Overview: What Is the ARES International Training Scholarship?
The Académie de recherche et d’enseignement supérieur (ARES) is offering fully funded International Training Scholarships for the 2027/2028 academic year. This prestigious opportunity is part of ARES’s new 2027–2032 five-year development cooperation programme, designed to support talented individuals from developing countries in pursuing advanced academic and professional training in Belgium. If you’ve been searching for a world-class, fully sponsored study opportunity in Europe, this is one you should seriously consider.
Why Belgium? Why ARES?
Belgium is home to some of Europe’s most respected universities and research institutions. ARES serves as the umbrella body coordinating higher education and research across French-speaking Belgian universities and high schools. Through its international scholarship programmes, ARES has helped thousands of students and professionals from the Global South gain skills they can bring back to benefit their home countries. The 2027–2032 programme marks a fresh chapter with expanded training offerings, making this an especially exciting cycle to apply for.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
This is a fully funded scholarship, which means successful candidates can expect comprehensive financial support. Typically, ARES scholarships of this nature cover: full tuition fees at the host Belgian institution, a monthly living allowance to cover accommodation and daily expenses, round-trip international airfare, health insurance for the duration of the training, and in some cases, additional research or fieldwork support. The exact benefits may vary depending on the specific training programme you are selected for, so reviewing the official programme details carefully is essential.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
ARES International Training Scholarships are targeted at professionals and academics from developing countries, particularly those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. While specific eligibility criteria for the 2027/2028 cycle should be confirmed on the official page, candidates are generally expected to meet the following requirements: hold a relevant university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or equivalent) in a field related to the chosen training programme; be a national of and currently residing in one of ARES’s partner countries; demonstrate professional experience in a sector linked to development; show a clear commitment to returning to their home country after completing the training; and possess sufficient proficiency in French, as most programmes are taught in French. Age limits and specific academic prerequisites will depend on the individual training course selected.
Available Training Areas
ARES training scholarships typically span a wide range of disciplines aligned with sustainable development goals. Common fields include agriculture and food security, public health and medicine, environmental science, civil engineering, economics and development studies, education, and social sciences. The 2027–2032 programme is introducing a new range of training opportunities, so expect fresh courses and specialisations to be announced as the application period progresses.
How to Apply
The application process for ARES scholarships is competitive and requires careful preparation. Here’s a general roadmap to follow: First, visit the official ARES or Opportunities for Africans page to review the full list of available training programmes for 2027/2028 and identify the one that best matches your background and career goals. Next, prepare your application dossier, which typically includes academic transcripts and diplomas, a detailed CV, a motivation letter explaining your goals and how the training aligns with your country’s development needs, letters of recommendation from professional or academic referees, and proof of your current employment or institutional affiliation. Submit your complete application before the deadline — September 18, 2026. Late or incomplete applications are generally not considered, so give yourself ample time to gather all documents.
Key Deadline to Remember
Mark your calendar: the application deadline for the ARES International Training Scholarships 2027/2028 is September 18, 2026. Given that scholarship applications require multiple supporting documents and institutional endorsements, it is strongly advisable to begin your preparation several weeks in advance.
Final Tips for a Strong Application
Tailor your motivation letter specifically to the training programme you choose — generic letters rarely succeed. Highlight concrete ways in which the knowledge gained will be applied back in your home country. Secure your recommendation letters early, as obtaining them last-minute can delay your submission. And make sure all documents are accurately translated into French if they are in another language.
Ready to apply? Visit the official page here: Apply Now
