ARICE Romania Government Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded

The ARICE Romania Government Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for international students from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, including Ethiopia. Offered by the Romanian Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade (ARICE) in collaboration with the Romanian Government, this scholarship supports Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs at accredited state universities in Romania. It aims to attract talented students from developing countries to pursue higher education in Europe.

Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support including full tuition fee exemption for the entire study period, free dormitory accommodation, a monthly living stipend to cover food and daily expenses, free medical services (emergency and epidemic-related healthcare), free local public transport, and a free one-year Romanian language preparatory course. There are no registration or application fees.

Applicants must be citizens of a non-EU and non-EFTA country. Romanian citizens and EU nationals are not eligible. For Bachelor's programs, applicants need a high school diploma with strong academic grades. Master's applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree, and PhD applicants must have a Master's degree. A strong academic record is required for all levels. Applicants must not have long-term residency in Romania, not have sought protection in Romania, and must not have previously received a Romanian state scholarship for the same study cycle. No prior Romanian language knowledge is required, as a free preparatory year is provided. For programs potentially taught in English or French, applicants should check specific university requirements.

Required documents, all to be submitted in PDF format, include: a completed Application Form (downloadable from the ARICE website), a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), copies of academic diplomas and certificates, complete academic transcripts of previous studies, a copy of your birth certificate (with certified translation if not in Romanian, English, or French), a copy of the first two pages of your valid passport, two recent passport-size photographs, a medical certificate proving good health, a letter of recommendation from a professor or employer, and a Declaration (Annex 3) stating no previous Romanian state scholarship for the same level. Additional documents such as an identity card copy (with legalized translation) and proof of name change (if applicable) may also be required. All documents must be in Romanian, English, or French, or include certified translations.

To apply, first confirm that you meet all eligibility and academic requirements. Research accredited Romanian state universities and identify programs that match your academic background and career goals. Note that most undergraduate programs are taught in Romanian, for which the free language course is provided. Gather all required documents, ensuring they are in PDF format and translated if necessary. Visit the official ARICE scholarship page at https://arice.gov.ro/1/burse-2026/ to download the application form. Carefully read the “Announcement,” “Selection Procedure,” and “Application File” sections. Fill out the application form completely and accurately. Send your complete application (the filled form and all required documents) via email to [email protected]. The submission period is from May 11 to June 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM Romanian time. Use a clear subject line for your email, such as “ARICE Scholarship Application – Your Name – Your Country.”

There are 40 scholarships available for the 2026–2027 academic year, distributed across Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels. The selection process is competitive. Most undergraduate programs are taught in Romanian, making the free one-year preparatory language course a crucial part of the scholarship package. Some Master's and PhD programs may be offered in English or French; applicants should verify this with their chosen university. The application is completely free. Failure to pass the language test after the preparatory year may prevent progression to the chosen degree program. Preselection results will be announced by July 31, 2026, on the ARICE website, and final results will be published after September 15, 2026. Successful candidates will also be notified by email. Romania is considered a safe country for international students.