Fully Funded to Belgium: Apply for the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) International Training Scholarships 2026-2027
The Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) has officially launched the 2026–2027 call for applications for its International Training Scholarships.
These highly competitive scholarships aim to support professionals from 31 eligible partner countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East who seek to deepen their expertise through specialized academic training in Belgium.
This opportunity is open to candidates interested in one of the following programs:
- 1 Specialized Bachelor’s Degree
- 10 Specialized Master’s Degrees
- 6 Continuing Training Courses (Short-term professional development)
These scholarships represent a significant investment in capacity building, leadership development, and knowledge transfer between Belgium and its international partners.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the 2026–2027 International Training Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a permanent resident and currently working in one of the 31 eligible countries listed below.
(Exception: Palestinian nationals are eligible even if they do not reside in one of the countries on the list.) - Hold a relevant academic qualification:
- For specialized master’s degrees and continuing training courses: a degree equivalent to a 2nd cycle diploma (300 ECTS) from a Belgian university.
- For specialized bachelor’s degrees: a degree equivalent to a 1st cycle diploma (180 ECTS).
- Demonstrate a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in a sector related to the chosen field of study, preferably in an ARES partner country.
- Be able to demonstrate a strong professional commitment to applying the knowledge gained in Belgium toward local or national development goals.
Eligible Countries
Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
Latin America & Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru.
Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam.
Middle East: Palestinian Territory.
Training Duration
- Specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees: Up to 12 months
- Continuing Training Courses: 2 to 6 months, depending on the program
These programs provide advanced academic knowledge, practical experience, and international exposure essential for sustainable development initiatives.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Selected candidates will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- International travel expenses (to and from Belgium)
- Monthly subsistence allowance (to cover accommodation and living costs)
- Visa-related expenses (only for bachelor’s and master’s candidates)
- Full tuition fees (for bachelor’s and master’s programs)
- Insurance coverage
- Indirect mission costs (applicable to continuing training participants only)
This support ensures that participants can fully focus on their academic and professional development without financial barriers
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted exclusively through the GIRAF platform. No documents should be sent via email. Any such request is likely a phishing attempt and must
Deadline: 19 September 2025 at 12pm (Belgian time, UTC+1).
Call details
Download the reference document of the call for applications 2026-2027.
MORE INFORMATION : contact Maryvonne Aubry – [email protected] OR Visit Official Website Here
