ARES Scholarships: Fully Funded Belgian Degrees for Developing Nations

Program Overview and Award Statistics

Belgian federal funding structures the Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES) scholarship program to support graduates from developing countries. The initiative funds academic development in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

• Annual Awards: Approximately 200 fully funded scholarships.
• Degree Programs: Roughly 130 awards for specialized bachelor's and master's degrees.
• Continuing Education: Approximately 70 awards for practice-oriented training courses lasting 2 to 6 months.
• Admissibility Check: ARES reviews applications first for administrative criteria before sending them to the selection committee.

Comprehensive Benefits and Financial Coverage

The Belgian government covers the full expenses of selected scholars during their study period. The package eliminates out-of-pocket costs for degree seekers.

Eligibility Criteria and Country Restrictions

Applicants must reside and work in their country of origin at the application time. The program imposes age, educational, and professional requirements on all candidates.

• Eligible African Nations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
• Eligible Asian Nations: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam, Palestinian Territory.
• Eligible Latin American and Caribbean Nations: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru.
• Age Limit for Degree Programs: Under 40 years old at the start of the academic term.
• Age Limit for Training Courses: Under 45 years old at the start of the training period.
• Professional Experience: At least 2 years of professional experience post-graduation in an eligible country.
• Language Proficiency: Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction, which is typically French.

Required Application Documents

You must upload officially certified copies of your academic records to your online application. Simple photocopies result in immediate administrative rejection.

• Certified Diplomas: A copy marked as a true copy with the official stamp and signature of a notary or municipal authority.
• Certified Transcripts: Complete academic records covering all years of your university studies.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from academic or professional referees.
• Proof of Identity: A copy of your passport or national identity card.
• Proof of Employment: Documentation verifying your professional occupation over the last 5 years.
• Pre-project Proposal: A written proposal required for specific master's programs.

Application Timeline and Submission Steps

ARES opens the application window annually in the autumn. Late submissions or modifications after submission are impossible.

1. Register a GIRAF Account: Create an account on the official GIRAF portal .
2. Wait for Portal Validation: ARES staff manually verifies and validates your account, a process taking up to 7 days.
3. Complete the Form: Access the application under the Competitive Calls tab and save your draft progress.
4. Final Submission: Click the definitive submission button to lock your application before the deadline of 18 October 2024.
5. Jury Review: Admissible files go to academic juries for selection between November and May.
6. Results Announcement: ARES emails selected applicants and reserve candidates by the end of June.

Eligible Master's Programs

ARES funds specific specialized master's programs focused on developmental issues. You must choose a single program for your application.

• Human Rights: Master de spécialisation en droits humains explores international legal frameworks.
• Risk and Disaster Management: Programs address health risk management and environmental crises.
• Development Economics: Studies focus on international economic policies and microfinance systems.
• Public Health Methodology: Courses cover data analysis and program evaluation for healthcare initiatives.
• Water Resources: The curriculum integrates water, energy, and food systems.

Strategic Tips for a Successful Application

The selection committee evaluates your potential to implement development projects in your home country. Successful applicants align their academic choices with local issues.

• Focus on Development Impact: Describe how the program enables you to solve a specific regional problem, such as clean water access in Niger.
• Prepare Early: Register on GIRAF weeks before the deadline because manual validation delays your access to the form.
• Certify Your Documents: Obtain official stamps from local authorities to prevent administrative rejection of transcripts.
• Provide Employment History: Document your full 5-year work history with letters of reference to prove your practical experience.