Study in Romania

Romania offers recognised European qualifications, comparatively affordable tuition fees and living costs, and a broad selection of programmes taught in English, French, German and Romanian.

It is particularly popular for medicine, dentistry, engineering, computer science and business.

Qualifications awarded by accredited Romanian institutions are generally recognised across Europe under the Bologna Process.

Recognition outside Europe depends on the destination country, qualification and profession. Students entering regulated professions—particularly medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture or law—should check the licensing requirements of the country where they intend to work.

Romania has:

• Public universities
• Private universities
• Medical and pharmacy universities
• Technical universities
• Universities of economics and business
• Art, music and specialist academies
• Military and public-service institutions

Students should confirm that both the institution and programme are officially accredited.

The principal qualification levels are:

• Bachelor’s degree: Usually three to four years
• Master’s degree: Normally one to two years
• Long-cycle programmes: Usually five to six years for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and architecture
• Doctoral degree: Commonly three to four years after a relevant master’s qualification

Romanian universities use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.

Popular study areas include:

• General medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Veterinary medicine
• Computer science
• Engineering
• Business and management
• Economics and finance
• Architecture
• International relations
• Artificial intelligence and data science

Universities and Programmes

Popular institutions include:

• University of Bucharest
• Babeș-Bolyai University
• Alexandru Ioan Cuza University
• West University of Timișoara
• Politehnica University Bucharest
• Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
• Bucharest University of Economic Studies
• Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
• Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy
• Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy
• George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology

Students should compare accreditation, programme content, tuition, teaching language and graduate outcomes rather than relying only on rankings.

Yes. Romanian universities offer many programmes taught in English.

English-medium options are particularly common in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, computing, business and international relations. Some programmes are also available in French or German.

Romanian is not usually required for admission to a fully English-, French- or German-taught programme.

Students undertaking medicine, dentistry, nursing or another healthcare programme will normally need to learn Romanian to communicate with patients during clinical placements.

Yes. Applicants to Romanian-taught programmes must demonstrate the required Romanian- language proficiency.

Students who do not yet meet the standard can usually complete a one-year Romanian- language preparatory programme before beginning their degree.

Depending on the institution, accepted evidence may include:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL
• Cambridge English qualifications
• PTE Academic
• Previous education completed in English
• A university language examination
• An online interview or internal assessment

Minimum scores and exemptions differ between institutions.

Admissions and Applications

Applicants normally need a recognised upper-secondary qualification that provides access to higher education in the country where it was awarded.

Universities may also request:

• Academic transcripts
• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Language-proficiency evidence
• Motivation letter
• Medical certificate
• Application fee
• Entrance examination or interview
• Certified translations
• Apostille or legalisation
• Qualification recognition
• Ministry Letter of Acceptance, where applicable

Applicants generally need a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant or sufficiently related subject.

Additional requirements may include:

• Bachelor’s transcripts
• Course descriptions
• CV
• Motivation letter
• Academic references
• Language certificate
• Portfolio
• Research proposal
• Entrance examination or interview

EU, EEA and Swiss applicants generally apply directly to the university under conditions comparable to those applying to Romanian citizens.

Their qualifications may need recognition through Romania’s National Centre for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas, known as CNRED.

Non-EU applicants generally submit their documents to the selected university. If the university approves the application, it forwards the file through the relevant process for the Romanian Ministry of Education to issue a Letter of Acceptance to Studies.

The Letter of Acceptance is normally required for the long-stay student-visa application. Study in Romania explains the general admission procedure.

It is an official document confirming that an eligible non-EU applicant has been accepted to study in Romania.

It states important information such as the university, programme, teaching language, study duration and tuition arrangements. A university offer alone may not replace this document when it is required for immigration purposes.

The main academic year usually begins in September or October. Many universities accept applications between February and July. Medical universities and non-EU applications may have earlier or separate deadlines. Applicants should ideally begin preparing 9–12 months before enrolment.

Some universities offer a February or spring intake for selected programmes. The autumn intake remains the principal entry point and normally provides the widest choice.

Medicine, dentistry and other regulated programmes commonly have one main intake.

It depends on the university and programme. Selection may be based on:

• Previous academic results
• Document evaluation
• Biology or chemistry examinations
• Mathematics or physics tests
• Language assessments
• Interviews
• Portfolios or practical examinations

Medical admission procedures differ significantly between universities.

Yes. International students may find preparatory courses in:

• Romanian language
• English
• Biology and chemistry
• Mathematics and physics
• General academic skills

Completing a foundation programme does not necessarily guarantee progression. Students should obtain the progression requirements in writing.

Yes. Foreign educational qualifications generally need recognition or equivalence before admission can be finalised.

CNRED is responsible for many academic-recognition procedures, although the applicable route depends on nationality, qualification and study level. CNRED provides official recognition guidance.

Frequently, yes. The requirement depends on the issuing country and applicable international agreements.

Documents may also need certified Romanian translations. Applicants should follow the exact university, CNRED and visa checklists before arranging authentication.

Yes, provided they are properly explained. Employment, professional training, internships, family responsibilities and other relevant activities may support an application.

The proposed programme should still demonstrate credible academic or career progression.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Fees depend on nationality, university, programme and teaching language. Indicative annual ranges for international programmes may include:

• Business, humanities and social sciences: Approximately €2,000–€5,000
• Engineering and computer science: Approximately €2,500–€6,000
• Medicine and dentistry: Approximately €6,000–€10,000 or more
• Doctoral studies: Determined by the university and research field

Students should obtain an official fee schedule from the institution because charges vary considerably.

Not necessarily. EU, EEA and Swiss students may compete for state-funded places or pay fees under conditions similar to Romanian applicants.

Non-EU students usually pay the international tuition specified for their programme. The university should confirm the student’s fee category before payment.

Non-EU visa applicants are commonly required to demonstrate payment of tuition according to the conditions stated in the Letter of Acceptance and visa checklist.

Students should confirm:

• How much must be paid in advance
• Whether payment is annual or by semester
• Whether the amount is refundable after a visa refusal
• Which official university account must receive the payment

Possible funding sources include:

• Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarships
• Ministry of Education scholarships
• University merit awards
• Erasmus+
• Doctoral and research funding
• Scholarships offered by students’ home countries

Eligibility depends on nationality, academic level and the current funding call.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship programme supports eligible citizens of non-EU countries.

Applicants generally need good academic results. Scholarships are normally offered primarily for programmes taught in Romanian, and successful candidates who do not speak Romanian may receive a preparatory language year.

The scholarship’s current eligibility, exclusions and benefits should be checked on the official scholarship platform.

Romanian Government MFA scholarship calls have generally excluded medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

Students interested in these subjects should check university scholarships and other funding sources. The current annual scholarship rules always take priority.

A practical budget is approximately €500–€800 per month, although spending varies by city and accommodation type.

Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and other major university cities may be more expensive. Official guidance provides examples including:

• Food: Approximately €100–€300 per month
• Utilities: Approximately €40–€60 per month
• Telephone and internet: Approximately €20–€40 per month
• Local transportation: Approximately €10–€30 per month

Study in Romania provides official living-cost guidance.

Students can consider:

• University dormitories
• Private student residences
• Shared apartments
• Private studios
• Homestays
• Temporary accommodation

University accommodation is normally the least expensive option but has limited availability.

Only after verifying the property, landlord, tenancy agreement and payment details.

Students should avoid untraceable transfers and listings where the landlord refuses to provide a formal contract or evidence of authority to rent the accommodation.

Visas and Residence Permits

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not require a student visa but may need to register their residence for a stay longer than three months.

Most non-EU students need a D/SD long-stay visa for studies before travelling to Romania.

The personalised checklist may include:

• Valid passport
• Letter of Acceptance to Studies
• Proof of tuition payment
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• Proof of accommodation
• Medical insurance
• Criminal-record certificate
• Visa application form
• Passport photographs
• Parental consent for a minor
• Additional documents requested by the consulate

Requirements can vary by nationality and diplomatic mission.

Applicants must show adequate financial resources for their stay, alongside tuition, accommodation and return-travel arrangements. The required amount is linked to Romanian immigration rules and may change. Applicants should use the current figure shown by the Romanian diplomatic mission and official eVisa system rather than relying on an older general estimate.

Yes. Non-EU students generally need medical insurance for their visa and residence application.

Students should also determine how they will access healthcare after arrival. Eligibility for Romania’s public health-insurance system depends on age, status and applicable contributions.

A non-EU student must obtain a temporary residence permit from the territorial office of the General Inspectorate for Immigration responsible for the student’s address.

The application should normally be submitted at least 30 days before the visa or existing right of stay expires.

Requirements may include:

• Application form
• Passport
• Letter of Acceptance
• University enrolment certificate
• Proof of tuition payment
• Proof of financial resources
• Evidence of accommodation
• Medical certificate
• Health-insurance evidence
• Proof of applicable fees

The General Inspectorate for Immigration may request further evidence.

Yes, provided the student remains enrolled and continues meeting the academic, financial, accommodation and insurance conditions.

The renewal application should generally be submitted at least 30 days before the existing residence permit expires. Romania’s General Inspectorate for Immigration explains the study-permit procedure.

Family reunification may be possible if the student satisfies the relevant residence, relationship, accommodation, insurance and financial requirements.

Each family member requires appropriate immigration permission. Eligibility is not automatic and depends on the sponsor’s permit and individual circumstances.

Working During and After Study

Eligible non-EU students holding temporary residence for studies may work in Romania without a separate employment permit under a part-time individual employment contract.

Current guidance from the General Inspectorate for Immigration permits qualifying students to work for up to six hours per day. Students should verify the latest limit before signing a contract because some older official pages still display previous rules.

Students should not assume that they can automatically work full-time during university holidays.

Employment must remain compatible with their immigration status and the permitted working-time conditions. The employer should verify the student’s legal entitlement before employment begins.

This is not recommended. Romanian-language ability can be important for many jobs, and employment is not guaranteed.

Students should have sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses before travelling and treat part-time income as supplementary.

Yes. Many programmes include mandatory or optional internships.

The university and employer should confirm whether the placement is part of the curriculum, whether it is paid and whether additional insurance or employment documentation is required.

Yes. The temporary right of residence for studies may be extended for up to nine months after graduation for:

• Seeking employment
• Completing employment formalities
• Opening a business

The graduate must submit evidence of completing the studies and continue meeting applicable immigration conditions.

The nine-month extension provides time to seek employment and complete the necessary formalities. It does not remove every employment or residence requirement.

A graduate who obtains an eligible job may change to the appropriate employment residence status. Different requirements can apply depending on the position and graduate’s circumstances.

No. Graduation and post-study residence do not automatically result in permanent residence.

Graduates must continue under an eligible employment, business, family or other residence category. Time spent under a study residence permit may also be counted differently for long-term residence eligibility.

Practical Questions

Romania has been a full member of the Schengen Area since 1 January 2025.

A valid Romanian residence permit generally allows short visits to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to entry conditions. It does not provide permission to work or study long term in another country.

Romania is generally considered a manageable destination for international students. Students should take normal precautions and remain alert to accommodation, employment and payment scams.

The European emergency telephone number is 112.

Yes. Romania has several universities offering medicine, dentistry and pharmacy in English or French.

Applicants should check:

• Programme accreditation
• Admission methodology
• Clinical-training language
• Total programme tuition
• Hospital and internship arrangements
• Licensing requirements in their intended country of practice

It depends on the university. Some medical universities select applicants mainly through academic-document evaluation, while others use science examinations, interviews or combined assessments.

Applicants should review the current methodology of each medical university rather than assuming that all institutions follow the same process.

Transfer and credit recognition may be possible, but they are not guaranteed.

The receiving institution evaluates transcripts, syllabuses, credits, learning outcomes and practical or clinical training. Medical transfers are particularly selective.

Possibly, but a change may affect qualification recognition, tuition, scholarship status and immigration permission.

Students should obtain approval from the institutions and consult the General Inspectorate for Immigration before making the change.

The written decision should explain the refusal reason and available appeal procedure.

Depending on the circumstances, the applicant may challenge the decision, correct the problem and reapply, or defer admission. A new application should directly address the original refusal reason.

Common mistakes include:

• Applying to an unaccredited programme
• Missing admission or scholarship deadlines
• Submitting incomplete or improperly legalised documents
• Confusing a university offer with the official Letter of Acceptance
• Providing inconsistent financial evidence
• Underestimating total medical tuition
• Assuming admission guarantees a visa
• Relying entirely on part-time employment
• Paying unverified accommodation providers
• Ignoring professional licensing requirements

Students should obtain written confirmation of:

• Institutional and programme accreditation
• Qualification awarded
• Teaching language
• Annual and total tuition
• Additional examination or clinical charges
• Deposit requirements
• Visa-refusal refund policy
• Programme location
• Placement arrangements
• Official university payment details

IEC Edu Consultancy can assist students with:

• Initial eligibility assessment
• University and programme selection
• Application preparation
• Qualification-recognition guidance
• Ministry acceptance procedures
• Scholarship applications
• Visa and residence-permit documentation
• Accommodation support
• Pre-departure preparation
• Post-arrival guidance

Admission, scholarship, qualification-recognition and immigration decisions remain exclusively with the relevant universities and Romanian authorities.

Information reviewed in August 2026. Tuition fees, scholarship calls, employment limits, financial requirements and immigration rules can change. Applicants should verify their circumstances with the selected university, Study in Romania, CNRED, the responsible Romanian diplomatic mission and the General Inspectorate for Immigration before applying.