ARES International Training Scholarships 2027-2028

The ARES International Training Scholarships 2027-2028 offer a great study opportunity for students and professionals from selected countries. The program is offered by ARES in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium.

The scholarship supports selected students who want to study a specialized Bachelor’s degree, Specialized Master’s degree, or a short continuing training program.

The program can help international students cover important study and living costs in Belgium. It is especially useful for professionals who want to improve their knowledge and skills and use them in their home countries.

The application period opens on 3 August 2026, and the final deadline is 18 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Belgian time (UTC+1).

1. Scholarship Overview

The ARES International Training Scholarships are designed for students and professionals from selected partner countries.

For the 2027-2028 academic year, the program offers several specialized study and training options. These include one Specialized Bachelor’s program, eight Specialized Master’s programs, and one continuing training course.

One of the listed training options is a certificate in cybersecurity operations and risk governance.

The scholarship is intended for people who already have a graduate degree and professional experience related to their field.

Key Details

• Scholarship Name: ARES International Training Scholarships
• Study Location: Belgium
• Academic Year: 2027-2028
• Opening Date: 3 August 2026
• Deadline: 18 September 2026
• Deadline Time: 12:00 PM Belgian time
• Study Level: Specialized Bachelor’s, Specialized Master’s, and Continuing Training
• Study Duration: Up to 12 months for degree programs
• Training Duration: Up to 6 months
• Host Organization: ARES
• Target Group: Applicants from selected partner countries
• Application System: GIRAF

Applicants can apply for only one program during the call.

2. Benefits

The ARES scholarship can cover several important costs related to studying and living in Belgium.

The exact support depends on the type of program. Degree students may receive more types of financial support than applicants for continuing training.

Main Scholarship Benefits

• International travel support
• Living or subsistence allowance
• Insurance coverage
• Tuition fees for eligible Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
• Support for certain visa-related costs
• Other approved costs for continuing training participants
• Financial support during the approved study or training period

The scholarship can therefore reduce the financial pressure on international students.

Applicants should carefully check the official call documents to understand the support available for their specific program.

3. Eligibility

Applicants must meet several conditions before applying for the ARES International Training Scholarship.

First, the applicant must normally live and work in one of the eligible countries. Palestinian nationals can apply even if they do not live in one of the listed countries.

Applicants also need an appropriate graduate degree and must meet the academic requirements of their selected program.

Main Eligibility Requirements

• Be a permanent resident and worker in an eligible country
• Hold a relevant graduate degree
• Meet the admission rules of the selected program
• Have obtained the required degree within the allowed time period
• Have at least two years of relevant professional experience
• Have gained the required professional experience in an eligible country
• Have good written and spoken knowledge of the program language
• Apply for only one training program

The relevant academic degree normally must have been obtained no more than 20 years before the beginning of the program.

This period can be extended in certain cases related to childbirth or adoption.

Eligible Countries

ARES accepts applicants from a limited group of countries.

These include countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Palestine.

Africa

• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• Ivory Coast
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Niger
• Democratic Republic of the 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

Applicants from countries that are not on the official list should not apply unless they qualify under a stated exception.

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4. Required Documents

Applicants should prepare their information and supporting documents before starting the online application.

The exact documents can depend on the selected study program. Therefore, applicants should also check the admission requirements of their chosen program.

Common documents and information may include:

• Valid identification or passport information
• Academic degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of professional experience
• Employment or work information
• Language information
• Personal information
• Details about previous studies
• Information related to the selected program
• Other documents requested by the application form

Applicants should make sure that all information is correct and consistent.

It is also important to prepare clear copies of documents before starting the application.

5. Application Steps

The ARES scholarship application is submitted online through the GIRAF system.

Applicants who already have a valid GIRAF account can use their existing account.

New applicants need to create an account before starting the application.

Step 1: Create a GIRAF Account

If you do not already have a validated GIRAF account, start by requesting an account through the ARES account creation system.

Make sure you use an active email address because it may be needed to access your account.

Step 2: Enter the Application System

After logging in, go to the Competitive Calls section.

Find the application called Application – International Training 2027-2028.

Open the application only once.

Step 3: Complete the Form

Enter your personal, academic, and professional information.

Some fields are required before you can save the application.

You do not have to complete everything in one session.

You can save your application as a draft and return later.

Step 4: Continue a Saved Application

To continue an unfinished application, go to:

Competitive Calls → My Tasks

Find your saved application and select Open.

You can continue editing it while it remains a draft.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Check all information carefully before submitting.

When everything is ready, select Submit my application.

After submission, the application will appear in My Submitted Applications.

Remember that a submitted application cannot be edited again.

6. Selection Process

ARES receives applications from eligible candidates and reviews them according to the rules of the scholarship call.

Meeting the basic requirements does not automatically mean that an applicant will receive the scholarship.

The selection process can consider different parts of the application, including the applicant’s academic background, professional experience, motivation, and suitability for the selected training.

The applicant must also meet the admission requirements of the chosen program.

Because the number of scholarships is limited, strong and complete applications are important.

Applicants should carefully explain how the selected training fits their academic and professional goals.

It is also important to submit the application before the official deadline.

7. Common Mistakes

Small mistakes can make an application weaker or may cause problems during the review.

Avoid these common mistakes when applying for the ARES scholarship.

1. Choosing More Than One Program

ARES allows applicants to apply for only one program.

Do not submit applications for several programs during the same call.

2. Applying From an Ineligible Country

Check the official country list before preparing your application.

If your country is not eligible, you may not meet the basic requirements.

3. Ignoring Professional Experience

Professional experience is an important part of the eligibility rules.

Make sure your work experience meets the required conditions.

4. Using Incorrect Information

Do not enter information that does not match your academic or professional documents.

Names, dates, degrees, and work history should be accurate.

5. Waiting Until the Last Day

Technical problems or internet issues can happen.

Try to submit your application well before the deadline.

6. Submitting an Incomplete Application

Review every required field before submission.

Remember that you cannot normally change the application after it has been submitted.

7. Ignoring Language Requirements

The application must be completed in the language used for the selected program.

Make sure you have the required language skills before applying.

8. Success Tips

A strong application should be clear, honest, and well prepared.

Here are some simple tips that can improve your application.

Choose the Right Program

Select a program that matches your education and professional experience.

Do not choose a course only because it offers financial support.

Check the Requirements Early

Read the eligibility rules before starting the application.

This can help you avoid spending time on an application for which you do not qualify.

Prepare Your Documents

Collect your academic and professional documents early.

Check that your documents are clear and contain correct information.

Explain Your Goals Clearly

Show why you want to study the selected program.

Explain how the training can help you improve your career and contribute to your country.

Highlight Your Experience

If you have relevant work experience, explain it clearly.

Focus on experience that is connected to the selected field of study.

Check Your Application

Read your application several times before submission.

Look for spelling mistakes, missing information, incorrect dates, and other errors.

Apply Early

Do not wait until the final hours.

For the 2027-2028 call, the deadline is 18 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Belgian time.

9. FAQs

What is the ARES International Training Scholarship?

It is a scholarship program for eligible students and professionals from selected countries who want to study or take specialized training in Belgium.

When does the ARES Scholarship 2027-2028 application open?

The application period opens on 3 August 2026.

What is the deadline for the ARES Scholarship 2027-2028?

The deadline is 18 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Belgian time (UTC+1).

Where can I apply for the ARES scholarship?

Applications are submitted online through the ARES GIRAF application system.

Can I apply for more than one program?

No. Applicants can apply for only one program during this scholarship call.

How long does the scholarship last?

Specialized Bachelor’s and Specialized Master’s programs can last up to 12 months. Continuing training can last up to 6 months.

Does the ARES scholarship cover tuition fees?

For eligible Specialized Bachelor’s and Specialized Master’s programs, tuition fees are included in the scholarship support.

Does the scholarship cover travel costs?

Yes. International travel expenses are included in the scholarship support.

Is work experience required?

Yes. Applicants generally need at least two years of relevant professional experience under the conditions set by ARES.

Can Palestinian applicants apply if they live outside the eligible countries?

Yes. Palestinian nationals are allowed to apply even if they do not live in one of the listed 32 countries.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

No. Once the application has been submitted, it can no longer be modified.

Is knowledge of French required?

The application must be completed in the language of the selected program, and applicants need good written and spoken knowledge of that language. Basic French can also help applicants in daily life in Belgium.

Final Thoughts

The ARES International Training Scholarships 2027-2028 can be a useful opportunity for qualified students and professionals who want to gain new skills in Belgium.

Before applying, check your country, academic background, work experience, language ability, and program requirements. Prepare your documents early and review your application carefully before submission.

Most importantly, do not wait until the last day. Submit your application before 18 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Belgian time.

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