• What we offer
• Who can apply – Eligibility
• Aplication timeline
• Evaluation criteria
• How to apply

The Foundation for Knowledge-Based Development (FKBD), in partnership with prestigious academic and institutional partners from Romania and the European Union, is proud to offer fully funded PhD scholarships for outstanding international candidates.

Each year, we support a select number of doctoral students pursuing advanced research in the strategic fields of:

• Industrial engineering

• Mining and resource management

• Circular Economy

• Economics and sustainable development

This program reflects our mission to foster global collaboration, promote research excellence, and contribute to knowledge-driven solutions for complex socio-economic and technological challenges.

What we offer

• Full tuition coverage at an accredited Romanian university

• Research mobility grants for academic conferences or study visits in Romania

• Access to specialized research networks and mentoring

• Support in publishing and disseminating research results

• Integration into the Foundation’s research and innovation ecosystem

Who can apply

We welcome applications from highly motivated foreign researchers and specialists who meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification

• • A completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (engineering, economics, environmental science, etc.)

  • Demonstrated academic excellence

Research Proposal

• Submission of a preliminary PhD research proposal (max. 5,000 words) aligned with one of the priority fields

• The proposal must show innovation potential, scientific relevance, and feasibility

Language Requirements

• • Proficiency in English (minimum B2 level)

  • Knowledge of Romanian is a plus but not mandatory

Motivation and Alignment

• • A strong motivation letter explaining the candidate’s research ambitions, future plans, and how the program aligns with their goals

  • Interest in applying research results to real-world challenges

Recommendation Letters

• • Two academic or professional recommendation letters supporting the application

Citizenship and Residency

• • Applicants must be foreign nationals (non-Romanian citizens)

  • Preference may be given to applicants from countries with existing academic agreements or cooperation programs

Application Timeline (Indicative)

– Call Opens: All year round
– Interviews and Evaluation: May-July
– Final Decision: August
– PhD Program Start: October (based on university calendar)

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed by Foundation’s academics and specialists, using the following weighted criteria:

– Academic record: 20%
– Quality of research proposal: 30%
– Motivation and relevance: 25%
– Recommendations: 15%
– Language and communication skills: 10%

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via our online form. All documents should be uploaded in PDF format. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with our academic partners (Zoom).