The Romanian Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), offers annual scholarships to citizens of non-EU countries for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in Romanian universities. The program supports full-degree studies and includes a preparatory year for Romanian language when required.
Application Period for 2026–2027 Academic Year:
Opens: 16 February 2026
Closes: 31 March 2026 (strict deadline)
Results announced: Around 15 July 2026
Official Application Platform: https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro/
Applications submitted by email, post, or directly to universities/embassies are not accepted. All submissions must go through the online platform only.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides comprehensive support for the entire duration of studies:
- Full exemption from tuition fees
- Romanian language preparatory year (if needed) — usually one academic year
- Monthly stipend (amount varies by level; typically modest — around 65–85 EUR equivalent, paid in RON)
- Subsidized accommodation in university dormitories (subject to availability; not guaranteed as private housing)
- Exemption from registration and admission fees at the university
What is NOT covered:
- International travel (round-trip airfare is the responsibility of the student)
- Visa and residence permit fees
- Health insurance (students must arrange this)
- Private housing if dormitory places are unavailable
- Family or dependent expenses
- Additional living costs beyond the stipend
The stipend is designed to contribute toward living expenses, but students should budget carefully. Living costs in Romanian cities (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara) are lower than in Western Europe, yet transport, food, and personal expenses add up.
Eligible Fields of Study
Scholarships are available in all academic fields except:
- Medicine
- Dental Medicine
- Pharmacy
Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are taught in Romanian only. PhD programs may be available in English or other languages if the doctoral school approves and a supervisor accepts the candidate.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Citizen of a non-EU country
- Not hold Romanian citizenship
- Not be part of Romanian historical communities or of Romanian origin (separate programs exist for them)
- Have a minimum academic average of 7/10 (or “Good”) in the Romanian scoring system for the most recently completed studies
- Apply only for eligible fields (no medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy)
- Be willing to study primarily in Romanian (with preparatory year if necessary)
Degree-specific requirements:
- Bachelor’s: High school diploma or equivalent
- Master’s: Bachelor’s degree
- PhD: Master’s degree + acceptance letter from a potential Romanian supervisor (highly recommended before applying)
No specific age limit is mentioned, but applicants must demonstrate readiness for the chosen study level. Previous recipients of Romanian state scholarships are generally ineligible.
Required Documents
All documents must be scanned in PDF format from originals, translated into English, French, Spanish, or Romanian, and apostilled or legally authenticated as required by your country.
Standard documents include:
- Diploma(s) and academic transcripts from previous studies
- Birth certificate
- Copy of passport (first three pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- For PhD applicants: Detailed research proposal and letter of acceptance from a Romanian supervisor
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
- Parental consent for minors (under 18)
- Any existing Romanian language certificate (optional but helpful)
Incomplete files or missing apostilles lead to automatic rejection. Most rejections occur due to documentation issues rather than academic merit.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create an account on the official platform: https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro/
- Fill in the online application form completely and accurately.
- Upload all required scanned documents in the correct format.
- Select up to three preferred study programs and universities (in order of preference).
- Submit the application before 31 March 2026.
- Wait for evaluation. Shortlisted candidates may receive further instructions.
- If selected, receive the Letter of Acceptance.
- Apply for a long-stay student visa at the Romanian embassy/consulate in your country.
- Confirm enrollment at the assigned university.
The authorities may assign an alternative university or program in the same field if your first choice cannot accommodate you. Changes after assignment are not possible.
Important Notes on Language:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s: Romanian only. The preparatory year helps students reach the required level.
- Failure to pass the language exam at the end of the preparatory year can result in loss of the scholarship.
- PhD: More flexibility if the doctoral school and supervisor agree on another language.
Selection Process and Criteria
Selection is based on:
- Academic merit (minimum 7/10 average required)
- Quality and completeness of the application file
- Availability of places in the chosen field and university
- For PhD: Strength of the research proposal and supervisor support
The process is competitive but prioritizes compliance with rules. There is no appeal for rejected applications due to incomplete or late submissions.
Practical Tips for a Successful Application
- Start document preparation at least 2–3 months before the February opening (translations and apostilles take time).
- Contact your local Romanian embassy for specific authentication requirements in your country.
- Choose realistic study programs and universities with capacity in your field.
- For PhD applicants: Reach out to potential supervisors early via university websites.
- Double-check all uploads, file names, and translations.
- Save the submission confirmation email.
- Prepare for bureaucracy — Romania’s system is structured but requires patience and accuracy.
Life as a Scholarship Student in Romania
Romanian universities follow the Bologna Process, so degrees are recognized across the EU. Academic life is often exam-focused with less continuous assessment than in some Western systems.
Romania offers affordable living compared to other EU countries, rich cultural heritage, and access to EU opportunities after graduation (with proper visa/residency arrangements). However, adaptation to the language, administrative processes, and conservative aspects of daily life can be challenging for some international students.
Dormitory places are subsidized but limited — many students end up in private rentals. Health insurance is mandatory and must be arranged by the student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the scholarship fully funded?
It covers tuition, preparatory year, monthly stipend, and dormitory subsidy, but students must cover travel, visa, insurance, and any shortfall in living costs.
Can I study in English?
Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are in Romanian. Limited English options exist at PhD level only with supervisor approval.
Is there an IELTS or TOEFL requirement?
No English test is required for the scholarship itself, but you must commit to learning Romanian.
What happens if I am assigned a different university?
You must accept the placement in the same field. No changes are allowed afterward.
Can family members join me?
The scholarship supports the individual student only. No additional allowances or housing for dependents.
Is there an age limit?
No official age limit, but strong academic records and suitability for the program are key.
Next Steps
- Visit the official platform now: https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro/
- Review the full guidelines and eligibility details on the site.
- Begin gathering and translating documents well in advance of 16 February 2026.
- Research Romanian universities and programs in your field via studyinromania.gov.ro.
- Contact the Romanian embassy in your country for any country-specific advice on document legalization.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, rely exclusively on the official Study in Romania scholarship platform and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcements. Third-party websites may have outdated or incomplete details.
This government scholarship provides a structured pathway to an EU-recognized degree for disciplined non-EU students willing to study in Romanian and navigate the application process carefully. Success depends on early preparation and strict adherence to rules.
