Looking for a fully funded scholarship to study in Europe? The Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2025 could be exactly what you need.
Offered by the Romanian Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade (ARICE), this prestigious scholarship is now accepting applications from international students who wish to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies in Romania. The program covers full tuition, accommodation, and monthly living expenses—making it one of the most generous scholarships available for non-EU students.
This guide provides all the essential information you need to apply successfully: eligibility, benefits, application process, and useful tips to stand out.
Why Choose Romania for Your Studies?
Romania is a hidden gem among European study destinations. While it may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about international education, Romania offers a blend of high-quality education, affordable living, and excellent post-graduation opportunities.
Quality Education in English
Romanian universities offer a wide range of programs in English, especially at the graduate level. However, if your chosen course is only available in Romanian, the scholarship includes a fully funded preparatory year to learn the language.
Work and Stay Opportunities
International students are permitted to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during breaks. After graduation, you can apply for a temporary residence permit to seek full-time employment in Romania or elsewhere in the EU.
Affordable Living and Tuition-Free Education
Romania offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other EU countries. With the ARICE scholarship covering tuition and accommodation, students can enjoy a financially stress-free study experience.
Safety and Stability
Romania is considered one of the safer countries in Europe. The crime rate is low, and university campuses generally have security protocols to ensure the safety of international students.
Long-Term Benefits: Citizenship
Students who reside in Romania for five or more years and meet other requirements—such as passing a Romanian language test and having a clean criminal record—can apply for Romanian citizenship. This is a long-term opportunity for those seeking to establish themselves in Europe.
Overview of the ARICE Scholarship 2025
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Host Country: Romania
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Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
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Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
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Open to: All non-EU and non-EFTA countries
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Number of Scholarships: 40
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Language Requirement: No IELTS/TOEFL required
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Deadline: May 15, 2025
What the Scholarship Covers
The Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship is comprehensive in its benefits:
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Full tuition waiver for the entire duration of your program
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Fully covered Romanian language preparatory year (if needed)
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Monthly stipend throughout the academic year (amount varies by degree level)
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Free student accommodation in university dormitories
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Emergency medical assistance
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Free access to public transportation within Romania (bus, train, subway, etc.)
These benefits are designed to remove financial barriers and allow students to focus fully on their academic and personal development.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scholarship, you must:
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Be a citizen of a non-EU and non-EFTA country
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Hold the necessary academic qualifications to apply for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program
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Not have received another Romanian government scholarship for the same level of study
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Be willing to undertake a preparatory year in Romanian if your chosen program is taught in Romanian
It is not mandatory to have prior knowledge of Romanian. However, learning the language is encouraged for easier cultural integration and communication.
Fields of Study
Applicants can choose from a variety of disciplines including:
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Engineering and Technology
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Natural Sciences
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Medical and Health Sciences
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Social Sciences
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Humanities
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Arts
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Business and Economics
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Agricultural Sciences
Romania is home to several internationally recognized universities offering courses in both English and Romanian.
List of Required Documents
Here are the documents you need to prepare:
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Completed application form (available on the official ARICE portal or Romanian Embassy site)
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Letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, or employer
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Copy of academic diplomas (high school diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate as applicable)
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Certified transcripts of academic records
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Personal statement declaring you have not received a prior Romanian scholarship at the same level
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Birth certificate (translated if not in English/French/Romanian)
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Original medical certificate stating you are fit to study
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Legalized copy of your national ID
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Copy of the passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended start date)
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Two recent passport-sized photographs
All academic documents must be translated into English, French, or Romanian and authenticated by the relevant authorities in your country.
How to Apply
You can submit your application in one of two ways:
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Online Submission: Via the official ARICE platform (details available on their website)
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Through a Romanian Embassy or Consulate: Contact your local Romanian diplomatic mission for submission procedures
Be sure to check with your local embassy as different countries may have slight variations in the application process.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, so make sure you prepare and submit everything well in advance.
Top Romanian Universities to Consider
Romania is home to several reputable universities where ARICE scholars have studied in the past:
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University of Bucharest
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Babeș-Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca)
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Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (Iași)
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Politehnica University of Bucharest
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Transilvania University of Brașov
Each of these universities offers a rich academic environment with modern facilities and international partnerships.
After You’re Selected
If selected, you will receive:
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An official admission letter
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A scholarship confirmation from the Romanian government
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Guidance on obtaining a Romanian student visa
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Support with pre-departure preparation, accommodation, and university registration
Romania also provides orientation services for new international students to help you settle in more easily.
Final Thoughts
The Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2025 is more than just a financial aid program — it’s a gateway to European education, global opportunities, and long-term career growth.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or an aspiring researcher looking for postgraduate funding, this scholarship can change the trajectory of your future.
Start preparing now. Gather your documents, reach out to recommenders, and begin your application. With proper planning and a compelling application, your study abroad journey in Romania could begin sooner than you think.
