Scholarships, tuition, and financial support

Financing your education is a key step toward ensuring a stable academic journey in Romania. Depending on your specific circumstances—whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD—various scholarships, tuition waivers, and social benefits can help ease the financial burden. Romanian universities, government agencies, and NGOs offer targeted support for Ukrainian refugees to accommodate the challenges posed by displacement or incomplete documentation.

1. Tuition waivers & special University programs

1. Full or partial tuition waivers

   • Public Universities: Many have introduced seats specifically dedicated to Ukrainian nationals (e.g., “non-EU with special status,” “refugee scholarships,” etc.). In some cases, this translates into 0 tuition fees for the duration of your studies.

   • Example: Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai (UBB)

     • Website: ubbcluj.ro

     • What you’ll find:

       • Announcements about “special scholarships” for Ukrainian students.

       • Admission pages with updated tuition fee schedules and potential fee exemptions.

     • Tip: Their International Office often posts calls for refugee scholarships, which may cover both tuition and housing.

2. Private Universities

   • Some private institutions also offer discounted fees or need-based scholarships for refugees. Always confirm official accreditation on the Ministry of Education’s list.

   • Private universities might have smaller scholarship budgets, so apply early to improve your chances.

3. Dedicated refugee quotas

   • Under certain ministerial orders (e.g., Ordinul nr. 3325/2022), universities can reallocate or create new slots for refugees at the same or reduced tuition rates as Romanian or EU students.

2. Social & merit-based scholarships

1. Social (Need-based) scholarships

   • Definition: Offered to students from low-income families or facing economic hardships, including refugees who may lack stable financial backing.

   • How to apply:

     • Submit a form available at your faculty’s Student Secretariat or bursary office.

     • Provide relevant documents—often a self-declaration of income or a statement on your situation as a displaced person.

   • University Example: Universitatea „Ștefan cel Mare” Suceava

     • Website: usv.ro

     • What you’ll find:

       • Section on “Burse studențești” (Student Scholarships).

       • Clear instructions for Ukrainian nationals on how to apply for “bursă socială” without all typical documents.

2. Merit scholarships

   • High academic performance: If you have strong grades or relevant achievements, you might qualify for merit scholarships.

   • Some universities factor in previous Ukrainian transcripts or performance on internal exams if official transcripts are incomplete.

   • Tip: Even if you lack some papers, you can sometimes highlight your academic history or extracurricular work for consideration.

3. NGO partnerships

   • Universities frequently partner with NGOs (e.g., CNRR, IOM, local organizations) to deliver short-term cash grants or small stipends.

   • Check your faculty’s bulletin boards or email the International Office to see if any external scholarships are currently open.

3. Government aid & social Bbenefits

1. Monthly allowances

   • As a student with temporary protection in Romania, you may simultaneously qualify for certain social benefits (e.g., child allowance, minimal income support if you live below a certain threshold).

   • Resource: ProtectieUcraina.gov.ro – Social Assistance Section

     • What you’ll find:

       • Information on applying for child allowance (alocație de stat).

       • Guidance on the minimal income program or housing subsidies.

2. Top-Up grants for students

   • Occasionally, the Ministry of Education announces special top-up grants for foreign students facing difficult conditions. Keep an eye on edu.ro or your university’s website.

   • Note: These are often limited-time offers.

3. Local Government aid

   • Certain city halls (Primăria) or county councils may run specialized programs for refugee students, such as covering public transport costs or offering meal vouchers.

   • Inquire at your local Direcția de Asistență Socială for potential monthly stipends or free accommodations in municipal hostels.

4. Additional financial support channels

1. Erasmus+ & other EU programs

   • If you enroll in a Romanian university participating in Erasmus+ networks, you might access short-term mobility scholarships or training grants.

   • Link: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

     • What you’ll find:

       • Overview of Erasmus+ calls, possible short-term internships, and funded mobility to other EU countries.

2. Private or corporate sponsorships

   • Large multinational companies sometimes offer scholarships or sponsor refugee students in STEM or business fields.

   • Keep an eye on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives from companies like Microsoft, Google, or local Romanian firms that occasionally set up dedicated funds.

3. Student loan possibilities

   • While less common, certain banks in Romania might offer educational loans with lower interest rates.

   • Ask your university’s finance/bursary department if they have partnerships with local banks for simpler loan terms.

   • Caution: Evaluate carefully to ensure you can repay a loan. Scholarships or grants are always preferable if available.

5. Practical steps to secure funding

1. Check the University Website thoroughly

   • Look for sections labeled “Burse” (Romanian for “scholarships”), “Financial Aid,” or “Scholarships for International Students.”

   • Some faculties post updated calls every semester—be sure you check close to admission and at the beginning of each academic year.

2. Gather basic documents

   • Proof of refugee status or temporary protection: A copy of your residence permit.

   • Student ID or admission letter: If you’re already admitted or in the process.

   • Financial statements or a self-seclaration: Universities might require confirmation you cannot cover tuition and living costs.

3. Contact the Financial/Bursary Office

   • Every faculty typically has a “Secretariat” or “Biroul de Burse” (Scholarship Office). Email or visit them directly.

   • They can clarify submission deadlines, required forms, and the criteria for awarding scholarships.

4. Keep track of deadlines

   • Some scholarships have strict closing dates. Others may accept rolling applications.

   • If you miss a deadline, ask if there’s a second call mid-year or an emergency fund for new arrivals.

5. Stay alert for updates

   • Legislation and special funding lines for Ukrainian refugees can change rapidly.

   • Check the Ministry of Education “Alături de Ucraina” page and your university’s announcements frequently for new opportunities or policy shifts.

Additional Links & Tips

• Ministerul Educației – Scholarship Regulations

  • Often publishes general guidelines for awarding state-funded scholarships and may post news about refugee support.

• Jobs4Ukr – Financial Support Section

  • Aggregates info on some scholarship programs or grants from the private sector and NGOs.

• ANOSR (Alianța Națională a Organizațiilor Studențești din România)

  • anosr.ro – Student advocacy group that might publish updates on new scholarships or legislative changes for student funding.

• Local Student Unions

  • Keep in touch with them to learn about any short-term grants or direct financial assistance. They sometimes run donation drives or have direct sponsors supporting refugee students.

Securing the right scholarship or tuition waiver can significantly alleviate financial stress while you focus on your academic progress. From university-specific bursaries to governmental grants and NGO partnerships, Romania offers a patchwork of options for Ukrainian students in need. Thoroughly research each institution’s website, contact the appropriate financial/bursary offices, and keep track of application deadlines.

Remember, many universities have specially designated staff to assist Ukrainian nationals, so if you are unclear about any requirement or you lack certain documents, don’t hesitate to email or call. By being proactive and applying to multiple programs or scholarship avenues, you’ll maximize your chances of receiving the financial support you need to successfully study in Romania.