Transilvania Academica Scholarship | Fully Funded
If you have been looking for a legitimate, fully funded scholarship to study in Europe without the brutal competition of programs like Erasmus Mundus or DAAD, the Transilvania Academica Scholarship might just be what you need. It is a real, government-backed opportunity offered directly by a Romanian public university, and it covers just about everything a student needs to focus on academics without worrying about money. In this article, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know, from what the scholarship covers, who can apply, what documents you need, and how the selection process actually works.
What Is the Transilvania Academica Scholarship?
The Transilvania Academica Scholarship, also known as TAS, is a competitive scholarship program offered by Transilvania University of Brasov (UNITBV) in Romania. It is designed specifically for international students from non-EU and non-EEA countries who want to pursue a master’s degree program at the university.
The scholarship was created with two clear goals in mind. First, to attract talented international students to study at Transilvania University. Second, to build a global community of “Ambassadors” who would go on to represent the university and enhance its international visibility around the world. So when you receive this scholarship, you are not just getting financial support. You are being welcomed into an academic community with a purpose.
The program is funded directly by the university itself, which means it is not dependent on external government grants or third-party donors. This makes it a stable and reliable opportunity year after year.
About Transilvania University of Brasov (UNITBV)
Before we dive into the scholarship details, it helps to understand the institution behind it. Transilvania University of Brasov, locally known as Universitatea Transilvania din Brasov or UNITBV, is the largest university in central Romania. It is a comprehensive public university with more than 20,000 enrolled students and over 700 teaching staff members.
The university is home to 18 faculties that offer programs across a wide range of fields including engineering, computer science, medicine, economics, law, music, social sciences, mathematics, environmental science, and more. With over 100 undergraduate programs and more than 60 master’s programs, students have a lot of options to choose from.
In terms of rankings, UNITBV consistently holds the 6th position among Romanian universities in the national Metaranking published by the Ministry of Education. It also appears in the QS World University Rankings and the Shanghai Rankings in fields like Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences. The university has formal partnership agreements with 661 institutions across 85 countries, making it a genuinely international academic environment.
The city of Brasov itself is a major draw. It is a beautiful medieval city nestled between mountains in the heart of Romania, close to famous landmarks like Bran Castle and the Poiana Brasov ski resort. Living and studying here is both affordable and enjoyable.
What Does the Transilvania Academica Scholarship Cover?
This is a fully funded scholarship, which means it covers the major costs of studying and living in Romania. Here is a breakdown of what the scholarship includes:
1. Full Tuition Fee Waiver
The scholarship covers all tuition fees for the full duration of your master’s degree program. This includes registration fees at the start of the program and graduation fees at the end. You do not pay anything out of pocket for your academic studies.
2. Free University Accommodation
Scholarship recipients get free accommodation in the university’s dormitories. The housing is available throughout the entire year, including holiday periods. This is a significant financial benefit, as accommodation costs can be one of the biggest expenses for international students.
3. Monthly Stipend
In addition to tuition and housing, the scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 800 Romanian lei, which is roughly equivalent to about 170 US dollars. The stipend is paid during holidays as well, not just during academic months. While it is not a large amount, combined with free housing, it is quite helpful for covering daily living expenses like food and transport.
4. Romanian Language Preparatory Year (If Applicable)
If the master’s program you are accepted into is taught only in the Romanian language and you do not yet speak Romanian, the scholarship also covers a preparatory Romanian language year. This is a thoughtful provision that ensures language is not a barrier to your education.
What Is Not Covered?
The scholarship does not cover travel expenses to Romania. You will need to purchase your own flight or transport ticket. Similarly, all costs related to obtaining a Romanian study visa, including visa application fees and any associated travel to the embassy, are your own responsibility. Make sure to budget for these before you apply.
Eligibility Requirements for the Transilvania Academica Scholarship
Not everyone can apply, so it is important to check if you meet the eligibility criteria before investing time in the application.
Nationality
The scholarship is open only to students from non-EU and non-EEA countries. If you are a citizen of an EU member state or a country in the European Economic Area, you are not eligible for this particular program. The scholarship is aimed at students from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and other parts of the world outside Europe.
Academic Level
The TAS scholarship is specifically for master’s degree programs. To be eligible, you must be a graduate of a bachelor’s degree program or at least be in the process of completing one. If you have already finished your undergraduate studies, you can apply right away. If you are graduating soon, you can submit a provisional graduation certificate as part of your application documents.
Field of Study
The scholarship covers any master’s degree program offered by Transilvania University of Brasov. The university has a wide range of programs, so applicants from almost any academic background including engineering, business, social sciences, arts, medicine, and more can find a relevant program to apply for.
Academic Excellence
While the university does not state a specific GPA or grade requirement, the selection is competitive and based on the quality of your application documents. Candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements will have a stronger chance of being selected. The evaluation board looks at your CV, motivation letter, and letters of recommendation to assess your overall profile.
Language of Application
All documents must be submitted in English, in PDF format. If your academic documents are in another language, you will need to provide certified translations into English. There are no exceptions to this rule. Incomplete or non-English applications will be automatically disqualified.
How Long Does the Scholarship Last?
The scholarship is awarded for the full duration of the master’s degree program to which the candidate is accepted. Typically, this means two years, though the exact duration may vary depending on the specific program.
However, there is an important condition. The scholarship is renewed each academic year only if you successfully complete all subjects and pass each year of study. If you fail any year of study, the scholarship will not be renewed for the following year. This is a standard requirement that encourages recipients to stay focused and perform consistently throughout their studies.
Required Documents for Application
Getting your documents right is one of the most important parts of the application process. The selection board evaluates you based entirely on what you submit, so the quality of your application file matters a lot. Here is what you need to prepare:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV should clearly highlight your outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements. This is your chance to show the committee who you are beyond your grades. Include academic awards, research experience, volunteering, publications, leadership roles, and any other relevant accomplishments. Keep it professional, organized, and in English.
2. Motivation Letter
The motivation letter must be a maximum of one page. In this letter, you should explain why you want to study at Transilvania University, what master’s program you are interested in, and what you hope to achieve with your studies. A strong motivation letter is specific, personal, and clearly connects your background to your future academic and career goals. Avoid generic statements and write something that genuinely reflects your passion and ambition.
3. Three Letters of Recommendation
You need to submit three letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic or professional abilities. These are ideally from professors, supervisors, or mentors who know your work well. The letters should be written in English and should specifically highlight your outstanding qualities and why you deserve this scholarship.
4. Bachelor’s Degree Diploma or Provisional Certificate
If you have already completed your undergraduate studies, you need to submit a copy of your bachelor’s degree diploma. If you are still awaiting your final diploma, you can submit a provisional graduation certificate that proves you have passed your bachelor’s degree examination. This document must also be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
One important thing to remember: once the application deadline passes, no additional documents can be added to your file. Make sure everything is uploaded correctly before submission. Incomplete files will be rejected without exception.
The Selection Process: How Are Candidates Chosen?
The selection for the Transilvania Academica Scholarship is handled by an evaluation board whose members are directly appointed by the Rector of Transilvania University of Brasov. This is a university-level committee, which speaks to how seriously the institution takes this program.
The primary selection criterion is the overall quality of the submitted application documents. There are no interviews or written tests. Everything depends on how strong and well-prepared your application file is. This is both reassuring and challenging. It means there is no intimidating interview to prepare for, but it also means your documents need to do all the talking for you.
After evaluation, the board approves a final list of selected candidates along with a pending list, similar to a waitlist. Only candidates who are successful will be notified by email. If you do not receive an email by the announcement date, it means your application was not selected in that cycle.
Application Timeline for 2026
Here are the key dates for the Transilvania Academica Scholarship 2026 cycle:
- Application Period: February 23, 2026 to April 10, 2026
- Evaluation of Applications: April 13, 2026 to May 8, 2026
- Approval of Selected Candidates List: May 11, 2026 to May 25, 2026
- Announcement of Results: May 27, 2026 (successful candidates notified by email)
It is important to note that these are the dates for the TAS 2026 cycle. If you are reading this after May 2026, applications for the 2027 cycle are likely to open around February 2027, following the same general pattern.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The entire application process is conducted online. Here is a simple guide to help you through it:
Step 1: Register on the Official TAS Portal
Go to the official Transilvania Academica Scholarship website and create an account by registering your details. You will need a valid email address to register.
Step 2: Explore Master’s Programs
Before filling out the form, browse the available master’s programs at UNITBV to identify which one you want to apply for. Make sure the program aligns with your undergraduate background and career goals.
Step 3: Prepare All Documents in PDF Format
Gather all required documents and convert them to PDF format. Make sure everything is in English. Get your recommendation letters from professors or mentors well in advance, as this often takes time.
Step 4: Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Take your time writing the motivation letter. It is a maximum of one page, so every word counts. Be specific about why you chose Transilvania University, what draws you to your selected program, and how this scholarship fits into your long-term academic or career plans.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form
Log into the TAS portal and fill in the online application form with your personal and academic details. Upload all the required documents before submitting.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Once you have reviewed your application thoroughly, submit it before the deadline. Do not wait until the last day. Technical issues or late uploads can disqualify your application.
Ready to apply? Head over to the official TAS application portal to register and submit your application.
What Happens After You Are Selected?
Being selected for the Transilvania Academica Scholarship is just the first step. After you receive the official notification email, you will need to go through the standard Romanian academic studies admission procedure for non-EU citizens. This is a separate process from the TAS scholarship application itself.
You can find detailed information about the admission procedure for non-EU students on the official UNITBV admissions page for non-EU citizens. Make sure you follow this process promptly after receiving your scholarship notification to secure your place.
You will also need to apply for a Romanian study visa if your country requires one. The visa application process can take several weeks, so start gathering your documents early once you are selected.
Living in Brasov as an International Student
One of the underrated benefits of this scholarship is the city where the university is located. Brasov is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania and in all of Central Europe. It has a rich medieval history, a charming old town, and is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains.
The cost of living in Brasov is significantly lower than in Western European cities. Food, transport, and entertainment are all reasonably priced, which means your monthly stipend of 800 lei, combined with free housing, should help you manage your day-to-day expenses without too much stress.
The university itself has two student campuses, Colina and Memorandului, with multiple dormitories offering thousands of accommodation places. Campus facilities include a library with access to over 573,000 volumes, scientific databases like Scopus and Web of Science, sports fields, sports halls, and various student support services including psychological counseling and career guidance.
Brasov is also a safe city, known for its low crime rate and friendly atmosphere. For international students adjusting to a new country and culture, this can make a real difference in your day-to-day comfort and peace of mind.
Why Should You Apply for the Transilvania Academica Scholarship?
There are many scholarships out there, but the TAS stands out for a few specific reasons that make it genuinely worth your time to apply.
First, it is a fully funded scholarship at a nationally and internationally recognized university. You get your tuition, housing, and a monthly allowance all taken care of. That is a package that removes most of the financial burden of studying abroad.
Second, it is one of the more accessible European scholarships for students from African, Asian, and Latin American countries. Many European scholarships favor students from specific regions or countries with bilateral agreements. TAS is open to any non-EU/EEA citizen, which makes the playing field a lot more even.
Third, the application process is entirely online, free of charge, and straightforward. There is no application fee, no complicated portal, and no entrance exams. Your documents speak for themselves.
Fourth, the scholarship is awarded for the full duration of your program, not just one year. This kind of multi-year funding stability is genuinely valuable when planning your academic future.
Finally, studying in Europe opens doors. A master’s degree from a European university gives you academic credibility, international exposure, and the experience of living and studying in a culturally rich environment. The alumni network and connections you build during your time at UNITBV can serve you well throughout your career.
Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
Because the selection is based entirely on the quality of your application documents, every detail matters. Here are a few practical tips to give yourself the best possible chance:
Start your motivation letter early and revise it multiple times. Ask someone with strong English writing skills to review it before you submit. A well-written, specific, and genuine motivation letter can be the difference between selection and rejection.
Choose your recommenders wisely. A generic letter from a professor who barely remembers you is far less effective than a specific, detailed letter from someone who can genuinely speak to your abilities and character. Give your recommenders enough time to write thoughtful letters.
Make your CV comprehensive but focused. Highlight achievements that are directly relevant to academic excellence, leadership, research, and community involvement. Quantify your achievements where possible, for example, mentioning a specific ranking in a competition or a specific project outcome.
Check and double-check your documents before uploading. Make sure every file is in PDF format, in English, clearly named, and readable. A blurry scan or a document in the wrong language will hurt your application.
Apply early. Do not wait until the last few days of the application window. Submitting early gives you time to fix any issues with your form or documents and avoids the risk of last-minute technical problems on the portal.
Final Thoughts
The Transilvania Academica Scholarship is a genuine and well-structured opportunity for international students who want to study in Europe without the financial burden. It covers tuition, housing, and provides a monthly allowance for the full duration of your master’s program. The application process is free, conducted entirely online, and accessible to students from non-EU countries all over the world.
Romania might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of studying in Europe, but it offers a quality education at a fraction of the cost of Western European countries. Brasov is a safe, beautiful, and welcoming city, and UNITBV is a respected institution with a growing international footprint.
If you have a strong academic background and a genuine motivation to grow, this scholarship is absolutely worth applying for. The competition exists, but it is manageable, and a well-prepared application can genuinely make it to the top of the selection list.
Do not let this opportunity pass you by. Visit the official Transilvania Academica Scholarship website to learn more and start your application today.
