The Romania Government Scholarships 2026 (MAE) are fully funded for non-EU students (Pakistan, India, Africa, etc.). Covers tuition, accommodation, and stipend. Learn the application strategy and exact steps here.
If you are reading this from Dhaka, Nairobi, or Karachi, you know the dream: studying in Europe. You also know the nightmare: the tuition fees, the visa funds, the constant worry about money. I am here as your honest friend to tell you that there is a way to get a world-class degree on the European continent without bankrupting your family.
The Romania Government Scholarships 2026 (officially the MAE Scholarships) is one of the most generous, truly fully funded opportunities available for students from non EU countries. It covers tuition, housing, and even gives you a stipend. But this isn’t a simple application. The competition is intense, and the rules are strict. Let’s break down exactly what you need to do to land this life-changing award for the 2026 intake.
What is the MAE Scholarships Romania 2026?
The MAE Scholarship is an annual program run by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE). It is a government initiative aimed at promoting international cooperation and Romanian culture among non-EU citizens.
Simply put, Romania pays for you to study there.
- Host Country: Romania (a member of the European Union).
- Funding Body: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).
- Target: High-achieving citizens of all non-EU countries.
- Study Levels: Bachelor’s Master’s and PhD.
- Language Focus: The program heavily emphasizes the Romanian language.
Why This Matters: The Value of a Romanian Degree
Winning this scholarship is not just about saving money it is about investing in your future.
1. Zero Debt and Free Language Training
Imagine graduating with an internationally recognized European degree and zero educational debt. This scholarship covers all tuition, which is the biggest financial barrier. Plus, if you don’t speak Romanian, they pay for your mandatory one-year language prep course.
2. High-Quality, EU-Recognized Education
Romanian universities are accredited and offer degrees recognized across Europe and the world. You will benefit from modern facilities and a curriculum that meets EU standards.
3. A Stepping Stone to Europe
Studying in Romania provides you with a safe, affordable base in Europe. You gain international experience, build a global professional network, and access the cultural richness of the continent.
Scholarship Benefits: What is Actually Covered?
The Romanian Government scholarship is comprehensive, providing both financial and academic support.
H3: Fully Funded Coverage Includes:
- Tuition Fees: Waived 100% for the one-year preparatory language course and the entire Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program duration.
- Monthly Stipend: A fixed monthly allowance provided to help with living expenses.
- Undergraduate & Prep Year Students: Approx. €65 EUR equivalent per month (paid in local currency, RON).
- Master’s Students: Approx. €75 EUR equivalent per month.
- PhD Students: Approx. €85 EUR equivalent per month.
- Accommodation: Free housing in university dormitories.
- Important Note: This is subsidized and provided subject to available places. While scholarship holders are prioritized, accommodation is not 100% guaranteed for every single winner.
- Fees Waived: Application processing and admission fees are completely waived.
- Transport Discounts: Subsidies for local public transportation and domestic travel (road, rail, and naval).
H3: Stipend Duration Details
- Bachelor’s and Master’s: Stipend is paid during the full academic year.
- PhD Students: Stipend is paid for the entire calendar year (including holidays).
- Grace Period: You receive an additional 30 days of coverage after completing your studies (if the program was longer than one year).
The Reality Check
Here is the most crucial part. The Romania Government Scholarships 2026 is fully funded for education, but the monthly stipend is very low. It is designed to cover basic subsistence, not a comfortable life.
You must be prepared to cover these personal costs:
- International Travel: The scholarship does not cover your flight tickets from your home country to Romania (and back).
- Student Visa Costs: You must apply for a long-stay visa and pay all associated application, processing, and extension fees. This is a mandatory and personal cost.
- Medical Certificate: You are required to submit a medical certificate. The costs for tests and the certificate itself are your responsibility.
- Comprehensive Living Expenses: The stipend (approx. €65-€85 per month) is minimal.
- It will barely cover food and small personal utilities outside of the dormitory.
- If you plan to travel, socialize regularly, buy new technology, or eat out, you must have significant personal savings or support from home.
- Initial Setup: You need savings for the first 1-2 months in Romania before the first stipend payment is processed and your visa/enrollment formalities are complete.
Mentor’s Tip: Do not rely on the stipend for your entire life in Romania. This scholarship eliminates the debt, but it requires extreme budgeting or a small, reliable monthly contribution from your family for comfort.
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is highly competitive and has strict rules on who can apply.
H3: Eligible Nationalities
- You must be a citizen of a non-EU country.
- You CANNOT apply if you are:
- A citizen of Romanian origin.
- Someone who holds protection/refugee status in Romania.
- A stateless person officially residing in Romania.
- A diplomat, consular staff, or family member based in Romania.
- Already receiving another Romanian state scholarship for the same study cycle.
H3: Academic Requirements
- Academic Excellence: You must have good results in your previous studies, with a minimum academic average of at least 7 out of 10 or the score Good in the Romanian grading system equivalent.
- Age Limit:
- Bachelor’s & Master’s: Maximum age of 35 years.
- PhD Studies: Maximum age of 45 years.
Language Requirement Details
- The Rule: For Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, the language of instruction is Romanian only.
- The Solution: If you don’t speak Romanian, you will automatically be enrolled in the fully funded 1-year Preparatory Language Course.
- Exemptions: You can skip the preparatory year if you can prove you:
- Studied for at least 4 consecutive years in Romanian.
- Passed a Romanian language test.
- Hold an official B1 level Romanian competency certificate.
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Eligible Fields of Study
The availability is very broad, covering almost every major field you can think of.
All academic fields are open for selection, EXCEPT:
- Medicine
- Dental Medicine
- Pharmacy
If you want to study Engineering, IT, Economics, Arts, Humanities, Political Sciences, or Agriculture, you are eligible.
Application Timeline/Deadlines: Start Now!
The official deadlines for the Romania Government Scholarships 2026 have not been officially released yet, but they follow a very strict pattern.
| Event | Predicted Dates (Based on previous cycles) | Action You Should Take NOW |
| Application Opens | Late January 2026 | Start gathering and translating documents. |
| Application Deadline | March 12, 2026 (Highly Likely) | Aim to submit by late February to avoid portal issues. |
| Selection Results | End of June 2026 | Be ready to check your email constantly and confirm acceptance immediately. |
| Visa Application | July – August 2026 | Start checking the long-stay visa requirements at your local embassy. |
| Studies Begin | October 2026 | Start preparing to travel to Romania. |
Selection Process: What the Committee Looks For
The MAE Scholarship is awarded based solely on a competition of files (your application documents). There are no interviews for the main selection, making the quality of your documents paramount.
Key Selection Factors
- Academic Merit: Your GPA/grades must meet or exceed the minimum requirement (at least 7/10). The higher your grades, the stronger your file.
- Completeness and Accuracy: This is a zero-tolerance area. If a required document is missing, the translation is not authorized, or the file format is incorrect (must be PDF!), your application will be instantly disqualified.
- Clarity of Purpose (PhD Applicants): For PhD studies, the selection committee heavily scrutinizes your Letter of Intent and Research Project. You must clearly demonstrate prior research experience and future academic goals. The written approval from a PhD supervisor is a huge advantage.
Step-by-Step Application Guide (Online Only)
Applications are submitted ONLY through the official online platform. Do not send any physical documents to the embassy or university unless specifically asked later.
Step 1: Get Documents Ready and Translated
- Critical Action: Obtain certified copies of your academic diplomas, transcripts, birth certificate, and passport.
- Get these documents officially translated into English, French, or Romanian and notarized (authorized translation).
Step 2: Obtain PhD Acceptance (PhD ONLY)
- If applying for a PhD, you must secure pre-acceptance (written approval) from a potential doctoral supervisor at a Romanian university.
Step 3: Create Your Account
- Wait for the platform to open (late January 2026).
- Create an account on the official Study in Romania platform:
scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro
Step 4: Fill, Upload, and Double-Check
- Fill in all personal and academic details carefully.
- Upload every required document as a clean, clear PDF file.
- Verify that your translations are correctly uploaded alongside the original documents.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
- Submit the application well before the predicted March 12, 2026, deadline.
- You will receive a confirmation email.
Step 6: Confirmation and Visa (If Selected)
- If you are selected (results in June 2026), you will receive a Letter of Acceptance for Studies.
- This letter is mandatory for your long-stay student visa application. You must immediately apply for the visa at the Romanian embassy in your country and cover the visa costs.
Official Source Link
Stay alert for the official announcement of the 2026 deadlines on the only official source:
Official Portal: https://studyinromania.gov.ro/
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a Partial File: This is the most common mistake. A missing transcript or an unauthorized translation equals instant rejection.
- Applying for Forbidden Subjects: Do not select Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy. Your file will be invalid immediately.
- Ignoring the Language Rule: Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants must accept that they will study in Romanian (via the preparatory year). Don’t try to argue for English-taught degrees at these levels; that is not what this scholarship offers.
- Applying for the Wrong Nationality: If you have dual citizenship, or a close link to Romania, you may be eligible for a different scholarship scheme, not this MAE one. Read the exceptions carefully.
Is the Romanian language course mandatory for Master’s programs?
Yes. For Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, a one-year, fully funded Romanian language preparatory course is mandatory unless the applicant provides a B1-level Romanian certificate or proof of four years of prior study in Romanian.
Does the Romania Government Scholarship cover travel costs or airfare?
No. While the scholarship fully covers tuition and provides a stipend and accommodation subsidy, it does not cover international airfare or student visa fees.
What is the deadline to apply for the Romania Government Scholarships 2026?
The official 2026 deadline has not been announced yet, but applications typically open in late January and close around March 12, 2026. Applicants should prepare documents early.
What is the minimum grade requirement to be eligible for the MAE Scholarship?
Applicants must have a minimum average of 7 out of 10, or an equivalent grade of “Good,” in their last completed academic cycle to qualify.
Can I study Medicine under the Romania Government Scholarships 2026?
No. The scholarship program explicitly excludes Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy. All other fields such as Engineering, Arts, and Economics are available.
Final Advice
The Romania Government Scholarships 2026 is one of the best non-debt pathways to a European education for students from developing countries. It requires discipline and planning, not just high grades. Your task right now is not to wait for the deadline. Your task is to gather and notarize every single document. Once the portal opens in January 2026, you should be ready to upload your complete file within a week.
Prepare now, compete hard, and you could be studying in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca by October 2026!
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Dr. Zahra Hasan
Ph.D. Scholar at UMT • Educationist • Research Writer at ScholarshipAlert4u
Dr. Zahra Hasan is a committed educationist and researcher focusing on academic development, higher-education challenges, and scholarship accessibility. She creates research-driven content for ScholarshipAlert4u, helping students find genuine,meaningful scholarship opportunities with confidence and clarity.
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