The ARES Scholarships In Belgium are a prestigious set of scholarships offered by the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES) in Belgium. These scholarships aim to support students from developing countries by providing them with the opportunity to study at some of Belgium’s leading universities. The scholarships are designed to foster global academic collaboration and to help students gain valuable knowledge and skills in various fields, including law, science, economics, engineering, and development studies.
In this article, we will explore the ARES Scholarships in detail, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and why they are an excellent opportunity for international students looking to advance their education and career prospects.
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / Training
- Institution(s): ARES
- Study in Belgium
- Program Period:
- 4 Years for Undergraduate Degree Program.
- 1 Year for Master’s Degree Program.
- 4 to 6 Months for the Internship / Training Program.
- Deadline: The next call will be launched in August 2025
1. What are ARES Scholarships?
The ARES Scholarships are part of the Belgian government’s initiative to offer opportunities for higher education to students from low and middle-income countries. The scholarships are specifically aimed at students who wish to pursue Master’s degree programs or continuing education programs at institutions in Belgium. The goal of the ARES Scholarships is to provide advanced academic and professional training that will allow students to make significant contributions to the development of their home countries after completing their studies.
These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, leadership potential, and the applicant’s ability to demonstrate a clear connection between their studies in Belgium and their future contributions to their country’s development. The program is open to students from a wide range of academic disciplines, with particular emphasis on subjects that can help address the challenges faced by developing countries, such as health, education, environment, and governance.
Also Check:
- Oxford University Clarendon Scholarship 2025
- SIIT University ADB Scholarship In Thailand
- Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Program In Japan
- University of Miami Stamps Scholarship In USA
- Reach Oxford Scholarship 2025
2. Key Benefits of the ARES Scholarships In Belgium
The ARES Scholarship offers a range of valuable benefits that make it an attractive option for students from developing countries who wish to pursue higher education in Belgium. These benefits include:
a. Full Tuition Coverage
One of the most significant advantages of the ARES Scholarship is that it covers the full tuition fees for the duration of the program. This can be a major relief for students from developing countries who might not have the financial means to pay for education abroad. The scholarship ensures that students can focus on their studies without worrying about the financial burden of tuition.
b. Living Expenses Stipend
The ARES Scholarship also provides a monthly allowance to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and other day-to-day costs. The stipend amount is designed to help students live comfortably while studying in Belgium. This financial support allows students to fully immerse themselves in their academic studies and cultural exchange without the need to work part-time.
c. Travel Costs and Health Insurance
The scholarship covers the cost of a round-trip flight from the student’s home country to Belgium, ensuring that international travel is not a barrier for scholarship recipients. Additionally, ARES provides health insurance to the students during their stay in Belgium, giving them peace of mind and access to medical care if needed.
d. Access to a Network of Professionals and Academics
In addition to financial support, the ARES Scholarship opens doors to a valuable network of professionals, academics, and fellow students. Belgium is home to some of the world’s top universities and research institutions, offering students the chance to collaborate with experts in their fields. The scholarship also facilitates cultural exchange, allowing students to interact with peers from different parts of the world and develop global perspectives.
e. High-Quality Education in Belgium
Belgium boasts a strong educational system with several universities ranked among the best in Europe. Scholarship recipients benefit from high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and modern facilities. Students are exposed to innovative teaching methods and are encouraged to participate in research and community-driven projects that are often at the forefront of global issues.
3. Eligible Countries for the ARES Scholarship
The ARES Scholarship is aimed at students from developing countries who demonstrate a strong academic record and a commitment to contributing to their country’s development. The scholarship program is open to students from many countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Specific eligibility criteria related to country of origin are set out in the scholarship announcement each year. It is important to check whether your country is on the list of eligible countries when applying.
4. ARES Scholarships In Belgium Eligibility Criteria
While the ARES Scholarship is designed for students from developing countries, there are specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. These criteria include:
a. Academic Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The degree should be in a field related to the chosen program of study. Most master’s programs require applicants to have a strong academic background and meet the minimum GPA requirements for admission.
For continuing education programs, applicants must have relevant professional experience or educational qualifications in the field they intend to pursue further studies in.
b. Work Experience and Professional Background
For certain programs, particularly those focused on development studies and public policy, applicants are expected to have relevant work experience. This experience demonstrates the applicant’s potential to apply their studies in practical, real-world settings once they return to their home countries.
c. Age Limit
There is usually an age limit for applicants, typically around 35 years of age for master’s degree programs and 45 years for continuing education programs. This age restriction ensures that the scholarship targets early to mid-career professionals who are ready to benefit from advanced studies.
d. English Language Proficiency
As the programs are taught in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This could be through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL, or other equivalent language assessments. Some programs may accept students with intermediate English proficiency if they have an appropriate background or experience in the language.
e. Demonstration of Impact
Applicants must show how their studies in Belgium will contribute to the development of their home country. This could be through a well-articulated statement of purpose, where applicants describe how the knowledge and skills they gain in Belgium will help address key challenges or promote positive change in their communities.
5. Application Process for the ARES Scholarships In Belgium
The application process for the ARES Scholarship is straightforward but highly competitive. To apply for the scholarship, follow these steps:
a. Choose a Program
The first step is to select the program that you want to apply for. ARES offers scholarships for several Master’s programs and continuing education programs in various fields, including public health, agriculture, engineering, environmental science, education, and development studies. Ensure that the program you choose aligns with your academic background and career aspirations.
b. Submit an Application to the Belgian University
Once you’ve chosen your program, you need to apply directly to the Belgian university offering the program. This may involve submitting academic transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Be sure to check the specific admission requirements for the program and university.
c. Apply for the ARES Scholarship
After being accepted into the university, you can submit an application for the ARES Scholarship. This is usually done online through the ARES website. The scholarship application will require you to provide personal information, academic details, and documentation such as:
- Proof of admission to the chosen program
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- A motivation letter outlining your academic goals and how the scholarship will help you contribute to your country’s development
- Proof of English language proficiency
- A copy of your passport and other identity documents
d. Wait for the Results
After submitting your application, the ARES scholarship selection committee will review all applications. If selected, you will be notified of your award and provided with further details regarding your visa, accommodation, and other preparations for studying in Belgium.
6. Conclusion
The ARES Scholarships offer an invaluable opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue higher education in Belgium. By covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, these scholarships remove financial barriers and allow students to focus on their studies and research. Furthermore, the program offers professional development, networking opportunities, and exposure to a diverse academic community, which can significantly enhance a student’s career prospects.
If you are a student from a developing country looking to advance your education in Europe, the ARES Scholarship could be the stepping stone you need. Not only will it provide financial support, but it will also give you the chance to make meaningful contributions to your country’s development through the knowledge and skills you gain in Belgium.
For more information on how to apply for the ARES Scholarship, visit the official website of the ARES Academy of Research and Higher Education and check the eligibility criteria, available programs, and application deadlines.