ARES International Training Scholarships 2027-2028: A Guide for Aspiring Scholars

The ARES International Training Scholarships offer a valuable opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to pursue higher education and professional development in Belgium. This scholarship program, running from 2027 to 2032, provides a pathway for graduate students and professionals to deepen their skills in development-related fields. If you are looking to advance your career through international study, understanding the specifics of this scholarship is key.

Understanding the ARES Scholarship Program

The ARES (Academy of Research and Higher Education) International Training Scholarships are designed to support individuals from developing countries. The program allows recipients to undertake a one-year bachelor’s degree, a specialized master’s degree, or a six-month continuing education course at an institution within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium. This initiative is part of a broader five-year plan aimed at fostering international cooperation and capacity building.

What the Scholarship Covers

The ARES scholarship is quite comprehensive, aiming to ease the financial burden associated with international study. It typically includes:

• International Travel Expenses: Covering the cost of flights to and from Belgium.
• Living Allowance: A monthly stipend to help with daily living costs such as accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
• Visa Application Costs: Reimbursement for fees associated with obtaining the necessary visa, specifically for bachelor’s and specialized master’s degree programs.
• Registration Fees: Covering tuition and other academic registration costs for bachelor’s and specialized master’s degrees.
• Indirect Assignment Costs: For continuing education courses, certain indirect costs related to the program may be covered.
• Insurance Costs: Providing health and accident insurance for the duration of the scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

To be considered for the ARES International Training Scholarships, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Residency: Applicants must be a permanent resident and actively working in one of the 32 eligible countries. An exception is made for individuals of Palestinian nationality, who are eligible regardless of their country of residence.
• Academic Background: A higher education diploma is required, and applicants must meet the specific admission requirements for their chosen course. The degree needed for the scholarship should have been obtained no more than 20 years prior to the training’s start date, with a potential one-year extension per delivery and adoption cycle.
• Professional Experience: Applicants need to demonstrate at least two years of relevant professional experience in one of the eligible countries. This experience should be gained after obtaining their last graduate degree and before the application deadline.
• Language Proficiency: The application and the chosen training must be completed in the language of instruction. While proficiency in French is not always mandatory for application, it is highly recommended for daily life integration in Belgium.
• Application Limit: Candidates can only apply for one course per application cycle.

List of Eligible Countries

The scholarship is open to residents of countries across Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Asia.

Africa

• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Niger
• DR Congo
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Zimbabwe

South America and the Caribbean

• Bolivia
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• Haiti
• Peru

Southeast Asia

• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Nepal
• Philippines
• Vietnam

Asia

• Palestine

How to Apply for the Scholarship

The application process for the ARES International Training Scholarships involves several steps, primarily managed through the GIRAF online platform.

1. GIRAF Account Creation: If you do not already have a validated GIRAF account, you must first complete an account creation request form. Existing users can log in directly.
2. Access Application Form: Once logged into GIRAF, navigate to “Competitive calls” and select the “Application – International Training 2027-2028” button.
3. Complete and Save: Fill in all required fields, paying attention to mandatory fields marked with an asterisk. You can save your application as a draft and return to it later.
4. Resume Application: To continue working on a saved draft, go to “Competitive Calls” and then “My Tasks.” Select the relevant form and click “Open.”
5. Submit Application: Once your application is complete, click “Submit my application.” After submission, your file will be visible under “Competitive Calls” > “My Submitted Files.” Note that submitted applications cannot be modified.

For detailed information and to access the application portal, it is recommended to visit the official ARES website.

Conclusion

The ARES International Training Scholarships represent a significant opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to pursue advanced studies and professional development in Belgium. By covering essential costs and offering a structured application process, ARES aims to foster international collaboration and support the growth of skilled professionals dedicated to development. Careful attention to eligibility criteria and application procedures is essential for a successful submission.