ARES Scholarships 2027 in Belgium: Fully Funded Guide for Developing Countries

The ARES Scholarships 2027 in Belgium are now accepting applications — and here’s what most websites won’t tell you: only 100 scholarships are available for the 2027–2028 academic year, and the competition is fierce. I’ve helped students from Nigeria, Pakistan, and Indonesia navigate this exact application, and the difference between getting selected and getting rejected often comes down to a few specific details that most applicants miss.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the ARES International Training Scholarships for 2027 — from eligibility and funding to a step-by-step GIRAF application walkthrough and insider tips on the selection criteria. Let’s get you that fully funded ticket to Belgium.

What Are the ARES Scholarships 2027 in Belgium?

The ARES Scholarships are funded by the Académie de recherche et d’enseignement supérieur (ARES) — the federation of higher education institutions in Belgium’s Wallonia-Brussels Federation. ARES manages a budget from Belgium’s Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD) to run academic cooperation projects with partner countries.

For the 2027–2032 five-year program, ARES is offering a new range of international study programs. The scholarships allow professionals from developing countries to pursue:

• A specialized bachelor’s degree (1 year)
• A specialized master’s degree (1 year)
• A continuing education course (2 to 6 months)

The goal? To build the capacity of young professionals from partner countries and turn them into agents of change in their home societies.

See Also: Open Doors Russia Scholarship 2026

What Does the ARES Scholarship Cover? (Funding Breakdown)

The ARES scholarship is fully funded — but “fully funded” means different things for different program types. Here’s the exact breakdown from the official ARES reference document.

Financial Support for Specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s

Financial Support for Continuing Education

Important: Third-party sources report the monthly subsistence allowance at approximately €1,150 per month (around $1,250 USD). That’s enough to cover living expenses in Belgium comfortably if you budget wisely.

What’s NOT covered? The official document doesn’t mention tuition fees for continuing education — only for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Also, ARES does NOT cover any application fees (and warns that the application is completely free — no one should charge you to apply).

Who Is Eligible for the ARES Scholarship 2027?

Eligibility is strict. Here’s the checklist — you must meet ALL of these to even be considered.

⚠️ Critical eligibility note: You must be both a permanent resident and working in one of the eligible countries at the time of application. Being a citizen alone is not enough — except for Palestinian nationals.

See Also: CERN Research Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland

List of Eligible Countries for ARES Scholarships 2027

ARES has 32 partner countries for the 2027–2028 cycle. If your country isn’t on this list, you’re not eligible.

Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Republic of Guinea (Conakry), Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Asia & Pacific: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam

Latin America: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru

Middle East: Palestinian Territory

Palestinian nationals: You are eligible even if you do not reside in one of the 32 listed countries.

Required Documents for ARES Scholarship Application

Here’s the official document checklist from ARES. Missing even one of these will get your application rejected without follow-up.

1. 2 recommendation letters (academic and/or professional)
   • Tip: At least one should be from a current supervisor who can speak to your professional experience and potential as a “change agent.”
2. Certified copies of original diplomas
   • Tip: “Certified” means officially notarized or attested by the issuing institution. Start this process early — it can take weeks.
3. Certified copies of original transcripts for all years
   • Tip: Include transcripts from every year of study, not just the final degree certificate.
4. Proof of occupancy for the last 5 years
   • Tip: This is a residency verification. Provide rental contracts, utility bills, or official employment letters showing where you’ve lived.
5. Certificate of nationality or copy of passport
   • Tip: Ensure your passport is valid for at least the duration of the program.
6. Pre-project (for certain courses — check course-specific admission conditions)
   • Tip: This is your most important document. More on this below.

How to Apply for ARES Scholarships 2027 in Belgium Step by Step

⚠️ Important: ARES does not charge any fees at any stage of the application or selection process. If anyone asks you for money to apply, report them to scholarships-cooperation@ares-ac.be.

Here’s the exact step-by-step process using the GIRAF platform. Follow these 7 steps carefully.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility (Again)

Before you do anything else, go through the eligibility checklist above. The most common reason for rejection is not meeting the “permanent resident AND working” requirement. If you’re unsure, contact ARES directly at scholarships-cooperation@ares-ac.be.

Step 2: Create a GIRAF Account

Your application must be submitted via the GIRAF platform (https://giraf.ares-ac.be).

• Go to the GIRAF website and request account creation.
• ARES will validate your account — this takes a few hours to a few days.
• Do NOT create multiple accounts — this will only delay the process.
• If you already have a GIRAF account from previous years, you can reuse it (reset your password if needed).

⏰ Account creation deadline: September 4, 2026 at 16:00 (Belgian time). Don’t wait until the last minute!

Step 3: Access the Application Form

Once logged in to GIRAF:

• Go to the “Competitive Calls” tab in your profile.
• Click the “Apply for international training 2027–2028” button (click only once).
• Your form will appear in the “My Tasks” table.

Step 4: Fill Out the Form

The form can be completed in multiple sessions. Use the “Save as draft” option frequently.

• Fill in all required fields (marked with an asterisk *).
• Upload all required documents (see list above).
• Be thorough — incomplete applications are automatically rejected.

Step 5: Complete the Pre-Project (If Required)

Some courses require a pre-project. This is essentially a proposal that outlines:

• Your research or professional interest
• How the training will benefit your home country
• Your plan for transferring knowledge after returning

More on this in the SOP section below.

Step 6: Review Everything

Before submitting, review your entire application:

• Check that all documents are uploaded and readable.
• Verify that your personal information is correct.
• Ensure you’ve answered every required question.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

Once you click “Submit my application”, your file is sent to ARES and you can no longer modify it.

• You can still consult your submitted application in the “My submitted files” table.
• ⏰ Final deadline: September 18, 2026 at 12:00 (Belgian time, UTC+1). Late applications are not considered.

How to Write a Winning Pre-Project/SOP for ARES Scholarships

This is where most applicants lose points. The pre-project (or motivation letter) is your chance to show the jury that you’re not just qualified — you’re the kind of person who will actually make a difference after returning home.

Here’s what the ARES jury is looking for, based on the official selection criteria:

What to Include in Your Pre-Project

1. Open with a specific problem, not a generic introduction.
   • ❌ “I am writing to express my interest in the ARES scholarship…”
   • ✅ “In my work as a public health officer in rural Kenya, I’ve seen how inconsistent vaccine supply chains cost lives. The Specialized Master in Public Health Methodology will give me the tools to fix this.”
2. Connect your experience to the course content.
   • Show that you understand what the course offers and how it directly addresses a gap in your professional skills.
3. Explain your “change agent” potential.
   • ARES specifically looks for people who will be agents of change in their own society.
   • Describe a specific project, initiative, or change you plan to implement after returning.
4. Demonstrate your ability to transfer knowledge.
   • The jury wants to see that you’ll share what you learn.
   • Mention how you’ll train colleagues, publish findings, or apply new methods in your workplace.
5. Keep it concise and focused.
   • The pre-project should be clear, specific, and relevant — not a life story.

What to Avoid

• Vague aspirations like “I want to help my country develop.”
• Copy-pasting from other scholarship applications.
• Ignoring the word limit (check course-specific requirements).
• Focusing only on personal gain — ARES wants to see community impact.

Word Count Guidance

Most pre-projects for ARES courses are 1–2 pages (approximately 500–1000 words). Check the specific requirements for your chosen course on the ARES website.

ARES Scholarship Selection Criteria — What the Jury Really Looks For

The selection is done by a jury based on 8 criteria. Here’s what each one means in practice — and how to score points.

1. Quality of Academic Career (03.8.1)

The jury assesses your diplomas, course lists, grades, teaching/research activities, and publications.

How to score: If you have publications or teaching experience, highlight them. If your grades aren’t stellar, emphasize practical achievements and relevant coursework.

2. Previous Scholarships (03.8.2)

Priority goes to people who have not received an ARES grant in Belgium before.

How to score: If you’ve had other scholarships, that’s fine — but ARES favors first-time recipients. Be honest about any previous funding.

3. Professional Experience (03.8.3)

Priority is given to people whose work relates to development issues covered by the courses. The social impact of your experience is also considered.

How to score: Frame your experience in terms of development impact. Even if your job title isn’t “development worker,” show how your work contributes to social good.

4. Membership of a Partner Institution (03.8.4)

People who work in an institution with an ARES partnership get priority in case of a tie.

How to score: Check if your employer has any ARES partnerships. If so, mention it explicitly.

5. Potential to Be an Agent of Change (03.8.5)

The jury pays special attention to applicants who have demonstrated commitment to development beyond academic qualifications.

How to score: This is where your pre-project matters most. Show concrete examples of how you’ve already contributed to change in your community.

6. Nationality Criteria (03.8.6)

ARES wants to diversify the geographical origin of grant holders — no single nationality should be overrepresented.

How to score: You can’t change your nationality, but if you’re from a country that sends fewer applicants, you may have an advantage.

7. Gender (03.8.7)

The “cascade effect” for gender must be respected: the proportion of women selected must be greater than or equal to the proportion of female applicants judged to be of sufficient quality.

How to score: Women are actively encouraged to apply. ARES also guarantees grant deferral in case of pregnancy.

8. Ability to Transfer Knowledge (03.8.8)

The jury wants maximum guarantees that you’ll return to your home country and apply the training for development purposes.

How to score: Include a work contract, formal promise of employment, or detailed reintegration plan in your application.

Common Mistakes That Get ARES Applications Rejected

Based on my experience helping students apply, here are the most common reasons applications fail:

1. Missing the residency + employment requirement. You must be both a permanent resident and working in an eligible country. Being a citizen alone doesn’t cut it.
2. Degree is too old. If your degree was completed more than 20 years ago, you’re ineligible — unless you have childbirth/adoption extensions.
3. Not enough professional experience. Two years minimum after your last degree. Internships usually don’t count.
4. Applying for more than one course. You can only apply for one program. Pick carefully.
5. Incomplete documents. ARES explicitly states that incomplete applications get no follow-up.
6. Weak pre-project. A generic motivation letter won’t cut it. You need a focused, specific proposal that shows your change-agent potential.
7. Missing the GIRAF account deadline. Your account must be created by September 4, 2026 — two weeks before the application deadline.

ARES Scholarships 2027 vs. Other Belgium Scholarships

Why choose ARES? ARES is specifically designed for working professionals who already have experience and want to upskill. It’s also one of the few scholarships that offers specialized bachelor’s programs, not just master’s.

Frequently Asked Questions About ARES Scholarships 2027

Can I apply for ARES scholarship if I’m not currently employed?

No. You must be permanently resident AND working in one of the 32 eligible countries at the time of application. This is a strict requirement — being a citizen alone is not enough.

What if my degree is more than 20 years old?

You may still be eligible if you have had children. The 20-year limit is extended by one year per childbirth and/or adoption. Provide documentation to prove this.

Can I apply for ARES if I already have a master’s degree?

Yes, if you’re applying for a continuing education course or a specialized master’s in a different field. However, priority is given to people who don’t already hold a diploma with equivalent skills.

How many ARES scholarships are awarded each year?

For the 2027–2028 academic year, ARES is awarding 100 scholarships. That’s across all programs — bachelor’s, master’s, and continuing education combined.

Do I need to speak French to apply?

Not necessarily. You need good written and spoken command of the language in which the course is given. However, ARES notes that “knowing a minimum of French enables better integration in everyday life in Belgium.”

What happens after I submit my application?

ARES will send an email to successful, reserve, and unsuccessful candidates by June 2027 at the latest. The selection process runs from October 2025 to May 2026.

Final Tips for ARES Scholarship Applicants from Developing Countries

For applicants from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, and other developing nations:

1. Start your document certification early. Getting transcripts and diplomas notarized can take weeks in some countries.
2. Choose your course carefully. You can only apply for one program. Research each course’s content, language requirements, and specific admission conditions.
3. Get strong recommendation letters. At least one should be from a supervisor who can speak to your professional impact and potential as a change agent.
4. Don’t underestimate the pre-project. This is your biggest opportunity to stand out. Be specific, be concrete, and show how you’ll apply what you learn.
5. Apply early. The GIRAF platform can be slow during peak times. Don’t wait until September 18.
6. Double-check your eligibility. If you’re unsure about any requirement, email ARES directly at scholarships-cooperation@ares-ac.be.

Final checklist before submitting:

• □ GIRAF account created and validated
• □ All required documents uploaded (certified copies!)
• □ Pre-project/motivation letter completed
• □ Only ONE course selected
• □ Application submitted before September 18, 2026, 12:00 (Belgian time)

Good luck — this is one of the most generous fully funded scholarships in Europe, and with the right preparation, you have a real shot.