Study in Romania: Your Complete Guide
Your comprehensive resource for studying in Romania as an international student. Explore top universities, admission requirements, costs, scholarships, visa information, and student life.
Romania Study Guide
Why Romania Stands Out
Quality
Top 3% globally
Affordable
Competitive costs
Location
Great location
Work Rights
Work opportunities
Safety
Safe environment
Welcoming
Friendly culture
100+
Universities
€4k
Avg. Tuition
35k+
Int'l Students
Why Choose Romania for Your Studies?
Romania offers world-class education, excellent career opportunities, affordable costs, and rich cultural experiences, making it one of the top destinations for international students seeking quality education.
Access high-quality education with internationally recognized qualifications from prestigious Romanian universities.
Key Benefits
Quality European education at competitive costs with low living expenses and scholarship opportunities.
Key Benefits
Study in the heart of Europe with access to EU job markets and international career opportunities.
Key Benefits
Experience Romania's fascinating history, diverse culture, and warm hospitality in a safe environment.
Key Benefits
Romania at a Glance
Essential information about Romania to help you get oriented for your study abroad journey.
Language
Romanian (English programs available)
Capital
Bucharest
Population
19.1 million
Currency
Romanian Leu (RON)
Time Zone
Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2)
Climate
Temperate continental climate
Academic Year
October - July (2 semesters)
Average Living Costs
€400-€800 per month
Top Universities in Romania for International Students
Discover Romania's leading universities known for excellence in research, teaching quality, and international reputation across various fields of study.
| # | University | Top Programs | Int'l Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Bucharest | MedicineLawPsychologyInternational Relations | ||
| Babeș-Bolyai University | Computer ScienceBusiness AdministrationBiologyMathematics | ||
| Politehnica University of Bucharest | EngineeringComputer ScienceArchitectureAutomation | ||
| Carol Davila University | MedicineDentistryPharmacyNursing |
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
- Computer Science & Information Technology
- Business Administration & Economics
- Medicine & Health Sciences
- Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- International Business & Management
- Psychology & Social Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Master of Science in Engineering
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- International Management
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Advanced Materials Science
- Renewable Energy Systems
Undergraduate Studies
- Bachelor's Degrees: 3-4 years, 180-240 ECTS credits
- Entry Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Language: Local language or English programs available
Postgraduate Studies
- Master's Degrees: 1-2 years, 60-120 ECTS
- Types: Consecutive and non-consecutive programs
- Entry: Relevant Bachelor's degree with good grades
Doctoral Studies
- PhD Programs: 3-5 years, research-focused with dissertation
- Structure: Graduate schools with coursework and supervision
- Funding: Research positions, scholarships, industry partnerships
Romania higher education follows international standards ensuring global recognition. Universities offer excellent research opportunities and strong industry connections, providing students with world-class education and career prospects.
Admission Requirements for Studying in Romania
Everything you need to know about eligibility criteria, required documents, and application processes for Romania universities.
| Course Level | Academic Requirements | Language Requirements | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation/Preparatory Programs | Completed Year 12 or equivalent with good grades for university pathway | Local language A2-B1 or English B2 level depending on program | Motivation letter, some programs require specific subject prerequisites |
| Bachelor's Degree | Secondary school completion or equivalent international qualification | Local language proficiency or English IELTS 6.0-7.0/TOEFL 80-100 | Motivation letter, CV, some programs require entrance exams or portfolios |
| Master's Degree (Consecutive) | Relevant Bachelor's degree with good grades | Local language proficiency or English IELTS 6.5-7.5/TOEFL 90-110 | Motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, 1-2 reference letters |
| Master's Degree (Non-consecutive) | Bachelor's degree with relevant coursework, may require additional qualifications | Local language proficiency or English IELTS 6.5-7.5/TOEFL 90-110 | Detailed motivation letter, CV, proof of relevant experience, references |
| PhD Programs | Master's degree or equivalent, research proposal, supervisor agreement | Local language proficiency or English IELTS 6.5-7.0/TOEFL 90-100 | Research proposal, academic CV, supervisor contact, publications (if any), interview |
Research Universities and Programs
Research programs and universities. Consider factors like program content, location, language of instruction, entry requirements, and career prospects.
Check Eligibility & Prepare Documents
Verify your qualifications meet requirements. Prepare all required documents including academic credentials, language certificates, and motivation letters.
Submit Applications
Complete online applications through university portals or central application services. Upload all documents and pay processing fees.
Submit Applications & Pay Fees
Complete online applications carefully, upload all documents, and pay processing fees. Submit applications well before deadlines.
Receive Admission Decision
Universities will send admission letters or rejection letters. Conditional offers may require additional documentation or language improvement.
Enroll and Apply for Student Visa
Accept your offer, complete university enrollment, and apply for student visa with your admission letter. Prepare financial proof and accommodation documentation.
Tip: Apply early for restricted programs. Processing takes 4-6 weeks. Check specific university websites for exact dates.
Academic Documents
- Secondary school certificate with official translation
- University transcripts and degree certificates (translated)
- Academic reference letters from professors or teachers
- Language proficiency certificates
- University entrance qualification recognition
- Grade conversion/evaluation report
Personal Documents
- Motivation letter specific to each program
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in local or English format
- Copy of passport (bio-data page with photo)
- Portfolio (for creative programs)
- Work experience certificates with translations
- Proof of internships or relevant practical experience
Document Preparation Tips for Romania
- • All documents must be officially translated by certified translators
- • Academic documents may need to be officially certified/notarized
- • Check if your qualifications are recognized
- • Motivation letters should be specific to each university and program
- • Keep original documents for visa application and university enrollment
- • Some universities may require additional subject-specific tests or interviews
Preparatory Course
- Duration: 1 year, pathway to Bachelor's degree
- Requirements: Secondary education not equivalent to local standards
- Benefits: Academic preparation, language improvement, qualification exam
Foundation Programs
- Duration: 1-2 semesters, preparation for Bachelor's
- Requirements: Completed secondary education with good grades
- Benefits: Academic bridge, language support, guaranteed progression
Transfer Programs
- Duration: Varies, credit transfer from other universities
- Requirements: Previous university study with good standing
- Benefits: Faster completion, credit recognition, flexible entry
Costs and Scholarships for Studying in Romania
Get a comprehensive overview of tuition fees, living expenses, and scholarship opportunities for international students in Romania.
| Program Level | Public Universities | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Programs | €2,000 - €4,500 per year | €3,500 - €8,000 per year |
| Master's Programs | €2,500 - €5,000 per year | €4,000 - €10,000 per year |
| PhD Programs | €3,000 - €6,000 per year | €5,000 - €12,000 per year |
| Medicine Programs | €5,000 - €8,000 per year | €8,000 - €15,000 per year |
| Engineering Programs | €2,500 - €5,500 per year | €4,500 - €9,000 per year |
| Business Programs | €2,200 - €4,800 per year | €4,000 - €11,000 per year |
Most public universities in Romania charge no tuition fees for international students. Only administrative fees (Semesterbeitrag) are required. Baden-Württemberg charges additional fees for non-EU students.
| Expense Category | Major Cities | Smaller Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €250-500 | €150-350 |
| Food & Groceries | €200-350 | €150-250 |
| Transportation | €30-60 | €20-40 |
| Utilities | €80-150 | €60-100 |
| Internet & Phone | €15-30 | €12-25 |
| Entertainment | €100-200 | €60-120 |
| Health Insurance | €50-100 | €40-80 |
Budget approximately €850-1,200 per month for living expenses. Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive than other Romania cities. Health insurance is mandatory for all students.
Bucharest
Cluj-Napoca
Timișoara
Iași
Financial Aid Tips for Romania
- Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Increase your chances by applying to government, university, and EU scholarships simultaneously
- Consider Smaller Cities: Cities like Iași and Brașov offer quality education at significantly lower living costs than Bucharest
- Student Discounts: Use your student ID for discounts on transportation, museums, theaters, and many restaurants
- Part-time Work Opportunities: EU students can work without restrictions; non-EU students can work 4 hours/day with proper permits
- Shared Accommodation: Share apartments with other students to reduce accommodation costs by 30-50%
Student Life in Romania
Discover what it's like to live and study in Romania from the experiences of international students in the heart of Europe.
Romanian universities offer excellent facilities including modern libraries, research labs, student unions, sports centers, and cafeterias. Many campuses feature historic architecture combined with state-of-the-art technology.
Experience rich Romanian heritage through festivals, traditional cuisine, and historic sites while connecting with students from over 100 countries in a welcoming multicultural environment.
Benefit from Romania's growing economy with part-time work opportunities, internships with multinational companies, and excellent career prospects in IT, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
Student Testimonials
Maria Santos
Brazil • Medicine
Carol Davila University (2021-2027)
Studying medicine in Romania has been incredible. The quality of education is outstanding, professors are supportive, and the clinical experience is extensive. Plus, the affordable costs made my dream achievable.
Ahmed Hassan
Egypt • Computer Science
Politehnica University Bucharest (2022-2025)
Romania surprised me with its tech scene and innovation. The computer science program is rigorous, and I've had amazing internship opportunities. The multicultural environment has enriched my experience tremendously.
Bucharest
Romania's vibrant capital offers the largest selection of universities, internship opportunities with multinational companies, rich nightlife, and cultural attractions including the Old Town and numerous museums.
Cluj-Napoca
Known as Romania's Silicon Valley, this dynamic city combines excellent universities with a thriving tech industry, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant student community in Transylvania.
Iași
A major university city in northeastern Romania, Iași boasts prestigious institutions, affordable living costs, rich academic traditions, and beautiful historic architecture dating back centuries.
Timișoara
Located near the Hungarian and Serbian borders, Timișoara offers quality education, multicultural atmosphere, growing economy, and beautiful baroque architecture in a compact, walkable city.
Academic Freedom
Romanian universities emphasize independent learning, critical thinking, and research-based education with supportive faculty-student relationships.
Multicultural Environment
Study alongside students from over 100 countries, creating diverse learning experiences and global networking opportunities.
Rich Heritage
Immerse yourself in Romanian culture through traditional festivals, folk music, local cuisine, and historic landmarks throughout the country.
Modern Facilities
Access state-of-the-art laboratories, digital libraries, sports complexes, and technology-enhanced learning environments across campuses.
Student Support
Comprehensive support services including academic counseling, career guidance, mental health resources, and international student assistance.
Research Opportunities
Participate in cutting-edge research projects, international collaborations, and innovation programs across various academic disciplines.
Living in Romania: Cultural Tips
- • Learn basic Romanian phrases - locals appreciate the effort and it helps with daily interactions, though English is widely spoken in universities.
- • Embrace Romanian hospitality - Romanians are known for their warmth and generosity, especially towards international students and guests.
- • Try traditional Romanian cuisine like mici, sarmale, and papanași - food is an important part of social bonding and cultural experience.
- • Respect academic traditions and dress codes - Romanian universities maintain certain formal expectations, especially during exams and ceremonies.
- • Explore beyond your city - Romania offers stunning landscapes from the Carpathian Mountains to the Black Sea coast, perfect for weekend trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about studying in Romania as an international student.
Tuition fees in Romania range from €2,000-6,000 per year for EU students and €3,000-8,000 for non-EU students. Living costs are approximately €400-700 per month, including accommodation (€150-400), food (€150-250), transportation (€20-40), and other expenses. Medical programs may cost up to €7,000-8,000 annually. Romania offers excellent value for money compared to other European destinations.
Requirements include a high school diploma for undergraduate programs or bachelor's degree for master's programs, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+) for English-taught programs, passport copy, medical certificate, and motivation letter. Some programs may require entrance exams or portfolio submissions. Documents must be apostilled and translated into Romanian or English.
Yes, Romania is excellent for international students. It offers high-quality education recognized across Europe, affordable living costs, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes. The country hosts over 35,000 international students from 100+ countries. Romanian universities provide modern facilities, English-taught programs, and strong research opportunities. The welcoming culture and EU membership add significant value.
Applications are typically submitted online through university portals or the national application system. The process involves choosing your program, preparing required documents, submitting applications (usually by July for September intake), paying application fees (€50-200), and attending interviews if required. Some universities have rolling admissions. Early application is recommended for better chances and scholarship consideration.
EU students can work without restrictions. Non-EU students can work part-time (4 hours/day) with a work permit after completing their first semester. During holidays, full-time work is permitted. The minimum wage is approximately €515/month. Popular student jobs include tutoring, hospitality, and research assistance. Graduates can apply for an 18-month job search visa.
Top universities include University of Bucharest (ranked 801-1000 globally), Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University Iași, Politehnica University of Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and West University of Timișoara. These institutions offer excellent programs in medicine, engineering, business, and humanities with strong international recognition.
EU students don't need visas. Non-EU students must apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) at Romanian consulates. Required documents include university acceptance letter, financial proof (€615/month), health insurance, clean criminal record, medical certificate, and accommodation proof. Processing takes 30-60 days. Upon arrival, students must obtain a residence permit within 30 days.
Romania offers various scholarships including Government Scholarships (full tuition coverage), Erasmus+ grants, university merit scholarships, and bilateral agreement scholarships. The Romanian Government provides 85 scholarships annually for international students. Many universities offer partial tuition waivers based on academic excellence. Private foundations and EU programs also provide funding opportunities for eligible students.
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