ARES Masters & Training Scholarships in Belgium 2026/2027 (Fully Funded) for Developing Countries- Apply Now

Application Deadline: September 19, 2025

The ARES Masters and Training Scholarships in Belgium 2026/2027 present an exceptional opportunity for students and professionals from developing countries to pursue advanced studies in Belgium under full financial support. This program, offered by the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES), provides more than 150 scholarships for master’s programs and 70 scholarships for short-term training courses each year. The initiative aims to empower young professionals, enhance capacity in critical development areas, and foster international collaboration.

About the ARES Scholarship Program

The Belgium ARES scholarships are designed to strengthen higher education and professional expertise in developing countries. Each year, ARES partners with institutions in the Federation Wallonia-Brussels to deliver postgraduate programs and specialized training courses. These opportunities target candidates committed to contributing to the sustainable development of their home countries after completion.

Eligible Countries

The program is open to nationals of several African, Asian, and Latin American countries. Eligible countries include:

Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, Ecuador, Ethiopia (English courses only), Haiti, Madagascar, Morocco, Niger, Peru, Philippines, DR Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Vietnam, Uganda, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

Accepted Study Areas

Master’s Programs (1 year):

• Development, Environment, and Societies
• Human Rights
• Aquatic Resource Management and Aquaculture
• Risk and Disaster Management
• Integrated Management of Health Risks in the Global South (IManHR)
• International Development
• Transfusion Medicine
• Microfinance
• Natural Resource Management in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas
• Public Health Methodology
• Global Health Research Methods
• Environmental Management in Developing Countries
• Transport and Logistics

Specialized Training Courses (4–6 months):

• Control and Quality Assurance of Medicines and Health Products
• Research to Strengthen Health Systems
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Sustainable Construction and Resource Development
• Innovation in Family Farming

These fields were carefully selected to address global development challenges and contribute to practical, sustainable solutions in the scholars’ home countries.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a national and resident of a developing country at the time of application.
• Be under 40 years old for master’s programs and under 45 years old for training programs.
• Hold a degree equivalent to a Belgian second-cycle university diploma.
• Possess at least two years of professional experience after graduation (or three years for those with postgraduate diplomas from industrialized countries).
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in French or the language of instruction. For programs taught in English, candidates must have good English skills.
• Commit to returning home to contribute to national development.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on the following:

• Academic background and achievements
• Professional experience and development engagement
• Connection with a partner institution or development program
• Gender balance and equal opportunity considerations
• Reintegration plans and long-term impact in the home country
• Candidates who have not previously benefited from Belgian grants will receive priority.

Scholarship Benefits

The ARES Masters & Training Scholarships are fully funded and cover:

• International travel costs
• Monthly living allowance
• Tuition and registration fees
• Insurance coverage
• Housing allowance
• Installation costs
• Allowances for dependents (if applicable)
• Return travel expenses
• A completion bonus for first-session graduates

This package ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their academic or training programs without financial stress.

Duration of Programs

• Masters: One year
• Training courses: 4–6 months

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online by 19 September 2025 at 12 PM (Belgian time, UTC+1). Required documents include:

• Two recommendation letters (academic/professional)
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
• Proof of residency for the past five years
• Certificate of nationality or passport copy
• Pre-project proposal (for certain programs)

It is essential to provide complete documentation, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Important Notice: Applying for an ARES scholarship is free. ARES does not request payment at any stage of the process. Candidates should avoid any individual or organization claiming to represent ARES in exchange for fees.

Why Apply for the Belgium ARES Scholarship?

The ARES scholarship is more than financial aid—it is an opportunity to gain advanced knowledge, strengthen professional skills, and build international networks. Scholars return home with the capacity to influence policies, lead projects, and drive sustainable development in key sectors such as health, environment, agriculture, governance, and infrastructure.

For more information and  to apply, CLICK HERE