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The ARICE Scholarship Program, offered by the Romanian Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade (ARICE), is a fully funded opportunity for international students from non-EU and non-EFTA countries to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees at accredited Romanian public universities. This guide provides everything you need to know about securing the ARICE Scholarship for the 2025-26 cycle, including eligibility, application steps, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why Choose the ARICE Scholarship?

The ARICE Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students seeking quality education in Romania without financial burdens. It eliminates the IELTS requirement, accepting a commitment to a free Romanian language course or, for some programs, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate for English-taught PhD programs. With comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, and stipends, this scholarship fosters academic and cultural growth in Romania’s vibrant academic landscape.

About the ARICE Scholarship Program

Institution/Sponsor

The Romanian Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade (ARICE), in partnership with Romania’s Ministry of Education, administers this scholarship to promote Romania’s academic and cultural heritage. ARICE supports international students at accredited state universities, such as the University of Bucharest (ranked #701-710 in QS World University Rankings 2025) and Politehnica University of Bucharest, known for excellence in engineering, economics, and agricultural sciences. Romania’s education system blends European standards with a rich cultural history, making it an attractive destination for global scholars.

Scholarship Features

The ARICE Scholarship is fully funded and offers the following benefits:

• Full Tuition Coverage: No registration or tuition fees at accredited public universities.
• Free Romanian Language Course: A one-year preparatory program for non-Romanian speakers to ensure academic success.
• Monthly Stipend:
  • €65/month for preparatory and Bachelor’s students
  • €75/month for Master’s students
  • €85/month for PhD students
• Free Accommodation: Provided in university dormitories at no cost.
• Medical Assistance: Includes basic healthcare and emergency medical services.
• Transportation Facilities: Free access to local public transport (ground, naval, underground, domestic rail, and car).
• Program Duration: Supports Bachelor’s (3–6 years), Master’s (1.5–2 years), PhD, and postgraduate residency programs (e.g., emergency medicine, cardiology).
• Priority Fields: Focuses on economics, agricultural sciences, technical sciences, and oil and gas (excludes medicine, dental medicine, and pharmacy).
• Work Opportunities: Allows part-time work during studies and full-time work during holidays.

English Proficiency

• No IELTS required.
• For Romanian-taught programs, applicants must commit to the free one-year Romanian language course.
• For English-taught PhD programs, an MOI certificate (proving prior education in English) is accepted.

Learn More

Visit the ARICE Scholarship website for detailed information and application guidelines.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ARICE Scholarship 2025-26, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Must be from a non-EU, non-EFTA country with diplomatic relations with Romania.
• Educational Background:
  • Bachelor’s: Completed high school or equivalent.
  • Master’s: Completed a Bachelor’s degree.
  • PhD: Completed a Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Language Requirement: Commit to the free Romanian language course for Romanian-taught programs or provide an MOI certificate for English-taught PhD programs.
• Exclusions: Applicants with Romanian citizenship or those who previously received similar Romanian government scholarships are ineligible.
• Health: Must provide a medical certificate proving fitness to study.

Application Process

The ARICE Scholarship application is straightforward and conducted entirely by email:

• Prepare Required Documents: Gather all documents in PDF format (see below).
• Complete Application Form: Download the official ARICE form from the ARICE Scholarship website.
• Submit Application: Email all documents to burse2025@arice.gov.ro (mailto:burse2025@arice.gov.ro) by May 31, 2025.
• Await Results: Selection results are expected after July 15, 2025.
• Visa Processing: Selected students must apply for a Romanian student visa.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Completed ARICE application form.
• Copies of academic diplomas and transcripts (translated and notarized if necessary).
• Recommendation letter (from an academic or professional referee).
• Declaration confirming no prior receipt of this scholarship.
• Valid passport or national ID (minimum 6 months validity).
• Birth certificate (translated if necessary).
• Medical certificate proving fitness to study.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Two passport-sized photos.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the ARICE Scholarship 2025-26 is May 31, 2025. Submit all documents electronically to burse2025@arice.gov.ro (mailto:burse2025@arice.gov.ro) before the deadline.

FAQs About the ARICE Scholarship

1. What is the ARICE Scholarship?

The ARICE Scholarship is a fully funded program by the Romanian government for non-EU, non-EFTA students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees at Romanian public universities, covering tuition, accommodation, stipends, and more.

2. Do I need IELTS for the ARICE Scholarship?

No, IELTS is not required. Applicants must commit to a free one-year Romanian language course for Romanian-taught programs or provide an MOI certificate for English-taught PhD programs.

3. Can I apply if I have Romanian citizenship?

No, applicants with Romanian citizenship or dual citizenship including Romania are ineligible.

4. What fields of study are covered?

The scholarship prioritizes economics, agricultural sciences, technical sciences, and oil and gas. Medical fields (medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy) are excluded.

5. When will I know if I’m selected?

Selection results are expected after July 15, 2025, as per the official timeline.

6. Can I work while studying on the ARICE Scholarship?

Yes, scholarship recipients can work part-time during studies and full-time during holidays.

7. Do I need a visa for the ARICE Scholarship?

Yes, selected students must apply for a Romanian student visa. Check requirements on the ARICE Scholarship website.

Tips for a Successful ARICE Application

• Start Early: Begin preparing documents 6–12 months before the May 31, 2025 deadline.
• Tailor Your Application: Highlight your interest in Romania’s priority fields (e.g., engineering, economics) in your statement of purpose.
• Verify Language Requirements: Confirm if your chosen program requires Romanian or accepts an MOI certificate for English-taught PhD programs.
• Ensure Document Accuracy: Notarize translations of diplomas, transcripts, and birth certificates if required.
• Check Official Website: Visit the ARICE Scholarship website for the latest guidelines and forms.

Final Application Checklist

Before submitting, ensure you have:

• Completed ARICE application form
• Academic diplomas and transcripts (translated if necessary)
• Recommendation letter
• Declaration of no prior Romanian scholarship
• Valid passport or national ID
• Birth certificate
• Medical certificate
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Two passport-sized photos

Start Your ARICE Scholarship Journey Today

The ARICE Scholarship 2025-26 offers a fully funded path to study in Romania’s vibrant academic environment, covering tuition, accommodation, stipends, and more. With a focus on fields like engineering, agriculture, and economics, this program is ideal for non-EU, non-EFTA students seeking quality education without IELTS. Applications are due by May 31, 2025, with results announced after July 15, 2025. Start preparing now to secure this life-changing opportunity.

For detailed guidelines, visit the ARICE Scholarship website or contact burse2025@arice.gov.ro (mailto:burse2025@arice.gov.ro).

Ready to apply? Share your ARICE Scholarship plans or ask questions in the comments below, and check our related posts for more study-abroad tips!