How an Indonesian Scholar Won the Fully Funded Romanian Government Scholarship to Pursue His MSc in Engineering and Management at the University of Craiova

Hi! My name is Hadhrat Mirza, and I’m from Semarang, Indonesia. Probably many of you know Indonesia only as Bali, Jakarta, or Yogyakarta. Semarang is well known for its religious tourism. We have one of the biggest mosques in Indonesia, the Buddha Temple, the Old Preserved Cathedral, and many more. Semarang is also known for its best foods, we have Lumpia, Tahu Bakso, Tahu Gimbal, Bandeng Presto, and Wingko Babat.

I’m truly grateful and excited to share a bit about my journey and how I was fortunate to receive a prestigious scholarship for my master’s studies. This opportunity comes from the Romanian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a scholarship that will allow me to pursue a Master’s degree in Engineering and Management in Romania. This achievement didn’t happen overnight; it was the result of careful planning, long-term research, and persistence in aligning my goals with available international opportunities.

Even before completing my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to continue my education abroad. I spent time exploring scholarship schemes provided by various countries and institutions, analyzing which programs matched my academic interests and long-term career aspirations. I was especially drawn to interdisciplinary programs that merged engineering principles with management skills — a combination I believe is crucial in solving real-world industrial challenges.

When I came across the Romanian Government Scholarship, it immediately stood out. Not only did it offer full coverage of tuition and accommodation, but it also provided a living stipend, making it possible to focus on my academic and professional development without the burden of financial constraints. The application process required attention to detail, especially in preparing a strong academic CV.

I’m incredibly thankful to have been selected as one of the scholarship recipients. Romania’s academic environment, particularly in technical fields, has quite a strong reputation, and I’m eager to learn within this new cultural and educational setting. I believe that studying Engineering and Management in Romania will equip me with both the technical foundation and the strategic thinking required for leadership roles in the future, whether in industry or academia.

This scholarship not only affirms my dedication to education but also motivates me to make the most of this opportunity and give back by contributing to the international student community and beyond. I'm looking forward to the next chapter of this journey and all the experiences and knowledge it will bring.

Romanian Government Scholarship Details

Romanian Government Scholarship is provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through their platform StudyInRomania. The scholarship provides a living stipend of 925 RON, equal to 183 EUR per month, free accommodation, health insurance, subsidy of local transport, fully covered tuition fee and university registration fee, and a year-long Romanian Language course.

Educational Background

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Logistics Management from Diponegoro University, one of the top ten universities in Indonesia. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong foundation in logistics and supply chain systems, operational strategy, and organizational efficiency, areas that closely intersect with both engineering and management. I graduated with a GPA of 3.86 out of 4.00, which reflects my consistent academic performance and commitment to mastering my field. My coursework, alongside internships in raw material warehousing and supply chain management roles, not only enhanced my analytical and problem-solving skills but also sparked a deeper interest in interdisciplinary approaches to operational systems. This academic and practical foundation prepared me well to pursue further studies in Engineering and Management, a field that aligns with my long-term career goals.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Craiova?

How Did You Find Information About the Romanian Government Scholarship and the University of Craiova?

Most of the information I found through online research, especially the official website of the Romanian Government Scholarship (studyinromania.gov.ro), embassy announcements, and PPI Rumania (Indonesian Student Association in Romania). I also explored Romanian university websites directly to check program options and requirements. Additionally, I joined online communities and scholarship-focused forums, which provided firsthand insights and tips from previous awardees. These platforms helped me clarify procedures, timelines, and even which documents needed special attention.

 Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

For the Romanian Government Scholarship, standardized English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS are not mandatory because the program will be conducted in Romanian, and you will be taking a one-year preparatory course. In my case, since I applied for a master’s degree that obligatory using Romanian and was required to attend the Romanian language preparatory year, I didn’t need to submit any language test scores. However, I made sure to practice basic Romanian beforehand to ease my transition and show my genuine motivation to learn. This scholarship also does not require submitting SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT, but you have to submit your last diploma along with your transcript record.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Romanian Government Scholarship?

I started my preparation by thoroughly researching the Romanian Government Scholarship, especially its eligibility criteria, required documents, and timeline. I made sure my academic profile, including my Bachelor's degree in Logistics Management from Diponegoro University, was well presented. I paid special attention to crafting a strong CV, highlighting not only my academic experiences but also my professional experiences.

How Does the University of Craiova Support International Students?

From my experience, Romanian institutions, including the University of Craiova, where I currently take the Romanian language preparatory course, provide a range of support for international students. There are dedicated international offices that help with enrollment, visa documents, residence permits, and academic advising. While some administrative processes can be different from what I was used to back home, there is usually someone willing to help if you ask, especially if you approach with patience and clear questions. Additionally, student communities like PPI Rumania are very active and supportive, which makes adapting to the academic and cultural environment a lot smoother.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Romanian?

For disclaimer, as the Romanian Government Scholarship aims to promote Romanian culture globally, all degree programs funded by this scholarship are conducted in the country’s native language, which is Romanian. An exception is made for PhD studies, which may be conducted in either Romanian or English, depending on the availability and offering of the university.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Romanian?

Yes, not knowing the Romanian language can be a challenge at first, especially when you're adjusting to academic settings like lectures, textbooks, and exams that are entirely in Romanian. However, the scholarship includes a one-year preparatory language program to help international students learn the language before starting their degree. That year is really important which not just to learn Romanian, but also to get used to the culture and how things work academically.

It might feel overwhelming at the beginning, especially if you've never learned a Latin-based language before, but with consistency and immersion, it's definitely manageable. Plus, most professors are understanding and supportive when they know you're still learning. So, while it's a challenge, it’s not impossible, and many students have gone through it successfully!

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was a combination of strong academic performance and outstanding experiences. Coming from one of the top universities in Indonesia, Diponegoro University, and graduating with a GPA of 3.86 in Logistics Management, I was able to show consistency and dedication in my academic journey. But beyond grades, I highlighted relevant coursework, academic achievements, and any practical experiences in my CV that aligned with the field of Engineering and Management, which shows my preparedness for a multidisciplinary master's program. I also ensured that my CV was well-structured, concise, and tailored to reflect my potential as a scholarship recipient and future contributor to the Romanian academic environment. All of these elements likely helped communicate my readiness and commitment to succeed in a graduate-level program abroad.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back on my experience applying for the Romanian Government Scholarship, one thing I would’ve done differently is start gathering and preparing my documents much earlier. The application process requires several official documents such as academic CV, certified translations, and diplomas, which getting them all in the right format, language, and time frame can be unexpectedly time-consuming. I also wish I had reached out earlier to current or past awardees. Their insights would’ve helped me understand better how to craft my motivation letter and avoid some of the small but stressful administrative hurdles. Even just connecting with them could’ve given me more confidence during the waiting period.

Another thing I’d change is to research more deeply about the universities and study programs in Romania before choosing. Although I eventually found a program that aligns with my interests in Engineering and Management, doing more research in advance would have helped me make faster, more informed decisions during the selection process. Overall, while I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, these small adjustments could’ve made the process smoother and less overwhelming.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

For anyone considering applying for the Romanian Government Scholarship or any competitive international scholarship, my biggest advice is: start early, stay consistent, and be intentional with your goals. From my own experience, I believe that having a clear academic direction, which in my case, bridging logistics, engineering, and management, has helped me align my achievements and motivations with the scholarship’s objectives.

It’s also important to maintain strong academic performance. My GPA of 3.86 from Diponegoro University didn’t come easily; it took a lot of discipline and time management, but it paid off. Besides grades, I recommend gaining relevant experience through academic conferences, publications, internships, volunteering, or campus organizations. These experiences help shape your story and show your commitment beyond the classroom.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a compelling personal narrative. Be honest about your aspirations, why you chose the program, and how it fits into your long-term goals. Scholarships like the Romanian Government are not just looking for “perfect” students, but for motivated individuals who are ready to grow, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to their fields, both locally and globally.