Romania Government Scholarships 2026

When most people think about studying in Europe on a fully funded scholarship, countries like Germany, France, or the UK tend to come to mind first. Romania rarely makes it onto that shortlist, which is honestly a missed opportunity for a lot of students. The Romanian Government offers a genuine, fully funded scholarship program every single year to international students from non-EU countries, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly living allowance. It is one of the most accessible government scholarship programs in Europe, and because it flies under the radar compared to bigger names, competition tends to be lower than you might expect.

In this guide, we are going to walk through everything you need to know about the Romania Government Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year. From what the program actually covers to how the application process works, by the time you finish reading this you will have a clear picture of whether this scholarship is right for you and exactly what steps to take to apply.

What Are the Romania Government Scholarships?

The Romania Government Scholarships are an annual scholarship program offered by the Romanian state through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The program is governed by Government Decision no. 288/1993 and has been running continuously for decades. Its primary goal is to promote Romanian language, culture, and academic collaboration with countries outside the European Union, while also attracting talented international students to Romanian public universities.

Every year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides a set number of scholarships to citizens from non-EU countries who want to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programs at accredited higher education institutions in Romania. The scholarships are administered through the official Study in Romania platform and applications are submitted entirely online.

This is not a token program with only a handful of spots. Hundreds of international students benefit from Romanian government scholarships every cycle, and the program covers students from regions as diverse as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. If you have been looking for a realistic pathway to study in Europe without the crippling cost that usually comes with it, this is a program worth taking seriously.

Key Program Details at a Glance

Host Country: Romania

Offered By: Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD (Doctoral)

Eligible Applicants: Citizens of non-EU countries

Funding Type: Fully Funded

Application Portal Opening: 16 February 2026

Application Deadline: 31 March 2026

Results Announcement: Around 15 July 2026

Academic Year: 2026/27

Romania Government Scholarship Benefits: What Does It Cover?

One of the most important things to understand about the Romania Government Scholarships is exactly what financial support you receive. Here is a full breakdown of the benefits.

Full Tuition Fee Coverage

The Romanian government covers the complete cost of tuition fees for the entire duration of your study program. This includes both the fees for any Romanian language preparatory year that may be required before you begin your actual degree program, and the tuition fees for the degree itself. You will not be asked to pay registration fees or any other academic enrollment costs. This is one of the most significant aspects of the scholarship given that tuition fees at Romanian universities for non-EU students typically range from around 2,000 euros to 8,500 euros per year depending on the field of study.

Monthly Living Stipend

Every scholarship holder receives a monthly financial stipend paid in Romanian lei (the local currency). The stipend amounts differ based on the level of study you are enrolled in. Undergraduate students and preparatory year students receive the equivalent of 65 euros per month. Master’s students receive the equivalent of 75 euros per month. Doctoral (PhD) students receive the equivalent of 85 euros per month. While these amounts may seem modest, Romania has one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union, with monthly living expenses typically ranging between 300 and 600 euros depending on the city and lifestyle, so the stipend does go a meaningful way toward daily costs.

Free Accommodation in Student Dormitories

The scholarship covers accommodation expenses in student dormitories within the allocated budget provided by the Ministry of Education. This means that your housing is funded, subject to the availability of dormitory places at your host institution. Scholarship holders are obligated to contact their host university directly after selection to confirm accommodation conditions and availability. In most Romanian university cities, student dormitories are clean, well-maintained, and centrally located near campus facilities.

Romanian Language Preparatory Year

Since most bachelor’s and master’s programs in Romania are taught in the Romanian language, applicants who do not yet speak Romanian are entitled to a fully funded one-year preparatory language course before starting their actual degree program. This preparatory year is included as part of the scholarship and covers both tuition and the monthly stipend. The course is designed to bring students from zero knowledge up to a functional academic level in Romanian so that they can follow their university programs effectively. This is a significant benefit because language preparation courses elsewhere in Europe can cost thousands of euros.

Medical Assistance

Scholarship holders are entitled to medical assistance for medical-surgical emergencies and diseases. This is particularly valuable for students coming from countries where they may not have access to comprehensive public healthcare, and it provides an important safety net during your time in Romania.

Transport Benefits

Romanian government scholarship holders are entitled to the same local transport benefits as Romanian students, which includes local public transport as well as domestic rail and car transport at student rates. This can result in meaningful savings over the course of an academic year, especially for students who travel between cities for research or personal reasons.

Study Visa Fee Coverage

The cost of your Romanian student visa is also covered under the scholarship. This removes one of the upfront financial barriers that often catches students off guard when they are in the process of relocating for their studies.

What the Scholarship Does Not Cover

There are a few important costs the scholarship does not cover. International travel costs from your home country to Romania are not included, nor is the cost of domestic transportation from the Romanian border crossing point to your university city upon arrival. These expenses must be managed from your own personal funds. When planning your finances, make sure to budget for international flights and the initial journey to your university.

Study Programs and Fields Available

The Romania Government Scholarships are open to students across a very wide range of academic disciplines. Applicants can choose their preferred study program in virtually any field of study with one notable exception: Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy programs are not included under this scholarship. If you are interested in medical studies in Romania, there are separate arrangements and programs for that purpose.

All other fields are available, including engineering, computer science, economics and business, law, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, arts, architecture, agriculture, education, environmental studies, and many more.

Language of Study

For bachelor’s and master’s level programs, study is conducted exclusively in the Romanian language. This is a deliberate policy that promotes Romanian language and culture among international students. Students who do not speak Romanian will be placed in the funded preparatory year course before starting their degree.

For doctoral (PhD) level programs, there is more flexibility. PhD candidates can choose a program taught in Romanian, English, or another foreign language, depending on the language policies of the specific doctoral school they are enrolling in. This makes the PhD track particularly attractive for internationally mobile researchers who may not want to commit to learning Romanian before starting their studies.

Program Durations

Bachelor’s programs in Romania run for 3 to 6 years depending on the field of study. Master’s programs run for 1 to 2 years and conclude with a dissertation examination. Doctoral programs run for 3 to 5 years depending on the faculty profile and conclude with the submission and defense of a doctoral thesis.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Understanding the eligibility conditions is crucial before investing time in preparing your application. Here is a clear breakdown of who qualifies and who does not.

Nationality

The scholarship is open to citizens of non-EU countries from all over the world. This includes students from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, North America, and other non-European regions. However, there are several specific categories of people who are not eligible even if they hold citizenship from a non-EU country:

Citizens of Romanian origin or those who are part of Romanian historical communities in the proximity of Romania. These individuals are entitled to a separate and different scholarship program under different terms.
Citizens who have requested or been granted any form of protection in Romania, including refugee status or temporary protection.
Stateless persons whose stay in Romania is officially recognized under Romanian law.
Members of the diplomatic or consular corps accredited to Romania, and their family members.
Members of the administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions and consular offices accredited to Romania.
Staff of international organizations based in Romania and their family members.
Candidates who are already beneficiaries of a Romanian state scholarship at the same level of study being applied for.

If you fall into any of these excluded categories, this particular MFA scholarship program is not for you. You would need to explore other available scholarship pathways.

Academic Performance

Only candidates with good academic results are eligible to apply. Specifically, you must have a minimum average grade of at least 7 out of 10 corresponding to the Romanian grading system, or the equivalent of a “Good” grade under whatever grading system your country uses. This is not an extremely high bar, but it does filter out candidates with very weak academic records. If your grading system uses a different scale, you will need to clearly show the equivalent grade on your application documents.

Study Documents from Recognized Institutions

All your previous study documents must have been issued by accredited and officially recognized educational institutions in your home country. Degrees or certificates from unrecognized or non-accredited institutions will not be accepted.

Language Certificate for University Entry

Students who wish to enroll directly in a Romanian-language bachelor’s or master’s program without first completing the preparatory year must present a certificate of linguistic competence in Romanian at a minimum level of B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If you do not have this certificate, you will need to complete the funded preparatory year first.

PhD Admission Requirements

For candidates applying for a doctoral scholarship, there is an additional specific requirement. Before submitting your scholarship application, you must obtain a written agreement from a Doctoral Tutor who is a member of the doctoral school at your chosen Romanian university. You must also pass the admission interview at that doctoral school. This means PhD applicants need to reach out to their target university and potential supervisors before the application deadline to secure this acceptance agreement.

Age Limit

There is no age limit for the Romania Government Scholarship program. Some older posts online suggest there are age restrictions, but as of the current 2026 cycle, no formal upper age limit applies. Any candidate who meets the other eligibility requirements can apply regardless of their age.

Required Documents

Getting your documents together is one of the most time-consuming parts of the application process, so start early. Here is what you will need to upload through the online application platform.

Completed Online Application Form: Filled out through the official Study in Romania scholarship portal. All sections must be completed accurately and submitted before the deadline.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV covering your educational background, work experience, research experience, and any relevant achievements or extracurricular activities.
Copies of Academic Diplomas: Copies of all relevant diplomas you have obtained, including your baccalaureate diploma or its equivalent, and any bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees where applicable. These must be accompanied by their authorized translation into English, French, Spanish, or Romanian.
Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts of all completed study periods, showing your grades for each year. These also require authorized translation into one of the four accepted languages.
Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate or equivalent document, with an authorized translation if it is not already in English, French, Spanish, or Romanian.
Valid Passport: A copy of your current, valid passport. Your passport must be valid before you submit your application because the passport pages are required as part of the upload. An expired or under-renewal passport will prevent you from completing the application.
Apostille or Authentication: Your academic diplomas and transcripts must be apostilled under the Hague Convention or authenticated by the relevant authorities in your country. You upload scanned copies online, but the underlying documents must have received the required apostille or authentication.
Romanian Language Certificate (if applicable): If you are applying to enter directly into a bachelor’s or master’s program without the preparatory year, you must include a certificate showing Romanian language proficiency at B1 level or higher.
Written Agreement from Doctoral Tutor (PhD applicants only): As explained above, PhD applicants must include the signed written agreement of their proposed doctoral supervisor at their chosen Romanian university.

All documents should be clear, legible scans. Make sure your translations are authorized and that your apostilles or authentications are completed before the application window closes. Incomplete or poorly prepared document packages are one of the most common reasons applications are rejected or delayed.

Top Romanian Universities Where You Can Study

Romania has a well-developed higher education system with 46 public universities and numerous private institutions spread across the country. Many of these universities have long academic histories and strong international reputations. Here are some of the most prominent institutions where government scholarship holders frequently study.

The University of Bucharest is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in Romania, established in 1864. It offers a wide range of programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and has partnerships with over 100 universities worldwide. With around 32,000 students, it is one of the most active research universities in the country.

Babes-Bolyai University (UBB) in Cluj-Napoca is the largest university in Romania, with over 41,000 students enrolled annually. It is celebrated for its multicultural environment, offering programs in Romanian, Hungarian, German, English, and French. The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at UBB is considered the best in Romania in its field.

University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest (UPB) is the largest and oldest technical university in Romania, with a history of over 190 years and an annual enrollment of around 23,000 students. It is the main source of technical specialists in Romania and has strong connections with European industry and research.

The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies (ASE) was established in 1913 and offers programs in economics, business, management, finance, and related fields at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. It prioritizes internationalization and enrolls around 700 students from non-EU countries annually.

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (UAIC) in Iasi is the oldest Romanian university, founded in 1860. It was the first Romanian institution to implement the Bologna Process and cooperates with over 400 universities worldwide.

Other well-regarded institutions include the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, West University of Timisoara, Transilvania University of Brasov, and University of Galati, among many others. Each university has its own areas of academic strength, so take the time to research which institution offers the best match for your chosen field of study before applying.

How to Apply for the Romania Government Scholarships: Step by Step

The application process for the Romanian government scholarship is entirely online and centralized through a single official government platform. Here is how it works, step by step.

Step 1: Research Your Preferred Study Program

Start by identifying the degree program and Romanian university you want to attend. Visit the official Study in Romania portal to browse available programs, check language requirements, and confirm that your chosen program qualifies under the scholarship. Make sure the program is taught in Romanian (for bachelor’s and master’s) or check if an English-language PhD option is available at your target doctoral school.

Step 2: Contact Your Doctoral School (PhD Applicants Only)

If you are applying for a doctoral scholarship, you must reach out to the relevant doctoral school at your chosen Romanian university before submitting your application. Identify a potential doctoral supervisor whose research aligns with your interests and request a written agreement confirming their willingness to supervise your research. This step can take time, so do it as early as possible, ideally at least two to three months before the application deadline.

Step 3: Gather and Prepare Your Documents

Start collecting all required documents as described in the previous section. Get your diplomas and transcripts apostilled or authenticated. Arrange for authorized translations of all documents not already in English, French, Spanish, or Romanian. Ensure your passport is valid. Write your CV and prepare it carefully. Do not rush this stage; a well-prepared, complete document package is essential to a strong application.

Step 4: Register on the Official Scholarship Portal

The application portal opened on 16 February 2026. Register on the platform using a valid email address and verify your account. Take the time to read through all the instructions and requirements provided on the portal before filling in any sections of the application form.

Step 5: Complete and Submit Your Application

Fill in all sections of the online application form carefully and upload all required documents in the formats specified by the platform. Review your application thoroughly before submitting. Once submitted, applications are generally not editable, so make sure everything is accurate and complete. Submit before 31 March 2026.

Important: Applications must be submitted only through the official Study in Romania scholarship platform. Do not use agents, consultants, or third-party websites to apply. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not accept applications submitted through any other channel, and paying an agent to apply on your behalf is not only unnecessary but could also lead to fraudulent submissions.

Step 6: Wait for Selection Results

After the application deadline, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviews all submissions. The selection results are announced around 15 July 2026. If you are selected, you will receive an official scholarship award and will then need to complete additional administrative formalities, including obtaining a Romanian student visa from the Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Step 7: Obtain Your Student Visa

Selected scholarship holders need to apply for a Romanian long-stay student visa. The study visa fee is covered under the scholarship. The visa application process typically involves submitting your scholarship award letter, acceptance documents from your Romanian university, proof of accommodation, and a criminal record certificate among other documents. Processing times at Romanian embassies generally range from a few weeks to two months, so begin your visa application promptly after receiving your scholarship result.

Living and Studying in Romania

Romania is a country that tends to surprise people who visit for the first time. It is a member of the European Union, which means your Romanian degree is recognized across all EU member states. It offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, vibrant university cities, and a standard of living that is genuinely affordable by European standards.

Bucharest, the capital, is a dynamic and modern city with a fast-growing technology sector, a thriving arts scene, and a lively social atmosphere. It is home to several of the country’s top universities and has one of the fastest internet speeds in the world, which is practical as much as it is impressive. Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania has earned a reputation as Romania’s most progressive and entrepreneurial city, with a large student population and a particularly vibrant cultural life. Iasi in the northeast has the distinction of being home to Romania’s oldest university and has a strong academic tradition. Timisoara in the west, which served as the 2023 European Capital of Culture, is multicultural, cosmopolitan, and has a well-established reputation for engineering and technical education.

Monthly living costs in Romania are among the lowest in the European Union. Students can typically cover accommodation, food, local transport, and daily expenses for between 300 and 600 euros per month depending on the city and their lifestyle. University dormitories are generally the most affordable accommodation option and are often located conveniently close to campus buildings.

Romania has a warm, hospitable culture. International students consistently report feeling welcomed and well-integrated into university life. The country has a growing international student community, with students arriving from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond.

The ARICE Scholarship: Another Romanian Government Option

It is worth knowing that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship is not the only government-linked scholarship program available in Romania. The Romanian Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade, known as ARICE, also offers a separate scholarship program for international students.

The ARICE Scholarship offers fully funded awards to outstanding international students for bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and postgraduate/residency studies. Each scholarship covers full tuition, provides a generous monthly stipend, and includes dedicated support services. The program offers 40 awards per cohort and spans two academic years. Applications are submitted electronically in PDF format directly to ARICE rather than through the Study in Romania platform.

The ARICE scholarship has its own eligibility conditions, including the requirement that applicants have not previously received a Romanian government scholarship at the same level of study. It also requires two formal recommendation letters. If the MFA scholarship does not work out for you, the ARICE program is an equally worthwhile alternative to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for the Romania Government Scholarship?

No. There is no formal upper age limit for the MFA scholarship program. Any candidate who meets the academic and eligibility requirements is welcome to apply, regardless of age.

Can I apply if I do not speak Romanian?

Yes. If you do not speak Romanian, you will be enrolled in a fully funded Romanian language preparatory year before starting your actual degree program. At the end of this year you are expected to reach a sufficient level of Romanian to study effectively in your chosen program.

Do my academic documents need an apostille?

Yes. Your diplomas and transcripts must be apostilled under the Hague Convention or authenticated by the relevant authorities in your home country. You upload scanned copies during the online application, but the underlying documents must carry the required authentication.

Can I choose any university in Romania?

You can express preference for a specific university and program, but final placement is subject to the availability of scholarship places at that institution and the decisions of the selection committee. Review the list of participating institutions carefully before applying.

Can I defer the scholarship to a later year if I am selected?

Scholarship deferrals are generally not permitted. If you are selected and cannot travel for the 2026/27 academic year, you will typically need to reapply in a subsequent cycle.

Can I apply through an agent or consultancy?

No. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires that all applications be submitted directly through the official Study in Romania platform by the applicant themselves. Do not pay anyone to apply on your behalf, as this can lead to fraud and disqualification.

Does the scholarship cover Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy?

No. These fields are explicitly excluded from the MFA scholarship program. Students interested in medical education in Romania must explore separate arrangements and payment options.

How to Apply: Start Here

The entire application process for the Romania Government Scholarships takes place on a single official government platform. You can browse program information, check eligibility conditions, read frequently asked questions, and submit your full application all in one place.

Ready to take the next step? Visit the official Romania Government Scholarship application portal on the Study in Romania website to register your account and begin your application. You can also find detailed program information and the annual scholarship announcement on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official scholarships page.

Final Thoughts

The Romania Government Scholarships are genuinely one of the more underappreciated scholarship programs available to international students in the world today. A fully funded European education, a low cost of living, an EU-recognized degree, and a relatively accessible application process make this a compelling option for students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond who want to study in Europe without spending years saving up first.

The fact that competition is lower than for more widely publicized scholarships like DAAD or Chevening actually works in your favor here. A well-prepared application with strong academic records, properly authenticated documents, and a clear sense of your academic goals has a genuine chance of succeeding.

Start early, prepare your documents carefully, take the Romanian language seriously as a commitment, and approach the PhD supervisor contact process with professionalism if that is the path you are pursuing. Romania is waiting to welcome you, and this scholarship could be the opportunity that changes your academic trajectory for good.

Good luck with your application.