EU-recognised degrees
Romanian universities follow the Bologna Process, so bachelor's and master's degrees are recognised across the EU.
Study in Romania
EU-recognised degrees with established medicine and engineering faculties
Romania has a long history of educating international students, particularly in medicine, engineering, and technical fields, with a growing number of programmes taught fully in English.
Match me with programmes- Main intakes
- 2Main intakes
- Status
- EU member stateStatus
- Teaching language
- English-taught optionsTeaching language
- Compared to Western Europe
- Lower cost of livingCompared to Western Europe
Country overview
Studying in Romania
Romania is an EU member state with a well-established higher-education system, particularly known for medicine, dentistry, and engineering faculties that have long hosted international students. Degrees follow the Bologna three-cycle structure and are recognised across the EU.
Tuition and living costs are generally lower than in Western Europe, and a growing number of bachelor's and master's programmes are taught fully in English. Requirements and available programmes vary by institution, so always confirm details directly with the university.
- Capital
- Bucharest
- Currency
- Romanian leu (RON)
- Popular cities
- Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iaศi, Timiศoara
- Main intakes
- Autumn (Sep/Oct), some Spring
- Teaching languages
- Romanian and English (programme-dependent)
- EU status
- Member state โ simplified entry for EU/EEA citizens
Why study here
Reasons students choose Romania
Established medicine and engineering
A long track record of hosting international students in medicine, dentistry, and technical fields.
Lower overall cost
Tuition and living costs are generally lower than in Western Europe, though this should be confirmed per institution.
Growing English-taught offer
An increasing number of programmes are taught fully in English, alongside Romanian-taught options.
Education system
How the system is structured
Romanian higher education follows the Bologna three-cycle structure (bachelor's, master's, doctoral), delivered through public and private universities regulated at the national level.
Public universities
Host the majority of international students, with strong reputations in medicine, engineering, and sciences.
Bologna structure
Degrees use the ECTS credit system, supporting transfer and recognition within the EU.
Grading scale
A 1โ10 numerical grading scale is typically used, which should be explained/converted by the receiving institution when needed.
Application routes
Pathways by study level
Requirements differ by level. Use the tabs to see typical entry expectations for each pathway.
Undergraduate degree
Bachelor's
Bachelor's programmes are offered in Romanian and, increasingly, fully in English, particularly in medicine, engineering, and business.
Typical duration: 3โ4 years (medicine typically longer)
Typical entry requirements
- Completed secondary education with results meeting the institution's threshold
- Language proof (English or Romanian depending on the programme)
- Programme-specific entrance exams for some fields (e.g. medicine)
Graduate degree
Master's
Master's programmes build on a relevant bachelor's degree and are available in a growing number of English-taught tracks.
Typical duration: 1โ2 years
Typical entry requirements
- A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades
- Language proof for the programme's teaching language
- Some programmes may require an interview or additional documentation
Qualification requirements
What qualifications you typically need
| Study level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Completed secondary education meeting the institution's academic threshold, plus language proof; some fields require an entrance exam. |
| Master's | A relevant bachelor's degree with competitive grades and language proof for the teaching language. |
Language requirements
Proving your language ability
Language requirements depend on whether the programme is taught in English or Romanian. Confirm the exact accepted tests and minimum scores with the specific university.
English-taught programmes
IELTS Academic
Commonly accepted for English-taught programmes; minimum scores vary by institution.
TOEFL iBT
Accepted by many universities as an alternative to IELTS.
Local-language programmes
Romanian language proof
Required for Romanian-taught programmes; some universities offer a preparatory language year for international students.
- Requirements and accepted tests differ by university and programme โ always verify directly.
Application process
A typical application, step by step
Shortlist programmes
Identify universities and programmes matching your academic background and preferred teaching language.
Check entry requirements
Confirm academic prerequisites, language proof, and any entrance exams for your chosen programme.
Prepare and submit documents
Gather transcripts, language results, and identification documents, then apply directly to the university.
Receive an offer
Await the university's decision and any conditional requirements before accepting.
Arrange visa/residence steps
Non-EU applicants should begin the visa/residence process promptly once an offer is confirmed.
Visa process
Student visa overview
Check your citizenship status
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa or residence permit in the same way as non-EU applicants, though registration formalities may still apply.
Non-EU: apply for a type D visa
Non-EU/international students typically need to apply for a long-stay (type D) national visa through the Romanian embassy or consulate in their home country.
Prepare supporting documents
Commonly includes the university acceptance letter, passport, proof of funds, and health insurance, though exact lists vary.
Register residence after arrival
Non-EU students generally need to register for a residence permit with local authorities after entering Romania.
Verify current rules officially
Visa and residence requirements change โ always confirm the current process with the official Romanian embassy/consulate or immigration authority.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Romania can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.
Required documents
Documents you are likely to need
Academic transcripts
Certified copies of secondary or prior higher-education records.
Language test results
IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes, or Romanian proof where relevant.
Passport
Valid for the duration of study and travel.
University acceptance letter
Official confirmation of admission from the institution.
Proof of funds
Evidence you can support tuition and living costs.
Health insuranceIf applicable
Required for the visa/residence process for non-EU applicants.
Study categories
Popular fields of study
Medicine & health sciences
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary Medicine
Engineering & technology
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Civil
- Petroleum Engineering
Business & economics
- Business Administration
- Economics
- International Relations
- Finance
IT & computer science
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- Information Systems
Costs and funding
Budgeting your studies
Tuition and living costs in Romania are generally lower than in Western Europe, but vary by city and institution. Always confirm current figures with the university and official sources.
Tuition
- Bachelor's degree
- Lowโmoderate
- Master's degree
- Lowโmoderate
Medicine and dentistry are typically priced higher than other fields.
Varies by institution and whether taught in English or Romanian.
Living costs
- Accommodation
- Low compared to Western Europe
- Food & transport
- Lowโmoderate
- Health insurance
- Required
Bucharest is typically more expensive than smaller cities like Iaศi or Cluj-Napoca.
Public transport and daily costs are generally affordable.
Cost and requirement depend on visa/residence status.
Funding & scholarships
University scholarships
Some institutions offer merit-based reductions or scholarships; availability varies and should be checked directly.
Bilateral/government programmes
Limited bilateral scholarship schemes may exist for certain nationalities; verify current eligibility officially.
Lower overall cost of study
The relatively low cost of tuition and living can itself reduce the need for extensive funding compared to other EU destinations.
Application timeline
Planning your year
10โ12 months before
Research
- Shortlist universities and programmes
- Check teaching language and entry requirements
- Plan your budget
8โ10 months before
Prepare
- Sit language tests if required
- Gather transcripts and documents
- Check entrance-exam requirements for fields like medicine
5โ8 months before
Apply
- Submit applications directly to universities
- Track offers and conditions
2โ5 months before
Visa & arrival
- Accept an offer
- Start the visa/residence process if non-EU
- Arrange accommodation and travel
Avoid these
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming all programmes are taught in English without checking the specific programme.
- Underestimating the visa/residence timeline for non-EU applicants.
- Not budgeting for higher tuition in fields like medicine and dentistry.
- Skipping direct confirmation of entrance-exam requirements for competitive fields.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do EU citizens need a visa to study in Romania?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a student visa in the same way as non-EU applicants, though local registration formalities may still apply. Always confirm current rules officially.
Is Romania known for medicine programmes?
Yes โ Romania has a long history of hosting international students in medicine, dentistry, and related fields, with many programmes now taught in English.
Is Romania cheaper than other EU study destinations?
Tuition and living costs are generally lower than in Western Europe, though this varies by city, institution, and field of study.
How long does the non-EU visa process take?
Processing times vary and are not fixed โ always confirm current timelines with the official Romanian embassy or consulate well before your intended start date.
See which Romanian programmes fit your profile
Upload your transcript and MeetMentora will interpret your academic background and surface programmes that match your level and interests.
This is general guidance, not legal or admissions advice. Immigration rules, financial requirements, deadlines, and admission criteria for Romania can change at any time and vary by university. Always verify the current requirements with the official government authorities and the specific university before you apply.