Romania
Study in Romania for International Students
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Study in Romania for International Students

Studying in Romania is an attractive option for international students seeking European higher education and academic programs at different price levels. Romanian universities offer degrees in English, French, Romanian, German and Hungarian, covering medicine, engineering, computer science, business and the humanities.

Romania is a member of the European Union and the European Higher Education Area. Its universities use the European ECTS credit system. Popular student cities include Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara and Brașov.

Before applying, students should verify the institution, program accreditation and recognition of the qualification in the country where they intend to work or continue studying.

EU & EHEA
Member
Top Medical
Faculties
Accessible
Living Costs
Part-Time
Work Rights

Why Study in Romania?

Potential advantages of studying in Romania include:

Multilingual Instruction

Wide selection of degree programs taught in English, French, Romanian, German, and Hungarian.

Historic Student Cities

Public and private universities situated in vibrant cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara, and Brașov.

High-Demand Disciplines

Globally respected degrees in medicine, dentistry, engineering, computer science, technology, and business.

European ECTS System

Academic qualifications structured on the European ECTS credit framework, facilitating seamless credit transfer.

Accessible Living Expenses

Relatively low living costs (~€600/month) and highly affordable student residence options (€60–€85/month).

Work & Scholarship Opportunities

Part-time work rights (up to 6 hrs/day), MFA government scholarships, Erasmus+ mobility, and university grants.

The Romanian Higher Education System

Degree structure and preparatory options across accredited Romanian institutions

1

Bachelor’s Degree (3–4 Years)

Provides core academic grounding, combining lectures, laboratory work, seminars, and practical projects across various fields.

2

Master’s Degree (1–2 Years)

Specialized postgraduate study focusing on advanced research, professional practice, and thesis development.

3

Doctoral Degree (Normally 4 Years)

Advanced research degree tailored to scientific investigation, dissertation defense, and academic publication.

4

Long-Cycle Programs (5–6 Years)

Direct integrated degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Architecture, and Veterinary Medicine combining bachelor's and master's level training.

Language of Study & Preparatory Year

Romanian universities offer English- and French-taught programs alongside degrees delivered in Romanian. Applicants may need to provide a recognized language certificate (such as IELTS, TOEFL, or DELF) or pass an examination organized by the university. Students applying to Romanian-taught programs who do not speak the language can enroll in a 1-year Romanian-language preparatory course. Note: Medical programs taught in English or French may still require Romanian proficiency during clinical placements and patient interaction in senior years.

Popular Academic Disciplines

Top fields chosen by international students in Romania

Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy
Civil, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
Software Engineering & Cybersecurity
Business, Economics & Finance
Architecture & Urban Planning
Veterinary Medicine & Agriculture
International Relations & Political Science
Social Sciences & Humanities

Studying Medicine in Romania

Several prestigious Romanian universities offer accredited degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy taught entirely in English or French. General Medicine programs typically span 6 years (360 ECTS credits).

Admission processes vary by university (file-based evaluation, entrance exam, or interview). Students must verify international recognition and medical licensing requirements in their home country or target country of practice before applying.

Medical Admission Criteria

Secondary School Diploma: Recognized high school leaving certificate with strong marks.
Science Background: Mandatory coursework in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics.
Language Certificate: Proof of English or French proficiency (B2/C1 level).
File Assessment & Exam: University application evaluation, entrance exam, or interview.
Medical Certificate: Official health check certificate confirming fitness for medical studies.

Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Financial planning guidelines based on official Study in Romania statistics

Annual Tuition Fees

€400 – €9,000 / year
  • General Undergraduate & Postgraduate: €400 to €5,000 per year for non-EU students (depending on field and university).
  • Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy: €4,000 to €9,000 per year.
  • EU/EEA Students: May qualify for EU-subsidized tuition rates at public universities.
  • Note: Always request an official written fee statement from the target university prior to offer acceptance.

Average Living Budget

~€600 / month
  • Monthly Expenses: Estimated at €600/month to cover housing, meals, transport, and personal expenses.
  • Accommodation Options: Range from €60/month (university dorms) to €300+/month (private apartments).
  • City Differences: Living costs are slightly higher in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca compared to Iași or Timișoara.

Indicative Monthly Cost Breakdown

University Residence €60 – €85 / mo
Shared Apartment €80 – €150 / mo
Private Apartment €130 – €300+ / mo
Food & Groceries €100 – €300 / mo
Public Transport €10 – €30 / mo

Admission Requirements & Visa Process

Step-by-step roadmap from application to student residence permit

Required Documents

  • Valid passport copy.
  • Secondary school diploma & transcripts (for Bachelor's).
  • Bachelor’s degree certificate & transcripts (for Master's).
  • Certified translations & Legalisation or Apostille stamp.
  • Proof of English, French, or Romanian language proficiency.
  • Motivation letter, CV, birth certificate & passport photos.
  • Medical certificate & application fee receipt.
  • Romanian Ministry of Education Acceptance Letter (for non-EU students).

Student Visa & Residence Permit

Non-EU/EEA students require a Long-Stay Study Visa (D/SD type) issued by the Romanian embassy or consulate in their home country.

Visa Dossier Checklist:

  • Official Acceptance Letter from Ministry of Education.
  • Proof of tuition payment for at least 1 academic year.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for subsistence.
  • International medical health insurance & clean criminal record certificate.
  • Confirmed accommodation booking or dorm contract.

Upon arrival in Romania, students must register with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) and obtain a Student Residence Permit before their visa expires.

How to Apply: 10-Step Process

1. Select an accredited Romanian university and program.

2. Review admission criteria and language proficiency requirements.

3. Prepare certificates, official translations, and Apostille stamps.

4. Submit application directly through the university portal.

5. Pay application fee and complete required entrance exam/interview.

6. Receive university admission approval notification.

7. Obtain Ministry of Education acceptance letter (for non-EU).

8. Pay required tuition fee installment for visa application.

9. Apply for long-stay study visa (D/SD) at Romanian consulate.

10. Travel to Romania and obtain residence permit from IGI.

Working During & After Study

Non-EU students holding a valid study residence permit are permitted to work part-time (up to 6 hours per day) without needing a separate work permit. Students must confirm the latest regulations with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). After graduation, eligible graduates can apply for a 9-month post-study residence extension to search for employment, complete recruitment formalities, or establish a business in Romania.

Funding Opportunities

Romanian Government & University Scholarships

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) offers competitive state scholarships to non-EU citizens. Scholarships cover tuition fees, university accommodation support (subject to availability), a monthly stipend, and a 1-year Romanian language preparatory course. Note: MFA scholarships generally do not cover Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy, and degree studies under the scholarship are conducted in Romanian. Additional options include Erasmus+ grants and individual university merit scholarships.

How Can UNI Student Help?

End-to-end guidance for your academic journey to Romania

Course & University Selection

Identify accredited universities and degree programs matching your academic background, budget, and language preferences.

Document & Legalisation Review

Verify transcript translations, Apostille stamps, motivation letters, and Ministry of Education acceptance requirements before submission.

Visa & Relocation Support

Receive structured assistance for long-stay visa applications, tuition payments, dormitory accommodation, and post-arrival residence permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about studying in Romania

Yes. Romanian universities offer degree programs taught in English and French, particularly in medicine, dentistry, engineering, computer science, and business administration.

General tuition fees range from approximately €400 to €9,000 per year, depending on the institution, degree program, and student’s nationality. Medical degrees generally sit at the higher end (€4,000–€9,000/year).

Average student expenses are estimated at approximately €600 per month. Actual costs depend on the city, accommodation choice (university dormitory vs private flat), and individual lifestyle.

Yes. Eligible non-EU students holding a study residence permit may work part-time (up to 6 hours per day) without obtaining a separate work permit.

Yes. Funding options include Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) scholarships for non-EU citizens, Erasmus+ mobility grants, and university-specific merit scholarships.

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