The ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 offer professionals from 32 eligible countries an opportunity to undertake specialised study and professional training in Belgium with substantial financial support. The scholarship programme, offered by the Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur (ARES), is designed to strengthen knowledge, skills and professional capacity in partner countries while supporting international cooperation and sustainable development. Applications opened on 3 August 2026, with the deadline set for 18 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Belgian time (UTC+1). What the ARES Scholarships 2027–2028 Offer The 2027–2028 call covers a range of specialised training opportunities in Belgium, including: One specialised bachelor’s degree Eight specialised master’s degrees One continuing education course The specialised bachelor’s and master’s programmes can last up to 12 months, while continuing training programmes can last up to six months. The programme is particularly relevant to professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise and return to contribute to development in their countries. Who Is Eligible for the ARES International Scholarships? Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. Candidates must be permanent residents and working in one of the 32 eligible countries. Palestinian nationals are also eligible even if they do not currently reside in one of the listed countries. Applicants must hold a graduate degree and satisfy the admission requirements of their selected programme. The relevant degree must generally have been obtained no more than 20 years before the beginning of the programme. This period may be extended by one year for each childbirth and/or adoption. Professional experience is also required. Candidates must demonstrate at least two years of relevant professional experience gained in one of the eligible countries between completion of their most recent graduate degree and the application deadline. Applicants must also demonstrate a good command of the language in which their chosen programme is taught, including both written and spoken proficiency. Importantly, each applicant may apply for only one programme. Which Countries Are Eligible? The ARES International Training Scholarships are open to applicants from 32 partner countries across Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean. Eligible African countries include Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria? Correction: the official list includes Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, DR Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Eligible countries outside Africa include Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Vietnam and Palestine. This makes the scholarship particularly significant for professionals across the Global South who are seeking specialised international training. What Does the ARES Scholarship Cover? ARES provides substantial financial support to successful scholarship recipients. For specialised bachelor’s and master’s programmes, the scholarship includes: International travel expenses Subsistence allowance Tuition fees Exceptional costs linked to visa applications Insurance costs For continuing education programmes, the support includes international travel expenses, subsistence support, indirect mission expenses and insurance. The combination of tuition, travel and living support makes the programme an attractive opportunity for eligible professionals seeking international academic and professional development. How to Apply for the ARES Scholarship 2027–2028 Applications are submitted electronically through the GIRAF platform. Applicants who already have a validated GIRAF account can log in and access the relevant competitive call. New applicants must first complete the ARES account creation request. After accessing GIRAF, applicants should select “Competitive Calls” and then choose “Application – International Training 2027–2028.” The application can be completed across multiple sessions by saving it as a draft. Once all information has been completed, applicants must select “Submit my application.” Applicants should note that submitted applications cannot be modified, making it important to carefully review all information and supporting materials before submission. ARES Scholarship Deadline 2026 The deadline for the ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 is: 18 September 2026 at 12:00 noon Belgian time (UTC+1). Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early, particularly because eligibility, academic qualifications, professional experience and programme-specific admission requirements must all be carefully checked. View the official ARES International Training Scholarships 2027–2028 call Why This Scholarship Matters The ARES programme provides more than an opportunity to study abroad. It is designed to develop specialised expertise that can contribute to professional and institutional development in eligible countries. For qualified professionals from Zimbabwe and other eligible Global South countries, the 2027–2028 call presents an opportunity to gain international exposure, strengthen professional skills and build knowledge that can be applied to development priorities at home. 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