Belgium has launched its 2027-2028 cycle of international training scholarships, targeting professionals from 32 developing countries with a particular emphasis on climate adaptation and environmental management—fields where capacity gaps have become increasingly urgent as climate impacts accelerate across the Global South.

The ARES (Académie de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur) program offers fully funded specialized study opportunities at Belgian universities, according to the announcement from the organization. The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs for selected participants.

The timing aligns with growing recognition that climate adaptation in vulnerable regions requires not just funding, but trained professionals who can implement resilience strategies in their home countries. Recent assessments by the UN Environment Programme have identified technical capacity as a critical bottleneck in climate adaptation efforts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.

Eligible Countries and Priority Sectors

The 32 eligible countries span Africa, Asia, and Latin America—regions that contribute minimally to global emissions but face disproportionate climate risks. While the full list includes nations from Benin to Vietnam, the program particularly encourages applications in environmental science, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and renewable energy—all fields directly relevant to climate resilience.

This focus reflects a shift in international education partnerships. Rather than generic academic exchanges, programs like ARES increasingly target specific technical skills that recipient countries have identified as national priorities. For many participating nations, training professionals in climate adaptation represents a more cost-effective investment than hiring international consultants for every project.

Belgium's approach also acknowledges a practical reality: many developing countries have ambitious climate plans under the Paris Agreement but lack sufficient trained personnel to execute them. A 2025 study found that 60% of nationally determined contributions cite technical capacity as a major implementation challenge.

Beyond Traditional Aid Models

The scholarship structure differs from conventional development aid by investing in individuals who will return home with specialized expertise. Participants typically pursue short-term intensive training—ranging from several weeks to several months—rather than full degree programs, allowing them to upgrade skills without extended absences from their professional roles.

This model has shown measurable returns. Alumni from previous ARES cycles have gone on to lead national climate ministries, design adaptation projects, and train additional professionals in their home countries—creating a multiplier effect that extends beyond the initial scholarship recipients.

However, challenges remain. Brain drain concerns persist, as some scholarship recipients eventually seek opportunities abroad rather than returning home. The program addresses this through selection criteria that favor mid-career professionals with established positions, rather than recent graduates more likely to emigrate.

Application Process and Timeline

Applications for the 2027-2028 cycle are now open, with selection criteria emphasizing professional experience, demonstrated commitment to working in priority sectors, and clear plans for applying acquired knowledge upon return. Candidates must be nominated by their employers or relevant government ministries, adding an accountability mechanism to ensure training aligns with institutional needs.

The program represents one of several European initiatives expanding climate-focused education partnerships with developing nations. Similar programs from France, Germany, and the Netherlands have collectively trained thousands of climate professionals over the past decade, though demand far exceeds available slots.

As climate impacts intensify—with 2026 marking another year of record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events—the need for trained adaptation specialists will only grow. Programs like ARES offer one pathway toward building the technical capacity that vulnerable nations require, though the scale remains modest relative to the challenge.

For the 32 eligible countries, these scholarships provide more than individual opportunities. They represent investments in the expertise needed to navigate an increasingly unstable climate—training that could prove invaluable as adaptation moves from planning documents to on-the-ground implementation.