Author – Ritesh Ranjan: The Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026 is a valuable fully funded scholarship opportunity for international students who wish to pursue higher education in Europe. The programme is sponsored by the Romanian Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade, commonly known as ARICE, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research. It is designed for talented students from non-European Union countries who want to study at accredited universities in Romania without facing heavy financial pressure.
For the 2026 academic session, the scholarship is expected to offer around 40 fully funded awards across bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and selected postgraduate residency programmes. It is especially popular among students from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other non-EU regions because it combines European-quality education with full financial support.
The last date to apply for the Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026 is 12 June 2026. Students who are interested in studying in Romania should prepare their documents early and submit a complete application before the deadline.
What is the Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026?
The Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship is an international scholarship programme that supports students from non-EU countries. The objective of the scholarship is to promote educational cooperation, attract international talent and strengthen Romania’s academic and cultural links with other countries.
Unlike partial scholarships, the ARICE Scholarship is fully funded. This means selected students receive major financial support for their studies, living arrangements and basic academic needs. The scholarship allows students to study at recognised Romanian universities and experience European academic life.
Another important feature of this scholarship is the Romanian language preparatory year. Since most funded programmes under this scholarship are offered in Romanian, selected students are generally required to complete a one-year language course before starting their degree. This helps international students adjust to the academic environment, communicate better and integrate into Romanian society.
Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026: Key Highlights
The scholarship is open to international students from non-EU countries. It covers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral studies, along with selected postgraduate residency programmes. The application deadline is 12 June 2026, and candidates must submit all required documents before this date.
The scholarship is fully funded and includes tuition fee coverage, accommodation support, a monthly stipend, medical assistance and access to student transportation benefits. Around 40 scholarships are expected to be awarded for the 2026 academic intake.
This makes the ARICE Scholarship 2026 one of the most attractive study options in Europe for students seeking affordable and high-quality international education.
What Does the ARICE Scholarship Cover?
The Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026 offers wide financial support to selected candidates. The scholarship usually covers the full tuition fee for the approved study programme, allowing students to study without paying university tuition costs.
Selected students also receive free accommodation, usually in university dormitories or approved student housing, depending on availability and institutional rules. In addition, the scholarship provides a monthly stipend to help students manage basic living expenses.
Medical assistance is also included, helping students access essential healthcare services during their stay in Romania. Scholarship holders may also receive transportation benefits under conditions similar to Romanian students.
One of the biggest advantages is the Romanian language preparatory course. Students who do not already know Romanian are generally offered one year of language training before beginning their main academic programme. This is especially useful because most scholarship-funded programmes are taught in Romanian.
Eligible Study Levels
The Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026 is available for multiple academic levels. Students can apply for bachelor’s degree programmes, master’s degree programmes, doctoral programmes and selected postgraduate residency programmes.
Bachelor’s programmes are suitable for students who have completed their higher secondary education and want to begin undergraduate studies in Romania. Master’s programmes are open to candidates who have already completed an undergraduate degree. PhD programmes are designed for applicants interested in research and advanced academic work.
Doctoral applicants may need preliminary acceptance from a research supervisor at a Romanian university before applying. This is an important requirement because PhD admission often depends on research compatibility, academic background and supervisor approval.
Selected postgraduate residency programmes may also be included, especially in specialised fields such as emergency medicine and cardiology. However, students should carefully check whether their intended programme is eligible under the scholarship.
Priority Fields of Study
Romania gives preference to academic fields connected with national development, economic growth, technology and innovation. Priority areas usually include economics, business administration, agricultural sciences, technical sciences, engineering, oil and gas studies, industrial development, technology and innovation.
These fields are encouraged because they contribute to Romania’s academic, industrial and international development goals. Students applying in these areas may have better alignment with the scholarship’s objectives.
However, not all courses are eligible. Fields such as medicine, dentistry, dental medicine and pharmacy are generally excluded from the scholarship. Candidates must check the eligibility of their chosen programme before submitting the application. Applying for a non-eligible field may lead to rejection even if the applicant has a strong academic profile.
Who Can Apply for the Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026?
The scholarship is open to citizens of non-EU countries. Preference may be given to applicants from countries that do not already have educational cooperation agreements with Romania.
Applicants must have strong academic records and must meet the admission requirements of Romanian universities. They should also not have received a Romanian government scholarship for the same level of study in the past.
The programme is generally not available to Romanian citizens, citizens of European Union countries, people with long-term residence permits in Romania, individuals under protection status in Romania, diplomatic staff and their family members, or staff members of international organisations based in Romania and their families.
Students should read the eligibility conditions carefully before applying. Meeting the nationality requirement alone is not enough. Academic performance, document quality, chosen field of study and compliance with the scholarship rules are all important.
Documents Required
Applicants usually need to prepare a complete application package. The required documents may include completed application forms, academic certificates, academic transcripts, a valid passport, birth certificate, updated CV, recommendation letter and a declaration confirming that the applicant has not previously received the same level of Romanian government scholarship.
All documents should be accurate, clear and complete. Any mismatch in personal details, missing certificate or incomplete application form can affect the selection process. Students should also ensure that translated or legalised documents are prepared if required by the authorities.
How to Apply for the ARICE Scholarship 2026
The application process begins with checking eligibility. Students should first confirm whether they are from an eligible non-EU country and whether their chosen level and field of study are covered by the scholarship.
The next step is to identify suitable Romanian universities and programmes. Candidates should make sure the institution is accredited and the programme aligns with scholarship priorities. PhD applicants should also try to contact potential supervisors in advance.
After selecting the programme, applicants must prepare all required documents. The application forms should be filled out carefully, and every supporting document should be attached as instructed. Once the full application package is ready, it must be submitted before the official deadline of 12 June 2026.
Incomplete applications are likely to be rejected, so students should avoid last-minute submissions.
Selection Process
Selection for the Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026 is competitive. Authorities review applications based on academic performance, quality of documents, relevance of the chosen programme, eligibility compliance and overall merit.
Since only around 40 scholarships are expected to be awarded, applicants should present a strong and well-organised application. A clear CV, strong academic records and a relevant study choice can improve the chances of selection.
Final decisions are made in coordination with Romanian educational authorities. Selected candidates are then guided through the next steps, including university placement, language training and arrival procedures.
Why Study in Romania?
Romania is becoming an increasingly popular study destination for international students. It offers a good combination of affordable living costs, recognised universities, European academic exposure and cultural diversity.
Students who study in Romania can experience life in Europe while building strong academic and professional foundations. The country also provides opportunities to connect with students from different regions, learn a new language and explore European education systems.
For students who cannot afford expensive tuition fees in Western Europe, Romania offers a practical and affordable alternative. With the ARICE Scholarship, this opportunity becomes even more accessible because tuition, accommodation and basic living support are covered.
Conclusion
The Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for international students from non-EU countries who want to study in Europe with full financial support. With benefits such as tuition fee coverage, accommodation, monthly stipend, medical assistance, transportation benefits and Romanian language training, the scholarship removes many financial barriers for deserving students.
Students interested in bachelor’s, master’s, PhD or selected postgraduate residency programmes should begin preparing their applications early. Since the deadline is 12 June 2026, applicants must ensure that all documents are complete and submitted on time.
For students seeking a fully funded European scholarship, the Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026 offers academic opportunity, financial support and international exposure in one strong package.
FAQs
1. What is the Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026?
The Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded scholarship programme for international students from non-EU countries. It supports study at accredited Romanian universities across bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and selected postgraduate residency programmes.
2. What is the deadline for the ARICE Scholarship 2026?
The official application deadline for the Romanian Government ARICE Scholarship 2026 is 12 June 2026. Applicants should submit their complete application before the deadline to avoid rejection.
3. What expenses are covered under the scholarship?
The scholarship usually covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly stipend, medical assistance, transportation benefits and a one-year Romanian language preparatory course for students who need language training.
4. Can students apply for medical courses under this scholarship?
Generally, fields such as medicine, dentistry, dental medicine and pharmacy are excluded from the scholarship. However, selected postgraduate residency programmes, such as emergency medicine and cardiology, may be considered. Applicants should check programme eligibility carefully.
5. Who is eligible to apply for the ARICE Scholarship 2026?
Citizens of non-EU countries with strong academic records can apply. The scholarship is generally not available to Romanian citizens, EU citizens, long-term residents of Romania, diplomatic staff and their family members, or people who have already received a Romanian government scholarship at the same study level.