ARES Scholarships in Belgium for Developing Countries | CUD ARES

ARES offers scholarships for advanced bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and continuing education courses in Belgium. These take place at higher education institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. The continuing education courses last between 2 and 6 months. Each year, students from developing countries can apply to study in Belgium through this programme.

• Host: Participating universities and academic institutions in Belgium
• Level: Bachelor's, Master's, and continuing education
• Study destination: Belgium
• Deadline: 18 September 2026 at 12pm Belgian time (UTC+1)
• Awards: 130 Bachelor's and Master's scholarships and 70 continuing education scholarships
• What is covered: Tuition fees (for bachelor's and specialised master's only), international travel, subsistence allowance, registration fees, visa costs, insurance
• Target group: 31 eligible countries in Africa, South America and the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Palestinian territory

Participating universities and academic institutions in Belgium

Eligible programmes include Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees, and continuing education courses. Fields of study cover aquaculture, health, food technology, economics, international development, GIS, information technology, agriculture, environment, human rights, microfinance, and others.

See the complete list of eligible courses at the official website.

130 Bachelor's and Master's scholarships and 70 continuing education scholarships are available.

• In Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, DR Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
• In South America and the Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru
• Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam.
• In Asia: Palestinian territory

The scholarship covers tuition fees (only for bachelor's degrees and specialised master's degrees), international travel expenses, subsistence allowance, registration fees, visa costs, insurance, etc.

1. Be a permanent resident and work in one of the 31 eligible countries (list below). Exception: Palestinian nationals are eligible even if they do not reside in one of these 31 countries (see list above)
2. Hold a graduate degree and meet the admission requirements for the program, a description of which can be found on the ARES website. Applicants must have earned the relevant academic degree no more than 20 years prior to the start of the program. This maximum time limit is extended by one year for each childbirth and/or adoption.
3. Demonstrate at least two years' relevant professional experience in an ARES partner country.
4. Complete the application in the language in which the program is taught and demonstrate a good command of that language, both written and spoken. In addition, a basic knowledge of French facilitates integration into daily life in Belgium.
5. Apply for only one program.

Application instructions:

To apply for the scholarship, you must create a GIRAF account online and complete the scholarship application form. Applications must be submitted before by 18 September 2026 at 12pm (Belgian time, UTC+1)

It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

This scholarship suits students and professionals from the eligible developing countries who want to pursue a bachelor's, master's, or short continuing education course in Belgium. You should have a graduate degree, at least two years of relevant work experience in an ARES partner country, and a good command of the language of instruction. You must be a permanent resident and work in one of the 31 eligible countries, except Palestinian nationals who are eligible regardless of residence.

• Who can apply for ARES Scholarships? Applicants must be permanent residents and work in one of the 31 eligible countries. Palestinian nationals are eligible even if they do not reside in one of these countries. You also need a graduate degree, at least two years of relevant professional experience, and a good command of the language of instruction.
• What does the scholarship cover? The scholarship covers tuition fees (only for bachelor's degrees and specialised master's degrees), international travel expenses, subsistence allowance, registration fees, visa costs, insurance, etc.
• What is the deadline for applications? Applications must be submitted by 18 September 2026 at 12pm Belgian time (UTC+1).
• How do I apply? Create a GIRAF account online and complete the scholarship application form. Visit the official website for the application form and detailed instructions.
• How many scholarships are available? There are 130 Bachelor's and Master's scholarships and 70 continuing education scholarships.
• Can I apply for more than one program? No, you can apply for only one program.

• Read the official guidelines carefully before starting your application.
• Prepare your documents early, including academic transcripts and proof of professional experience.
• Check the language requirements for your chosen program and gather any necessary test scores.
• Make sure you meet the admission requirements for the program you are applying to.
• Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.