Masters, Short CourseFully funded: travel, monthly allowance, accommodation allowance, insurance, tuition

ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium)

ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium) are fully funded opportunities for Master's and short courses, with applications due in February for September intake. The official website is under redevelopment, so applicants should check the new site for updated information.

Provider: ARES — Académie de recherche et d'enseignement supérieur
Host country: Belgium
Deadline: February (for the academic year starting in September)
Region: Europe

Official source

Topics

Master's scholarships

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium) is open to African students applying to study in Belgium at the Masters, Short Course level, with fully funded: travel, monthly allowance, accommodation allowance, insurance, tuition funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters, Short Course · applicants for Belgium
Funding: Fully funded: travel, monthly allowance, accommodation allowance, insurance, tuition
Study level: Masters, Short Course
Deadline: February (for the academic year starting in September)

Key eligibility criteria

Typically for citizens of developing countries with a relevant academic background and French language proficiency.

What the fully funded: travel, monthly allowance, accommodation allowance, insurance, tuition award covers

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

About the ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium) (2026)

# ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium): Comprehensive Brief for Prospective Applicants ## Overview This brief provides essential information for prospective applicants interested in the ARES Scholarships offered by the Académie de recherche et d'enseignement supérieur (ARES) in French-speaking Belgium. These scholarships are designed to support international students pursuing Master's degrees and short courses. While the official page content is currently unavailable due to a website redevelopment, this brief synthesizes known information to guide potential applicants. The scholarships aim to foster academic excellence and international cooperation, enabling students from various countries to access high-quality education and training in Belgium. ## Benefits Recipients of ARES Scholarships benefit from comprehensive financial support, making studying in French-speaking Belgium accessible and affordable. The scholarships are fully funded, covering a wide range of expenses to ensure students can focus on their studies without financial burden. Key benefits typically include: * **Travel Costs:** Coverage for international travel to and from Belgium. * **Monthly Allowance:** A stipend to cover living expenses during the study period. * **Accommodation Allowance:** Financial assistance for housing. * **Insurance:** Health and other necessary insurance coverage. * **Tuition Fees:** Full coverage of academic tuition fees for the enrolled program. ## Eligibility Specific eligibility criteria for the ARES Scholarships are detailed on the official website, which is currently undergoing redevelopment. However, based on typical scholarship requirements for international programs, prospective applicants should generally meet certain academic and national criteria. This often includes: * **Nationality:** Be a citizen of a developing country. (Specific country lists are usually provided by ARES). * **Academic Background:** Hold a relevant Bachelor's degree for Master's programs, or meet specific academic prerequisites for short courses. * **Language Proficiency:** Demonstrate proficiency in French, as the programs are offered in French-speaking Belgium. * **Age Limit:** Some scholarships may have an age limit, which would be specified in the official guidelines. * **Professional Experience:** Certain programs, especially short courses, might require relevant professional experience. ## Required Documents While the exact list of required documents is currently unavailable due to the website redevelopment, applicants for ARES Scholarships typically need to prepare a comprehensive set of documents to support their application. These commonly include: * **Academic Transcripts:** Official records of previous academic performance. * **Diplomas/Degrees:** Copies of earned university degrees or certificates. * **Curriculum Vitae (CV):** A detailed resume outlining academic and professional experience. * **Motivation Letter:** A personal statement explaining the applicant's interest in the program and how it aligns with their career goals. * **Letters of Recommendation:** Academic or professional references. * **Proof of Language Proficiency:** Certificates demonstrating French language skills (e.g., DELF, DALF). * **Copy of Passport/ID:** For identification and nationality verification. * **Research Proposal:** For Master's programs that require one. ## How to Apply The application process for ARES Scholarships is usually conducted online through the official ARES platform. Although the website is currently under redevelopment, the general steps for application typically involve: * **Online Registration:** Creating an account on the ARES scholarship application portal. * **Form Completion:** Filling out the application form with personal, academic, and professional details. * **Document Upload:** Submitting all required supporting documents electronically. * **Program Selection:** Choosing the desired Master's program or short course. * **Submission:** Finalizing and submitting the application by the deadline. Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check the official ARES website for updates on the application portal and specific instructions once the new site is fully operational. ## Key Dates The application deadline for ARES Scholarships is consistently in February for programs commencing in September of the same year. This timeline is crucial for prospective applicants to plan their application strategy effectively. It is vital to note that this deadline is firm, and late applications are typically not considered. While specific dates within February may vary slightly year to year, applicants should aim to prepare and submit their applications well in advance to avoid last-minute issues. Keeping track of the exact deadline on the newly launched official website is highly recommended as soon as it becomes available. ## Selection Criteria The selection process for ARES Scholarships is highly competitive, emphasizing academic merit, potential for impact, and alignment with the objectives of international cooperation. While the specific criteria may be elaborated on the new official website, generally, the selection committee evaluates applicants based on: * **Academic Excellence:** Strong academic record and performance in previous studies. * **Relevance of Project/Research:** For Master's programs, the relevance and feasibility of the proposed study or research project. * **Motivation:** A clear and compelling motivation for pursuing the chosen program and its relevance to the applicant's home country's development. * **Professional Experience:** For certain programs, relevant professional experience is a significant advantage. * **Socio-economic Background:** Consideration may be given to applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds. * **Language Proficiency:** Demonstrated ability to study effectively in French. ## Tips Applying for a competitive scholarship like the ARES Scholarship requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your application: * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application and gathering documents well in advance of the February deadline. * **Tailor Your Application:** Customize your motivation letter and CV to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for the specific program. * **Proofread Meticulously:** Ensure all documents are free of grammatical errors and typos. * **Seek Strong Recommendations:** Choose referees who know your academic and professional abilities well and can provide compelling letters. * **Understand the Program:** Thoroughly research the Master's program or short course you are applying for to demonstrate genuine interest and fit. * **Stay Updated:** Regularly check the official ARES website for any changes or new information regarding the application process or requirements, especially with the recent website redevelopment. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the ARES Scholarships, applicants must consult the official website of ARES — Académie de recherche et d'enseignement supérieur. Please note that the website has recently undergone redevelopment, and the previous direct link for scholarships might be redirecting or unavailable. Applicants are advised to visit the new main website and use the provided site navigation or search engine to locate the scholarship information. * **New ARES Website:** [https://www.ares-ac.be/en/home](https://www.ares-ac.be/en/home) * **ARES Search Engine:** [https://www.ares-ac.be/en/node/32](https://www.ares-ac.be/en/node/32) It is crucial to refer to these official sources for precise details on eligibility, required documents, and the application process once the relevant pages are fully updated and accessible on the new site.

What the Fully funded: travel, monthly allowance, accommodation allowance, insurance, tuition ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium) covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium) eligibility for Belgium applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Typically for citizens of developing countries with a relevant academic background and French language proficiency.

Documents required for the ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium) application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium) 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.ares-ac.be/en/cooperation-au-developpement/bourses and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Typically for citizens of developing countries with a relevant academic background and French language proficiency.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.ares-ac.be/en/cooperation-au-developpement/bourses, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by February (for the academic year starting in September) (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, ARES — Académie de recherche et d'enseignement supérieur will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium) deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium)?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters, Short Course level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by ARES — Académie de recherche et d'enseignement supérieur, and be able to relocate to Belgium for the duration of the programme.

Is the ARES Scholarships (French-speaking Belgium) fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully funded: travel, monthly allowance, accommodation allowance, insurance, tuition. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is February (for the academic year starting in September). Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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