The ARES Belgium Scholarship is one of the most generous fully funded scholarships in Europe. It gives students from developing countries a chance to study in Belgium for free, especially in fields related to development, technology, economics, agriculture, and social sciences.
Every year, the Belgian Government sponsors international students through ARES. The program focuses on helping young professionals gain skills that they can use to support development in their home countries.
If you want a scholarship that covers everything tuition, monthly allowance, travel, and insurance — then the ARES Scholarship is one of the best options for 2025.
What is the ARES Scholarship?
ARES stands for Academy of Research and Higher Education in Belgium.
This program offers fully funded scholarships for:
• One-year master’s degree programs
• Short training courses (2–6 months)
The aim is simple: provide high-quality education to international students and prepare them to contribute to their country’s development.
Benefits of ARES Belgium Scholarship
The scholarship is fully funded and takes care of everything for selected students.
• Full tuition fee
• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Round-trip international flight
• Insurance during the stay
• Allowance for housing
• Travel support within Belgium
• Visa cost support
This makes it one of the best opportunities for students who cannot afford European education costs.
Eligible Countries
ARES mainly targets developing countries across:
• Asia
• Africa
• Latin America
The official list includes countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Morocco, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Bolivia, and many more.
Available Study Fields
Each year, ARES selects priority fields based on development needs. These usually include:
• Agriculture and Environment
• Public Health
• Engineering and Technology
• Economics and Management
• Human Development and Social Sciences
• Water and Natural Resources
• Food Security
You choose one master’s program or one training program — not both.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the ARES Scholarship 2025, you must:
• Be a citizen of an eligible developing country
• Be under 40 years old (for master’s) and under 45 (for training)
• Have a bachelor’s degree
• Have at least 2 years of professional experience
• Not previously received an ARES scholarship
• Show interest in development and community improvement
Required Documents
You will generally need to upload:
• Passport
• Academic degrees and transcripts
• CV in simple format
• Motivation statement
• Recommendation letters
• Proof of work experience
• English or French proficiency (depending on program)
Application Process
The ARES application is simple but competitive. Follow these steps:
- Open the official application portal
- Select your program (master’s or training)
- Fill in the online form
- Upload your documents
- Submit before the deadline
- ARES will shortlist candidates for final selection
Important: You cannot apply through email. All applications are online only.
Important Dates for ARES 2025
The application period usually opens in November and closes in January or February 2025.
Since it is a fully funded scholarship, early preparation gives you a strong chance of success.
ARES Scholarship Comparison Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Fully funded |
| Programs | Master’s (1 year), Training (2–6 months) |
| Age Limit | 40 for master’s, 45 for training |
| Eligible Countries | Developing nations from Asia, Africa, Latin America |
| Deadline | Jan–Feb 2026 |
Why You Should Apply
ARES is not just a scholarship it is a powerful opportunity. Studying in Belgium gives you:
• High-quality European education
• Professional networking
• Skills to support development in your home country
• A chance to explore Europe
• A strong academic and career boost
For many students, ARES becomes a turning point in their life.
APPLY HERE