FAQ

Romania offers a unique blend of high-quality education, cultural diversity, and affordable living costs. As part of the European Union and the European Higher Education Area, Romanian diplomas are widely recognized. Students can enroll in programs taught in English, Romanian, French, German, or Hungarian, ensuring accessibility for international learners.

None. In Romania all different types of higher education institutions (universities, institutes, study academies, polytechnics) share the same legal status and regulations.

Tuition ranges from €1,980 to €9,000 per year, depending on the program and nationality.

Accommodation on-campus: €60–€85/month Quality of accommodation varies from university to university. Make sure you contact your institution directly to find out more information about location, availability and costs. Accommodation private rentals: Studio lease: €150 – €300/month One bedroom apartment: €200 – €350/month. Two bedroom apartment: €250 – €500/month. You will typically pay a security deposit (of usually one month’s rent). Of course, these values will vary based on the location in the city. Also, note that flat-sharing is quite common. Costs tend to come down to under 150 Euros per month in this fashion, and it remains a great way to make friends and divide tasks for household chores. Other living expenses (average) Food: €100 – €300/month Car maintenance (after purchase): €100/month Gas, Electricity: €40 – €60/month Phone and internet: €20 – €40/month Entertainment: €200/month Public transportation: €10 – €30/month (90% discount for students under 26). Medical insurance: from €12/month (either private or at CNAS - The National Health Insurance company, state owned)

This varies across universities due to their institutional autonomy. It's worth noting that the number of eligible national students pursuing higher education in Romania is currently declining. This trend is partly due to demographic changes and partly due to the rigorous final baccalaureate exam, which is mandatory for Romanian high school graduates. As a result, now is an excellent time to consider studying in Romania.

If you come from aEU/ EEA country, you have the opportunity to access the same state scholarships as the Romanian students. In addition, if you come for credit mobility, you can take advantage of the Erasmus+ program. For degree mobility, you can apply for one of the scholarships awarded by the Romanian state, based on bilateral agreements. Due to constant policy updates, in order to obtain all the necessary information about the available state scholarships (conditions, documents, enrolment calendar) and submit the application files, please apply directly to the Romanian diplomatic missions accredited in your country of origin / residence or to the diplomatic mission of country of origin accredited to Bucharest. Also, more detailed information of the available scholarships is available in the dedicated portal section. Note that certain government-backed scholarships are available to non-European students from certain countries.

Yes, all universities have an application fee that has to be paid for each program you apply to.

Most universities can provide accommodation, however not all of them can cover all students requests or demands regarding the type of rooms available. Therefore, we recommend finding accommodation as soon as possible.

Yes, most of the Romanian young people speak English fluently and many Romanians speak at least conversational English and will be able to offer you basic instructions or information in English, or point you to another reliable source. Even though, some of the people you will meet might not know English (just a little bit of French, German or Russian), Romanian people are very sociable and they will try to help somehow by using their creativity and social skills. The level of English skills can depend on the area very much (higher levels are more frequently met in towns vs villages).

Studying in Romania is conditional on the completion of upper secondary education in the country of origin. Additionally, candidates need to meet the following requirements in order to deliver a successful application: put together the admission application folder from your country of origin and certify / legalise diplomas / documents via the relevant authorities; apply for a student visa in your country of origin at the diplomatic mission (Please visit e-VISA for more details) proof of financial means; language – programs are taught in Romanian, English, French, Hungarian or German language. You will have to prove a satisfactory level of linguistic competence in the program's language. If you wish to study in Romanian, a preparatory year can be the easiest way to learn the language basics, as well as more about the culture and history of Romania. If you speak Romanian, you can skip the preparatory year after having passed a Romanian language test. If you can formally prove you have studied in the Romanian language for at least four years consecutively, you do not need to pass the Romanian language test or attend the preparatory year; proof of accommodation – if needed, universities can issue a Letter of Accommodation attesting they will be accommodating you in the university campus; health insurance – if you are under 26, health insurance is covered by the university, which provides full healthcare benefits within the Romanian public insurance system. If you are 26 or older, you must pay a monthly health insurance fee (approx. 12 Euro / month). Note that you must register with a general physician (family doctor), which provides basic consults and can refer to specialists, if needed.

Yes, there are numerous universities that can offer medical programmes in English. Almost all medical universities have such programmes, together with some comprehensive universities.

The decision for family reunification is taken by the General Inspectorate for Immigration. For more information, please visit the General Inspectorate for Immigration

Foreign citizens from all non-EU countries, with the following exceptions: • citizens of Romanian origin or who are part of the Romanian historical communities in the proximity of Romania (entitled to different scholarship programmes); • citizens who have requested or acquired a form of protection in Romania; • stateless persons whose stay on the territory of Romania is officially recognized according to the law; • members of the diplomatic and consular corps or family members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Romania; members of the administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions and consular offices accredited to Romania; • staff members of international organizations based in Romania or family members of staff of international organizations based in Romania; • beneficiaries of a scholarship from the Romanian state for the same cycle of study. To be eligible, the scholarship applicant must: • have good results in education, respectively an average of the study years, for the last graduated school of at least 7 (seven) corresponding to the scoring system in Romania or the "Good" score, as the case; • submit a complete file; • present study documents issued by accredited/recognized education institutions in the country where they were issued; • comply with the enrolment deadline.

You will receive an email notification, through your email address registered in the system, informing you on the evaluation results. You must reply by email to confirm whether you accept the scholarship offer. If you accept the offer, in order to complete your registration in the program, you need to apply for the long-stay visa (if applicable). You should check http://eviza.mae.ro/ to see what the specific requirements for obtaining a visa are and which type of visa you need. If you choose not to accept the scholarship, you are required to send a message of rejection as soon as possible, so another eligible candidate can be selected.

Scholarship beneficiaries are provided with the following facilities: • exemption from the payment of registration fees or any other fees required by application processing, testing for the Romanian language skills, taking the admission contest for doctoral studies and the specific aptitude tests; • financing the tuition expenses for the Romanian language preparatory year; • financing the tuition expenses for the actual studies, but not more than the duration of a university cycle, corresponding to the study program followed; • receiving a monthly scholarship, for students enrolled in the Romanian language preparatory year; • receiving a monthly scholarship, for students enrolled in Bachelor, Master or doctoral studies, but not more than the duration of a university cycle; • financing the accommodation expenses in the student dormitories, within the allocated subsidy granted through the budget of the Ministry of Education(accommodation will be provided to the extent of available places, scholarship holders having the obligation to contact the host university to find out the accommodation conditions); • medical assistance in case of medical-surgical emergencies and diseases with endemic-epidemic potential, in accordance with the legislation in force; • discounts for local travel, in-city and between cities (local public, ground, naval and underground transport, as well as domestic road, railway and naval transport), in the same conditions as those offered to Romanian students, according to the legal provisions. These facilities are granted throughout the study period, as follows: • for students enrolled in the Romanian language preparatory year, for the duration of the courses; • for students enrolled in Bachelor and Master studies, during the academic year and the legal holidays, but not during the summer holidays. In case of summer academic activities or specific legal provisions, the rights apply during the summer vacation as well; • for doctoral students enrolled in full-time learning, throughout the calendar year; • another 30 days after completing university studies lasting at least one year.

The scholarship awarded cannot be suspended or transferred for the next academic year.

The scholarship, including the preparatory year where applicable, consists of: • financing tuition fees; • financing the accommodation expenses in the student dormitories within the limit of the subsidy allocated for this purpose (accommodation will be provided to the extent of available places, scholarship holders having the obligation to contact the host university to find out the accommodation conditions); • granting a monthly financial aid, as follows: the equivalent in ”lei” (the Romanian currency) of the amount of 65 EURO, for undergraduate and the preparatory year students; the equivalent in ”lei” (the Romanian currency) of the amount of 75 EURO, for Master students, the equivalent in ”lei” (the Romanian currency) of the amount of 85 EURO, for PhD students. The scholarships do not cover the costs of international transport and those of domestic transport from the Romanian border crossing point to the university. In this regard, candidates must be prepared for the personal financial support of the additional costs.

Foreign citizens have the following obligations: • to respect the Romanian Constitution and the laws of the Romanian state; • to comply with the internal regulations of the educational institution in which they study; • to comply with the provisions of this methodology; • to present a medical certificate attesting the ability to pursue studies and that the person is free of contagious diseases, with its authorized translation in English, French, Spanish or Romanian, if appropriate, when enrolling at the university where they were accepted

In order to promote the Romanian language and culture, the beneficiaries of the scholarships granted by the Romanian state for Bachelor and Master studies study only in Romanian. The exception is doctoral scholarship holders, who can opt for studies in Romanian or in a foreign language set by the doctoral school. For candidates who do not speak Romanian, a preparatory year is granted for the study of the Romanian language prior to the actual university studies, with the exception of doctoral scholarship holders who have chosen the form of education in a foreign language set by the doctoral school. The following categories of students are exempted from enrolling in the Romanian language preparatory year: • those who present Romanian study documents (diplomas or certificates) or study documents, school records attesting at least four consecutive years of studies attended in Romanian in an educational unit/institution from the Romanian national system; • those who, in order to enroll in university education, pass the Romanian language test, organized according to the regulations in force; • those who, in order to enroll in university education, present a certificate of linguistic competence in Romanian, minimum level B1, issued according to the regulations in force.

Yes, they are recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education of of Romania.

Romanian, but most of people speaks also French and English.

No, it is not mandatory, you can opt to pass a language test at university after your arrival in Romania.

No, it is not necessary.

Yes, you can travel to other countries during summer and winter vacations (visa is given easily as soon as you are student in European Union). Note that it is expected that. Romania is also as of 1st of January 2025, part of Schengen.

Parents can send the money to the student’s bank account in Romania by the way of a wire transfer. The student is recommended to open a bank account as soon as the process of registration is completed.

Romania provides comprehensive healthcare services for students, ensuring support for both routine and emergency medical needs. Student Healthcare Benefits Free Medical Care and Psychological Assistance: Students under the age of 26 benefit from free healthcare services provided by their university and public hospitals through the public medical insurance system. Healthcare for Students Over 26: Students aged 26 and older are required to pay a monthly health insurance fee of approximately 15 Euros to access public healthcare services. General Physician Registration: All students must register with a general physician (family doctor), who will provide basic consultations and issue referrals to specialists when needed. For detailed information about required paperwork and available healthcare services, reach out to the international student support staff at your chosen university.

The program of the preparatory faculty is worked out for an ordinary level of complexity. The student who attends all the classes, carry out practical and home tasks, do not face any problems with studying

1. Benefits: Free medical and psychological assistance provided by universities and public hospitals. Discounted public transportation: At least a 90% discount for students under 26. Reduced cultural event fees: Cheaper tickets for museums, theatres, concerts, and more. 2. Are there tuition waivers? EU/EEA/Swiss students may qualify for tuition fee waivers based on academic performance.

Mobile SIM Cards: Prepaid options (€5–€10/month) or contracts with providers like Orange, Vodafone, Telekom, and Digi Mobil. Internet services: Romania offers high-speed home internet for €10–€20/month.

Free healthcare for students under 26 via public hospitals and university clinics. Students over 26 pay €15/month for public health insurance.

Dial 112 for free assistance (services available in English and French).

Admissions typically start in April for some universities and in June for most others. The main intake is in October. Some universities offer an additional intake, but these are fewer and require specific inquiries.

Over 300 bachelor’s and master’s programs are offered in English and French.

The Preparatory Year is designed for students to learn Romanian in preparation for pursuing their bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Romanian. Tuition for the Preparatory Year is paid monthly.

Generally, no scholarships are offered for international students by Romanian universities. Scholarships are only available through a program from the Romanian Ministry of Education, which requires: Early application. Studying in Romanian upon acceptance. This process is separate and more complex.

Depending on your country of origin, you may need a visa. Please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see if you need a visa. You can also consult the list of countries of origin for which a visa is required. Please note that short-stay visa (marked C) only allows for a short-term stay (max 3 months) in Romania. More info: Visa / Residence Permit Section

If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa for Romania and wish to study in Romania you will need a “long-stay visa for studies” (marked D/SD). The long stay visa for studies may be granted, upon request, to foreign citizens who want to reside the Romanian territory as students or to foreign citizen registered in pupil-exchange programmes. Foreign citizens accepted for studies by a state educational institute or a private educational institute accredited according to law, including for participation in PhD courses, are considered students, for the purpose of the present article. For students, the visa application must be accompanied by the following supporting documents: letter of acceptance; proof of payment for the tuition fee; proof of the means of support in amount of at least the minimum wage at country level per month, for the entire period specified in the visa; criminal record certificate or another document of the same legal value; medical insurance for the entire period of the visa validity; approval of the parents or the foster parents in connection with the stay on the Romanian territory for study purposes, if the foreign citizen is a minor. The foreign citizens who benefit from a scholarship offered by the Romanian state and the foreign citizens of Romanian origin are exempt from the obligation of submitting the proof of the means of support. The visa provided for the case described in the above paragraph will also be granted to foreign citizens accepted for studies on the grounds of international agreements to which Romania is party. Visa applications can only be submitted to the diplomatic missions and consular posts of Romania abroad.

After receiving the acceptance letter regarding your studies in a Romanian university and the long-stay visa for studies you will need a residence permit. The visa grants you a short-term entry permit (max three months), whereas a student residence permit can be granted for longer study or research periods (usually a year). More info: General Inspectorate for Immigration Romania

Yes. After receiving the acceptance letter regarding your studies in a Romanian university and the long-stay visa for studies you will require a residence permit. More info: General Inspectorate for Immigration Romania

Students from the European Union, as well as student from other state (please see list) are exempted from the Romanian visa requirement. Visa applications can only be submitted to the diplomatic missions and consular posts of Romania abroad (present in the country of your origin), once you have been granted the letter of acceptance by the Ministry of Education (ME). In order to prepare your visa documents, you need to use the e-VISA online platform. Please access the complete list of updated embassies info on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

If there is no consulate or embassy in your country please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page to find the nearest Romanian diplomatic mission.

A separate application is necessary for each study program you apply for, with one exception: if the programs you apply for are organized within the framework of the same faculty, in which case only separate application forms are required for each desired program.

Each higher education institution issues a certificate for student use between graduation and the moment the graduate receives their diploma. With appropriate certifications from the Romanian Embassy in the country of origin, this particular certificate can be used for the application procedures. However, the candidate should present the actual diploma to the university's registration office once it receives it, in order to replace the previously mentioned certificate in their file.

No. Usually, in order to be eligible for higher education, you must have completed upper secondary education. As the entrance requirements vary form one university to another, you may need to pass a written or oral examination that would require previous knowledge from the field of the study program you are applying for.

You would have to be fluent in the official language of the study program, and the university of choice may organise a foreign language test or similar.

For study programs in foreign languages, the higher education institution may organize a foreign language test or require proof of an internationally recognized English certificate (e.g. Cambridge, TOEFL etc.). Students coming from countries where the official language is the language in which the courses are held and students with an internationally recognized language certificate will be exempted from this test.

The National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas (CNRED) is the institution ensuring the equivalence of diplomas or completed studies in higher education, respectively the recognition of pre-university study documents. The process takes place online,via the Electronic Single Point of Contact (PCUe) platform. Additional information is available on the National Centre for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas official website.​ The full information for recognizing previous academic credentials of foreign students (regardless of their country of origin), in order to be able to access Romanian higher education programmes is available on the Ministry of Education website. In order to have comprehensive information on how to get your prior studies recognised, please visit the Recognition section.

You must fill in and submit the online application form, which includes information about yourself, contact details, academic background, preferred study domains, etc. and upload the required documents. Any incomplete application will not be considered.

You can apply for most study programs provided by the higher education institutions, in almost every study domain. However, please note that scholarships are NOT awarded in the fields of medicine, dental medicine and pharmacy. Furthermore, for Bachelor and Master, you can apply only for study programs taught in Romanian.

No.

Yes. Romanian language classes are organized in different universities within dedicated departments. The preparatory language program takes a full year for undergraduate students, however for post graduate study, the course takes six months. If you are interested in the preparatory course for learning Romanian, you must either first apply for a study program and specify you want to undergo a preparatory year first, or apply directly for the preparatory year. Make sure you apply in due time – it is advised to start the application process in August, given the fact that the academic year starts in the first week of October.

For study programs in foreign languages, the university where you have enroled may organise a foreign language test. Usually universities decide on the level on the minimum level of English skills. If you pass the language test, there are additional courses that you can enrol at both in universities and in other institutions (private companies, British Council, etc.)

The duration varies between 2 - 6 years depending upon the courses of study.

Yes. International students in Romania do not require a work permit as long as they hold a residence permit for studying in the country. Students are allowed to work four hours / day with no work permit.

You are allowed to work without having a work permit, simply based on the student residence permit, whether you are a EU or a non-EU student.

You may search for a job through career fairs, info desks at universities, student’s associations, websites, friends, classmates and local students or you can submit your CV directly to the companies you're interested in. The most accessed companies are the Outsourcing Companies / Call Centers who need employees with different nationality such as French, German, Italian, English etc.

Yes, you can apply for the Work Permit. Universities itself provides job placement in Romania and other western countries. Note that you have also the right to work during your study period.

Yes, you can apply for Permanent Residence and Citizenship of Romania, but there are specific eligibility criteria and processes that you must follow.

Permanent Residence is the first step towards citizenship. Here’s the eligibility criteria: Residency Period: You must have lived in Romania legally for at least 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit (e.g., for work, study, family reunification, etc.). The residency period may vary for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens compared to non-EU citizens. Financial Stability: Proof of stable and sufficient income to support yourself and your family. No Criminal Record: Clean criminal record in Romania and your home country. Accommodation: Proof of accommodation in Romania. Knowledge of Romanian Language and Culture: You may need to demonstrate basic knowledge of the Romanian language and culture.

Application form. Passport and residence permit copies. Proof of continuous residence for 5 years. Evidence of income (employment contracts, bank statements, etc.). Proof of accommodation (rental agreements, property ownership, etc.). Criminal record certificate. Health insurance.

Submit your application to the Romanian Immigration Office (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări). Attend an interview or language/culture test if required. Wait for the decision. Processing can take several months.

Buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the Bucharest Metro. Alternative options include electric scooters and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt.

Provide a stamped student ID, valid identity document, and occasionally additional documentation at authorized locations.

Driving is flexible but costly. Fuel averages €1.16 per liter, and parking is scarce in larger cities. EU licenses are valid in Romania.

Yes, for convenience during long stays. Popular banks include Banca Transilvania and BRD.

Passport. Proof of accommodation. University enrollment letter.

Submit proof of enrollment, financial means (€600/month recommended), health insurance, and accommodation agreement to the General Inspectorate for Immigration.

Apply annually for a residence permit with similar documentation requirements.

Main dishes: Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mamaliga (polenta), ciorba (sour soup). Desserts: Papanasi (fried donuts with sour cream and jam). Drinks: Wines: Romania is the 9th largest producer worldwide. Spirits: Țuica (plum brandy).

Supermarkets: Convenient for packaged goods and essentials. Farmers' markets: Ideal for fresh, locally sourced produce.

Yes, non-EU students enrolled at a university participating in the Erasmus+ program are eligible, provided they meet the program’s requirements.

Enrollment at a higher education institution (HEI) that participates in Erasmus+. Valid residence permit for the country where the home university is located. Meeting academic and language requirements set by the host institution.

Yes, a valid residence permit for the host country (e.g., Romania) is mandatory.

You may need a specific visa for the destination country. The Erasmus+ office and your university can assist with this process.

Romania is not yet a full member of the Schengen Area (as of now). A Romanian visa does not grant automatic travel rights within Schengen countries. However, starting January 1, 2025, Romania is expected to join the Schengen Area, simplifying travel.

Yes, non-EU students receive the same grants as EU students. These grants help cover travel and living expenses during the mobility period. The amount varies based on the program and destination.

Check with your university’s Erasmus+ office for details about grants and funding for your chosen program.

Contact your university’s Erasmus+ or international student office. Review available programs and their requirements. Prepare necessary documents, such as: Learning agreement. Proof of language proficiency. Other documents specified by your university. Submit your application by the university’s deadline.

Consult the Erasmus+ office for guidance. Choose your desired destination and review the requirements. Complete and submit all required documentation.

No, the Erasmus+ program promotes inclusivity and offers equal opportunities to non-EU students.

Yes, you must meet the academic and language criteria set by the host institution. These vary by destination, so verify specific requirements beforehand.

Policies may vary between universities. Always check with your home institution. Non-EU status does not disadvantage students within the Erasmus+ program.

Erasmus+ Opportunities Outside the EU Erasmus+ Study Abroad Details Non-EU Citizen Participation FAQ

Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education. Proof of tuition fee payment for one academic year. Payment must be made to the university’s bank account after receiving the acceptance letter. Proof of sufficient financial means (€2500) for the duration of the visa. Criminal record certificate or an equivalent document. Medical insurance covering the entire validity of the visa. Parental or guardian approval for minors.

The letter is issued after enrolling in an admission competition and fulfilling all required conditions.

Applicants must show evidence of approximately €2500 to cover their stay.

Yes, minors must have parental or foster parent approval for their stay in Romania for study purposes.

Details about the Preparatory Year and its costs can be provided on request. The process for ministry scholarships is entirely separate and intended for students pursuing studies in Romanian. It’s essential to prepare all visa documents carefully to avoid delays.