About the opportunity
The ARES international training scholarships provide an opportunity for professionals from 32 partner countries to undertake specialized academic training in Belgium. The program aims to support capacity building by offering scholarships for a variety of specialized bachelor’s, master’s, and continuing education certificates. These programs are designed to enhance the skills of participants in fields such as human rights, health, economics, microfinance, and cybersecurity. The scholarship covers essential costs including international travel, living allowances, insurance, and, depending on the program type, tuition and visa-related expenses. Candidates must demonstrate professional experience and meet specific academic requirements to be eligible for this mobility opportunity.
Funding and benefits
- International travel expenses
- Living allowance
- Visa-related expenses (for bachelor's and master's programs only)
- Tuition fees (for bachelor's and master's programs only)
- Indirect mission expenses (for continuing education programs only)
- Insurance coverage
Who can apply?
- Must be a permanent resident and work in one of the 32 eligible countries (Palestinian nationals are eligible regardless of residence)
- Must hold a higher education degree and meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen program
- Must have obtained the relevant academic degree no more than 20 years before the start of the training (this period is extended by one year per birth and/or adoption)
- Must have at least two years of relevant professional experience in an eligible country after the last higher education degree and before the call deadline
- Must be proficient in the language of instruction and have a basic knowledge of French for daily life in Belgium
- Must apply to only one training program
Required documents
- Completed application form via the GIRAF platform
- Proof of higher education degree
- Proof of relevant professional experience
- Language proficiency documentation as required by the specific program
When to apply
- Applications opened on August 3, 2026
- Deadline: September 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Belgian time, UTC+1)
How to apply
- Create or log in to a GIRAF account on the ARES platform
- Access the 'Appels concurrentiels' section and select 'Candidature – Formation internationale 2027-2028'
- Complete and save the application form (can be saved as a draft)
- Submit the completed application through the GIRAF platform
Additional information
- Eligible countries include: South Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Uganda, DR Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam, and Palestine.
- Duration: Up to 12 months for bachelor's and master's programs; up to 6 months for continuing education.
- Applications cannot be modified once submitted.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals from 32 eligible countries who hold a higher education degree and have at least two years of relevant experience.
- Individuals looking to build capacity in fields such as human rights, health, economics, or cybersecurity through specialized training in Belgium.
- Candidates who meet the language requirements for their chosen program and possess a basic knowledge of French for daily life.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must ensure their academic degree was obtained within the last 20 years, with some exceptions for birth or adoption.
- The application process is strict; candidates can only apply to one training program, and submissions cannot be modified once sent.
- The program requires a commitment to full-time study or training in Belgium for the duration of the scholarship.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship is a powerful tool for professionals aiming to gain international expertise and specialized skills that can be applied back in their home countries. It is well-suited for those looking to advance their careers in development-focused sectors and who are ready to engage in a period of intensive academic or professional training abroad.
Our take
Qualified professionals from the eligible countries who are ready to commit to a period of international study should apply. Those who do not meet the specific professional experience or language requirements will find this opportunity unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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