By: Hammad Ishaq | AI/ML Engineer
Last verified on: March 3, 2026
1. Overview of the Opportunity
The Romania Government Scholarship is an annual program managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. It is based on Government Decision no. 288/1993 and aims to promote Romanian culture and academic excellence globally.
The program is designed specifically for non-EU citizens. It serves as a bridge for international students to access the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) while fostering diplomatic and cultural ties. Most programs (except PhD) are taught in the Romanian language to immerse scholars in the local heritage, though a preparatory year is provided for those who do not speak the language.
2. Benefits and Funding
This is a fully funded scholarship, meaning the Romanian government covers the primary costs associated with university education.
What is Covered:
Tuition Fees: 100% waiver for the entire duration of the degree and the preparatory year.
Accommodation: Free or subsidized stay in university student dormitories (subject to availability at the host institution).
Monthly Stipend:
Undergraduate: €65 per month.
Master’s: €75 per month.
PhD: €85 per month.
Language Training: A free one-year Romanian Language Preparatory Course for students not proficient in Romanian.
Medical Assistance: Coverage for emergency medical care and illnesses with a high epidemiological risk.
Travel Discounts: Reduced costs for local public transport and domestic rail/naval travel.
Fee Waivers: Exemption from registration, processing, and Romanian language proficiency testing fees.
What is NOT Covered:
International Travel: Airfare to and from Romania is the responsibility of the student.
Visa Fees: While the MFA assists, students must cover costs related to the long-stay student visa.
Personal Expenses: Food and extra living costs beyond the stipend.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To maintain high academic standards, the Romanian government enforces strict eligibility requirements.
Citizenship & Residency
Eligible: Citizens of all non-EU countries.
Ineligible: Romanian citizens, individuals seeking protection/asylum in Romania, stateless persons officially recognized in Romania, and staff of diplomatic missions or international organizations based in Romania (including family members).
Academic Requirements
Minimum Grade: Applicants must have a minimum average of 7 (seven) in the Romanian grading system (equivalent to a "Good" score) for their last graduated level of study.
Age Limits: While not explicitly capped in all years, the 2026 guidelines suggest priority for applicants under 35 years (Bachelor/Master) and 45 years (PhD).
Fields of Study
Scholarships are available for almost all fields, including Engineering, Architecture, Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Exceptions: Scholarships are NOT awarded for Medicine, Dental Medicine, or Pharmacy.
Language Requirements
Bachelor’s & Master’s: Conducted exclusively in Romanian. If you don't speak it, you must take the preparatory year.
PhD: Can be conducted in Romanian, English, or another foreign language, depending on the specific doctoral school’s regulations.
4. Timeline and Deadlines (2026 Cycle)
Applications Open: February 16, 2026
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Selection Results: Announced via email around July 15, 2026.
Academic Year Start: October 1, 2026.
5. How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The application is handled exclusively online through the "Study in Romania" portal. Physical or emailed applications are not accepted.
Create an Account: Visit the official portal at scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro and register.
Fill the Profile: Enter your personal data, contact information, and academic history.
Select Study Program: Choose your preferred university and degree level.
Upload Documents: Attach high-quality PDF scans of all required certificates and translations.
Submit: Finalize and submit before the March 31 deadline. Note: You cannot edit your application once submitted.
Confirmation: You will receive an automated confirmation email. Keep this for your records.
6. Required Documents Checklist
All documents must be scanned as individual PDFs. If the original is not in English, French, Spanish, or Romanian, an authorized translation is mandatory.
[ ] Diplomas: High school diploma (for Bachelor's) or university degree (for Master's/PhD).
[ ] Transcripts: Records of grades for all completed years of study.
[ ] Birth Certificate: Copy of the original and authorized translation.
[ ] Passport: Copy of the first three pages of a valid passport.
[ ] Curriculum Vitae (CV): In English or French.
[ ] Medical Certificate: Proving the candidate is fit for study and free of contagious diseases.
[ ] For PhD Applicants only: A Letter of Intent, a Research Project, and written approval from a Doctoral Tutor.
[ ] Parental Consent: Only for applicants under 18 years old at the start of classes.
Note: Study documents must be apostilled (Hague Convention) or legalized by the competent authorities in your home country.
7. Selection Criteria & Tips
What Reviewers Look For:
The selection process is a "competition of files." Reviewers prioritize:
Academic Excellence: Higher GPAs significantly increase your chances.
Relevance: How well your chosen field aligns with your previous academic background.
Completeness: Files with missing or unauthenticated documents are automatically disqualified.
Practical Tips:
Start the Translation Early: Legalizing and translating academic transcripts can take weeks. Don't wait until March.
PhD Supervision: If applying for a PhD, contact a potential supervisor in Romania before submitting. Having their written agreement is often a prerequisite.
Double-Check Names: Ensure the name on your passport exactly matches your diplomas and application form to avoid administrative delays.
8. Official Links & Apply Now
Official Program Information: MAE Scholarships Page
Official Application Portal: Study in Romania - Apply
Technical Support: Contact the MFA via the Contact Form for portal issues.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply if I don't have my final degree yet?
Yes. If you are in your final year of study, you can upload a certificate from your school/university stating that you will graduate this year, along with your transcripts for the years completed so far.
Q2: Is IELTS or TOEFL required?
No. Since Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are in Romanian, a preparatory year is provided. For PhDs in English, the doctoral school may require proof of English proficiency, but the MFA scholarship itself does not mandate a standard IELTS score.
Q3: Can I apply for two different levels (e.g., Bachelor and Master) to be safe?
No. You are only allowed to submit one application per cycle for one specific degree level.
Q4: Is there an application fee?
No. The application through the official MFA portal is entirely free of charge.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information for the 2026 cycle, official dates and requirements are subject to change by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Always double-check details on the official Study in Romania website before submitting your application.
