How to Get a Free Degree in Europe: Romania’s 2026/2027 Government Scholarship for Nigerian Students
Full tuition. Free housing. Monthly cash. No entrance exam. And you don’t pay a kobo back.
Let’s be honest — the words “study abroad for free” get thrown around a lot online, often by people selling something. So before you get excited, here’s what you should know: this one is real, it’s been running for decades, and Nigerian students have benefited from it. The Romanian Government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offers fully-funded scholarships every year to students from non-EU countries — including Nigeria. No agent fees. No entrance test. No IELTS. Just your school results and the right documents.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, applications opened on 16 February 2026 and close on 31 March 2026. That window is short, so read this carefully and start now.
⚠️ Important Correction: Some versions of this article floating online claim that Bachelor’s programmes are taught in English, French, or German. That is incorrect. According to the official Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are only available in Romanian. English-language options only exist at PhD level. Plan accordingly.
What You Actually Get
The scholarship covers the following, straight from the official Romanian MFA scholarship page:
- Full tuition fees — for your entire degree at an accredited public Romanian university
- Free Romanian language preparatory year — a fully funded course before you begin your actual degree
- Accommodation in student dormitories — covered within the government subsidy (contact your university early about availability)
- Monthly stipend — €65 for undergraduates, €75 for Master’s students, €85 for PhD candidates. Roughly 100,000–130,000 naira depending on the exchange rate
- Medical cover — emergency and surgical care included
- Study visa fee — covered by the scholarship
What it does not cover: your flight to Romania and transport from the border to your university. Budget for those yourself.
Bachelor’s degrees typically run three to four years (some up to six, like Architecture). You can choose from Engineering, Business, Law, Arts, Sciences, Agriculture, and more — almost everything except Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, which are reserved for Romanian citizens under this programme.
Who Can Apply
This is open to citizens of non-EU countries — Nigeria qualifies. Here’s what the official Study in Romania scholarship platform requires:
- Nigerian citizen with no EU citizenship
- High school average of at least 7 out of 10 in the Romanian grading system — roughly a “Good” grade, equivalent to strong WAEC or NECO results
- Not currently studying in Romania on a Romanian government scholarship
- Not previously held this scholarship for the same level of study
- Medical certificate confirming good health
- Valid passport
On age limits: You may have seen older posts claiming there’s a 35-year cap. The current official FAQ states there is no age limit. If you see that figure elsewhere, it’s outdated.
The Language Reality — Read This Before Choosing Your Course
This is where a lot of applicants get caught off guard. Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are taught entirely in Romanian. So unless you’re already fluent, you’ll spend your first year in a fully funded language preparatory course — and only then begin your actual degree.
That year isn’t wasted. Students who’ve gone through it say it builds genuine fluency fast, partly because daily life outside the classroom forces you to practice constantly. But go in with realistic expectations: you won’t be sitting in English-language lectures from day one. If that’s a deal-breaker, Romania at undergrad level may not be the right fit. PhD candidates have more flexibility — doctoral programmes can sometimes be conducted in English depending on the doctoral school.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Everything is done online at scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro. No embassy submissions, no paper mail.
- Create your account — register with a working email you check regularly. All updates, including your result, come here
- Fill the application form — select Bachelor’s level, then choose up to three universities and courses. Pick carefully; changing these later isn’t straightforward
- Upload your documents — see the list below
- Submit before 31 March 2026 — the platform gets busy toward the end. Don’t leave it to the last few days
Results are announced around 15 July 2026. If selected, accept quickly and begin visa arrangements.
Documents You’ll Need
Per the official MFA scholarship page:
- Secondary school certificate and transcripts (WAEC/NECO) — must be apostilled or authenticated, plus translated if not already in English, French, Spanish, or Romanian
- Birth certificate — with authorised translation if needed
- Valid passport — copy of the first three pages
- CV/resumé
- Medical certificate confirming you’re fit to study
- Passport-size photographs
On apostilles: This is something many Nigerian applicants overlook. Your educational documents may need apostilling through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria. Start this process early — it takes time.
Tips That Actually Help
- Pick courses that match your grades. If your results are solid but not exceptional, go for programmes with fewer applicants rather than the most competitive choices
- Apply early. The platform can lag when thousands of people submit in the final days
- Respond to follow-up emails quickly. Slow responses can cost you your spot
- Join Nigerian scholarship communities on WhatsApp or Telegram — past beneficiaries share practical tips about dorm life and settling in. Just always cross-check advice with the official site
- Never pay anyone to apply for you. The application is completely free. Anyone asking for money is running a scam
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
Missing even one required document usually means outright rejection — there’s no back-and-forth to fix gaps after submission. Submitting documents that aren’t properly authenticated or translated is another common problem. And choosing courses you’re genuinely not suited for can hurt your chances during the selection review.
Double-check everything before you hit submit.
So, Is This Worth It?
A free degree in Europe, accommodation covered, a monthly stipend, and no loan hanging over you when you graduate — for anyone who can handle the Romanian language learning curve, this is a serious opportunity. Romania is a full EU member state, meaning your degree is recognised across Europe. Graduate opportunities in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, or France become far more accessible with a European qualification.
The deadline is 31 March 2026. Head to scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro and start your application today. You can also review the full programme details on the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
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Note: Stipend amounts and programme details are accurate as of February 2026, sourced from the official Romanian MFA and Study in Romania platform. Always verify on the official site before applying, as conditions can change.
