Why the ARES Mundus Scholarship is Europe’s Hidden Gem
If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in Europe without worrying about massive tuition fees or high living costs, the ARES Mundus Scholarship should be at the top of your list. This Belgian government-funded scholarship is one of Europe’s largest and most generous schemes for students from developing countries. Every year, hundreds of students get the chance to complete a fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, or short-term training program in Belgium’s top universities — without paying a single euro for tuition or accommodation.
Many students from Asia, Africa, and Latin America still don’t know how accessible this scholarship really is. So if you’ve ever searched “study in Europe for free” or “Belgium scholarship for international students,” this is your complete, up-to-date guide.
What Exactly is the ARES Mundus Scholarship?
The ARES (Academy of Research and Higher Education) Scholarship is funded by the Belgian government to strengthen cooperation and development by providing opportunities to students from certain eligible countries. Its goal is to help talented students gain advanced knowledge and skills so they can make a positive impact when they return home.
Each year, ARES awards over 200 fully funded scholarships for Master’s degree programs, Bachelor’s programs, and specialized training courses lasting 4–6 months. The scholarship covers everything from tuition to flights and daily living expenses — so you can focus fully on your studies.
Who Can Apply?
ARES targets students from specific countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a citizen of an ARES-eligible country — such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, many African countries, and certain Latin American nations.
- Have a Bachelor’s degree if applying for a Master’s or a high school certificate if applying for an undergraduate degree.
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience if you’re applying for a Master’s or training course. (This is a key requirement many students overlook!)
- Not already be enrolled in a Belgian university or hold Belgian citizenship.
- Have a strong academic record and clear motivation to contribute to development back home.
Another hidden benefit: many programs don’t require IELTS if you can prove your previous education was in English.
How Many Scholarships Are There?
Every year, ARES awards about 150 Master’s and Bachelor’s scholarships, plus around 70 short-term training scholarships. These spots are highly competitive — but with the right approach, your chances are better than you think. This scholarship is not just about grades; it’s about showing that you can use your new skills to create change in your community.
What Expenses Are Covered?
What makes the ARES Scholarship stand out is how truly fully funded it is. Many so-called “full scholarships” only cover tuition or a partial living stipend, but ARES covers it all.
You’ll receive:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance (around €1,150 for living expenses)
- International travel costs (round-trip flight tickets)
- Arrival allowance and return fees
- Insurance and accommodation support
You won’t need to show blocked accounts or bank statements like you do for Germany or other EU countries — the scholarship covers it for you.
Which Universities Participate?
This is not tied to just one university. Many of Belgium’s top public institutions participate — including Université Catholique de Louvain, University of Liège, University of Namur, and more.
Each program has specific focus areas, often linked to development, sustainability, human rights, public health, or education. So always choose a field that matches your academic background and work experience.
👉 Explore programs here: ARES Official Programs
What Documents Do You Need?
Before you rush to apply, prepare these essentials:
- A valid passport
- Your most recent degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of professional work experience (minimum two years)
- A clear CV — Europass format is recommended
- A Motivation Letter explaining why you’re applying, how it fits your goals, and what you’ll do after graduation
- Proof of language proficiency (if required by the specific program)
- Letters of recommendation (some programs ask for these)
When to Apply? Mark These Dates
Timing is everything. ARES usually opens applications every year around October and closes by January or February for the next academic year. For the 2025–2026 intake, expect the deadline to be around early February 2025 — but double-check on the official site because it changes slightly each year.
Don’t wait for the last day. Because you’ll need to prepare strong documents and possibly get translations or certifications, start at least 3–4 months in advance.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Unlike many scholarships that make you pay an application fee for each university, ARES has a single online portal. Here’s how it works:
First, visit the official ARES Scholarship portal. Register an account and fill out the online application form. This includes your personal info, your educational history, your preferred program, and uploads for all required documents.
Your motivation letter is one of the most important parts — it must be original, clear, and specific. Don’t copy templates. Instead, explain how your work experience relates to your chosen program and how you plan to use your new skills for community development back home.
Once your application is complete, review it carefully. A single missing document or careless error can lead to automatic rejection. When you’re sure everything is ready, hit Submit and wait for confirmation.
Common Mistakes That Can Kill Your Chances
Many good students get rejected because of avoidable errors. Here are some real-life mistakes to avoid:
Some applicants ignore the work experience requirement, thinking good grades will be enough. But for ARES, two years of relevant experience is a must.
Another mistake is copying generic motivation letters. Reviewers can spot this instantly — they want to see your unique story, goals, and vision.
A lot of students also send incomplete files — blurry scans, missing pages, or untranslated documents. Triple-check your files!
And lastly, don’t underestimate deadlines. If you submit even a few minutes late, the system will not accept your form.
Where to Apply and Find More Info
All applications must go through the official ARES portal — you can’t send your form by email or post.
👉 Official Scholarship Page: ARES Scholarship
👉 Eligible Programs List: See Programs
👉 Belgium Student Visa: Visa Info
What Happens If You’re Selected?
If you’re chosen, you’ll receive an official scholarship offer and admission letter from your university. Then you’ll apply for your Belgian student visa — with full support from ARES and the university’s international office.
Once in Belgium, you’ll receive your monthly allowance, health insurance, and all the resources you need to succeed. Many students also get help finding student housing through their university.
Can You Work After Graduation?
This is one of the best parts. Belgium — and Europe in general — is very open to students staying after they finish their degree. Many ARES scholars stay on to do internships, find jobs, or even extend their residence permit for work purposes.
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Final Words: Take the First Step Now
The ARES Mundus Scholarship is one of Europe’s most straightforward fully funded programs — but you must plan carefully and submit a strong, complete application. If you have the passion, the experience, and the commitment to bring your knowledge back home, you’re exactly the kind of student ARES wants.
So don’t wait. Start preparing today. Draft your motivation letter. Update your CV. Get your documents certified. Talk to alumni if you can find them online. And when the application window opens, submit with confidence.
Good luck! Belgium is waiting for you✨
