Romania Government Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Romania Government Scholarship for the 2026 academic year is a fully funded award for international students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees at top Romanian universities, covering everything from tuition and accommodation to a monthly stipend.

For students worldwide dreaming of a high-quality European education but held back by financial constraints, this scholarship is a life-changing opportunity. Managed by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade (AREX), this program stands as a pillar of international cooperation and academic excellence.

In this comprehensive guide, MethodsWala.com leaves no stone unturned. We will walk you through every single step of the application process for the 2026 intake, detail the incredible benefits, list the exact eligibility requirements, and provide you with insider tips to craft a winning application. Let’s unlock the door to your future in Romania.

Table of Contents

Scholarship at a Glance: Key Details for 2026

Before we dive deep, here are the essential facts you need to know. This section is designed for quick scanning and immediate understanding.

Scholarship Name: Romanian Government Scholarship / Scholarship for Foreign Citizens Offered by the Romanian State.
Funded by: Government of Romania, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and the Ministry of Education (ME).
Level of Study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate (PhD) degrees.
Host Country: Romania.
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded.
Application Deadline for 2026: Expected to be in March 2026. (The call for applications typically opens in December 2025/January 2026 and closes in March 2026. We will update this page on MethodsWala.com as soon as the official announcement is made).
Official Portal: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) Scholarship Page

What Does “Fully Funded” Actually Include?

This is where the Romania Scholarship truly shines. It is one of the most comprehensive financial aid packages available. The benefits include:

Full Tuition Fees: Complete coverage of your tuition and enrollment fees for the entire duration of your program.
Free Accommodation: A guaranteed place in student dormitories, with all costs covered.
Monthly Financial Stipend:
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): 65 EURO per month.
- Master’s Degree: 75 EURO per month.
- Doctorate (PhD): 85 EURO per month.
Medical Assistance: Full coverage under the Romanian national health system.
Travel Costs: Partial coverage for international travel to and from Romania. (Note: This is typically a one-time or annual amount based on your country of origin, not always the full ticket price).
Local Transport: Exemption from registration and application fees for the scholarship selection process.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the 2026 Intake

The application process is meticulous and requires careful attention to detail. Missing a single document or step can lead to disqualification. Follow this guide precisely.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before you invest time, ensure you meet the core criteria:

You are a non-EU citizen. (Citizens from EU countries have separate programs).
You are not of Romanian origin.
You have not previously applied for or benefited from a Romanian state scholarship.
You meet the age requirements: typically under 35 for Bachelor’s/Master’s and under 45 for PhD programs.
You hold the necessary academic qualifications (e.g., high school diploma for Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s degree for Master’s, etc.).

Step 2: Choose Your Study Program

Visit the Study in Romania portal.
Use their catalog to find accredited programs taught in a language you are proficient in. While many programs are in Romanian, there is a growing number of options in English, French, and German.
Select ONLY ONE study program per level (e.g., one Bachelor’s program). Applying for multiple programs will get your application rejected.

Step 3: Gather Your Application Documents
This is the most critical part. You will need to prepare a single PDF file containing all the documents below, in this exact order:

Official Application Form: This will be available for download from the MAE website once the 2026 application cycle opens.
Copies of Diplomas & Transcripts: For Bachelor’s applicants: High School diploma and transcripts. For Master’s: Bachelor’s diploma and transcripts. For PhD: Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and transcripts. These must be legalized/authenticated.
Birth Certificate: A copy of your legal birth certificate.
Passport Copy: The first three pages of your valid international passport.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed, updated CV in English or French.
Medical Certificate: A certificate proving you are free from contagious diseases, issued by a recognized medical authority.
Language Proficiency Certificate: Proof that you meet the language requirements for your chosen program.
Letter of Intent/Study Plan: A well-written essay outlining your academic goals, why you chose Romania, and your future plans. (This is crucial!).
Letters of Recommendation: Usually two, from professors or academic advisors.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Do NOT send your application directly to universities.
Submit the complete PDF file and any other required forms exclusively through the Romanian diplomatic mission (Embassy or Consulate) in your country of residence or origin.
Contact the embassy in advance to confirm their specific submission procedures and any internal deadlines they may have.

Step 5: The Selection Process

After submission, the embassy forwards eligible applications to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Romania.
The MFA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, reviews the files.
A specialized commission evaluates each application based on academic merit, the quality of the study plan, and the candidate’s overall profile.
The final results are announced, usually by mid-July 2026.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Romania Government Scholarship 2026, you must fulfill all of the following conditions:

Citizenship: Be a citizen of a non-EU country. The list of eligible countries is extensive and includes nations from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Always check the official call for the specific list.
Academic Background:
- For Bachelor’s: You must have successfully completed high school.
- For Master’s: You must hold a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- For PhD: You must hold a Master’s degree or its equivalent.
Academic Performance: A strong academic record is essential. The cumulative average of your previous studies should be at least 7.0 (on a 10-point scale) or its equivalent (e.g., B+, 3.0 GPA).
Age Limit:
- For Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, you must be under 35 years of age by the application deadline.
- For PhD studies, you must be under 45 years of age by the application deadline.

Required Documents Checklist (Deep Dive)

Let’s break down the most important documents to ensure yours are perfect.

Academic Documents: Your diplomas and transcripts must be notarized copies. If they are not in English, French, Spanish, or Romanian, you must provide a certified translation. The process of “legalization” often involves the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country, and finally, the Romanian Embassy. Start this process early as it can take weeks.
Language Certificate:
- For Romanian-taught programs: You will typically be required to take a preparatory year to learn Romanian. In this case, you don’t need a prior Romanian certificate, but you must express your willingness to undertake the language course.
- For programs in English/French/German: You need an internationally recognized certificate like IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, or Goethe-Zertifikat. The required score is set by the university.
- What if I don’t have an IELTS/TOEFL? Some applicants may be exempt if their previous degree was taught entirely in English. You will need a formal letter from your previous university confirming this. This is accepted on a case-by-case basis, so confirm with the Romanian embassy.
Letter of Intent (Study Plan): This is your story. Don’t just list your grades. Explain:
- Your academic and professional journey so far.
- Why you are passionate about your chosen field of study.
- Why Romania? (Mention specific universities, professors, or research facilities).
- How this specific scholarship and program will help you achieve your long-term goals.
- What you will contribute to the academic community in Romania and your home country upon return.
Letters of Recommendation: Choose professors or employers who know you well. Provide them with your CV and a draft of your study plan so they can write a detailed, personalized letter on official letterhead.

Pro Tips to Win the Romania Government Scholarship 2026

The competition is fierce. To stand out, you need more than just good grades.

Start Preparing Now: Do not wait for the official call. Begin gathering and legalizing your documents in late 2025.
Craft a Compelling Narrative: Your Study Plan is not a list; it’s a story. Connect your past experiences, your present application, and your future aspirations into a coherent and persuasive narrative.
Demonstrate Interest in Romania: Show that you’ve done your research. Mention a specific Romanian cultural aspect, a historical figure, or an economic sector that aligns with your studies. This shows genuine interest, not just a desire for a free scholarship.
Proofread Relentlessly: A single typo can create a negative impression. Have multiple people review your entire application PDF for grammar, spelling, and clarity.
Build a Strong Academic Profile: Engage in extracurricular activities, internships, or volunteer work related to your field. This adds depth to your CV and makes you a more attractive, well-rounded candidate.
Follow Embassy Instructions Precisely: Each embassy might have slight variations in their submission process. Be proactive, polite, and ensure you meet their specific deadlines and requirements.

Pros and Cons of the Romania Government Scholarship

It’s important to have a balanced view.

Pros:

Full Financial Coverage: The most significant advantage, relieving you of major financial burdens.
High-Quality Education: Romanian universities, especially in fields like Medicine, Engineering, and IT, are highly respected in Europe.
Cultural & Travel Experience: Living in Romania offers a chance to explore a beautiful country with rich history and diverse landscapes, located at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe.
EU Recognition: Degrees from Romanian universities are recognized throughout the European Union.

Cons:

Competitive Selection: Thousands apply for a limited number of spots.
Complex Application Process: The document legalization and embassy submission process can be bureaucratic and time-consuming.
Language Barrier: While preparatory Romanian is offered, daily life outside major cities can be challenging without learning the language.
Modest Stipend: The monthly stipend, while helpful, is designed to cover basic living expenses and may not be sufficient for extensive travel or luxury spending.

What Are the Alternatives?

It’s always wise to have a backup plan. If the Romania Scholarship seems highly competitive, consider these other fully-funded or major European scholarship programs:

Hungarian Government Scholarships (Stipendium Hungaricum): Another fully-funded program for international students, with a similar application timeline.
Czech Government Scholarships: Offers scholarships for students from developing countries to study at public universities in the Czech Republic.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD): Prestigious EU-funded programs that involve studying in at least two different European countries.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany): A wide range of scholarships for international students offered by the German Academic Exchange Service.

You can find detailed guides on these and more on MethodsWala.com, such as our articles on “Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe for 2026” and “How to Secure a Scholarship Without IELTS”.

Final Thoughts and Your Next Steps

The Romania Government Scholarship for 2026 is a golden ticket for dedicated and talented students. It requires diligence, early preparation, and a stellar application. The effort you put into preparing your application today can pave the way for a transformative educational experience in the heart of Europe.

Your journey starts now. Bookmark this page on MethodsWala.com, as we will update it with the official 2026 link the moment it is released. Begin gathering your documents, reflect on your academic story, and take the first step towards your future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When is the exact deadline for the Romania Government Scholarship 2026?
The official deadline has not been announced yet. Based on previous years, it is expected to be in March 2026. The application cycle will likely open in December 2025 or January 2026. We strongly recommend you check the official MAE website and contact your local Romanian Embassy in early December 2025 for confirmation.

Q2: Is the Romania Scholarship really fully funded?
Yes, it covers the major cost components: tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. It also provides medical insurance and some travel support. However, the stipend is modest, and you should be prepared for personal incidental expenses.

Q3: Can I apply without IELTS?
Yes, but under specific conditions. If you choose a program taught in Romanian, you will do a preparatory language year and no IELTS is needed. If you are applying for an English-taught program, you can be exempt from IELTS if you provide a certificate from your previous university stating that your medium of instruction was English. The final decision rests with the selection committee.

Q4: How competitive is the Romania Government Scholarship?
It is highly competitive. Thousands of qualified students from around the world apply for a limited number of slots. This is why a strong academic record, a perfectly prepared application file, and a compelling study plan are absolutely essential to stand out.

Q5: What is the most common reason for application rejection?
The most common reasons are incomplete application files (missing documents), failure to follow the submission instructions (e.g., sending the file directly to the university instead of the embassy), and applications that do not demonstrate a clear academic purpose or connection to Romania.