Are you an international student looking for a fully funded scholarship to study in Europe? The Romania Government Scholarship 2026 is one of the most generous opportunities available for non-EU citizens seeking to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees at accredited Romanian universities. Offered by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this prestigious scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and provides a monthly stipend, making it an excellent pathway to quality European education without financial burden.
Romania, a member of the European Union since 2007, offers internationally recognized degrees through the Bologna Process. With its rich cultural heritage, affordable cost of living, and vibrant university cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara, Romania has become an increasingly popular destination for international students worldwide. Best of all, this scholarship requires no application fee and IELTS is not mandatory for most programs.
About the Romania Government Scholarship 2026
The Romania Government Scholarship, also known as the MFA Scholarship or MAE Scholarship, is an annual program established under Government Decision no. 288/1993. Each year, the Romanian state, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allocates scholarships to talented students from non-EU countries who demonstrate strong academic performance.
Host Country and Universities: Romania is home to numerous accredited public universities offering programs across diverse academic fields. Top institutions include the University of Bucharest, Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi (the oldest university in Romania), and the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. These universities offer modern facilities, experienced faculty, and degrees recognized throughout the European Union.
What Makes This Scholarship Notable:
The Romania Government Scholarship stands out for several reasons. It is one of the few European government scholarships that covers multiple degree levels, from undergraduate to doctoral studies. The program includes a free Romanian language preparatory year for students who need it, ensuring international students can successfully complete their studies. Additionally, the scholarship provides comprehensive support including tuition coverage, accommodation subsidies, and monthly financial aid throughout the study period.
Romania Government Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Host Country | Romania |
| Scholarship Provider | Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) |
| Level of Study | Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD |
| Eligible Fields | All fields except Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy |
| Scholarship Coverage | Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend |
| IELTS Requirement | Not Required |
| Eligible Nationalities | Citizens from non-EU countries |
| Language of Instruction | Romanian (Bachelor’s/Master’s); Romanian or English (PhD) |
| Application Deadline | Expected: January – March 2026 |
| Category | Fully Funded Government Scholarship |
Benefits of the Romania Government Scholarship 2026
The Romania Government Scholarship provides comprehensive financial and academic support to selected students. Here are the key benefits that make this scholarship highly attractive for international students:
Financial Benefits
Full Tuition Fee Exemption: The scholarship covers all tuition expenses for the entire duration of your chosen study program, whether you are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree.
Romanian Language Preparatory Year: For students who do not speak Romanian, the scholarship fully funds a one-year preparatory course in the Romanian language before beginning your degree program.
Monthly Stipend: Recipients receive a monthly financial aid payment in Romanian lei (RON), equivalent to:
65 EUR per month for undergraduate and preparatory year students
75 EUR per month for Master’s students
85 EUR per month for PhD students
Accommodation Support: The scholarship finances accommodation expenses in university dormitories through the Ministry of Education budget, subject to availability.
Fee Exemptions: Scholarship recipients are exempt from registration fees, Romanian language testing fees, and admission examination fees.
Additional Benefits
Transportation Benefits: Students enjoy local public transport (ground, naval, and underground), as well as domestic car, railway, and naval transport under the same conditions as Romanian students.
Extended Support Period: Benefits continue for 30 days after completing university studies lasting at least one year, giving students time to arrange their next steps.
Note: The scholarship does not cover international travel costs or domestic transport from the Romanian border crossing point to the university. Candidates should be prepared to personally finance these additional expenses.
Eligibility Criteria for the Romania Government Scholarship 2026
To qualify for the Romania Government Scholarship, applicants must meet several general and specific requirements:
General Eligibility Requirements
Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of non-EU countries. The scholarship is specifically designed for international students from countries outside the European Union.
Academic Performance: Candidates must have good academic results with a minimum average of 7 (seven) according to the Romanian grading system, or an equivalent “Good” score in their country’s grading system, for their most recently completed educational level.
Age Requirements: Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants should not be older than 35 years. PhD applicants should not be older than 45 years.
Educational Documents: Applicants must present study documents (diplomas, transcripts) issued by accredited or recognized educational institutions in their country.
Complete Application: Candidates must submit a complete application file with all required documents before the deadline.
Who is NOT Eligible
The following categories of applicants are excluded from this scholarship program:
Citizens of Romanian origin or members of Romanian historical communities near Romania (who are entitled to different scholarship programs)
Persons who have requested or acquired any form of protection in Romania
Stateless persons whose stay in Romania is officially recognized
Members of diplomatic and consular corps or their family members accredited to Romania
Administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions and consular offices in Romania
Staff members of international organizations based in Romania or their family members
Current beneficiaries of a Romanian state scholarship for the same cycle of study
Eligible Fields of Study
Applicants can choose from a wide range of academic disciplines including: Architecture, Visual Arts, Romanian Culture and Civilization, Journalism, Political Sciences, Administrative Sciences, Engineering, Education Sciences, Social Sciences, Human Sciences, Technical Studies, Oil and Gas, Agricultural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. Important: Scholarships are NOT awarded in the fields of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy.
Required Documents for the Romania Government Scholarship 2026 Application
All documents must be scanned individually from the originals in PDF format. Documents not in English, French, Spanish, or Romanian must include authorized translations.
Mandatory Documents for All Applicants
Copies of all diplomas obtained (baccalaureate diploma or equivalent, plus Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree if applicable) with authorized translations
Copies of academic transcripts for all completed studies with authorized translations
Copy of birth certificate (or equivalent document) with authorized translation
Copy of the first three pages of passport (strongly recommended) or national identity document with authorized translation
Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English or French
Additional Documents for PhD Applicants
PhD candidates must also submit a letter of intent containing: a list of scientific works and specialized publications, a detailed description of the proposed research project, and the written agreement of a Doctoral Tutor who must be a member of the chosen doctoral school. These documents must be written in English, French, or Romanian.
Conditional Documents (If Applicable)
Proof of name change (if applicable) with authorized translation
Certificate proving passing of graduation exam (for graduates without diploma yet)
Certificate confirming final year enrollment (for current students)
Current academic record for final year students
Certificate of Romanian language preparatory year completion or linguistic competence certificate (if applicable)
Notarized parental consent declaration with translation (for candidates under 18 at course commencement)
Application Timeline for the Romania Government Scholarship 2026
The Romania Government Scholarship follows a structured timeline each year. Based on previous application cycles, applicants should expect the following schedule for 2026:
| Timeline Phase | Expected Dates |
| Application Opens | Late January 2026 (around January 29) |
| Application Deadline | Mid-March 2026 (around March 12) |
| Results Announcement | Around August 2026 (June-August) |
| Academic Year Begins | October 2026 |
Important: This is a strict deadline scholarship, not a rolling basis application. All applications must be submitted through the official online platform before the closing date. Late submissions will not be accepted.
How to Apply for the Romania Government Scholarship 2026
Applications for the Romania Government Scholarship can ONLY be submitted through the official Study in Romania online platform. Applications sent directly to ministry offices, embassies, or via email will not be considered.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Create Your Account
Visit the official Study in Romania platform at studyinromania.gov.ro or directly at scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro. Create a new account with your personal details and valid email address.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill in all requested personal, educational, and contact information accurately. Select your preferred study program and university options.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Upload all required documents in PDF format. Ensure documents are clear, properly scanned, and include authorized translations where necessary.
Step 4: Accept the GDPR Declaration
Sign the consent form for processing of personal data to validate your registration.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Carefully review all information and documents before final submission. Once submitted, track your application status through the platform.
Tips for a Successful Application
Start Early: Do not wait until the last day to submit. Technical issues or document problems can arise unexpectedly.
Document Quality: Ensure all scanned documents are clear and legible. Blurry or incomplete documents may lead to rejection.
Translation Requirements: Use authorized translators for document translations. Unofficial translations may not be accepted.
PhD Applicants: Secure your doctoral tutor agreement well in advance of the deadline.
Check Eligibility: Verify your country is eligible and that you meet all requirements before beginning the application.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Romania Government Scholarship 2026
Is IELTS required for the Romania Government Scholarship?
No, IELTS is not required for this scholarship. Bachelor’s and Master’s programs are taught in Romanian, and the scholarship includes a free Romanian language preparatory year. PhD students who choose programs in a foreign language set by the doctoral school may have different requirements.
Who is eligible for the Romania Government Scholarship?
Citizens from non-EU countries with good academic results (minimum average of 7 or equivalent “Good” score) are eligible. Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants must be under 35 years old, while PhD applicants must be under 45 years old.
Can I apply for Medicine, Dental Medicine, or Pharmacy?
No, these three fields are explicitly excluded from the scholarship program. Applicants can choose from all other academic disciplines offered at Romanian universities.
When will the Romania Government Scholarship 2026 results be announced?
Based on previous cycles, results are typically announced around June to August. For the 2025 cycle, results were announced around August 14. Each applicant receives notification via email.
Can I change my university or field of study after acceptance?
Subsequent requests for changes to the field of study or university will not be considered. However, if your original choice cannot be honored, the Ministry of Education may propose an alternative in the same field, subject to availability. You can accept or decline this alternative.
Final Thoughts on the Romania Government Scholarship 2026
The Romania Government Scholarship 2026 represents an exceptional opportunity for international students seeking quality European education without financial burden. With comprehensive coverage including full tuition fees, accommodation support, and monthly stipends, this fully funded scholarship removes the major financial barriers to studying abroad.
Whether you are pursuing your first degree or advancing to doctoral studies, Romania offers accredited programs recognized throughout the European Union. The additional benefit of a free Romanian language preparatory year ensures you can succeed academically while immersing yourself in European culture.
Remember the key eligibility points: maintain a minimum academic average of 7, be a citizen of a non-EU country, meet the age requirements, and apply through the official online platform before the deadline. With proper preparation and a complete application, you can position yourself strongly for this life-changing opportunity.
Apply Now for the Romania Government Scholarship 2026
Submit your application before the deadline closes. Do not miss this opportunity to study in Romania with full funding. Visit the official application portal to begin your journey:
Official Application Link: scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro
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