ARES Scholarships

ARES Scholarships offer a life-changing opportunity for students and professionals from developing countries to access high-quality higher education in Belgium. Funded by the Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur, these scholarships support the training of future leaders who will drive positive change in their home communities. This guide explains what the scholarships cover, who can apply, how the selection works, and how to prepare a competitive application.

What Are ARES Scholarships?

ARES Scholarships are grants awarded by the Belgian government through its development cooperation agency. The goal is to strengthen the capacities of people from the Global South by giving them access to postgraduate training and short-term specialisation courses at Belgian institutions.

• Organised by the Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur, a public body that supports university cooperation.
• Open to citizens of more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• Two main tracks: one-year master’s programs and shorter continuing education courses.
• Emphasis on development-related fields such as public health, agriculture, economics, and engineering.

A scholarship for development is not a handout. It is an investment in people who will build their home nations.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility conditions are strict, so it is important to read the official announcement carefully. These requirements help the selection committee choose candidates who are most likely to use their training for the benefit of their communities.

• Have nationality from a country on the ARES eligible country list.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for master’s programs, or a relevant diploma for training courses.
• Possess at least two years of professional experience, especially for continuing education.
• Meet age limits, which typically set a maximum of 35 years for master’s and 45 years for training programs.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, usually French or sometimes English.

Eligible Programs and Fields

You cannot apply to any Belgian university through ARES. The scholarship only covers programs that are listed on the official ARES website for the current cycle. You must check that your chosen program is included before starting an application.

• Master’s degrees in fields such as agronomy, economics, health, engineering, and human sciences.
• Short training courses of one to three months for professionals who want to update their skills.
• Courses taught mainly in French, with a small selection available in English.
• Programs must be directly relevant to the development priorities of the applicant’s home country.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

One of the biggest advantages of ARES Scholarships is that they provide full financial support for the duration of the stay. This allows you to focus entirely on your studies without worrying about basic costs.

How to Apply Step by Step

The application process is fully online, but it requires careful preparation. Here is the general workflow used by successful applicants.

• Review the eligible country list and choose an ARES program that matches your profile.
• Scan your official documents: diplomas, academic transcripts, passport, and proof of language proficiency.
• Write a clear motivation letter that explains your career goals and why you need this training.
• Ask two or three referees to send recommendation letters before the deadline.
• Fill out the online form on the ARES website and attach all required files.
• Submit the application early and keep the confirmation email for future reference.

Selection Process and Timeline

Selection is competitive and follows several stages. You will not need to interview unless a program specifically requests one, but you must prepare for possible questions about your background and plans.

• The agency first checks that your application is complete and meets all eligibility rules.
• A jury of academics and experts reviews each application based on academic merit and professional relevance.
• Some candidates may be invited to an interview, usually conducted online.
• A final ranking is produced and submitted to the ARES board for approval.
• Results are announced by email and published on the ARES website after the review process.

Tips for a Strong Application

Because many applicants are highly qualified, your personal story and motivation can make the difference. A successful application shows a clear link between the training, your professional experience, and the needs of your country.

• Tailor your motivation letter to the specific program and avoid generic statements.
• Give concrete examples of how you will apply the new skills after returning home.
• Choose referees who know your work well and can comment on your skills.
• Check the language rules and submit proof of proficiency if required.
• Proofread every document and ask a colleague to review your application.

The best recommendations come from people who can speak to your real performance, not just your potential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting an incomplete or irrelevant application wastes your time and can hurt your chances. Learning from common errors made by other candidates will help you avoid the same pitfalls.

• Applying without confirming your country is on the eligible list.
• Selecting a program that is not part of the ARES scholarship catalogue.
• Sending documents that are expired, untranslated, or not notarised.
• Using a generic motivation letter copied from a template.
• Waiting until the last hour to submit, which risks technical problems.

Take the time to read the official instructions twice before you begin. A careful submission is a sign of your professionalism and motivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ARES scholarship?

ARES Scholarships are grants provided by the Belgian government through the Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur. They enable citizens of developing countries to complete a master’s degree or a short training course in a Belgian higher education institution, with all major costs covered.

Which countries are eligible for ARES Scholarships?

The eligible countries are listed on the official ARES website and are mainly located in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The list may change slightly each cycle, so you must check the most recent announcement.

Can I apply without a professional work contract?

For most master’s programs, professional experience is strongly recommended but not always mandatory. For continuing education courses, relevant work experience is usually a strict requirement. Read the program description carefully to see what is needed.

What are the language requirements?

Most programs are taught in French, so you will need a demonstrated command of French at the academic level. A few courses are taught in English and require an official English certificate. If your degree was earned in the language of instruction, you may be exempt from providing an extra certificate.

Are there age limits for ARES Scholarships?

Yes. Typically, the age limit is 35 years for applicants to master’s programs and 45 years for applicants to continuing education courses. The age is calculated from the application deadline, so check the exact rules for your cycle.

Do I need to find a university before applying?

No. ARES Scholarships are centrally coordinated, and you apply for a specific program through the ARES online portal. You do not need to secure a separate admission letter from a Belgian university before applying.

What costs are covered by the scholarship?

The scholarship covers full tuition fees, international air travel, a monthly living stipend, comprehensive health insurance, and visa costs. It also provides a small installation allowance upon arrival in Belgium.

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

The number of awards depends on the annual budget of ARES and the total number of eligible applications. Roughly a few hundred scholarships are granted each cycle, but the exact figure is not fixed and can vary.

Can I apply for more than one program?

No. You must choose only one program per application cycle. Submitting multiple applications can lead to disqualification. If you are not selected, you may apply again in a future cycle, provided you still meet the eligibility conditions.

Can I apply if I already received a scholarship from ARES before?

No. ARES Scholarships are awarded only once per person. If you have already received an ARES scholarship, you are not eligible to apply again. This rule ensures that more people can benefit from the same funding opportunity.