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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
Award Profile

Proposals are welcome from well-qualified candidates at all degree levels with established relations with the host institution. The Commission accepts proposals in all disciplines. 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 academic or 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. 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?

Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.

Fulbright grantees in Romania enjoy a rewarding experience that blends academic engagement with cultural immersion. After an initial period of adjustment to local administrative practices and a different pace of everyday life, you will find a welcoming environment that fosters both professional and personal growth. The local academic community is open to collaboration and eager to engage with international researchers, and the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission will help you settle in and support you throughout your grant period through orientation sessions, group meetings and other events, as well as personalized guidance. 

Most Romanians will warmly welcome you into their country and offer you the opportunity to share in its rich and lively intellectual and cultural life. Many grantees discover that venturing beyond their city of affiliation reveals a deeper, more nuanced understanding of life in Romania, while exploring the countryside brings a slower pace of life and a more relaxed lifestyle. In this way, your Fulbright experience becomes not only a period of focused academic work but also a chance to immerse yourself in a setting that values thoughtful exchange, historical richness, and genuine hospitality. 

Group photo of individuals on a grand staircase with ornate details and red carpet.

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

If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.

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
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation

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 here: Cost of Living in Romania.

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.

 

Grant Benefits

STIPEND: 

  • $2,150 per month (part of the stipend is paid in installments to the U.S. bank account, while the rest is paid monthly in Romanian Lei based on the USD/RON exchange rate) 

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.  

One-time payments, included in the 1st instalment:

  • Travel and relocation allowance – $3,500
  • Research and book allowance – $500
  • Community integration allowance – $800 for Romanian language learning & specialized counseling 

Dependent Supplements:

  • 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).

Romania Country Overview

Due to its historical circumstances and its geographical position north of the Balkan Peninsula, on the Lower Danube River and bordering the Black Sea, Romanian culture is a distinctive mix of Central and Eastern European influences, with Roman, Greek, and Slavic influences. From medieval castles and fortified churches to traditional villages and vibrant modern cities, Romania offers a fascinating history and a rich cultural heritage. The country is also known for its picturesque landscapes and varied natural settings, including the Carpathian Mountains, Europe’s largest and best-preserved Delta, sandy Black Sea beaches, and green hills dotted with forests and vineyards. If you appreciate outdoor activities and nature, Romania provides ample opportunities to explore its scenic beauty.

In recent decades, Romania’s higher education system has undergone significant structural changes, evolving from a state-controlled model prior to 1990 into a competitive, internationally engaged environment that values academic mobility and collaborative research. With a relatively low cost of living and high levels of English proficiency in academia, Romania provides an inspiring and accessible setting for scholars seeking to expand both their professional and cultural perspectives. As the country continues its steady economic and social development, it has proven to be an excellent host for the Fulbright Program, offering a wide range of research opportunities across various disciplines and memorable experiences for U.S. Fulbright grantees. 

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EUR@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://fulbright.ro
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/
News from Grantees & Alumni: https://fulbright.ro/news/
Testimonials by Fulbright grantees to/from Romania: https://fulbright.ro/alumni
Cost of Living in Romania: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Romania