Romania ARICE Scholarship 2026 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarship for Non-EU Citizens)
Scholarship Description
The Romania ARICE Scholarship (officially known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarship for non-EU Citizens) is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship programme offered annually by the Romanian Government. Based on Government Decision No. 288/1993, this scholarship aims to support international students from non-European Union countries who wish to pursue undergraduate, master's, or doctoral studies at accredited higher education institutions in Romania.
Romania, a member of the European Union, offers high-quality education at affordable costs, with a rich cultural heritage and a strategic location at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe. The ARICE scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly living stipend, making it one of the most attractive fully funded scholarship opportunities for international students worldwide. The programme is designed for candidates with excellent academic records — specifically, an average of at least 7 out of 10 (or a "Good" score in their previous studies).
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at various accredited higher education institutions in Romania, including universities, academies, and research institutes. Students can study in major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Brașov, and Constanța.
Scholarship Deadline
The application period typically opens in December or January and closes in July or August of the application year. For the 2026 academic year, applicants should check the official portal for exact dates. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online platform.
Typical Application Period: December 2025 – July 2026 (exact dates announced on the official portal)
Recommendation: Prepare your documents in advance and apply as early as possible after the portal opens.
Host Institution
The scholarship is administered by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research. Students may choose from any accredited public university in Romania that offers programmes in Romanian, English, French, or German.
Level and Fields of Study
Levels: Bachelor's degree (undergraduate), Master's degree, and Doctoral degree (PhD).
Fields: Most academic fields are available, including but not limited to: Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Economics, Agriculture, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Law. However, some restricted fields (such as dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine) may have limited spots. Applicants should check the official website for the complete list of eligible programmes.
Target Group
Non-EU citizens from countries outside the European Union. Priority may be given to citizens from countries that do not have bilateral scholarship agreements with Romania. The scholarship is open to all non-EU nationalities, regardless of continent.
Note: EU citizens are not eligible. Candidates who hold Romanian citizenship or dual citizenship with Romania are also ineligible.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Amount (Fully Funded):
- Tuition fees: Fully covered for the entire duration of the programme.
- Accommodation: Free accommodation in university dormitories (subject to availability).
- Monthly living stipend: A monthly allowance to cover living expenses (amount varies by degree level, typically between 65-85 EUR per month for bachelor's and master's, and higher for doctoral students).
- Language preparation year: A preparatory year of Romanian language study is provided free of charge for scholarship recipients who do not already have proof of Romanian proficiency.
Duration:
- Bachelor's degree: 3-6 years (depending on the field)
- Master's degree: 1-2 years
- Doctoral degree: 3-4 years
- Preparatory language year: 1 year (if required)
📌 Important Note: The exact amount of the monthly stipend and specific coverage details may vary from year to year. Applicants should consult the official scholarship announcement on the studyinromania.gov.ro portal for the most up-to-date information.
Scholarship Eligibility
Academic requirements: Candidates must have excellent academic records, with an average of the study years for the last graduated school of at least 7 (seven) corresponding to the scoring system in Romania (i.e., at least 7 out of 10) or a "Good" score, as applicable.
Citizenship: Citizens from countries outside the European Union. Candidates must not hold Romanian citizenship or dual citizenship with Romania.
Language requirements: If applying for a programme taught in Romanian, the scholarship includes a preparatory language year. For programmes taught in English, French, or German, proof of proficiency may be required (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, etc.).
Age limits: Typically, candidates for bachelor's degrees should not be older than 35 years, for master's degrees not older than 40 years, and for doctoral degrees not older than 45 years (subject to annual adjustments).
Application status: Candidates must submit a complete application through the online portal with all required documents before the deadline.
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Non-EU citizens (from any country outside the European Union).
- Hold a high school diploma (for bachelor's applicants) or a bachelor's degree (for master's applicants) or a master's degree (for PhD applicants).
- Minimum average of 7 out of 10 or "Good" in previous studies.
- In good health and have no criminal record.
- Meet the specific entry requirements of the chosen university and programme.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Citizens of European Union (EU) member states.
- Holders of Romanian citizenship or dual citizenship with Romania.
- Applicants with an average below 7 out of 10 (or equivalent "Good" score).
- Those who have already benefited from a similar scholarship from the Romanian Government in previous years.
- Candidates who do not meet the age requirements (if specified).
Application Procedure
- Check eligibility – Review the official scholarship announcement on the Study in Romania portal to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Prepare required documents – Gather the following documents (translated into English, French, German, or Romanian, if necessary):
- Application form (completed online)
- Certified copies of diplomas (high school diploma for bachelor's, bachelor's degree for master's, etc.)
- Academic transcripts (with average grade clearly indicated)
- Birth certificate
- Passport copy
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation (personal statement)
- Medical certificate attesting to good health
- Language proficiency certificates (if required)
- Register on the online platform – Go to the official scholarship portal at https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro and create an account.
- Complete and submit the online application – Fill in all required fields, upload your documents, and submit the application before the deadline.
- Wait for the selection process – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ministry of Education, will review applications and notify selected candidates via email and through the platform.
- Accept the scholarship and apply for a visa – Successful candidates will receive a Letter of Acceptance. Use this letter to apply for a long-stay student visa at the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate.
- Travel to Romania and enrol – Upon arrival, register at the assigned university and complete the enrolment process. Scholarship recipients may need to attend a preparatory Romanian language course.
NOTE: All submitted documents must be certified by a notary public and translated into English, French, German, or Romanian. Unclear or incomplete applications may be rejected.
Official Website & Application Link
Study in Romania – Official Scholarship Portal (ARICE)
Official Scholarship Programme Page: https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro
Study in Romania General Website: https://studyinromania.gov.ro
Contact / Queries: Use the contact form or email address available on the official portal (typically found under the "Contact" or "FAQ" section).
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The Romania ARICE Scholarship (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarship for non-EU citizens) is a truly exceptional opportunity for international students to study in a beautiful European country with full financial support. With tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend covered, the scholarship removes financial barriers to quality education.
Key success factors: A strong academic record (minimum 7/10 average) is essential. Your motivation letter should clearly explain why you want to study in Romania and how your education will benefit your home country. Apply early, ensure all documents are properly certified and translated, and carefully follow the instructions on the official portal. The application is entirely online, so no paper submissions are required unless requested.
Important reminders: Most scholarship recipients are required to complete a one-year preparatory Romanian language course before starting their degree, unless they already have proof of Romanian proficiency. This course is fully covered by the scholarship. Be patient during the selection process — results are typically announced several months after the deadline.
Romania ARICE Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What does the Romania ARICE Scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded: it covers tuition fees, accommodation in university dormitories, a monthly living stipend, and one year of preparatory Romanian language courses (if required).
Who is eligible for the ARICE scholarship?
Non-EU citizens from any country outside the European Union who have excellent academic records (minimum 7 out of 10 average or "Good" score). EU citizens and Romanian dual citizens are not eligible.
What is the application deadline?
The application period typically runs from December/January to July/August. For the 2026 intake, check the official portal at scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro for exact dates.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Applications are submitted online exclusively through the official portal: https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro. You must register, complete the application form, upload certified and translated documents, and submit before the deadline.
Can I apply for a programme taught in English?
Yes, some universities offer programmes in English, French, or German. The scholarship includes a preparatory Romanian language year only if you choose a programme taught in Romanian. For English-taught programmes, you may need to provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
Is there an age limit?
Typically, bachelor's applicants should be under 35, master's under 40, and doctoral under 45. However, check the official announcement for the most current age requirements as they may vary annually.
When will I receive the scholarship decision?
Successful candidates are usually notified via email and through the online portal several months after the deadline. The exact notification period varies each year.