Belgium is increasingly recognized as a prime destination for international higher education, offering high-quality instruction, research, and multicultural exposure. One of the most attractive programs for students from developing countries—including the Philippines—is the ARES (Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement supérieur) International Training Scholarships. These grants are offered by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and are designed to strengthen capacity in partner countries through advanced academic training and professional development.
ARES enables students to pursue advanced bachelor’s or specialized master’s degrees, or to attend continuing education programs (2 to 6 months). The aim is not just individual advancement, but building knowledge, skills, and networks that contribute back in the country of origin. For a student from the Philippines, this opens doors not only to academic credentials recognized in Europe, but also exposure to international practices and perhaps better career opportunities at home or abroad.
Belgium, particularly its French-speaking region (Wallonia-Brussels), is known for its strong higher education institutions, rigorous academic standards, and programs taught in French or English. This makes it a viable option for Filipino students, especially those who are willing to adapt to French or take language courses. Also, since Belgium is in the heart of Europe, students can benefit from Europe’s research networks and institutions.
Who is Eligible: Countries, Levels, and Fields
Eligible Developing Countries (Including the Philippines)
The ARES scholarship is open to nationals residing and/or working in a number of developing countries. The list includes many in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Notably, the Philippines is on the list of eligible countries in Southeast Asia.
Some of the other countries include Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Vietnam, as well as many African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, etc. Importantly, if you’re Filipino, check whether you meet the requirement of being resident or working in the Philippines (or another eligible country) at the time of application.
Levels of Study: Advanced Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Continuing Education
ARES provides three main types of training:
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Advanced Bachelor’s & Specialized Master’s: These are full academic degrees, typically lasting one academic year. For example, specialized Master’s in public health, development economics, etc.
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Continuing Education / Short Courses: 2 to 6 months duration, more practice-oriented, certificate-based rather than full degrees. Useful if you want upskilling or specialization without doing a full year.
Fields of Study Offered
Some example fields for ARES scholarships include:
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International development, human rights, public health, food security
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Environment, agriculture, water-energy-food nexus
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Microfinance, economics
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Transport and logistics, social innovation design
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Digital health, data science, GIS, etc.
So for a Filipino student, if your interest aligns with these fields, ARES could be a perfect match.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Understanding what’s funded and what isn’t is crucial in preparing an application and planning your stay.
Tuition / Registration Fees
Tuition fees or registration fees are covered for advanced bachelor’s / specialized master’s programs by ARES. For continuing education (short courses), registration may also be covered depending on the program.
Living Allowance, Insurance, Travel, Visa Costs
Other covered costs generally include:
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A monthly living allowance for the duration of the academic year (or short course) to cover lodging, food, local transport, etc.
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Health / accident insurance during your stay in Belgium.
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Airfare: Round-trip travel from the home country to Belgium.
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Visa costs or support for visa if needed.
Special Benefits for Short Continuing Education Courses
For shorter trainings (2‑6 months), benefits adjust:
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Daily or monthly allowance appropriate for the duration
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Possibly mission allowances or indemnities for stays, as well as coverage of travel related to inter-university components.
Application Process: How to Apply
Using the GIRAF Platform
Applications are submitted through the GIRAF platform (Governmental Institutional Repository of ARES/FWB) for International Training Scholarships. You’ll need to:
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Create an account on GIRAF.
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Get it validated (may take some time).
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Once validated, go to the “Competitive Calls” tab to find the call for International Training Scholarships 2026‑2027 (or the latest available year)
You do not need to have been admitted already by a Belgian university before applying, in many cases, because ARES helps place successful applicants in appropriate institutions.
Documents Required
While exact requirements may vary by program, typically you will need:
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Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
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Proof of nationality (passport)
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Proof of residence or work in an eligible country
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Letters of recommendation (academic / professional)
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Possibly a “pre‑project” or motivation statement (especially for specialized Master’s) outlining how your studies will connect to development goals in your country.
Deadline & Timeline
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Application deadline for the current call (2026‑2027) is 19 September 2026.
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After submission, there is pre‑selection, selection, and notification phases. For example, many applicants learn results by mid during the academic year.
Tips for Applicants from the Philippines
If you’re Filipino and considering applying, here are some tips to help boost your chances and plan effectively.
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Academic record & professional experience:
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Maintain strong grades.
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Build up relevant work or volunteer experience (especially in development, public health, environment, etc.), since professional experience is often required or highly valued.
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Language preparation:
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Many programs are taught in French (especially at universities in Wallonia‑Brussels). Some are in English. Check the language requirement for your chosen program. If your French is weak, consider taking a short French course.
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Be clear in your application if you have French language skills, or if you plan to acquire them.
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Align with development goals:
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Tailor your motivation letter / pre‑project to show how your training will contribute back in the Philippines. For example, address local challenges (public health, climate change, food security, etc.).
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If possible, secure support (letters, endorsements) from organizations in the Philippines that can attest to your potential or relevance.
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Plan finances & logistics:
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Even though many costs are covered (tuition, travel, allowance), make sure to account for extra personal expenses, local travel, settling in, possible French learning, etc.
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Visa process: start early; check what Belgium requires for students from the Philippines.
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Apply early and carefully:
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Double‑check deadlines.
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Prepare all documents in advance (transcripts, diplomas, recommendation letters).
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Submit a clean, well‑formatted application. Proof‑read everything.
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Common Questions & Myths
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Myth: I must already have admission to a Belgian university.
Fact: Not always. ARES often assigns successful applicants to appropriate higher education institutions in Wallonia‑Brussels. Having prior admission might help but isn’t always mandatory. -
Myth: The scholarship is only for people already working in the development sector.
Fact: While experience helps, ARES expects some relevant professional experience, but this doesn’t always need to be “development organization” work; related fields count. -
What about language barriers?
Some programs require French; others are in English. Always check the specific program requirements. If French is required, proficiency proof may be needed. -
What happens after finishing the scholarship?
Many scholars return to their home countries. The idea is to use the skills gained to contribute locally. Some students may seek further opportunities.
Official Links & Resources
For up‑to‑date and official information, always refer to the original sources:
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ARES – Study in Belgium: International Training Scholarship (Wallonia‑Brussels Federation): StudyInBelgium.be ‑ ARES Scholarship Page studyinbelgium.be
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ARES official site (Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement supérieur): ARES website homepage ares-ac.be
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Platform for application: GIRAF (used by ARES for the international training scholarships) — details on the official ARES or Wallonia‑Brussels sites.
Conclusion
If you’re a student in the Philippines looking for opportunities to further your study, especially in development‑related fields, the ARES International Training Scholarships offer a golden chance. They are fully funded, cover many costs, and connect you with European academic institutions. It takes effort: good academic record, relevant experience, strong application, language preparation. But with planning, it’s very much within reach.
FAQs
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Can Filipino students apply if they are not currently employed?
Yes, but many programs require or prefer applicants with some relevant professional experience. If not employed, you’ll need to show experience (e.g. volunteer work, internships) relevant to your field. -
Do I need to speak French to apply?
Depends on the program. Some are in English, some in French. You must meet the language requirements of the specific program. It helps to learn French if required. -
Is the scholarship fully funded for all costs?
“Fully funded” means many major costs are covered—tuition, travel, living allowance, insurance, visa costs—but there may still be personal expenses. -
What’s the deadline and can it change?
The current announced deadline is September 19, 2026 for the 2026‑2027 call. Always check the official website, because deadlines can shift. -
After finishing, am I obligated to return to the Philippines?
There’s no strict “bond” in many cases, but the program’s goal is capacity building in partner countries. It is generally expected that you contribute back in your home country, but legally you’re not always bound.
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