC+1)
Application Platform	GIRAF
Application Limit	One programme per applicant
Tuition Support	Included for Bachelor’s and Specialised Master’s
Travel Support	Included
Insurance	Included

🇧🇪 What Are the ARES International Training Scholarships?

The ARES International Training Scholarships provide opportunities for eligible graduates and professionals from partner countries to undertake specialised higher education or training programmes in Belgium.

The programme is designed to support professional and academic development while contributing to capacity building and international cooperation.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, applicants can apply for:

One Specialised Bachelor’s degree
Eight Specialised Master’s degrees
One Continuing Training course

🎓 What Programmes Are Available?

The 2027–2028 call includes three categories of training opportunities.

1. Specialised Bachelor’s Degree

One specialised bachelor’s programme is available under the current call.

Specialised bachelor’s and master’s programmes can last a maximum of 12 months.

2. Specialised Master’s Degrees

The call includes eight specialised master’s programmes.

These programmes are designed for graduates who want to develop advanced knowledge and professional expertise.

3. Continuing Training

One continuing training course is available.

Continuing training programmes have a maximum duration of six months.

Applicants should review the individual programme descriptions and admission requirements on the official ARES website before applying.

Also Read: NM-AIST Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027 | Powerful Fully Funded EAC Scholarship Programme in Tanzania

🌍 Who Can Apply for ARES Scholarships?

Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility conditions.

To apply, candidates must:

Be a permanent resident and work in one of the 32 eligible countries.
Be a graduate and meet the admission requirements of the selected programme.
Have obtained the relevant academic degree no more than 20 years before the start of the programme.
Have at least two years of relevant professional experience in one of the eligible countries between completing their most recent graduate degree and the application deadline.
Complete the application in the language in which the programme is taught.
Demonstrate good written and spoken command of the programme language.
Apply for only one programme.

Special Provision for Palestinian Nationals

Palestinian nationals are eligible even if they do not reside in one of the 32 eligible countries.

🎓 Academic Qualification Requirement

Applicants must hold a graduate degree and satisfy the admission requirements of the specific programme they are applying for.

The relevant academic qualification must generally have been obtained no more than 20 years before the beginning of the programme.

The maximum period is extended by one year for each childbirth and/or adoption.

Because programme requirements may differ, candidates should carefully review the admission requirements for their selected programme before submitting an application.

💼 Professional Experience Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of relevant professional experience.

The experience must have been gained in one of the eligible countries.

The relevant experience must fall between:

Completion of the most recent graduate degree → Application deadline

Candidates should ensure that their professional experience is relevant to the programme they intend to pursue.

🗣️ Language Requirements

Applicants must complete their application in the language in which their selected programme is taught.

They must also demonstrate a good command of that language, both written and spoken.

ARES also notes that a basic knowledge of French can help scholarship recipients integrate into daily life in Belgium.

🌍 Eligible Countries for ARES Scholarships

The ARES programme lists 32 eligible countries.

🇿🇦 Africa

Eligible African countries are:

Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Ethiopia
Guinea
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Madagascar
Mali
Morocco
Mozambique
Niger
Democratic Republic of Congo
Rwanda
Senegal
South Africa
Tanzania
Tunisia
Uganda
Zimbabwe

🌎 South America and the Caribbean

Bolivia
Cuba
Ecuador
Haiti
Peru

🌏 Southeast Asia

Cambodia
Indonesia
Nepal
Philippines
Vietnam

🇵🇸 Asia

Palestine

Important: The programme’s information lists 32 eligible countries. Applicants should verify their eligibility and residency/work requirements against the official call before applying.

💰 What Does the ARES Scholarship Cover?

The ARES scholarship provides financial support to successful candidates.

Depending on the programme, the scholarship can include:

✈️ International Travel

Support for international travel expenses.

💵 Subsistence Allowance

A subsistence allowance is provided during the scholarship period.

🎓 Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are covered for specialised bachelor’s and specialised master’s programmes.

🛂 Visa Costs

Exceptional costs associated with visa applications are covered for specialised bachelor’s and specialised master’s programmes.

🏥 Insurance

Insurance costs are included.

📚 Continuing Education Support

For continuing training programmes, indirect mission expenses are included.

The exact financial arrangements depend on the category of programme.

Also Read: EAC Scholarship Programme at USIU-Africa 2026 |An Elite Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Kenya

⏳ How Long Is the ARES Scholarship?

The duration depends on the selected programme.

Specialised Bachelor’s

Maximum: 12 months

Specialised Master’s

Maximum: 12 months

Continuing Training

Maximum: 6 months

Applicants should check the individual programme details for the exact duration.

📅 ARES Scholarship 2027–2028 Application Deadline

The application deadline is:

Friday, 18 September 2026

Deadline Time:

12:00 PM Belgian time (UTC+1)

Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline.

Do not wait until the final hours, particularly because applications cannot be modified after submission.

💻 How to Apply for ARES Scholarships 2027–2028

Applications are submitted through the GIRAF platform.

Step 1: Create a GIRAF Account

If you already have a GIRAF account created and validated by ARES, use your existing account to log in.

If you do not have an account, complete the account creation request.

Step 2: Access the Application

After logging into GIRAF, go to:

Competitive Calls

Then select:

Application – International Training 2027–2028

Select the application button only once.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Fill in all required fields.

Some fields marked with an asterisk (*) must be completed before you can save the application for the first time.

Step 4: Save Your Application

You do not have to complete everything in one sitting.

You can select:

Save as Draft

and return to the application later.

Step 5: Resume Your Application

To continue a saved application:

Go to:

Competitive Calls → My Tasks

Select the relevant application and click:

Open

You can continue editing the application while it remains a draft.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Once you have completed your application, select:

Submit my application

After submission, the application will appear under:

Competitive Calls → My Submitted Applications

⚠️ Important

Once an application has been submitted, it can no longer be modified.

Review all information carefully before clicking the submit button.

📝 Application Tips

Before submitting your ARES scholarship application:

Confirm that your country is eligible.
Check the admission requirements of your selected programme.
Confirm that you meet the professional experience requirement.
Prepare your application in the correct programme language.
Check your personal information carefully.
Make sure all required fields are completed.
Review your application before submission.
Apply for only one programme.
Submit before the deadline.

🎯 Who Should Apply?

The ARES International Training Scholarships may be particularly suitable for graduates and young professionals interested in:

Applicants should, however, select a programme that matches their academic background, professional experience and career objectives.

🌟 Why Consider the ARES Scholarship?

The ARES International Training Scholarships provide eligible candidates with an opportunity to undertake specialised study or training in Belgium while receiving significant financial support.

Successful scholars can gain:

International academic exposure
Professional development
Specialized knowledge and skills
International networking opportunities
Experience in a European higher education environment
Opportunities to strengthen their professional expertise

The programme also forms part of broader international cooperation and capacity-building efforts.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ARES International Training Scholarship?

The ARES International Training Scholarship is a scholarship programme offering eligible graduates and professionals from partner countries the opportunity to undertake specialised study or training in Belgium.

When does the ARES 2027–2028 application open?

The application call opened on 3 August 2026.

What is the ARES scholarship deadline?

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

How many programmes can I apply for?

Applicants may apply for only one programme.

How long are the ARES programmes?

Specialised bachelor’s and master’s programmes have a maximum duration of 12 months, while continuing training has a maximum duration of 6 months.

Does ARES cover tuition fees?

Tuition fees are included for specialised bachelor’s and specialised master’s programmes.

Does the scholarship cover travel?

Yes. The scholarship includes international travel expenses.

Does ARES cover visa expenses?

Exceptional visa application costs are included for specialised bachelor’s and specialised master’s programmes.

Is Zimbabwe eligible for the ARES scholarship?

Yes. Zimbabwe is among the African countries listed as eligible for the programme.

Do I need professional experience?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of relevant professional experience in an eligible country between completion of their most recent graduate degree and the application deadline.

Can Palestinian nationals apply if they live outside the 32 eligible countries?

Yes. Palestinian nationals are eligible even if they do not reside in one of the 32 listed countries.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

No. Once submitted, the application cannot be modified.

How do I apply for the ARES scholarship?

Applications are submitted through the GIRAF application platform. Applicants must create or use a validated GIRAF account and complete the application under the Competitive Calls section.

⚠️ Important Notice

The ARES scholarship has specific academic, professional, residency, language and programme requirements.

Applicants should carefully review the official programme information and the admission requirements for their selected course before applying.

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide. Programme-specific requirements may vary.

📌 Final Thoughts

The ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 offer eligible graduates and professionals an opportunity to pursue specialised education and training in Belgium with significant financial support.

With eligible applicants from countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique and Rwanda, the programme provides an important opportunity for professionals from Africa and other partner countries to strengthen their academic and professional skills.

The application deadline is 18 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Belgian time, so eligible candidates should begin preparing their applications early.

Click to Apply

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Disclaimer: Job Search Africa shares scholarship information for informational purposes. Always verify eligibility requirements, programme details, funding conditions and application instructions on the official ARES website before applying.