Romania Government Scholarship for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide
The Romanian Government Scholarship offers a fantastic opportunity for international students from non-EU countries to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies in Romania. It is one of the country’s premier scholarships, designed to foster cultural exchange and cooperation, while also promoting Romania as a center for higher education in Europe.
In this blog post, we will explore the Romania Government Scholarship for the academic year 2024-2025, providing you with all the necessary information regarding its eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and more.
1. Overview of the Romania Government Scholarship
The Romanian Government Scholarship is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by the Romanian Ministry of Education. It is available to students from countries outside the European Union who wish to study at Romanian public universities. The scholarship is aimed at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students in a wide range of fields, excluding medicine and pharmacy.
Scholarship recipients are allowed to study in Romanian-taught programs, although a preparatory year is offered for those who do not speak the language.
2. Benefits of the Romania Government Scholarship
The Romania Government Scholarship provides several financial and academic benefits to selected students. These include:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of the program (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD).
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly financial allowance based on the level of study:
- 65 EUR for undergraduate students
- 75 EUR for master’s students
- 85 EUR for PhD students
- Free Accommodation: Scholarship recipients are provided accommodation at Romanian university dormitories, subject to availability.
- Preparatory Language Course: A one-year preparatory course in Romanian for students who need to learn the language.
- Healthcare: Free medical services are provided for scholarship recipients, including health insurance.
- Travel Costs: The scholarship does not cover international travel to Romania, so applicants will need to fund their own travel expenses.
3. Eligibility Criteria for the Romania Government Scholarship
The Romanian Government Scholarship is open to students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship: The scholarship is available to non-EU citizens. Students from EU member states are not eligible for this program.
- Age Requirements: Applicants for undergraduate and master’s studies should be no older than 35 years, while PhD applicants should be under 45 years of age.
- Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold relevant academic qualifications for the program they are applying for:
- For undergraduate programs: A high school diploma or equivalent.
- For master’s programs: A bachelor’s degree.
- For PhD programs: A master’s degree.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Romanian, either through a one-year preparatory course (provided by the scholarship) or by presenting proof of language skills.
4. Fields of Study Supported by the Scholarship
The Romania Government Scholarship covers a broad range of fields of study at accredited public universities. Some of the fields supported by the scholarship include:
- Architecture
- Political and Administrative Sciences
- Engineering
- Agricultural Sciences
- Humanities
- Visual Arts
- Social Sciences
- Economics
- Technical Studies
Note: The scholarship does not cover studies in the fields of medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy.
5. Language Requirements
Scholarship recipients are required to pursue their studies in the Romanian language. However, students who do not have prior knowledge of Romanian are provided with a one-year preparatory course to learn the language before starting their chosen program.
If applicants can already speak Romanian and have valid proof (such as a language certificate), they may be exempt from the preparatory course.
6. Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process for the Romania Government Scholarship is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Here are the key steps:
Step 1: Research Eligible Programs
Identify the Romanian university and program you wish to apply for. Make sure the program is taught in Romanian and is eligible under the scholarship.
Step 2: Prepare the Application Documents
Prepare all the required documents (listed below) and ensure they are complete, legible, and in the correct format.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications must be submitted through the Romanian diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates) in your home country. You cannot apply directly to Romanian universities or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by both the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education. If successful, you will receive confirmation via the diplomatic mission.
7. Documents Required for the Application
The following documents must be submitted as part of your application for the Romania Government Scholarship:
- Application Form: Completed and signed.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV outlining your educational background and achievements.
- Academic Certificates: Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts from your previous educational institutions (high school, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees).
- Language Proof: Proof of Romanian language proficiency (if applicable) or willingness to undertake the preparatory course.
- Copy of Passport: A copy of your passport showing personal details and any previous visas.
- Medical Certificate: A certificate confirming that you are medically fit to study.
- Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs.
All documents must be translated into Romanian, English, or French by an authorized translator if they are not originally in one of these languages.
8. Important Deadlines and Key Dates
The Romania Government Scholarship follows a strict timeline. The typical schedule is as follows:
- Application Start Date: Usually in November or December of the year prior to the scholarship year.
- Application Deadline: Typically in March of the application year.
- Results Notification: Successful candidates are usually informed by June or July.
It is essential to verify the specific deadlines for your country with the Romanian diplomatic mission.
9. Selection Process and Tips for a Successful Application
The selection process for the Romania Government Scholarship is based on academic merit and the quality of the application documents. Here are some tips to strengthen your application:
- Academic Excellence: Emphasize your academic achievements and ensure your grades are well-documented.
- Strong Motivation Letter: Write a clear and compelling letter outlining why you wish to study in Romania, your academic and career goals, and how the scholarship will benefit you.
- Clear and Complete Documents: Ensure all your documents are complete, certified, and translated as required.
- Submit Early: Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can EU students apply for the Romania Government Scholarship?
A: No, this scholarship is only available to students from non-EU countries.
Q2: Is the preparatory language course mandatory for all students?
A: The preparatory course is required for students who do not already speak Romanian. However, students who can prove their proficiency in Romanian may be exempt from this course.
Q3: Can I study medicine under this scholarship?
A: No, the Romania Government Scholarship does not cover medical, dentistry, or pharmacy programs.
Q4: Do I need to apply directly to the university?
A: No, applications must be submitted through the Romanian diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates) in your home country.
11. Conclusion
The Romania Government Scholarship offers a valuable opportunity for international students to pursue their academic dreams in a culturally rich European country. With its generous benefits, including tuition coverage, stipends, and accommodation, it’s an excellent option for students seeking high-quality education in Romania. By carefully preparing your application and following the outlined steps, you can enhance your chances of being selected for this prestigious scholarship program.
Good luck with your application