The Romanian Government Scholarship 2025 offers an extraordinary opportunity for non-EU international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees at prestigious Romanian universities with 100% financial coverage. This comprehensive scholarship program, administered by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stands out for its inclusive benefits, including tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipends, and even free Romanian language training.
With the applications now open for the 2025 academic year, this detailed guide will walk you through every critical aspect of the scholarship:
✅ Complete benefits breakdown (Stipend amounts, family allowances)
✅ Step-by-step application walkthrough (With portal screenshots)
✅ Document checklist & preparation tips
✅ Romanian language course details (What to expect)
✅ University selection strategy (Top 5 recommended institutions)
✅ Post-arrival settlement guide
✅ Alternative options if unsuccessful
Why This Scholarship Is Unique:
- Zero tuition fees at participating public universities
- Monthly stipends (€85 for undergrads, €125 for masters, €140 for PhD)
- Free intensive Romanian course (1 year prep before degree studies)
- Family reunification allowed (spouse & children can join)
- No bond requirement (No mandatory return after graduation)
1. Scholarship Benefits: What’s Covered?
The Romanian Government Scholarship provides one of Europe’s most generous packages for international students:
Financial Coverage
| Benefit | Undergraduate | Master’s | PhD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Fully Covered | Fully Covered | Fully Covered |
| Monthly Stipend | €85 | €125 | €140 |
| Accommodation | Free university dormitory or €200 housing allowance | ||
| Medical Insurance | Full coverage through Romanian National Health System | ||
| Books & Study Materials | €50/month allowance | ||
| Romanian Language Course | 1 year fully funded (except PhD) |
Family Benefits
- Spouse visa support (Must show €300/month additional funds)
- Child education access (Free public schooling)
- Family health insurance (Extra €50/month premium)
Note: The stipend is tax-free and adjusted annually for inflation.
2. Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Countries
Open to all non-EU citizens, with priority given to:
- Africa: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia
- Middle East: Palestine, Jordan, Iraq
- Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico
Academic Requirements
| Program | Minimum Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | High school diploma (minimum 70% average) | Under 35 |
| Master’s | Bachelor’s degree (minimum 75% average) | Under 40 |
| PhD | Master’s degree with published research | Under 45 |
Language Requirements
- No prior Romanian needed (1-year course provided)
- PhD exemption: Can study directly in English
- English test alternatives:
- IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent
- Previous degree taught in English
- WAEC/NECO English (B3+ for West Africans)
3. Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Select Your Program & University
Top 5 Recommended Universities:
- University of Bucharest (Best for Humanities)
- Babeș-Bolyai University (Top STEM programs)
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila (Medical studies)
- Politehnica University of Timișoara (Engineering/IT)
- Academy of Economic Studies (Business/Finance)
Pro Tip: Make sure you use the Study in Romania portal to compare programs: https://studyinromania.gov.ro
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Academic Certificates | Certified copies + authorized translations |
| Transcripts | Complete academic records |
| Passport Copy | Valid for 3+ years |
| Medical Certificate | Proving free of contagious diseases |
| CV/Resume | 2 pages max (Europass format preferred) |
| Motivation Letter | 800 words (see Section 5 for template) |
| Recommendation Letters | 2 (academic or professional) |
Step 3: Register on the Application Portal
- Access the portal here: https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro
- Click “Apply Now” and create an account
- Fill in the Application Form (Annex 1)
Step 4: Submit Before Deadline
- Application Period: Typically February to April 2025
- Selection Results: June to July 2025
4. The Romanian Language Year: What to Expect
All non-PhD scholars will undergo 1 year of intensive Romanian training:
Course Structure
- 20 hours/week of language classes
- Cultural immersion (Field trips, local family pairing)
- Monthly tests to track progress
- Final exam (B1 level required to proceed to degree)
Stipend During Language Year
- €65/month (undergrad)
- €85/month (master’s)
- Free dormitory accommodation
Success Tip: Start learning basic Romanian beforehand using Duolingo or RomanianPod101. This will increase your chances.
5. Writing a Winning Motivation Letter
Structure Template (800 Words)
- Introduction
“Growing up in Lagos’ tech hub, Yaba, I witnessed how digital skills could transform communities—a vision I’ll advance through Computer Science at Politehnica University of Timișoara.” - Academic Background
- Relevant coursework (e.g., programming, mathematics)
- Research/projects (especially for PhD applicants)
- Why Romania?
“Romania’s position as Europe’s fastest-growing tech economy aligns with my goal to develop fintech solutions for African markets.” - Long-Term Plans
“I’ll establish a Bucharest-Lagos tech incubator to transfer Romanian IT expertise to Nigerian startups.”
Avoid:
- Exceeding word count
- Generic statements (“Romania has good universities”)
6. Life as a Student in Romania
Cost of Living (Monthly)
| Expense | Cost (€) | Covered by Stipend? |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 150-250 | Yes (free dorm or allowance) |
| Food | 200-300 | Partially |
| Transport | 20 | Yes (student discounts) |
| Entertainment | 50-100 | No |
Cultural Highlights
- Free access to museums on student ID
- Budget travel to EU countries (€30 flights to Hungary/Bulgaria)
- Vibrant student cities (Cluj-Napoca ranked Europe’s #1 for nightlife)
Family Life
- Spouse work rights: Full-time permitted
- Childcare: €200/month subsidies available
- Community: Strong expat networks in major cities
7. Post-Graduation Opportunities
Work Rights
- 6-month job-seeking visa after studies
- EU Blue Card pathway for high-skilled graduates
Alumni Benefits
- Priority hiring at Romanian multinationals (e.g., Dacia, Bitdefender)
- Research collaboration grants with Romanian institutions
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing unpopular universities (Some usually have limited English-taught programs)
- Incomplete document certification (All foreign papers need apostille)
- Weak motivation letters (Must show clear Romania connection)
- Missing the language prep importance (B1 exam failure = scholarship loss)
- Last-minute applications (Portal crashes in final 48 hours)
9. Alternative Scholarships
If the Romanian Government Scholarship is unsuccessful, you may consider:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
- Hungarian Government Scholarship
- Poland Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship
10. FAQs
Q: Can I work while studying?
A: Yes you can (20 hrs/week during term).
Q: Is the language course really mandatory?
A: Yes, except for PhD students.
Q: What’s the stipend payment schedule?
A: It is paid monthly, by the 15th.
Q: Can I extend my scholarship?
A: Yes you can, but only for PhDs (max 1 year extension).
Final Checklist Before Applying
✅ Verified all documents meet apostille requirements
✅ Motivation letter reviewed by mentor
✓ Romanian language basics started (Duolingo)
✓ Contacted current scholars via Facebook groups
✓ Application submitted 2+ weeks before deadline
🚀 Start Your Application: https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro
This guide provides everything you need for a successful application. For a more personalized help, please do well to contact the Romanian Cultural Institute in your own country.
