The ARES Scholarship (Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur) funds around 200 international students every year to pursue specialised Bachelor’s, Master’s, or continuing education programmes at higher education institutions across Belgium’s Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Funded by the Belgian government’s development cooperation policy, it’s specifically designed for professionals from developing countries — including Ethiopia — who want to build skills in fields tied to development, then return home as “agents of change.”
If you’re researching fully funded study opportunities in Europe, here’s what you need to know about eligibility, funding, required documents, and how to apply before the deadline.
Quick Overview
Funded by ARES, under Belgium’s Wallonia-Brussels Federation
Levels covered Specialised Bachelor’s, Specialised Master’s, Continuing Education/Training
Number of awards Around 200 annually
Application period 3 August 2026 – approximately 18–19 September 2026
Duration 1 year (Bachelor’s/Master’s) or 4–6 months (training courses)
Monthly allowance €1,150
What the Scholarship Covers
For Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- International round-trip airfare (economy class, IATA-approved airline, one ticket per academic year)
- Monthly living allowance of €1,150, paid for 12 months
- A one-time arrival allowance and return fee package of €700, paid on arrival
- A one-time indirect mission fee of €150, paid on arrival
- Visa-related costs up to €200 (with reimbursement for documented costs above that, upon submission of receipts)
- Health insurance for the duration of the programme
Training/continuing education courses receive a comparable structure of support, scaled to the shorter 4–6 month duration.
Eligible Countries
ARES scholarships are open to citizens who are permanent residents and currently working in one of the following countries:
Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guinea (Conakry), Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Palestinian Territory, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
Exception: Palestinian nationals are eligible regardless of where they currently reside — the residency requirement doesn’t apply to them.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a permanent resident and currently working in one of the eligible countries listed above (Palestinian nationals exempt from residency requirement)
- Hold an appropriate diploma for your chosen programme level:
- For specialised Master’s programmes (Bac+5 equivalent): a degree comparable to a 2nd cycle Belgian degree (300 ECTS credits)
- For specialised Bachelor’s programmes (Bac+3 equivalent): a diploma comparable to a 1st cycle Belgian diploma (180 ECTS credits)
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing your qualifying diploma
- Demonstrate genuine relevance to development-focused fields — ARES specifically funds themes tied to development cooperation
Selection prioritises academic merit, professional experience, and your potential to create positive impact in your field and home country upon your return.
Fields Covered
ARES-funded programmes span a wide range of development-relevant disciplines, including:
- Aquaculture
- Health
- Food technology
- Economics
- International development
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Information technology
- Agriculture
- Environment
- Human rights
- Microfinance
The exact list of eligible programmes and host institutions is published on the official ARES site and can change year to year, so check the current list before choosing your programme.
Application Process
- Confirm your eligibility — residency/work status in an eligible country, appropriate diploma level, and at least two years of relevant professional experience.
- Browse the list of eligible programmes across Wallonia-Brussels institutions and select one aligned with your field and career goals.
- Create an account on the official GIRAF platform — this is the only accepted application channel. ARES does not accept applications by email, and there is no application fee.
- Complete your online application, uploading all required supporting documents.
- Submit before the deadline — the application period runs from 3 August 2026 to approximately 18–19 September 2026 (confirm the exact closing time on the official ARES site, as it’s set precisely each year).
- Selection process. Applications are assessed on academic merit, professional experience, and potential impact; outcomes are typically communicated months later, ahead of the following academic year’s start.
Key Dates
- Application period opens: 3 August 2026
- Application deadline: approximately 18–19 September 2026 (confirm the exact date and time on the official ARES/GIRAF site)
- Programme start: September 2027
There is a single annual intake — missing this window means waiting a full year for the next cycle.
Official Resources
- ARES Scholarships homepage: https://www.ares-ac.be
- Application platform (GIRAF): accessible via the official ARES scholarships page — this is the only accepted route for applications
- Always confirm the current year’s eligible countries, programme list, and exact deadline directly on the official ARES site, since details are reconfirmed each cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ethiopia an eligible country? Yes — Ethiopia is on ARES’s list of eligible countries for this scholarship.
Is there an application fee? No — ARES does not charge any fee for application or selection.
Can I apply by email if I have trouble with the online portal? No — the GIRAF platform is the only accepted application channel; sending documents by email is explicitly discouraged and won’t be considered.
Do I need work experience to apply? Yes — at least two years of relevant professional experience after your qualifying diploma is required.
What happens after I complete the programme? ARES scholars are expected to return to their home country and apply their new skills as “agents of change” in development-related fields — this program isn’t designed as a pathway to remain in Belgium.
Is the exact deadline 18 or 19 September? Sources vary slightly by a day depending on the year and cycle — always confirm the precise closing date and time directly on the official ARES site before finalising your submission plans.
Don’t Wait on This One
With a single annual intake, at least two years of professional experience required, and an online-only application process through GIRAF, it’s worth starting your documentation — proof of professional experience, diploma equivalency, and your programme choice — as soon as the application period opens on 3 August 2026.
Want expert guidance through the process? Our experienced student counsellors can help you choose the right programme, confirm your eligibility, and put together a competitive ARES application — reach out today.
Follow @stepbystepscholarshipguide for more fully funded scholarship breakdowns, deadlines, and step-by-step application guidance.
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