The Belgium Government Scholarship, known as the ARES Scholarships 2025-2026, offers a valuable opportunity for international students who need financial support to study in Belgium. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and master’s degree programs at various Belgian universities. They provide comprehensive financial assistance, covering living expenses, travel, insurance, and visa costs. In this guide, we will break down the benefits of the ARES scholarships, eligibility criteria, application process, and important deadlines to help you prepare your application.
About ARES Scholarships in Belgium
The ARES Scholarships 2025-2026 are designed for talented students from developing nations who are eager to pursue their higher education in Belgium. Sponsored by the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES), these scholarships aim to provide students with the resources to study either a bachelor’s or master’s degree at top universities in Belgium. The program seeks to empower students to gain skills and knowledge that they can later apply to contribute to the development of their home countries.
Scholarship Coverage
These fully funded study abroad scholarships provide financial support that covers multiple expenses such as tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, and other educational expenses. This allows students to focus entirely on their academic goals without worrying about the financial burden. The ARES Scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded to candidates who exhibit outstanding academic achievements and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their home countries.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Belgium
- Organized by: The Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES)
- Degree Programs: Undergraduate and Master’s
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Application Deadline: October 18, 2024
Benefits of ARES Scholarships
Here are the main benefits of the ARES Scholarships:
- Travel Allowance: Economy-class travel allowance once per academic year.
- Travel Grant: Fixed amount of €200 for international travel.
- Living Stipend: A 12-month living allowance for advanced bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
- Monthly Allowance: During the study period, students receive a monthly allowance.
- Insurance Coverage: ARES will cover all insurance costs.
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition expenses.
List of Eligible Countries
The ARES Scholarships are available to students from the following countries:
Africa:
- Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
Asia:
- Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam, Palestinian territory.
Latin America and the Caribbean:
- Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the ARES Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen, resident, and worker in one of the 31 eligible countries listed above.
- Educational Background:
- For specialized master’s and continuing education courses, applicants must hold a diploma equivalent to a second-cycle diploma from a Belgian university.
- For bachelor’s degree programs, a diploma equivalent to a first-cycle diploma from a recognized institution is required.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in one of the ARES partner countries is mandatory.
Required Documents
Applicants will need to submit the following documents with their application:
- Two recommendation letters.
- Certified copies of original diplomas.
- Proof of nationality or a copy of the passport.
- A pre-project proposal outlining research or study plans.
How to Apply for ARES Scholarships
Follow these steps to apply for the ARES Scholarships 2025-2026:
- Create an Account: Applicants must register on the GIRAF online platform to begin the application process.
- Complete the Application: Fill in the required information on the application form for international training.
- Submit Your Form: Once you have entered all details, submit your application via the platform.
- Review Process: After submission, you can view your application in the “My Submitted Files” section, but no further edits will be possible.
Important Links
For detailed information and to apply for the ARES Scholarships, visit the official website:
