The Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES) has opened applications for its International Training Scholarships 2027-2028, offering eligible professionals and graduates from 32 partner countries the opportunity to undertake specialised study and professional training in Belgium. The call opened on 3 August 2026, with applications closing on Friday, 18 September 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Belgian time (UTC+1). The scholarship programme is designed to strengthen professional and academic capacity in partner countries by supporting participants in specialised bachelor’s programmes, master’s programmes and continuing education courses. Available Training Programmes The 2027-2028 call includes a range of specialised programmes covering development, health, economics, human rights, food safety, conservation and disaster management. Available master’s-level programmes include: Specialised Master’s in Human Rights. Specialised Master’s in Integrated Health Risk Management. Specialised Master in International and Development Economics. Advanced Master in Microfinance. Specialised Master’s in Public Health Sciences, focusing on analysis and evaluation of international health policies, programmes and systems. Specialised Master’s in Food Chain Safety Management. Specialised Master’s in Preventive Conservation and Collections Management. Specialised Master’s in Risk and Disaster Management in the Anthropocene Era. The programme also includes a specialised bachelor’s degree and continuing education opportunities. Who Is Eligible? ARES scholarships are intended for applicants who meet specific residency, academic and professional requirements. Applicants must: Be permanent residents and work in one of the 32 eligible countries. Be able to meet the admission requirements for their selected programme. Hold a higher education qualification. Have obtained the relevant higher education degree no more than 20 years before the start of the programme, subject to an extension related to births or adoptions. Have at least two years of relevant professional experience after obtaining their most recent higher education qualification and before the application deadline. Demonstrate relevant professional activity in one of the eligible countries. Complete the application in the language of instruction of the selected programme. Demonstrate good written and spoken proficiency in that language. Apply for only one training programme. ARES notes that basic French proficiency can also help participants integrate into daily life in Belgium. 32 Eligible Countries The scholarship is open to applicants from selected countries across Africa, South America, the Caribbean and Asia. Eligible African countries are: South Africa Benin Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Côte d’Ivoire Ethiopia Guinea Kenya Madagascar Mali Morocco Mozambique Niger Uganda Democratic Republic of the Congo Rwanda Senegal Tanzania Tunisia Zimbabwe Eligible countries in South America and the Caribbean include Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti and Peru. The Southeast Asian countries included are Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines and Vietnam, while Palestinian nationals are also eligible, including those who do not reside in one of the 32 listed countries. Scholarship Benefits The ARES International Training Scholarship provides financial support designed to assist participants with the costs associated with undertaking their training in Belgium. The scholarship can cover: International travel expenses. Subsistence allowance. Insurance costs. Visa-related exceptional expenses for eligible bachelor’s and specialised master’s programmes. Registration fees for eligible bachelor’s and specialised master’s programmes. Indirect mission costs for continuing education courses. The duration of support varies according to the type of programme. Specialised bachelor’s and master’s programmes can last for a maximum of 12 months, while continuing education programmes can last for up to six months. How to Apply Applications are submitted through the GIRAF application platform. Applicants who already have a validated GIRAF account can log in and access the application system. New applicants must first complete the account creation process. After logging in, applicants should: Go to Competitive Calls. Select Application – International Training 2027-2028. Complete the application form. Save the application as a draft if additional work is required. Review all information before submission. Click Submit my application once the application is complete. Applicants can work on a saved application across multiple sessions. However, once an application has been submitted, it cannot be modified. ARES advises prospective applicants to consult the candidate guide and official call documentation before submitting their applications. Important Deadline The key deadline for the ARES International Training Scholarships 2027-2028 is: Applications opened: 3 August 2026 Application deadline: 18 September 2026 Time: 12:00 p.m. Belgian time (UTC+1) Study location: Belgium Eligible applicants: Professionals and graduates from 32 partner countries Programmes: Specialised bachelor’s, master’s and continuing education The opportunity is particularly relevant to professionals seeking specialised international training that can strengthen their expertise and contribute to development priorities in their home countries. Applicants from Zimbabwe and the other eligible countries are encouraged to review the programme-specific admission requirements and prepare their applications well before the September deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) shares jobs, internships, fellowships, grants, scholarships, and other opportunities for informational purposes only. GSO is not affiliated with Magamba Network or the Fired Up initiative and does not participate in the recruitment or selection process. Applicants should verify the vacancy details, eligibility requirements, application process, and deadline through the official organisation before applying.