Romania Government Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded
Romania is a beautiful, affordable, and welcoming European country with a rich history and growing reputation for quality higher education. Through the Romania Government Scholarships program (administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education), non-EU citizens from developing countries can study Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees completely free of charge, including full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
These are some the most generous government-funded scholarships for international students in Europe for students from developing regions. Around 85 scholarships are offered annually (exact number varies), with priority given to candidates from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Programs are mainly in Romanian (with a free preparatory language year), but PhD students can often choose English or another language. Also apply for Fully Funded Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
I have helped many students apply to Romanian scholarships. One applicant from Pakistan was awarded a full Bachelor’s scholarship in Computer Science after submitting strong high-school results and a clear motivation letter. Another from Kenya missed out because her medical certificate was not properly attested. Tools like Numbeo show monthly living costs in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca are around €500–800. The scholarship stipend and free housing make studying here very affordable. You should also apply for Kaunas University of Technology Scholarship in Lithuania.
What Are the Romanian Government Scholarships?
The Romanian Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offers scholarships to promote Romanian language, culture, and education ties with developing countries. Scholarships are available for:
- Bachelor’s (3–6 years)
- Master’s (1.5–2 years)
- PhD (3–4 years)
A preparatory year in Romanian language is provided for Bachelor’s and Master’s students who do not speak Romanian (exemptions exist for some).
Key facts:
- Fully funded (tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend)
- No application fee
- Open to non-EU citizens from eligible developing countries
- Deadline: March 12, 2026 (for 2026-2027 academic year)
- Results announced in summer 2026
Romania is safe, affordable, and located in the heart of Europe. Cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, and Timișoara offer vibrant student life.
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if you meet all of these:
- You are a citizen of a non-EU country (specific list of eligible developing countries – full list on studyinromania.gov.ro)
- You have not previously benefited from a Romanian Government scholarship for the same level of study
- You have good academic results (minimum average grade of 7/10 or “Good” equivalent in your last completed studies)
- You are in good physical and mental health
- Age limits (as of 2026 start):
- Bachelor’s/Master’s: maximum 35 years
- PhD: maximum 45 years
Important:
- Undergraduate and Master’s programs are taught in Romanian only (preparatory year provided)
- PhD programs can be in Romanian, English, or another language (set by the doctoral school)
Scholarship Benefits
The Romanian Government Scholarships are fully funded and cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Free accommodation in university dormitories (subject to availability)
- Monthly stipend:
- Undergraduate & preparatory year: €65
- Master’s: €75
- PhD: €85
- Medical assistance at university hospitals
Table: Monthly Stipend Overview
| Level of Study | Monthly Stipend (€) | Tuition | Housing | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Year | 65 | Free | Free | Yes |
| Bachelor’s | 65 | Free | Free | Yes |
| Master’s | 75 | Free | Free | Yes |
| PhD | 85 | Free | Free | Yes |
Note: International travel, domestic transport, and some personal expenses are not covered.
Programs You Can Pick
Scholarships are available in almost all fields, except:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
Popular and eligible areas include:
- Architecture
- Visual Arts
- Romanian Culture and Civilization
- Journalism
- Political and Administrative Sciences
- Engineering (all branches)
- Education Sciences
- Social and Human Sciences
- Technical Studies
- Oil and Gas
- Agricultural Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine
PhD programs can be in English or other languages.
Required Documents
All documents must be scanned individually in PDF format and in English, French, Spanish, or Romanian:
- Copies of diplomas (high school, Bachelor’s, Master’s if applicable) + authorized translations
- Copies of transcripts + authorized translations
- Birth certificate (or equivalent) + authorized translation
- Copy of first three pages of passport or national ID + authorized translation
- CV in English or French
- For PhD: Letter of intent (in English, French, Spanish, or Romanian)
- If applicable: proof of name change, graduation certificate (for final-year students), Romanian language certificate, parental consent (if under 18)
How to Apply for Romania Government Scholarships?
- Complete the online application form on studyinromania.gov.ro (opens usually December 2025 – January 2026).
- Upload all required documents in PDF format.
- Submit the application before March 12, 2026.
- If accepted, bring original documents (attested by the Romanian embassy) when you arrive.
- No separate scholarship application, scholarship is awarded with admission.
Tip: Translate documents early. Use authorized translators. Be clear in your motivation letter about how you will contribute to your home country.
Why Study in Romania?
High-quality education at very low cost. Safe and affordable living. Beautiful country with rich culture and history.
Romania is in the EU and Schengen area (visa-free travel in Europe after study).
Contrarian: Romanian language requirement for most programs. But free preparatory year makes it manageable. Reviews: “Friendly people, low cost, good education.”
Other Funding Opportunities
Tools I Recommend
- studyinromania.gov.ro – Official scholarship portal
- edu.ro – Ministry of Education
- numbeo.com Bucharest/Cluj – Costs €600–900 single
- scholarshipportal.com – Romania/Europe
- studyinromania.gov.ro/living – Living guide
- fastweb.com – General
- goingmerry.com – Clean
Application Checklist
- Confirm eligible country
- Prepare all diplomas/transcripts
- Get authorized translations
- Write strong motivation letter
- Passport copy
- Birth certificate
- CV
- Submit before March 12, 2026
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing translations. Applying after deadline. Choosing medicine/dentistry/pharmacy (excluded). Weak motivation letter. Not preparing originals for embassy attestation.
PAA: Fully funded? Yes (tuition, housing, stipend). Deadline? March 12, 2026. Language? Romanian for most (preparatory year free).
Living Costs in Romania
Single €500–900/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent €250–450 shared. Food €200. Scholarship stipend + free housing covers almost everything.
Numbeo honest: One of the cheapest EU countries.
Strong opinion: Romanian Government Scholarships are one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. Full funding + free language year + affordable living make it perfect for students from developing countries.
