Scholarships in Belgium

Belgium has two main scholarships for students from developing countries, and which one you can apply for depends on which part of Belgium you want to study in. VLIR-UOS funds courses in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking north. ARES funds courses in Wallonia and Brussels, the French-speaking south.

VLIR-UOS vs ARES

VLIR-UOSARES

RegionFlandersWallonia-Brussels
Main levelsMaster’s and training programmesMaster’s and specialised training courses
Who can applyCitizens of a list of eligible countriesCitizens of a list of eligible countries
GuideVLIR-UOS guideARES guide

For a full side-by-side comparison, read VLIR-UOS vs ARES.

Check This First
Both scholarships are limited to an official list of eligible countries, and the lists are not identical. Before you prepare anything, confirm that your country is on the list for the scholarship you want.

After You Win: The Visa
To study in Belgium for more than 90 days, you need a Type D long-stay visa. Read our Belgium Type D visa guide for documents and steps.

Common Questions
Can I apply for both VLIR-UOS and ARES?
You can usually apply to courses under both. If you are offered more than one scholarship, you will normally have to choose one. Check the current call for the exact rule.
Are these courses taught in English?
Most VLIR-UOS courses are in English. Many ARES courses are taught in French, so check the language of each course.

Checked October 2026. Always confirm details on the official VLIR-UOS and ARES websites.