ARES International Training Bursary 2026 – Closing Date: 19 September 2025 – Apply Now!
Hey future global changemakers! 👋 Ever dreamt of studying abroad, getting top-notch specialized training, and having it all fully covered? Well, buckle up because the ARES International Training Bursary 2026 is here to make those dreams a reality!
This incredible bursary program helps young professionals, especially from countries like South Africa, get advanced training or continuing education in Belgium. It’s designed to boost your skills, expand your horizons, and empower you to make a real impact in your home country. Plus, it’s fully funded! Yes, you read that right!
The ARES International Training Bursary (officially known as the ARES International Training Scholarships) is a fantastic opportunity funded by the Belgian government. It’s specifically designed for professionals from partner countries (including South Africa!) who want to pursue specialised Bachelor’s degrees, specialised Master’s degrees, or continuing education diplomas at institutions in Belgium. The goal? To equip you with high-level expertise that you can bring back and use to contribute to development in your country.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this awesome bursary, you need to meet a few key requirements:
- Be a permanent resident and currently working in one of the 31 eligible countries. (Yes, South Africa is on the list!) Exception: Palestinian nationals are eligible even if they do not reside in one of these 31 countries.
- Hold a relevant university degree:
- For specialised Masters and continuing education: You need a degree comparable to a 2nd cycle diploma (300 ECTS credits) from a Belgian university.
- For specialisation Bachelors: You need a diploma comparable to a 1st cycle diploma (180 ECTS credits) from Belgian higher education.
- Show that you have at least two years of relevant professional experience in an ARES partner country. This means practical work experience that aligns with your chosen field of study.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is super generous and aims to cover pretty much everything so you can focus on your studies:
- International Travel: Your return economy class flight ticket to Belgium (maximum one return trip per academic year).
- Living Allowance: A monthly stipend for 12 months (plus a reduced 13th month payment) to cover your daily expenses.
- Visa Costs: Exceptional costs associated with your visa application (for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees only).
- Tuition Fees: Your full tuition fees are covered (for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees only).
- Indirect Mission Expenses: For continuing education courses only.
- Insurance: Your health and travel insurance costs.
The duration varies: Bachelor’s and specialised Master’s degrees are up to 12 months, while continuing training courses are 2 to 6 months maximum.
What Can You Study?
ARES offers a wide range of exciting programs across various fields. Here are some of the options available:
One Specialised Bachelor’s Degree:
Ten Specialised Masters:
- Master de spécialisation en droits humains
- Master de spécialisation en gestion des risques et des catastrophes à l’ère de l’anthropocène
- Master de spécialisation en gestion intégrée des risques sanitaires
- Specialized Master in International and Development Economics
- Advanced Master in Microfinance
- Specialized Master in Public Health Methodology
- Master de spécialisation en sciences de la santé publique – analyse et évaluation des politiques programmes et systèmes de santé internationale
- Master de spécialisation en transport et logistique
- Master de spécialisation – Design d’innovation sociale
- Master de spécialisation en Nexus Eau-Énergie-Alimentation
Six Continuing Training Courses:
- Certificat d’Université en Science des Données pour la Santé Mondiale
- Formation internationale en pédagogie universitaire numérique
- Certificat interuniversitaire et interdisciplinaire en justices transitionnelles
- Formation continue – Comprendre et gérer les dimensions humaines des projets de changement en développement durable
- Formations continues en assurance qualité et contrôle en qualité des médicaments et produits de santé
- Formation continue en système d’information géographique libre
How to Apply?
Ready to jump on this amazing opportunity? The application process is usually done online via the official ARES website.
Here’s the super important part: The application deadline for the 2026/2027 intake is 19 September 2025 at 12pm (Belgian time, UTC+1). Don’t wait until the last minute!
For detailed instructions and to start your application, head over to the official ARES webpage. This is where you’ll find all the forms, specific requirements, and step-by-step guidance:
Visit the Official Webpage of the ARES International Training Scholarships
If becoming a globally trained professional sounds like your next big adventure, then this ARES International Training Bursary is definitely worth checking out! Don’t miss this chance to study in Belgium and supercharge your career. Apply now and remember to explore more life-changing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
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