--- title: "Royal scholarships recognise two Moldovan students " url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/88789/royal-scholarships-recognise-two-moldovan-students published: 2026-11-03T06:15:00Z language: en author: "Ana Cebotari" section: "Social" source: radiomoldova.md --- # Royal scholarships recognise two Moldovan students > Two students from Moldova State University have received royal scholarships from Romania’s Royal Family for academic achievement and extracurricular involvement, following an award ceremony in Bucharest on October 29. ![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/09ce5de0-6fea-4a96-9a19-bbd38aba5767.jpg) Two students from Moldova State University have received royal scholarships from Romania’s Royal Family for academic achievement and extracurricular involvement, following an award ceremony in Bucharest on October 29. **Academic achievements earn royal recognition** Iana Gritco, a third-year student at the Faculty of International Relations, Political and Administrative Sciences, received the Queen Maria Scholarship. Vasile Plesca, a second-year student at the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences, was awarded the King Ferdinand Scholarship. The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Bucharest. Gritco said her participation in academic conferences and involvement in university activities played a major role in securing the distinction. *“I believe that the conferences organised by our faculty played a major role in my CV. The faculty gives us opportunities to meet numerous government officials, ambassadors and other prominent figures. The conferences alone filled more than a page of my CV. I believe my involvement in university life made the difference,”* she said on Radio Moldova’s Zi de Zi programme. **A once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Royal Palace** For Gritco, the ceremony was also an opportunity to put her academic knowledge of international relations into practice. She said observing royal protocol was particularly meaningful because she had previously studied the subject as part of her university curriculum. *“It was a truly unique moment. I knew I had to make the most of it because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I don't think I had ever been so emotional before. There is a strict protocol that must be followed down to the smallest detail,”* she told journalist Natalia Mogîldea. The student added that attending the ceremony allowed her to understand the practical aspects of ceremonial procedures, which she had previously studied only in theory. **Choosing to build a future in Moldova** Although she considered studying abroad, Gritco ultimately decided to pursue her education in the Republic of Moldova. Her parents and her desire to contribute to her country's development influenced that decision. *“When I was in my final year of high school, I made the final decision to stay home and study. The main reason behind that decision was my parents. I always wanted to return home, put the knowledge I would have gained abroad to use here and contribute to our European path,”* she said on Radio Moldova. Gritco believes Moldova offers young people numerous opportunities through international exchange programmes, internships and professional networking. She has also participated in Erasmus exchanges, gaining experience in academic environments abroad while continuing her studies at home. *“There are many opportunities in the Republic of Moldova, despite what people say. People simply don't know about them. The claim that you cannot get a good education in Moldova is not true,”* she said **Scholarship as motivation for future achievements** Gritco said the royal distinction had strengthened her confidence and encouraged her to pursue her professional ambitions. *“This scholarship has once again shown me that I am capable of achieving a great deal. It depends on my determination and the dedication with which I pursue the professional path I want to follow,”* she said. She also highlighted the importance of family support in building self-confidence, encouraging young people to believe in their abilities and remain committed to their goals. **Four Moldovan students among the recipients** Romania's Royal Family awarded scholarships and distinctions on October 29, 2026, during a ceremony held in the Throne Room of the Royal Palace in Bucharest. Four students from the Republic of Moldova were among the recipients: two from Moldova State University and two from the Technical University of Moldova. The four scholarships – Queen Maria, King Ferdinand, King Mihai I and Queen Ana – are each worth €1,000 (approximately 20,090 MDL) and are awarded for one academic year. The distinctions were presented by Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown, and Prince Radu. 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