Before applying for a Romanian Government Scholarship, check one detail that can change your entire study plan: bachelor’s and master’s courses under this programme are taught in Romanian. Students who do not already meet the language requirement normally spend a preparatory year learning it. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship is open to eligible non-EU applicants, including Nigerians and Indians, but it is not the same as an English-taught, all-expenses-paid degree.
Status: Not open yet. The 2027/2028 call has not been published (checked October 14, 2026). The last call ran from February 16 to March 31, 2026.
Who runs it
The scholarship comes from the Romanian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You apply through the official Study in Romania portal. The Ministry of Education issues the letters of acceptance.
Who can apply
- Citizens of any country outside the European Union, including Nigeria and India.
- Students with an average of at least 7 on the Romanian grading scale, or “Good”, in their last completed studies.
- Review the official call for any age-related or parental-consent requirements that apply to your circumstances; do not rely on a general scholarship age rule.
You cannot apply if you are of Romanian origin, if you hold or have asked for protection in Romania, or if you already hold a Romanian state scholarship for the same level.
Levels and places
- Bachelor’s degree: 3 to 6 years.
- Master’s degree: 1 to 2 years.
- PhD: 4 years. You need written agreement from a doctoral supervisor before you apply, and you must pass an interview.
Medicine, dental medicine and pharmacy are not eligible. The number of awards and available university places may change between calls, so consult the official announcement for the year you plan to enter.
What it covers
- Tuition for the preparatory year and for your degree.
- No registration, application or testing fees.
- A monthly allowance in Romanian lei during the preparatory year and your degree.
- Funding for dormitory accommodation within the government’s allocated subsidy, subject to available places and the host university’s accommodation conditions.
This is not a zero-cost move. International flights and personal expenses are not covered. The programme offers dormitory accommodation support within an allocated subsidy, but places are limited and additional accommodation charges may still apply. Confirm the amount covered and any balance with the host university. Allow for visa and travel expenses in your own budget. The official scholarship information sets the allowance in Romanian lei; check the applicable call and award terms for the current amount.
The Romanian language year
Bachelor’s and master’s programmes under this scholarship are taught in Romanian. A PhD can be in Romanian or in another language chosen by the doctoral school.
If you do not speak Romanian, you first spend one preparatory year learning it. You can skip that year if you pass a Romanian language test, hold a B1 certificate or higher, or have school records that show several consecutive years of study in Romanian.
When to apply
- 2027/2028 call: not published yet.
- 2026/2027 call: open from February 16 to March 31, 2026. Results came by email around July 15, 2026.
- 2025/2026 call: the deadline was March 12, 2025. Results came around June 30, 2025.
Both recent calls closed in March. Have your documents ready by early 2027.
What the scholarship pays and what you should budget for
| Expense | What to expect |
|---|---|
| University tuition | Funded for the approved preparatory year and degree |
| Monthly stipend | Paid in Romanian lei under the current government rules |
| International airfare | Not covered |
| Visa and personal expenses | Budget for these yourself |
| Student accommodation | Funding within an allocated dormitory subsidy, subject to availability; confirm possible extra charges |
This comparison is based on the official MFA scholarship FAQ and the Romanian Government’s general scholarship guidance. Do not book travel before receiving an official award and confirming your university arrangements.
Which applicants should think twice?
If you need an English-taught bachelor’s or master’s degree, this programme may not suit you. If you intend to study medicine, dentistry or pharmacy, the MFA award excludes those fields. A PhD applicant should secure the required supervisor agreement before submitting a doctoral application. Anyone who cannot afford international travel should budget carefully before accepting an offer.
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerian and Indian students apply?
Citizens of Nigeria and India can qualify as non-EU applicants, subject to the programme’s listed exclusions and the academic and document requirements.
Can I study in English?
Bachelor’s and master’s scholarships are for Romanian-taught courses. Some PhD programmes may use another language where the doctoral school allows it.
Do I need IELTS?
An IELTS score is not a universal requirement for the Romanian-taught bachelor’s and master’s route. You must meet the applicable Romanian-language preparation or exemption rules and any programme requirements.
Is the 2027/28 application portal open?
As checked on October 14, 2026, no new 2027/28 announcement has been published. The previous round closed on March 31, 2026. Follow the official portal rather than an unofficial deadline forecast.
How to apply
Apply online only, through the Study in Romania scholarship portal. Applications sent by email, or to an embassy or ministry, are rejected. You can send one application, and you cannot change it after you submit it.
Documents you need:
- Diplomas and transcripts, with authorised translations.
- Birth certificate.
- The first three pages of a valid passport.
- A CV in English, French or Romanian.
- A signed data protection (GDPR) consent.
- For PhD only: a letter of intent, a research project and your supervisor’s written agreement.
Your study documents must be apostilled or authenticated in your home country. If you are selected, you accept the award on the portal, apply for a long-stay visa, and give a medical certificate when you enrol.
Official pages: 2026/2027 call and scholarship FAQ.
Three mistakes that can make a strong application fail
- Start the apostille now. Authenticating certificates and transcripts can take weeks in Nigeria and India.
- Plan for the extra year. Your degree takes one year longer unless you already speak Romanian.
- Check your field. Medicine, dental medicine and pharmacy are not covered.
- Budget for travel. You pay for your flights and your visa.
Related guides
- Fully Funded Master's Scholarships in Europe for Nigerian Students (2027 Entry)
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships: Guide for International Students
- DAAD EPOS Scholarships in Germany for African and Indian Applicants (2027/28)
Status checked October 14, 2026, from the official Study in Romania pages. Dates and amounts change each year, so check the official call before you apply.