By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

Romanian Ambassador to the Philippines Raduta Dana Matache (PNA photo by Joyce Rocamora)

MANILA – Romania is set to open the application for its government scholarship program for foreign nationals from non-European Union (EU) countries, including the Philippines in January 2025.

In a sit down interview at her residence on Thursday, Romanian Ambassador to the Philippines Raduta Dana Matache urged Filipinos to take advantage of Bucharest’s “Study in Romania” program, which also shoulders expenses for a Romanian language preparatory year.

“The diploma is recognized all over the European Union, the spectrum of areas of studies is very diverse, from literature, engineering, acting, to cultural managers — and it’s all expenses paid,” she said.

“If you study in Romania, you will feel the dynamism of the country. The quality of living is good,” she added.

Matache further noted that studying in Romania is “very cost effective” as the cost of living there is slightly lower than in other European states.

The program is funded by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, and opens up a significant number of slots for all eligible nationalities, annually.

The number of slots for the next batch would be announced in January 2025.

The envoy added that the process is “very competitive” as at least 81,914 applications were submitted from over 100 countries in 2024.

Calls for application last year was made with the support of the Commission on Higher Education but interested applicants may check out the Study in Romania platform for updates: https://studyinromania.gov.ro

In the 6th Philippine-Romania Political Consultations in 2023, education was among the areas that the two states agreed to further deepen cooperation in.

On top of scholarships, Matache said Romania hopes to facilitate more linkages between Romanian and Philippine higher education institutions. (PNA)