Belgian Government Scholarship 2024-2025

Visit Belgian government scholarship for 2024-2025 is a great opportunity for students from developing countries. This program is not only fully funded, but also offers a variety of courses and fields of study for eligible candidates.

The scholarship is open to citizens of several developing countries, such as South Africa, Benin, Bolivia, Morocco and many others. Applicants must hold a degree corresponding to the requirements specified for the different levels of training. They must also have relevant professional experience in their home country.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Belgian government scholarship for the academic year 2024-2025?

It is essential to understand the eligibility criteria for applying for the Belgian government scholarship. An application that does not meet these criteria may be rejected without further consideration. Here are the specific eligibility criteria for this scholarship:

1. Nationality, residence and employment :
   • Be a national of, reside in and work in one of the eligible countries. Eligible countries include: Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Guinea (Conakry), Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
2. Education level :
   • For Specialized Masters and Continuing Education: Hold a diploma comparable to a 2nd cycle diploma (300 ECTS credits) from a Belgian university.
   • For specialization bachelors: Hold a diploma comparable to a first-cycle diploma (180 ECTS credits) from Belgian higher education. In addition, the candidate must not have obtained the relevant academic degree more than 20 years before the start of the training. Each childbirth and/or adoption extends this period by one year.
3. Professional experience :
   • Have a relevant professional occupation of at least two years after the end of Bac+3 for specialization bachelors and after Bac+5 for specialization masters and continuing education. This experience must be in an ARES partner country.
4. Language skills :
   • Fill in the application form in the language in which the training is given.
   • Be able to demonstrate a good written and spoken knowledge of this language. In addition, a minimum knowledge of French is recommended for better integration into daily life in Belgium.
5. Number of applications :
   • Apply for a single course.
6. University admission :
   • Candidates are not required to obtain prior admission to one of Belgium's French-speaking universities in order to apply for an ARES scholarship.

More info on the official website: www.ares-ac.be/fr

Which training programs are eligible for ARES grants for 2024-2025?

ARES is offering scholarships for international training courses as part of its 2023-2028 cooperation program. These scholarships are offered in three categories: bachelor's degree specialization, master's degree specialization, and continuing education.

1. Undergraduate programs for 2024-2025 :
   • Bachelor of specialization :
     • Business Data Analysis
2. Specialized Masters Programs 2024-2025 :
   • Master of specialization in human rights
   • Specialized Master's Degree in Risk and Disaster Management in the Anthropocene Era
   • Specialized Master in International and Development Economics
   • Specialized Master - Social innovation design
   • European Microfinance Programme
   • Specialized Master in Public Health Methodology
   • Master of Public Health Sciences - Analysis and evaluation of international health policies, programs and systems
   • Master's degree in transport and logistics
   • Master of Specialization in Water-Energy-Food Nexus
   • Master's degree in integrated health risk management
3. Continuing Education 2024-2025 :
   • Continuing education in open geographic information systems
   • Continuing education in quality assurance and quality control of medicines and healthcare products
   • Continuing education - Understanding and managing the human dimensions of sustainable development change projects
   • International training in digital university pedagogy
   • University Certificate in Data Science for Global Health
   • Interuniversity and Interdisciplinary Certificate in Transitional Justice

ARES offers a diverse range of programs, reflecting the importance of meeting different needs in the academic and professional world. These programs cover key areas such as human rights, development economics, public health and logistics, demonstrating a holistic approach to solving today's global challenges. Interested candidates should choose the program that best matches their professional and academic aspirations.

How do I apply for the Belgian government scholarship for the academic year 2024-2025?

Applying for a Belgian government scholarship is a structured process that requires attention to detail and precision. Here is a step-by-step procedure to guide you in submitting your application:

To apply : Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the GIRAF portal. Make sure you have all the necessary documents at hand and follow the portal instructions carefully for a successful submission.

1. Training search and selection :
   • Browse the ARES website for a list of available training courses.
   • Select the one that best matches your academic and professional profile.
2. Download required documents :
   • Visit the official ARES website to download the appropriate application form.
   • Make sure you obtain all other necessary documents, such as letters of recommendation, diplomas, etc.
3. Document preparation :
   • Fill in the application form, making sure to provide accurate information.
   • Prepare a letter of motivation detailing your interest in your chosen training and how it will benefit your career.
   • Gather your transcripts, diplomas and proof of professional experience.
   • Obtain two letters of recommendation from professionals or academics.
4. Language check :
   • If necessary, enclose language proficiency certificates, such as TOEFL, IELTS or any other relevant certificate, to prove your proficiency in the language of instruction.
5. Submitting your application :
   • Send your complete application to ARES, either by post or, if mentioned, electronically. Be sure to send your application by the deadline indicated.
6. Awaiting decision :
   • Once you've submitted your application, wait for ARES to reply. It can take from a few weeks to a few months to process applications and announce the results.
   • In the meantime, it may be a good idea to prepare additional documents or make travel arrangements.
7. Following a positive response :
   • If your application is accepted, follow the instructions provided to finalize your registration.
   • Prepare for your trip, obtain a visa if necessary and make sure you have all the necessary arrangements for your stay in Belgium.

What is funded by the Belgian government scholarship for the academic year 2024-2025?

The Belgian Government Scholarship, administered by ARES, is one of the most prestigious scholarships available to international students. Its aim is to promote international development by offering quality training to selected candidates. The scholarship generally covers the following:

1. Tuition fees :
   • The full cost of tuition and fees is covered by the scholarship, which means that beneficiary students do not have to pay any fees to attend their courses.
2. Monthly allowances :
   • Fellows receive a monthly allowance to cover their daily expenses. This allowance is generally sufficient to cover basic needs such as food, transport and small expenses.
3. Housing :
   • In some cases, accommodation may be provided or subsidies may be granted to help cover housing costs.
4. Medical insurance :
   • Scholarship holders often have health insurance that covers basic medical expenses during their stay in Belgium.
5. Airline tickets :
   • One round trip per year between the student's home country and Belgium is often included. This allows students to return home during the vacations or at the end of their studies.
6. Set-up costs :
   • A one-off settling-in grant may be awarded at the beginning of the scholarship period to help students settle in Belgium.
7. Research and materials allowance :
   • For students pursuing research or needing specialized equipment for their studies, an additional allowance may be provided to cover these costs.
8. Travel expenses for conferences or seminars :
   • In some cases, scholarship holders may receive financial assistance to attend conferences, workshops or seminars relevant to their fields of study.

Do these items cover all the needs of a student in Belgium? Although the scholarship offers considerable financial cover, it is always advisable for students to plan a personal budget and be prepared to cover unforeseen expenses that may arise during their stay.

Dates and calendar Belgian government scholarship for the academic year 2024-2025

The Belgian government is offering scholarships for the academic year 2024-2025. The application process is structured in several key stages to enable candidates to prepare optimally. Here is an overview of important dates and milestones:

1. September 15, 2023 :
   • Opening of the call for applications
     • From this date, candidates can start submitting their applications. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and documents required before applying.
2. November 17, 2023 at 12 noon (Belgian time) :
   • Application deadline
     • Applications must be finalized and submitted by this date and time. No applications will be accepted after this deadline. It is therefore crucial not to wait until the last minute to apply.
3. December 2023 :
   • Notification of results
     • During this period, candidates will be informed of the decision concerning their application. It is essential to check your e-mail or the portal regularly for updates.
4. February 2024 :
   • Training registration
     • Successful applicants will be required to register for the courses for which they have been selected. It is important to follow all instructions and provide the necessary documents to ensure successful registration.

What are the main criteria for being selected for an ARES scholarship in Belgium?

Obtaining a Belgian government scholarship through ARES is a rigorous and highly competitive process. Applicants are carefully evaluated against a variety of criteria. Here is an overview of the selection criteria:

1. The quality of your academic career :
   • Evaluation is based on diplomas obtained, the list of courses taken, academic results, teaching or research activities, and publications.
   • For diploma courses, particular attention is paid to candidates who do not already have a diploma of equivalent competence, unless there are clearly justified exceptional circumstances.
2. Previous grants :
   • Priority is given to applicants who have not already received an ARES grant.
3. Professional experience :
   • ARES gives preference to candidates who have acquired professional experience after their university studies, particularly in fields related to development challenges. The social impact of this experience is also taken into account.
4. Belonging to a partner institution :
   • People associated with an ARES partner institution have an advantage, especially if they are involved in development-related research or training projects.
5. Impact potential :
   • ARES places particular emphasis on candidates who, in addition to their academic skills, have the potential to become agents of change in their society.
6. Nationality criteria :
   • To ensure diversity, ARES is careful not to over-represent any particular nationality among its grant-holders.
7. Gender :
   • ARES ensures that the proportion of women selected is at least equal to the proportion of female candidates judged to be of sufficient quality.
   • If this fairness is not respected, a specific justification is required.
   • ARES also takes account of pregnancy-related circumstances.
8. Knowledge and skills transfer :
   • ARES requires scholarship holders to return to their home country or another country after training, and use their new skills to contribute to development.
   • Guarantees, such as an employment contract or a promise of employment, may be required to ensure that the fellow will apply his or her knowledge to the service of development.

Each applicant must not only meet these criteria, but also present a solid and convincing dossier to be considered for a scholarship.