The Romanian Government Scholarship is one of Europe’s most attractive fully funded scholarship programs for international students from non-EU countries. Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania (MFA Romania) and administered through the official Study in Romania platform, this scholarship allows students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees at accredited public universities in Romania.
From my experience researching European government-funded scholarships, Romania stands out because:
- It does not require IELTS
- It covers tuition and accommodation
- It includes a free Romanian language preparatory year
- It is less competitive compared to Western Europe programs
If you’re looking for a fully funded European scholarship without English language test requirements, this is one of the best options available.
Overview of the Romanian Government Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Romania |
| Funded By | Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA Romania) |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Non-EU international students |
| Language of Study | Romanian, English |
| IELTS Required | ❌ No |
| Official Portal | scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro |
Romania offers study opportunities at recognized public institutions such as:
- University of Bucharest
- Babeș-Bolyai University
- Politehnica University of Bucharest
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University
- West University of Timișoara
Another big opportunity, Irish Government Scholarship (Fully Funded) – €10,000 Stipend + Free Tuition
What Does the Romanian Government Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support.
1. Full Tuition Fee Waiver
Students are exempted from paying tuition fees for the entire duration of their degree program.
2. Monthly Stipend
- €65 per month – Bachelor’s
- €75 per month – Master’s
- €85 per month – PhD
While the stipend is modest compared to some EU programs, Romania has a relatively low cost of living, making it manageable for students.
3. Free Accommodation
Free dormitory accommodation is provided (subject to availability).
4. Medical Assistance
Students benefit from medical support under Romanian law.
5. Free Romanian Language Preparatory Year
Since most programs are taught in Romanian, students receive:
- A full preparatory year
- Tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend during that year
From what I’ve observed reviewing student discussions and official guidelines, the preparatory year is very structured and helps international students integrate academically and socially.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a non-EU citizen
- Must not hold Romanian citizenship
- Must not be of Romanian origin
- Must not have refugee or stateless status in Romania
- Minimum academic average: 7/10 (or equivalent “Good” grade in Romanian system)
The scholarship is open to students applying in fields such as:
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Arts
- Medicine (limited seats)
Note: Some highly competitive programs may have additional academic requirements.
Degree Levels Available
Bachelor’s Degree
- Duration: 3–6 years depending on field
- Includes Romanian language year (if required)
Master’s Degree
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Romanian language preparation included
PhD Degree
- Duration: 3–5 years
- Research-focused
- May require academic supervisor approval
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Based on official guidelines from the Study in Romania portal, here’s how the application works:
Step 1: Online Registration
Apply through the official platform:
👉 scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Passport copy
- Proof of eligibility
Step 3: Submit Before Deadline
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the deadline was March 12, 2025.
Step 4: Results Announcement
Results were announced by June 30, 2025.
Step 5: Academic Year Start
Selected students begin studies in October.
For the 2026–2027 cycle, applicants should monitor the official portal for updated deadlines.
Is IELTS Required?
No. IELTS is not required for the Romanian Government Scholarship because:
- Programs are primarily taught in Romanian.
- A preparatory language year is provided.
This makes it especially attractive for students from developing countries who may not have English test certification.
Why Consider Studying in Romania?
The Romanian Government Scholarship is one of the most accessible fully funded European scholarships for non-EU international students. While the stipend is modest, the tuition coverage and free accommodation significantly reduce financial burden.
If you are serious about studying in Europe without IELTS, this scholarship should definitely be on your shortlist.
As someone who regularly researches European study opportunities, Romania offers several advantages:
- Affordable cost of living compared to Western Europe
- EU-recognized degrees
- Safe and student-friendly cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, and Timișoara
- Access to Schengen travel (visa policies subject to current regulations)
- Growing international academic community
Also, apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for International Students – Fully Funded Study in Europe
FAQs
Is the Romanian Government Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, accommodation (if available), monthly stipend, and medical assistance.
Can EU students apply?
No. The scholarship is only for non-EU citizens.
Are programs available in English?
The scholarship generally requires study in Romanian. However, some doctoral programs may have flexible arrangements.
How competitive is it?
Competition varies by country and field. Based on previous cycles, academic excellence and a strong motivation letter are key factors.