ARES International Training Scholarships 2027-2028: A Guide for Applicants

The ARES International Training Scholarships offer a valuable opportunity for individuals from eligible countries to pursue higher education and professional development in Belgium. These scholarships, part of a larger five-year program, cover a range of training courses, including one-year bachelor’s or master’s degrees, and six-month continuing education programs. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarship, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and the application process, aiming to guide prospective applicants through each step.

Understanding the ARES Scholarship Program

The ARES (Academy of Research and Higher Education) International Training Scholarships are designed to foster development-related skills and knowledge among professionals from specific partner countries. The program runs from 2027 to 2032, with applications opening for the 2027-2028 academic year. Successful candidates can undertake studies at institutions within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium. The scholarship aims to equip individuals with advanced skills that they can apply to development challenges in their home countries.

What the Scholarship Covers

The ARES scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to ease the burden on selected candidates. This support includes:

• International Travel Expenses: Covering the cost of flights to and from Belgium.
• Living Allowance: A monthly stipend to cover daily living expenses.
• Visa Application Costs: Reimbursement for expenses related to obtaining a visa, specifically for bachelor’s and specialized master’s degree programs.
• Registration Fees: Covering tuition and registration fees for bachelor’s and specialized master’s degrees.
• Indirect Assignment Costs: For continuing education courses, these costs are also covered.
• Insurance Costs: Providing health and other necessary insurance coverage during the study period.

This extensive coverage ensures that recipients can focus on their academic pursuits without significant financial worries.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

To be considered for the ARES International Training Scholarships, applicants must meet a specific set of criteria:

• Residency: Applicants must be permanent residents and currently working in one of the 32 eligible ARES partner countries. An exception is made for individuals of Palestinian nationality, who are eligible regardless of their country of residence.
• Academic Background: A higher education diploma is required, along with meeting the specific admission requirements for the chosen course. The applicant must have obtained their relevant academic degree no more than 20 years before the training begins. This period can be extended by one year per delivery and adoption cycle.
• Professional Experience: Applicants need to demonstrate at least two years of relevant professional experience in one of the eligible countries. This experience must have been gained after their last graduate degree and before the application deadline.
• Language Proficiency: The application must be completed in the language of instruction for the chosen training program. Applicants should be able to prove proficiency in both written and spoken knowledge of this language. While not mandatory for application, a basic knowledge of French can greatly aid daily life integration in Belgium.
• Application Limit: Candidates are permitted to apply for only one training course.

Eligible Countries for the Scholarship

The scholarship is open to residents of a specific list of countries across Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Asia.

Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, DR Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

South America and the Caribbean: Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, and Peru.

Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Asia: Palestine.

The Application Process

Applying for the ARES International Training Scholarships involves several key steps through their online portal:

1. Account Creation: If you do not already have a validated ARES GIRAF account, you must first complete an account creation request form. Existing users can log in directly.
2. Accessing the Application Form: Once logged into GIRAF, navigate to “Competitive calls” and click on the “Application – International Training 2027-2028” button. This button is available only once.
3. Completing and Saving the Form: Fill in all required fields, paying close attention to those marked with an asterisk (*). You can save your progress at any time by clicking “Save as draft.” This allows you to return and complete the application later.
4. Resuming Your Application: To continue working on a saved draft, go to “Competitive Calls” and then “My Tasks.” Select the relevant form and click “Open” to resume editing.
5. Submitting Your Application: Once you have completed all sections and are satisfied with your application, click “Submit my application.” After submission, your file will appear under “Competitive Calls” > “My Submitted Files.” It is important to note that once submitted, the application cannot be modified.

For more detailed information, applicants are encouraged to visit the official ARES International Training Scholarships website.

Conclusion

The ARES International Training Scholarships present a significant opportunity for individuals seeking to advance their careers and contribute to development initiatives. By understanding the scholarship’s scope, meeting the eligibility criteria, and carefully following the application process, prospective candidates can position themselves for success. The comprehensive support offered by ARES aims to remove financial barriers, allowing scholars to fully immerse themselves in their studies and gain valuable international experience in Belgium.