If you’re exploring opportunities to advance your education in a culturally rich and innovative setting, the Romanian Government Scholarship stands as an exceptional choice. Administered by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research, this program invites talented non-EU international students to pursue higher education in Romania. Established under Government Decision, it promotes global exchange, cultural integration, and academic growth by offering fully funded spots for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the initiative emphasises competitive selection based on merit, aiming to build bridges between Romania and diverse nations worldwide. With no need for language proficiency tests like IELTS, it’s particularly accessible for driven applicants from various backgrounds.

This scholarship isn’t just financial aid; it’s a holistic package designed to immerse you in Romania’s vibrant higher education system, known for its blend of traditional European rigour and modern interdisciplinary approaches. Romania, with its affordable living, historic cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, and growing tech and research hubs, provides a unique backdrop for studies. The program excludes fields like medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy to focus on other high-demand areas, ensuring scholars contribute to Romania’s international profile while gaining skills applicable globally.

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Eligibility Essentials

To apply, you must be a citizen of a non-EU country, holding a valid passport; applications without one are automatically disqualified. Key exclusions include individuals of Romanian origin, those from historical Romanian communities abroad, refugees or stateless persons under protection in Romania, diplomatic or consular staff (and their families), employees of international organisations in Romania, or anyone who has previously received a Romanian government scholarship for the same level of study.

Academic excellence is crucial: You need an average grade of at least 7 out of 10 (or equivalent to a “Good” rating) from your most recent completed education. All prior qualifications must come from accredited institutions in your home country. There’s no age cap, making it open to career changers or mature students. For doctoral candidates, you’ll require a written commitment from a PhD supervisor who is part of an accredited doctoral school, plus proof of passing an admission interview before applying. Incomplete files or those not meeting these standards won’t proceed.

Special considerations apply for minors under 18: They need notarised parental consent, translated into an approved language. Overall, the emphasis is on genuine potential and adherence to rules, with no bias toward prior applications; each year is a fresh start.

Comprehensive Benefits

One of the program’s strongest appeals is its full funding, covering essentials to let you focus on learning. Benefits include:

• Complete waiver of tuition fees for your chosen program, up to the standard duration of the study cycle.
• Exemption from various administrative costs, such as registration, application processing, Romanian language proficiency exams, doctoral admission contests, and specific aptitude tests.
• A mandatory preparatory year in the Romanian language (if you’re not fluent), fully financed, to prepare you for studies.
• Monthly stipends during the preparatory year and throughout your main program, rates align with Romanian student support levels, providing enough for basic living.
• Subsidised accommodation in university dormitories, though availability varies; contact your assigned institution for details on conditions or alternatives.
• Medical assistance and potential discounts on local public transport.

These perks extend only for the program’s duration; no extensions for family members or suspensions are allowed. If you lose student status (e.g., due to poor performance or expulsion), benefits end immediately. Reinstatement is rare and only for specific reasons, like catching up on credits in the following year. The total value can equate to thousands of euros annually, making it a life-changing investment in your future.

Levels and Fields of Study

The scholarship supports three main levels:

• Bachelor’s degrees: Typically 3-6 years, for high school graduates with a baccalaureate or equivalent.
• Master’s degrees: 1-2 years, building on your undergraduate foundation.
• Doctoral (PhD) programs: Up to 4 years, for those with a master’s and a clear research focus.

Available fields span a wide range, including engineering, sciences, social sciences, humanities, economics, arts, and more; anything offered by accredited Romanian universities except medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Bachelor’s and master’s programs are conducted exclusively in Romanian to foster cultural immersion, while PhDs may be in Romanian or another language approved by the doctoral school. If Romanian isn’t your strength, the preparatory year bridges that gap, with exemptions for those who’ve studied in Romanian for at least three years, passed a recognised language test, or hold a B1-level certificate.

Participating universities are state-accredited institutions across Romania, such as the University of Bucharest, Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, or Politehnica University of Timișoara. Your placement depends on availability in your chosen field; if your top pick isn’t open, an alternative in the same area may be suggested, but no further switches are entertained.

How to Apply

Applications are strictly online via the dedicated Study in Romania platform; no paper submissions or emails accepted. Start by creating an account on the site HERE, which takes just minutes and sends an activation code to your email (check spam folders). Once logged in, fill out sections on personal details, contact info, academic history, and preferred study domains. Upload all required documents as individual PDF scans.

Key Deadlines and Timeline

The application window opens on February 16, 2026, and closes on March 31, 2026. Late entries aren’t considered. Selection results are emailed around July 15, 2026. If accepted, respond promptly via the platform to confirm or decline. Following that, apply for a long-stay student visa through Romanian diplomatic missions or the eVisa portal. The academic year usually kicks off on October 1, 2026, with universities setting exact schedules based on autonomy and any health guidelines.

Required Documents

Gather these in advance, ensuring they’re clear scans:

• Diplomas from completed education; high school for bachelor’s, plus higher for advanced levels, with authorised translations into English, French, Spanish, or Romanian if the original isn’t in one of these.
• Academic transcripts, similarly translated.
• Birth certificate or equivalent, with translation.
• First three pages of your valid passport.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English, French, or Romanian.
• For PhD applicants: A letter of intent detailing your scientific background, publications, specialised studies, and research project outline, plus the supervisor’s agreement.

Additional items if relevant: Proof of name changes, graduation exam certificates (if diploma pending), Romanian language proficiency docs, or parental consent for minors (notarised and translated). All must be apostilled under the Hague Convention or legalised by your country’s authorities (e.g., Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs). At enrollment, present originals and a medical certificate confirming you’re free of contagious diseases, translated if needed. Good luck. this opportunity is tailored for ambitious minds like yours!