Apply for the ARES Scholarship in Belgium. Fully funded master’s and training programs with tuition, stipend, travel, and insurance. Start your journey today.
Overview of ARES Scholarship in Belgium
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium is a prestigious fully funded opportunity offered by the Belgium government through the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES). The program supports talented students from developing countries who want to pursue advanced studies and professional training in Belgium. This scholarship aims to strengthen global development by providing high-quality education and training in fields that contribute to economic and social progress. Selected students can study specialized bachelor’s, advanced master’s, or short training programs in recognized Belgian institutions.

If you want to secure your future with a world-class European education, this program offers full financial support and access to Belgium’s top academic institutions. Apply now and start your journey today toward an international academic career.
Details of ARES Scholarships Belgium
The ARES program funds multiple academic opportunities in Belgium each year for international students.
Key details include:
- Host Country: Belgium
- Scholarship Provider: ARES (Academy of Research and Higher Education)
- Study Location: Universities in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation
- Degree Levels:
- Specialized Bachelor’s
- Advanced Master’s
- Short Training Courses
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Duration:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s: up to 12 months
- Training programs: 2–6 months
The program collaborates with over 120 higher education institutions in Belgium, offering diverse academic opportunities and global networking exposure.
Eligibility Criteria for ARES Scholarship
To apply for the ARES Scholarship in Belgium, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible developing country
- Must live and work in their home country at the time of application
- Hold a relevant academic degree equivalent to:
- 180 ECTS for specialized bachelor’s
- 300 ECTS for specialized master’s
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience
- Demonstrate proficiency in the language of the program (English or French)
- Apply for only one program at a time
- The degree must have been obtained within the last 20 years
Eligible Countries for ARES Scholarship in Belgium
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium is available to students from selected developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of the countries listed below.
| Region | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|
| Africa | Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Madagascar, Morocco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo |
| Asia | Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam |
| Middle East & North Africa | Palestine |
| Latin America & Caribbean | Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru |
Benefits of the ARES Scholarship (Fully Funded)
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium is fully funded, meaning students receive complete financial support during their study period.
Financial benefits include:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend of approximately €1,150
- Round-trip international airfare
- Arrival allowance of €700
- Additional settlement allowance of €150
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Visa and administrative fee support
- Reimbursement of academic travel costs within the program
For short training programs:
- Monthly allowance up to €1,400
- Travel expenses
- Insurance coverage
This fully funded opportunity allows students to focus entirely on their academic goals without financial stress.
Duration of the Scholarship
The duration of the program depends on the selected track.
- Specialized Bachelor’s: up to 1 year
- Specialized Master’s: up to 1 year
- Short Training Courses: 2 to 6 months
These programs are designed to provide practical knowledge and international experience in a short timeframe.
Fields of Study Offered in ARES Scholarships
The scholarship programs cover multiple high-impact development fields, including:
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Public Health
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Environmental Science
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Disaster Risk Management
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Human Rights
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Development Economics
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Microfinance
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Transport and Logistics
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Aquaculture and Water Resources
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Social Innovation
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Sustainable Development
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GIS and Data Science
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Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance
These fields are designed to help scholars gain expertise and contribute to development in their home countries.
Available Tracks Under ARES Scholarships
ARES Scholarship Programs in Belgium
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium offers three types of programs: specialized bachelor’s degrees, advanced master’s degrees, and short professional training courses. These programs are hosted by universities and institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium. The scholarship funds one-year advanced degrees and short professional training programs designed for professionals from developing countries.
Specialized Bachelor’s Programs Under ARES
These bachelor’s programs focus on practical and professional training in high-demand fields.
Available programs include:
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Specialized Bachelor in Business Data Analysis
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Specialized Bachelor in Pediatrics and Neonatology
These programs help students develop technical and analytical skills for international development sectors.
Advanced Master’s Programs Under ARES Scholarship
ARES funds several one-year advanced master’s programs designed for professionals with prior academic backgrounds and work experience.
All the ARES Master’s Programs
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Master of Specialization in Human Rights
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Master of Specialization in Risk and Disaster Management in the Anthropocene Era
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Master of Specialization in Integrated Health Risk Management
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Specialized Master in International and Development Economics
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European Microfinance Programme
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Specialized Master in Public Health Methodology
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Master of Specialization in Public Health Sciences – Analysis and Evaluation of Health Policies and Systems
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Master of Specialization in Transport and Logistics
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Master of Specialization in Social Innovation Design
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Master of Specialization in Water-Energy-Food Nexus
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Master of Specialization in Development, Environment and Societies
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Master of Specialization in Aquatic Resources Management and Aquaculture
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Master of Specialization in Transfusion Medicine
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Master of Specialization in Integrated Production and Conservation of Natural Resources in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas
These programs focus on fields linked to sustainable development, global health, environment, economics, and human rights.
Short Training Programs Funded by ARES
ARES also offers short-term professional training programs lasting between 2 and 6 months. These courses help professionals gain specialized skills relevant to development sectors.
List of ARES Training Programs
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Certificate in Data Science for Global Health
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Training in Digital University Teaching and Education Technology
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Inter-University Certificate in Transitional Justice
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Training in Human Dimensions of Sustainable Development Projects
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Training in Quality Assurance of Medicines and Health Products
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Training in Open Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
These courses focus on technology, healthcare, governance, and sustainable development.
Universities Participating in ARES Scholarship
Major Universities
These are the primary universities offering ARES Master’s and advanced degree programs.
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Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
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Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
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University of Liège (ULiège)
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University of Mons (UMONS)
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Université de Namur (UNamur)
These universities host most of the specialized master’s programs funded by ARES, particularly in fields such as public health, environmental sciences, development studies, and human rights.
Higher Education Institutions & Colleges
ARES also collaborates with several Belgian university colleges and specialized institutions that deliver professional training programs.
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EPHEC (Haute École EPHEC)
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HE Vinci (Haute École Léonard de Vinci)
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ESA Saint-Luc Bruxelles
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Haute École Louvain en Hainaut (HELHa)
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Haute École de la Province de Liège
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Haute École Libre de Bruxelles (HELB)
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Haute École Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B)
These institutions usually host short international training programs focused on professional skills and development-related fields.
Other Partner Academic Institutions
ARES works with many research centers, institutes, and academic partners across Belgium.
Examples include:
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Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM)
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Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (ULiège Faculty)
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Louvain School of Public Health
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ULB School of Public Health
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Catholic University of Louvain Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
Overall, ARES coordinates collaboration between about 127 higher education institutions and research centers in Belgium to deliver its scholarship programs.
Important Note for Applicants
Unlike many international scholarships:
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You do not apply directly to a specific university first.
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You apply through the ARES scholarship portal (GIRAF platform).
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If selected, you will be assigned to the university that hosts your chosen program.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Completed ARES scholarship application form
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Two recommendation letters
- Copy of passport or proof of nationality
- CV or professional resume
- Proof of work experience
- Language proficiency proof
- Pre-project proposal (required for some programs)
IELTS Requirements for ARES Scholarship
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium does not always require IELTS. The language requirement depends on the language of the program (English or French) offered by the university.
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For English-taught programs, applicants usually need proof of English proficiency such as IELTS (around 6.5), TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo.
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For French-taught programs, candidates may need DELF or DALF (usually B2 level).
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In some cases, universities may accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate if your previous degree was taught in English.
Overall, IELTS is not strictly mandatory, but applicants must prove they can study in the language of the program.
You can also explore fully funded scholarships in other countries without IELTS. Many international programs allow students to apply using alternative language proof such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or other language tests. Popular study destinations that frequently offer scholarships without strict IELTS requirements include Germany, Italy, Hungary, China, Turkey, Malaysia, Romania, Russia, Norway, and Finland. These countries provide various government scholarships and university-funded programs that support international students and sometimes waive IELTS if the previous degree was taught in English. Exploring these opportunities can help you secure your future and start your study abroad journey without IELTS.
Is a Supervisor Required for ARES Scholarship?
No, a supervisor is not required for the ARES scholarship application.
Unlike many research-based scholarships, candidates do not need prior admission or a supervisor before applying. Once selected, ARES assigns students to the appropriate Belgian institution.
Application Process for ARES Scholarship
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Program
- Review the list of available programs under the ARES scholarship.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Ensure all academic, professional, and identification documents are ready.
Step 3: Create an Account
- Register on the ares Giraf Application Platform Login.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the official scholarship application form carefully on ares application portal.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
- Upload all documents and submit the application before the official deadline.
Do not miss this opportunity to study in Europe with full financial support.
Start Your Journey in Belgium with ARES Scholarship
The ARES Scholarship in Belgium is one of the best fully funded opportunities for students from developing countries to study in Europe. With full financial support, world-class universities, and career-focused programs, this scholarship can help you build global expertise and contribute to your country’s development. Apply now and secure your future with international education.
Don’t miss this opportunity to study in Belgium on a fully funded scholarship and transform your career. Start your journey today.