Romania remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking quality education, affordable living, and fully funded scholarships. For the academic year 2026-2027, the Romanian government scholarship programme (via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education and Research) is expected to once more offer generous opportunities to non-EU students for Bachelor, Master, and PhD studies. In addition, institutional and EU programmes will likely continue to provide complementary funding options. This article gives a forward-looking view on what the 2026-2027 cycle may involve, how to prepare, and how to make your application stand out.
What is the Romanian Government Scholarship Programme
Each year, Romania opens a scholarship competition for foreign citizens (non-EU) under Government Decision no. 288/1993. The 2025-2026 version included eligibility, selection, benefits and obligations, and 2026-2027 is expected to follow a similar structure. The programme aims to support international education, cultural exchange, and to welcome motivated students into Romanian universities, especially in fields that promote Romanian language, culture, technical skills, agriculture, engineering, or arts.
What to Expect for 2026-2027
Based on previous cycles, here are likely features, benefits, and timelines for the 2026-2027 scholarships.
Timeline
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Application window likely to open around late January or February 2026. Past cycle opened on 29 January 2025.
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Deadline is expected around March (mid-March) 2026. The 2025-2026 deadline was 12 March.
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Results probably announced in July or August 2026, so students have time to secure visas and make preparations. Previous announcements were around mid to late summer.
Who Can Apply
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Citizens of non-EU countries (exceptions: citizens of Romanian origin or those from historical Romanian-language communities) are eligible.
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Applicants should have good academic records; usually a minimum grade average equivalent to “Good” in Romania (around 7/10 or its equivalent).
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Not eligible if applying for Medicine, Dental Medicine and Pharmacy at Bachelor or Master level. PhD programs in these fields may have specific rules or be handled separately.
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If the programme is taught in Romanian for BSc/MSc levels, there is often a preparatory year of Romanian language included for non-Romanian speakers. PhD programmes may offer options in English or another foreign language, depending on the doctoral school.
What the Scholarship Typically Covers
While final amounts for 2026-2027 are not yet published, past benefits provide a guide for what successful applicants may expect. These generally include:
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Full or near-full coverage of tuition fees for accredited Romanian higher education institutions.
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On-campus accommodation in university dormitories where available, or accommodation support.
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Monthly stipend to support living costs. In the 2025-2026 cycle, stipends were about 65 EURO/month for undergraduate/preparatory-year, ~75 EURO for Master’s level, ~85 EURO for PhD level. It is plausible that similar or slightly increased rates will apply in 2026-2027.
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Insurance (health / accident), sometimes basic medical coverage for emergencies.
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Assistance for visa formalities once the scholarship letter or acceptance is awarded.
Fields of Study and Language
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Eligible fields are wide and often include technical studies, engineering, education sciences, social and human sciences, agriculture, visual arts, architecture, Romanian culture, and civilization etc.
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Exclusions typically include Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy at BSc/MSc levels.
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Language of instruction for many BSc and MSc programmes is Romanian. Non-Romanian speakers may be required to take a preparatory Romanian language year. PhD level tends to be more flexible with options in English, French or Romanian depending on the institution.
What To Do Now: How to Prepare
Since the 2026-2027 call is not yet open (or fully published), prospective applicants should use this time to plan thoroughly. Below are action steps:
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Monitor Official Portals
Regularly check the Study in Romania portal and Romanian MFA / Ministry of Education websites. As soon as the call is published, they will provide dates, forms, and detailed requirements. -
Gather and Translate Documents
Prepare transcripts, diplomas, birth certificates, passport copies. If required, have them translated into one of Romania’s accepted languages (Romanian, English, French, or Spanish; languages accepted varied in past cycles). Notarized translation may be required. -
Language Preparation
If you are a non-Romanian speaker and intend to apply to BSc or MSc programmes taught in Romanian, begin learning or familiarizing yourself with Romanian or at least watch for whether you are eligible for the preparatory language year. -
Write Strong Motivation and Research Letters
Your personal statement should clearly state why you chose Romania, how the course ties to your goals, and what you can contribute. For PhD applicants, begin thinking about research proposals and potential supervisors. -
Check Field Eligibility
Make sure your intended field is not excluded (for example Medicine or Dental Medicine). Confirm with university websites or previous scholarship calls. -
Plan Finances Beyond the Scholarship
While the scholarship covers tuition, stipend, and accommodation, travel, personal expenses, meals, and visa fees may not always be included. Save ahead for those.
Expected Changes / What To Watch Out For
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It is possible that the stipend amounts will be slightly increased to match inflation and cost of living increases. Applicants should not count on stipend levels being identical to past years.
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There may be adjustments in eligibility or quotas, especially for certain countries, depending on Romania’s diplomatic and education cooperation agreements.
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Language requirements may shift. More programmes may accept English or foreign-language instruction especially in PhD or specialized master’s degrees.
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Universities might offer more English-taught outcomes or dual-language programmes to attract international students.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
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Keep your academic record strong. If your last degree or high school results were excellent, highlight that. If you can get additional certification or recognition, that helps.
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Obtain good letters of recommendation that demonstrate your academic potential, maturity, and adaptability to study abroad.
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Apply to multiple universities, within Romania and also Erasmus Mundus or other EU funding programmes, to increase your options.
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Tailor your application to highlight your rigorous preparation, adaptability, interest in Romanian culture, or your intended contribution.
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Stay organised with deadlines; late or missing documents are often cause for rejection.
What To Do When the Call Opens
When the Romanian MFA launches the official call for 2026-2027:
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Register on the Study in Romania portal. Fill in early.
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Upload required documents as PDFs where possible.
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Ensure that translations and notarisation are complete.
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If there is a Romanian language preparatory year option, decide whether to request it (if eligible).
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Submit before deadline; keep copies of your application.
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After selection, when acceptance letters are issued, begin visa procedures early.
For 2026-2027, fully funded Romanian Government scholarships are expected to offer excellent opportunities for international students at Bachelor, Master and PhD levels. Romania is likely to maintain its offering of full tuition coverage, accommodation, monthly stipend, and support for visa and insurance. To succeed, prospective applicants should start preparing now by gathering documents, monitoring official announcements, polishing their applications, and identifying eligible fields. Those who are well-prepared when the call opens will be best positioned to take advantage of this opportunity when it arrives.
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