Romanian Higher Education System

Romanian Higher Education System

There are more than one hundred public and private accredited universities in Romania. More than half a million students are in public institutions, three-quarters of which study in bachelor’s programs and about 20% at the master’s level.

As in many Eastern European countries, Romanian universities are specialized in certain subjects. However, there are also larger large-scale universities that are covering different faculties and study programs.

Romania follows the Bologna program, so most of its higher education consists of three cycles: first a three-year bachelor's degree, followed by a two-year master's degree and a three-year doctoral degree. However, some programs take longer to complete, such as programs in engineering fields (four-year programs), or some combine bachelor’s and master’s degrees into an integrated six-year program (e.g., Medicine and Architecture).

The Romanian higher education system in international comparison

In the next section, you will see how Romanian universities have succeeded at the institutional level. Based on the U-Multirank dimensions, the study depicts the national average and represents how many Romanian institutions are doing better than average (they get an “A grade” which is for very good, The B grade is just for good or sometimes considered as less average, D grade for below average and the E grade’ means low in score.

Looking at the exhibition of Romanian higher educational institutions done by U-Multirank , the presentation of Romanian establishments is solid in educating and learning just as in local commitment:

  • In a global comparison, Romanian institutions are strong in terms of teaching and learning: almost two thirds of their indicators are above average, i.e. in groups A or B. 35/36 Romanian universities with data on this indicator received A or B grades on graduation.

  • Western University of Timisoara is listed among the top 25 performers in open access publications globally

How much does studying in Romania cost?

Colleges regulate access independently, a general university admission certificate (Bacalaureat) is a prerequisite for the admission in all Romanian universities.

International students must have their diplomas recognized as equivalent by the National Center for the Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas (CNRED).

Most Romanian universities offer some of their programs in foreign languages, such as English, Hungarian, French and German. Students in Romanian teaching programs must pass a language test. If they do not have sufficient Romanian (language) skills, they must complete a year of preparation (Preparatory Year). Applicants who speak Romanian or are studying at a private university may skip this year after passing the test or formally prove that they have completed their studies in Romania for at least four consecutive years. Students who wish to continue their studies in a foreign language must apply for programs supported in that respective language

What are the requirements for admission to Romanian universities?

The above reasons for choosing to study medicine in Romania make Romanian universities and schools a unique opportunity for the personal and professional growth of medical students. Romanian universities and medical schools are dedicated to train the doctors, but also specialists in dentistry, pharmacies, physiotherapists, midwives, nurses and all postgraduate students.

Requirements and procedures for access into the medical schools in Romania may vary. In order to gain access to medicine in most medical universities and schools in Romania, the application must be submitted within the deadline and in accordance with the university guidelines.

Admission is based on an application competition. Some medical schools and universities hold an entrance test in biology and chemistry and interviews.

Don’t forget about your high school diploma (level A, matriculation examination, etc.) or equivalent and a certificate of at least level B2 language of instruction (English, French or Romanian) that plays a great importance in the admission process.

How to get a scholarship in Romania?

Know that there are options for scholarships. European students can take advantage of the Erasmus program (if it comes for short-term mobility) or opt for grants from the Romanian state. Several scholarships from the Romanian state are also available for non-EU students.

1. State Scholarships

The amount and number of state grants awarded to citizens of other countries are determined by a government decision. Universities may also decide to award scholarships to international students according to their priorities.

Government Grant Rules:

  • Grants are distributed in the national currency (Romanian Lei).

  • Scholarships will be suspended if the academic year is not promoted in the event of a breach of Romanian law or a code of conduct drawn up by universities. Scholarships are still awarded 30 days after the completion of postgraduate or university studies.

  • Grants do not cover personal expenses and international transportation. You will have to pay for accommodation, food, public transportation and others.

2. Scholarship through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Who can qualify: Non-EU nationals (regardless of country of residence). Priority will be given to non-EU nationals with whom Romania does not have cultural and educational cooperation agreements.

Scholarships are awarded at three study levels:

(a) Cycle 1 (bachelor's degree): This system is intended for graduates of upper secondary schools or similar universities and for candidates who require similar part-time studies and continue their studies in Romania. The entire period of university research lasts 3-6 years according to the specific requirements of the selected faculty and ends with a final examination (bachelor's degree);

b) 2nd cycle (Master): This system is intended for university / postgraduate graduates; it lasts 1.5 to 2 years and ends with a dissertation;

c) 3rd cycle (PhD): This system is dedicated to university / postgraduates (ie masters); it lasts 3-4 years according to the specific requirements of the selected faculty and ends with a dissertation.

Do I need a student visa for Romania?

EU and EFTA citizens do not have to apply for a visa if they only want to stay for a maximum of three months; otherwise they - like all other citizens - will have to apply for a visa. Generally, students must have a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds. Students must be able to pay tuition fees and finance their stay (€ 250 per month). In addition, an apostille certificate of good conduct and a “letter of acceptance” (issued by the Ministry) must be submitted.
The necessary documents must be checked at the Romanian consular post in order to obtain a residence permit.
Information on the visa requirement can be found here.

Why it’s Early Application a good idea?

  • - If you meet all the criterias, your seat will be booked in advance because your documents were submitted within the first batches of application! The fact that the candidate’s application arrives before all the other thousands of students applying on a regular basis, gives ALL applications a DIRECT advantage.
  • - Early applicants will be given priority and preference for place availability
  • - Candidate will receive a response to their application much earlier so he/she have enough time to make arrangements
  • - Candidate have more than enough time to resolve visa issues and make travel arrangements

Romania is becoming more and more sought after, and every year more people are applying for Romanian universities. Unfortunately, we also see many individuals who have failed to apply alone or who apply too late. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it! HEdu Guide created the perfect system to cover every bureaucratic or administrative aspect that a future student will have to deal with.

Save time and money when you apply through us

We'll guide you through the studying options available in Romania. Once you're decided or even before, we can jump in and help you to choose the right study program(s).

We'll be your partner throughout the application process to assist you in becoming an international student.