Romania Government (MAE) Scholarship 2026: A Complete Guide to Study in Europe for Free

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Romania Government (MAE) Scholarship 2026: A Complete Guide to Study in Europe for Free

Are you looking for a fully-funded opportunity to study in Europe? The Romania Government Scholarship, offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE), is one of the most accessible and generous scholarships for international students. Whether you are aiming for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, Romania offers a gateway to world-class education and a unique European cultural experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Romania Government Scholarship for the 2026 academic year.

1. Why Study in Romania?

Romania is becoming a top destination for international students, especially from South Asia and Africa. Here is why:

  • Affordable Living: Compared to Western Europe, Romania has some of the lowest living costs for food, transport, and leisure.
  • High Academic Standards: Romanian universities have a long-standing tradition in engineering, medicine, and the arts.
  • Travel Opportunities: As a student in Romania, you have easy access to explore the rest of Europe.
  • No IELTS Mandatory: Since most programs involve a Romanian language preparatory year, a strict IELTS score is often not the primary barrier for admission.

2. Scholarship Overview

The Romania Government Scholarship is a Fully Funded award granted to non-EU citizens. It aims to promote Romanian culture and language while building international diplomatic ties.

  • Host Country: Romania
  • Funding Body: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE)
  • Eligible Countries: All non-EU countries (including Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, etc.)
  • Level of Study: Undergraduate (Bachelor), Graduate (Master’s), and Post-Graduate (PhD)
  • Official Portal: scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro

3. Financial Benefits: What is Covered?

This scholarship is designed to eliminate the financial burden of studying abroad. If selected, you will receive:

  1. 100% Tuition Fee Waiver: All academic costs for the duration of your degree are covered.
  2. Free Accommodation: Students are provided with free housing in university student dormitories.
  3. Monthly Stipend:
    • Undergraduate: 65 EUR/month
    • Master’s: 75 EUR/month
    • PhD: 85 EUR/month
  4. Medical Insurance: Coverage for emergency medical assistance.
  5. Visa Fee Exemption: Scholars do not have to pay the consular fees for their study visa.

4. Academic Fields of Study

You can apply for almost any field of study, including:

  • Engineering and Technical Sciences
  • Architecture and Visual Arts
  • Political and Administrative Sciences
  • Education Sciences
  • Social and Human Sciences
  • Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
  • Romanian Culture and Civilization

Important Restriction: The scholarship does not cover degrees in Medicine, Dental Medicine, or Pharmacy.

5. The Language Policy: A Unique Opportunity

One of the most important aspects of this scholarship is the language of instruction.

  • Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees: These are taught only in the Romanian language. To help you, the scholarship includes an additional one-year free Romanian language preparatory course.
  • PhD Degrees: Doctoral students can choose to study in Romanian or a foreign language (English/French), depending on the university’s curriculum and the supervisor’s approval.

6. Eligibility Criteria

To be a successful applicant, you must meet the following:

  • Non-EU Status: You must be a citizen of a country that is NOT a member of the European Union.
  • Academic Excellence: You should have good grades in your previous education (typically a minimum of 7/10 or equivalent “Good” standing).
  • Health: You must be physically and mentally fit to study abroad.
  • No Age Limit: While there is no strict age limit, the scholarship is highly competitive, and academic potential is key.

7. Required Documents Checklist

Before starting your application on the portal, prepare the following documents (scanned in PDF format):

  1. Passport: High-quality scan of the first few pages.
  2. Educational Certificates: SSC/HSC or Bachelor’s certificates.
  3. Official Transcripts: Marksheets of your previous studies.
  4. Birth Certificate: Original and an English/French translation.
  5. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Use the Europass format.
  6. Motivation Letter: A personal statement (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you want to study in Romania.
  7. Recommendation Letters: (Recommended for Master’s/PhD) from previous professors.

8. Step-by-Step Application Process

The application is entirely online. Do not use agencies; you can do this yourself for free.

Step 1: Create an Account

Visit scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro and register using a valid email address.

Step 2: Fill in the Application Form

Complete the personal data, educational history, and language proficiency sections.

Step 3: Select Your University and Program

You will be asked to choose two options for universities and study programs. Research the universities beforehand to see which one fits your career goals.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Ensure all files are clear and correctly named. If your documents are not in English, French, or Romanian, you must provide a translated and notarized copy.

Step 5: Final Submission

Review your application carefully and click “Submit.” You will receive a confirmation email.

9. Selection Timeline

  • Application Period: Usually opens in January and closes in March.
  • Evaluation: March to May.
  • Result Announcement: Winners are typically notified via email by mid-June.
  • Visa Process: July to August.
  • Arrival in Romania: Late September or early October.

10. Pro-Tips for a Winning Application

  • Focus on the Motivation Letter: Explain how the Romanian language year will help you integrate and how your specific field of study will benefit your home country.
  • Apply Early: The server can get slow during the final week of the deadline.
  • Translation Matters: Make sure your translated documents are professionally done and authenticated (notarized).

Conclusion

The Romania Government Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for students who want a high-quality education without the stress of high tuition fees. It is your ticket to living and learning in a vibrant European environment.

Start your application today at: scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro

For more scholarship updates and step-by-step guides, keep following PorchaBD Scholarship. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below!

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