The Romania ARICE Scholarship 2026/27 is now officially open for applications, offering one of the most accessible fully funded study pathways in Eastern Europe. The Romanian Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade (ARICE), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, grants 40 scholarships annually to international students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees. Students actively seeking fully funded scholarships in Europe will find this program particularly compelling, as it targets non-EU and non-EFTA nationals from across the globe. Furthermore, the program charges no application fee, making it genuinely accessible to candidates from all economic backgrounds.
What sets the ARICE Scholarship Program apart from similar European funding schemes is its built-in Romanian Language Course. Every selected scholar completes a free one-year language preparation program before beginning their main degree. Additionally, the scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, medical assistance, and local transport. As demand for Europe scholarships for international students continues to grow, Romania’s ARICE program stands out as a structured, government-backed route into accredited Romanian state institutions.
With only 40 positions available across all degree levels, competition for this fully funded scholarship 2026 is intense. Therefore, understanding the priority subject areas, eligibility conditions, and required documentation is essential before submitting. The comprehensive breakdown below covers every detail — from financial benefits to the step-by-step application process — so you can prepare a strong submission before the June 12, 2026 deadline.
Details About the Romania ARICE Scholarship 2026/27
- Host Country: Romania
- Funded By: Romanian Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade (ARICE) and the Ministry of Education
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
- Number of Scholarships: 40 per year
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Language Preparation: Free one-year Romanian Language Course included
- Application Fee: None
- Final Decision Authority: Ministry of Education and Research
- Application Deadline: June 12, 2026
Also check: Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI) Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded PhD in Italy
Financial Benefits
The ARICE Scholarship covers virtually every major expense a student faces during their academic journey in Romania. It combines cash stipends, free housing, and essential services into one complete package.
- No Registration Fee: Zero application or enrollment charges at any stage of the process
- Free Romanian Language Course: A full preparatory year of Romanian language training at no cost, provided before the main degree begins
- Full Tuition Coverage: Complete tuition fee exemption across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs for the entire duration of study
- Monthly Stipend: A regular living allowance paid each month to cover daily personal expenses
- Free Accommodation: University-managed housing provided throughout the scholarship period
- Medical Assistance: Access to healthcare and medical support services as part of the scholarship package
- Free Local and Domestic Transport: Coverage for local commuting and domestic travel within Romania
Also check: KAAD Scholarships 2026-27 in Germany | Fully Funded
Priority Areas
While ARICE considers applications from a wide range of disciplines, the selection committee gives preferential weight to candidates in the following fields. Aligning your application with a priority area strengthens your selection prospects considerably.
- Economics and Business Administration
- Agricultural Sciences
- Technical Sciences
- Oil and Gas
Candidates from other academic disciplines may still apply and receive consideration. However, priority field applicants hold a competitive advantage during the selection process.
Note: Dental medicine, stomatology, and pharmacy are explicitly excluded from this scholarship program.
Scholarship Duration
The length of funding varies depending on the degree level and specific program of study. Plan your academic timeline carefully before selecting your program.
- Bachelor’s Degree: 3 to 6 years
- Master’s Degree: 1.5 to 2 years
- Postgraduate / Residency Programs: 3 to 6 years
- Doctoral (PhD) Programs: 3 to 5 years
Also check: Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria
The ARICE Scholarship targets a specific group of international candidates. Review every condition carefully before beginning your application to confirm you qualify fully.
- Nationality: Open to nationals of all countries worldwide, with priority given to non-EU and non-EFTA state citizens
- Residency Status: Applicants must not hold a long-term residence permit in Romania at the time of application
- Protection Status: Candidates who have applied for international protection in Romania are not eligible
- Romanian Citizens: Romanian nationals are not eligible under any circumstances
- Academic Background: Applicants must meet the entry requirements of their chosen Romanian state institution and degree level
Who Is NOT Eligible
Before investing time in your application, confirm you do not fall into any of the following categories.
- Citizens of EU member states
- Citizens of EFTA member states
- Romanian nationals
- Candidates who have applied for protection in Romania
- Candidates who currently hold a long-term residence permit in Romania
- Students applying to dental medicine, stomatology, or pharmacy programs
Also check: Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI) Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded PhD in Italy
Required Documents
Prepare all supporting materials carefully and well in advance of the deadline. Every document must meet the formatting and authenticity standards outlined on the official ARICE portal.
- Letter of Recommendation: An official endorsement from an academic supervisor, professor, or senior professional
- Application Forms: Completed official ARICE forms including Annex 1, Annex 2, and Annex 3 (Declaration of Non-Benefit), downloaded from the official website
- Academic Documents: Certified copies of all diplomas and transcripts from previously attended institutions
- Identity Documents: Valid passport, national ID card, and birth certificate
- Medical Certificate: An official health clearance document confirming fitness for full-time study
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A structured academic and professional résumé
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs as specified in the application guidelines
How to Apply for the Romania ARICE Scholarship 2026/27
The application process runs entirely through the official ARICE government portal. Therefore, read every instruction carefully before downloading any file or filling out any form.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to arice.gov.ro/1/burse-2026 to access all application materials
- Download All Required Files: Download Annex 1, Annex 2, Annex 3, and the official application form directly from the portal
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in all personal, academic, and program selection details accurately and completely
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required supporting documents and ensure each meets the portal’s formatting and authenticity standards
- Submit Before the Deadline: Complete and submit your full application no later than June 12, 2026
- Monitor Results: Check the ARICE official website regularly after submission; results are also emailed directly to successful applicants
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Now Live |
| Application Deadline | June 12, 2026 |
| Results Announcement | Posted on ARICE website + email notification |
| Language Course Start | Prior to main degree commencement |
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