ARES
Pakistani Students Can Apply for Fully Funded ARES Scholarships 2027–28 in Belgium
- Fully FundedFunding Type
- BelgiumStudy Location
- Advanced Bachelor's, Master's, Continuing EducationStudy Levels
- ~1 year for degree programmes, 2-6 months for continuing educationDuration
- Deadline: 2026-09-18Application Deadline
- ~150-200 awards annually (est.)Number of Awards
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
All eligible developing countries (including Pakistan)
Country
ARES
Provider
The ARES Scholarships offer fully funded study opportunities in Belgium for international students from eligible developing countries, including Pakistan. These scholarships are provided by the Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES) and support enrollment in advanced bachelor's, master's, and continuing education programmes. The programme covers various expenses, enabling scholars to gain international academic experience with financial support. The scholarship typically offers one-year awards for advanced bachelor's and specialized master's programmes, while continuing education programmes can range from 2 to 6 months in duration. Approximately 150-200 scholarships are awarded each year across various study levels. The application period for the 2027-2028 cycle typically closes in mid-September. Recipients benefit from comprehensive financial coverage, including international travel, living allowances, tuition fees for eligible programmes, and insurance. The selection process may involve shortlisting and interviews for candidates who meet the rigorous eligibility requirements. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- International Travel Expenses — Coverage for travel from the home country to Belgium and return.
- Subsistence and Living Allowance — A monthly stipend of approximately ~EUR 1,150 (est.) to cover daily living costs.
- Tuition Fees — Full coverage of tuition fees for eligible advanced bachelor's and specialised master's programmes, typically up to ~EUR 830 per year (est.).
- Insurance Coverage — Health and repatriation insurance throughout the scholarship period.
- Installation Costs — A one-time arrival allowance of ~EUR 700 (est.) upon arrival in Belgium.
- Indirect Mission Costs — Reimbursement for mission-related expenses up to ~EUR 150 (est.).
How to apply
The application process for the ARES Scholarships is conducted entirely online through the official ARES scholarship portal. Prospective candidates must prepare all necessary documents before initiating their application.
- Access the Online Portal — Create an account and log in to the ARES online application platform ('Gespodo') well in advance of the deadline.
- Select Programme of Study — Browse the catalogue of advanced bachelor's, master's, or continuing education programmes available under the ARES scholarship scheme and choose your preferred option.
- Complete Application Form — Fill out all sections of the application form accurately, providing personal details, academic history, and professional experience.
- Upload Required Documents — Attach all mandatory supporting documents as specified by ARES, ensuring they are in the correct format and meet quality standards.
- Submit Application — Review your entire application for completeness and accuracy before submitting it electronically through the portal by the stated deadline.
- Await Shortlisting — Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
Eligibility
NationalityCitizen of an eligible developing country (e.g., Pakistan) at the time of application.
Study LevelSeeking to enroll in an advanced bachelor’s, specialised master’s, or continuing education programme offered in Belgium.
Academic StandingHold a diploma comparable to a Belgian university degree (for master's/advanced bachelor's) or relevant professional experience (for continuing education).
Professional ExperienceFor master's and advanced bachelor's, applicants should generally have at least one year of relevant professional experience. For continuing education, two years of relevant professional experience is typically required.
Age LimitApplicants for advanced bachelor's and master's must be under 40 years old at the time of the deadline. For continuing education, the age limit is 45 years.
Further specific criteria may apply based on the chosen programme of study. It is crucial to check the official ARES website for the complete list of eligible countries and detailed requirements for the specific cycle.
Eligible countries
All eligible developing countries (including Pakistan)
Deadlines
2027-2028 Academic Year2026-09-18
Selection
Candidates for the ARES Scholarships are selected based on their academic merit, professional experience, motivation, and potential to contribute to the development of their home country. An initial review of applications identifies shortlisted candidates, who may then be invited for an interview. The final decision rests with the ARES selection committee, ensuring that recipients align with the programme's development objectives.
Verified sources
- ARES Official Scholarship Pageares-ac.beofficial
About the provider
ARES, the Academy for Research and Higher Education, is a federation of higher education institutions in Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Belgium. It aims to support higher education and scientific research and has been actively involved in international development cooperation for several decades.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the ARES Scholarship?
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The ARES Scholarship is a fully funded programme offered by the Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES) that allows international students from eligible developing countries, including Pakistan, to pursue advanced bachelor's, master's, or continuing education programmes in Belgium.
What does the ARES Scholarship cover?
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The scholarship covers international travel expenses, a monthly subsistence and living allowance, full tuition fees for eligible programmes, and comprehensive insurance coverage for health and repatriation.
What is the value of the ARES Scholarship?
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The ARES Scholarship is fully funded. It provides financial benefits such as a monthly living allowance of approximately ~EUR 1,150 (est.), tuition fee coverage up to ~EUR 830 per year (est.), international travel costs, and other allowances.
Who is eligible for the ARES Scholarship?
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Applicants must be citizens of an eligible developing country, typically under 40 years old for degree programmes or 45 for continuing education, and possess relevant academic qualifications and professional experience as specified by ARES.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
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The scholarship is open to citizens of a list of eligible developing countries designated by ARES. Pakistan is explicitly mentioned as an eligible country for this programme.
What study levels are covered by the ARES Scholarship?
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The scholarship supports advanced bachelor's programmes, specialized master's programmes, and continuing education programmes in various fields of study.
When is the deadline to apply for the ARES Scholarship?
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The application deadline for the 2027-2028 academic year is September 18, 2026. It is crucial to submit applications by this date.
How do I apply for the ARES Scholarship?
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Applications are submitted online through the official ARES scholarship portal, 'Gespodo'. Applicants need to create an account, select a programme, complete the application form, and upload all required documents.
What documents are required for the ARES Scholarship application?
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Required documents typically include a copy of your passport, academic transcripts and diplomas, a CV, a motivation letter, letters of recommendation, and proof of professional experience.
How are ARES Scholarship recipients selected?
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Selection is based on academic merit, professional background, motivation, and the potential impact of the candidate's studies on their home country. Shortlisted candidates may undergo an interview process.
What is the duration of the ARES Scholarship and can it be renewed?
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The scholarship duration is typically one year for advanced bachelor's and master's programmes, and between two to six months for continuing education programmes. Renewal policies, if any, are programme-specific and should be confirmed with ARES.
Where can I confirm the details of the ARES Scholarship?
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All current and official details regarding the ARES Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application procedures, should be confirmed on the official ARES website at www.ares-ac.be/en/partners/scholarships.