The 2025-2026 application is now closed. The 2026-2027 competition will open in Spring 2025.

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Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Romania

5 Open Study/Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
October Start
Grant Length
9 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research
Award Profile

Proposals are welcome from well-qualified candidates at all degree levels with established relations with the host institution. The Commission expects proposals in all disciplines - fine arts & music, humanities, and social sciences, as well as in the fields of science and technology. The research projects should take into consideration subjects relevant to both Romania and the United States and have in view contributing to the educational and cultural relations between the two contries.  

Grantees are encouraged to conduct independent research projects at Romanian universities and research centers. Other hosts such as NGOs, museums, and cultural institutions can be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are unsure about finding a proper affiliate, please reach out to the Commission with questions.

Grant Length
9 Months
Grant Period
October Start

The grant length is 9 months, October through June, coinciding with the academic year in Romania.

Orientation
In-Country Orientation

Grantees will be required to attend a multi-day in-country orientation at the end of September/beginning of October. This event typically covers topics such as the Romanian academic life and culture, the higher education system, practical information about living and teaching or doing research in Romania, and the specifics of your grant, but it also provides an excellent networking opportunity for the grantees.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have strong intercultural and leadership skills, show academic maturity and rigor and be capable of working independantly, while the proposed projects should be innovative, feasible and fit in the candidate's previous academic training and future objectives. Candidates at all degree levels will be considered (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral), but preference is given to Master’s and Ph.D. candidates. 

What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

The dynamics of Romanian economy and society has been extraordinary in the last years – and trying to provide definitions and clues may prove very challenging. Reality is changing at a fast pace and these changes are sometimes difficult to keep track of. The changes are generally positive and tend to bring Romania closer and closer to Western standards.

Flexibility is certainly needed for grantees to adjust their lifestyles to the new environment. After the initial transition, you will probably surprise yourself by managing quite well. Do not let preoccupation with the minutiae of daily life hinder your work or prevent you from enjoying the charm and beauty of the country and its people. If you expect things to take a bit longer and not always be as you were used to, your adaptation will be easily carried out.

You may have to temper your professional expectations to conform to the bureaucratic realities here, resulting from the constant changes in legislation, administration, and even thinking, the country is undergoing at present.

Despite the necessary adjustments, living in Romania can be very rewarding and fulfilling. Romania is rich in things to see and do. You should try to make an effort, especially if you live in a city, to get out in the country to smaller towns and villages, where the pace of life is slower, and the people are usually more relaxed.

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
6 Months
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Not Required

Additional Information: Romanian language ability should be commensurate with the requirements of the proposed project and affiliation. English is widely spoken at least in the academic environment throughout Romania. The Commission also provides a one-time allowance of $800 for community integration, including Romanian language training, during the grant period.

Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation
Independent Study/Research:
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline

Applicants should arrange affiliation and submit letter(s) of invitation with their application. Grantees may not attend regularly scheduled university classes.

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits
Award Benefits
  • A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
  • International travel benefits
  • Accident & sickness health benefits
  • 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
  • 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

2,150 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]
Estimated Cost of Living

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

Useful information about the cost of living are provided by Cost of Living in Romania. Prices in Romania. Updated Feb 2024 (numbeo.com) 

 

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available

Within the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, a dependent is (1) a spouse, or (2) a relative (child, parent, or sibling) who is financially dependent on the grantee. The dependent must accompany the grantee abroad for at least 80% of the grant period in order to receive the dependent benefit. The balance of maintenance expenses for dependents is the responsibility of the grantee. No allowance is provided for any adult dependent who holds a grant from any source. Transportation and insurance are not provided for dependents.

Housing Arrangements

Grantees are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. Securing housing, especially in larger cities, can take time, and it may be helpful to connect with former U.S. grantees to Romania for advice. The host institutions are not obliged to find housing for grantees, but may provide some assistance if needed. The cost of accommodation is covered by grantees from their stipend and relocation allowance.

 

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EUR@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://fulbright.ro
Grant Benefits

The standard grant benefits include the following (please note these may be subject to change):

  • Stipend – $2,150 per month (disbursed on a monthly basis in RON, based on the average USD/RON exchange rate as specified in the Terms and Conditions of the Award)
  • Travel and relocation allowance – $3,500
  • Research and book allowance – $500
  • Community integration allowance – $800 for Romanian language learning & specialized counseling 
  • Dependent Supplements:

o   Dependent allowance: $325 per month for one dependent / $425 per month for two or more dependents who accompany the grantee for at least 80 percent of the grant period (disbursed in RON based on the average USD/RON exchange rate as specified in the Terms and Conditions of the Award)

Special Award Benefits

  • In-country work-related travel: The Fulbright Commission reimburses travel costs for active participation (e.g. as lecturer, speaker, consultant) in academic activities, such as conferences, seminars, and workshops organized by other universities in the Romania (depending on availability of funds).

 

Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Mihai Moroiu: mihai.moroiu@fulbright.ro
Additional Online Resources
Overview of Romania:: https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/countries/member-countries/romania_en
Higher education in Romania: : https://studyinromania.gov.ro/hes
Ministry of National Education: : https://www.edu.ro/
List of current U.S. Fulbright grantees in Romania : https://fulbright.ro/grants-for-us-citizens/current-grantees/
Testimonials by Fulbright grantees to/from Romania: https://fulbright.ro/alumni