Analytical material
Advantages of Studying in Romania. Cost of Living and Work. Romanian Language and Career Prospects. Checking the Rules Before Applying
Why Is Studying in Romania Worth Considering?
Romania is still considered less often as a higher education destination than Germany, France, Italy or the Netherlands. Official statistics, however, show a large and stable university system. In the 2024/2025 academic year, 568,608 students were enrolled in Romanian higher education. The number increased by almost 24,000 compared with the previous year. The figures were published in a report by the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research.
The public sector forms the core of higher education. Public institutions enrolled 505,022 students, representing 88.8 percent of the total student population. Private institutions enrolled 63,586 students, or 11.2 percent. The predominance of the public sector means a wide range of programmes in major university centres and state participation in funding educational infrastructure. Public status does not automatically mean free tuition.
The cost of study depends on citizenship, field, language of instruction and funding model.
A large share of students were enrolled in first cycle higher education. Bachelor programmes had 432,907 students. Master programmes had 112,039 students. Doctoral studies included 20,823 students, while another 2,839 students attended postgraduate programmes. The distribution shows a complete system designed for different academic goals, from a first qualification to a research career.
The choice of programmes is also extensive. In the 2024/2025 academic year, Bachelor education included 2,602 programmes, 413 distinct specialisations and 79 fields of study. Programmes were offered by 86 institutions, including 52 public and 34 private universities. Master education covered 2,694 programmes in 80 fields at 82 institutions. Detailed statistics are available in the official report on the state of higher education.
A wide offer makes it possible to choose a university not only by name, but also by programme content, city, tuition cost and language of instruction. The same field may be taught at several institutions with different curricula and admission requirements. Comparing subjects, practical training, faculty and career opportunities helps applicants find a suitable option without relying only on rankings.
Romania uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, ECTS, and follows the principles of the Bologna Process. Bachelor programmes usually include 180 to 240 ECTS, while Master programmes include 60 to 120 ECTS. A standard academic year corresponds to 60 ECTS. The structure facilitates further study and academic recognition of completed courses. The official description is published by the National Centre for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas, CNRED.
The number of universities and programmes does not replace quality verification. External evaluation of institutions and study programmes is carried out by the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, ARACIS. The agency assesses compliance with established standards and publishes evaluation results. Before applying, the status of the specific programme should be checked because a well known university name does not guarantee the same accreditation status for every field.
The international population of Romanian universities continues to grow. In the 2020/2021 academic year, 34,447 international students studied in the country. By the 2024/2025 academic year, the number had reached 40,281. The increase over the period was 5,834 students, or around 17 percent. The growth reflects a stronger international presence and increasing interest in studying in Romania.
Romania deserves consideration because it combines a large public university sector, thousands of programmes, a European degree structure, a growing international student community and an official quality assurance system. The practical value of a degree depends on choosing the right field, checking accreditation, considering the language of instruction and assessing career opportunities in the selected city.
Economic Development and Career Prospects
Romania has been developing its economy in terms of income and productivity. The OECD links this growth to market opening, reforms, investment and European funding.
Investments are directed toward roads, transport, digital public services and other modernisation projects. For young professionals, the long term effect matters most because new projects gradually create demand for engineers, analysts, developers, managers and employees in service companies.
The cost of living remains an important advantage. According to Eurostat data for 2025, the price level in Romania was below the European Union average. A student budget can therefore face less pressure than in more expensive Western European countries. Rent in Bucharest or Cluj may still take a significant share of monthly spending, so a lower national price level does not mean that life is equally inexpensive in every city.
Romania has not yet reached the income level of the wealthiest EU economies. Gross domestic product per capita adjusted for purchasing power remained around 20 to 30 percent below the European average. In simple terms, prices are lower, but average incomes are also lower. More affordable living costs can help at the beginning, while career growth still requires education, language skills and professional experience.
Demand is distributed across many sectors. The European Employment Services network, EURES, lists software developers, construction workers, logistics staff, retail employees, hospitality and food service workers among occupations facing shortages. Welders, carpenters, security staff and service workers also appear on the list. The labour market needs more than information technology specialists.
Conditions vary by city and region. Bucharest offers more opportunities in business, finance, technology and international services. Cluj is particularly visible in technology and medicine. Timișoara has strong links to manufacturing, engineering and international companies. Iași continues to develop medicine, education and technology related sectors.
Romanian remains one of the most important career advantages. English may be enough for study and for work in an international team. The local language expands the range of available vacancies, makes communication with employers easier and helps students move more quickly from part time student work to a full professional position.
Admission should be considered as part of a plan covering several years. A Master programme may last one or two years, a Bachelor programme usually takes three or four years, and medical education requires around six years. The economic situation at graduation will differ from the situation at the time of application.
The Higher Education System
The quality of both the institution and the specific programme should be checked before any payment is made. External evaluation and accreditation are carried out by ARACIS. The presence of a university in a commercial catalogue does not replace verification of the programme through the agency’s official register.
An accredited degree is integrated into the European Higher Education Area, while ECTS makes academic recognition and continuation of studies easier. Automatic professional licensing across all European Union countries is not guaranteed. Medicine, architecture, teaching, law and other regulated professions may require a separate recognition procedure, proof of language proficiency and registration with a professional body.
Bachelor Studies
Bachelor education represents the first full level of higher education after secondary school. Programmes in business, journalism, languages, biology and many other traditional fields often last three years. Engineering usually takes four years, while medicine takes around six years. The exact duration depends on the field and is specified in the curriculum. Programmes can be searched by language and duration through the official Study in Romania catalogue.
Business, management and journalism belong mainly to economic and social fields. Natural sciences include biology, chemistry, physics, geology, geography and environmental sciences.
How Admission Works
Admission rules are set by each university or individual faculty. Selection may take into account the average grade from the school leaving certificate, final examination results, an entrance test, an interview or a portfolio. Creative faculties often request portfolios, while journalism and political science may include an assessment of language and analytical skills.
The language of instruction also affects admission. A programme taught in Romanian usually requires a language certificate or a preparatory year. For a programme taught in English, a university may request an international language certificate, an internal test or a motivation letter.
Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland apply under the same general conditions as Romanian citizens. For applicants from other countries, the university forwards the documents to the Ministry of Education. After verification, the ministry issues a Letter of Acceptance required for the student visa. The official processing period is 30 to 60 days, so documents should be prepared well in advance. The detailed procedure is published on the Study in Romania portal.
Popular Universities in Romania
The University of Bucharest offers one of the broadest selections of disciplines in the country. Its structure includes faculties of journalism and communication, business and administration, foreign languages, political science, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, geology, mathematics and computer science.
According to the QS subject rankings for 2026, the university ranked first in Romania in linguistics, modern languages, English language and literature, political science, chemistry and geography. In mathematics, physics and astronomy, the university ranked second nationally. The results were published on the official website of the University of Bucharest.
The University of Bucharest is worth considering for journalism, international relations, languages, political science, chemistry, geography and fundamental sciences.
Babeș Bolyai University is located in Cluj Napoca and stands out for its broad range of languages of instruction. Programmes are available in Romanian, English, German and Hungarian.
The official catalogue includes business administration, management, finance, international economics, journalism, advertising, public relations, political science, biology, chemistry, physics and environmental sciences. English taught programmes are available in business, management, finance and journalism.
The university is particularly attractive for applicants who want to combine a strong academic field with an international and multilingual environment.
The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, ASE, is a specialised option for business, finance, economics and management.
English taught programmes are available in business administration, management, marketing, finance and banking, international business, economic informatics and accounting. Most programmes last three years and include 180 ECTS.
ASE can be considered for careers in banking, marketing, analytics, company management, international trade and entrepreneurship.
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University is located in Iași and offers programmes across most traditional academic fields.
The catalogue includes business administration, management, marketing, finance, journalism, communication, languages, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, geography and geology. Business administration, physics, computer science and selected geography programmes are available in English.
The university is worth considering for applicants looking for a large classical university outside Bucharest and Cluj.
The West University of Timișoara combines economic, humanities and natural science disciplines. The university offers programmes in business, management, journalism, communication, biology, chemistry, geography, mathematics and physics.
The journalism programme includes multimedia, investigative journalism, photojournalism, television, radio, social media, digital content creation and practical training in relevant organisations. The curriculum is published on the journalism programme page.
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biology and Geography offers biology, biochemistry, medical chemistry, geoinformatics and applied forensic sciences. The complete list is available on the faculty’s official page.
The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, SNSPA, specialises in communication, public relations, management, political science and public administration.
The English taught Bachelor programme Communication and Emerging Media can suit students interested in careers in digital media, communication, content and public relations. A traditional journalism programme is not available in the English catalogue, so the University of Bucharest, Babeș Bolyai University, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University and the West University of Timișoara may be more suitable for journalism education.
How to Choose a University Quickly
For business, finance and management, the main options include ASE and Babeș Bolyai University. For journalism, applicants can compare the University of Bucharest, Babeș Bolyai University and the West University of Timișoara. For communication, public relations and political science, SNSPA is a relevant option. For biology, chemistry, physics and geography, strong choices are available at the University of Bucharest, Babeș Bolyai University, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University and the West University of Timișoara.
Before applying, the programme language, admission requirements, list of documents, tuition cost and current deadlines should be checked on the selected faculty’s official page.
Master Studies
Master education is suitable for graduates who plan to deepen their qualifications, change professional direction or continue an academic career. Study usually lasts one or two years. Programmes include 60 to 120 ECTS, with 90 or 120 ECTS being common formats. Romanian system requirements are described by CNRED.
Admission requires a recognised Bachelor degree, a transcript of records and proof of the language of instruction. Selection depends on the faculty. A university may consider the grade average, examination results, an interview, a motivation letter, a portfolio or a research proposal. Research focused programmes usually pay more attention to academic preparation and the future research topic. Business programmes may place greater emphasis on professional experience and career motivation.
An English taught Master programme makes it possible to begin studying without fluent Romanian. A wide range is available in business, international relations, computer science, engineering, economics and natural sciences. Romanian remains an important advantage when looking for work. Marketing, sales, public administration, medicine, education and roles involving local clients often require confident communication in Romanian.
Practical experience should ideally begin from the first semester. Employers consider not only the degree, but also internships, professional projects, digital skills and understanding of the industry. A one year programme leaves little time for adaptation, so internship searches, career events and professional networking should begin soon after enrolment.
MBA in Romania
An MBA is a professional postgraduate degree in business management. The curriculum usually combines strategy, finance, marketing, analytics, operations management, negotiation and leadership. The main purpose is not narrow specialisation, but preparation for managing a company, a team or an independent project. A traditional academic Master programme is generally more suitable for entering a profession and gaining specialised knowledge. An MBA is designed primarily for professionals with practical experience.
Executive MBA programmes are aimed mainly at managers, entrepreneurs and executives. The INDE MBA requires at least three years of professional experience, a Bachelor degree and English proficiency. The ASEBUSS Executive MBA requires at least three years of managerial or entrepreneurial experience.
Romania offers a broad range of prices. The INDE MBA costs EUR 8,000 for EU citizens and EUR 9,000 for non EU students. The programme is taught in English and is academically evaluated by AMBA and the Romanian agency ARACIS. The Creative MBA costs EUR 5,000 for EU citizens and EUR 9,000 for non EU students.
The more expensive segment includes international programmes. The ASEBUSS Executive MBA lasts two years and costs EUR 10,500 per academic year. The total tuition is EUR 21,000, excluding additional expenses for an international trip to Atlanta. The Bucharest Executive MBA from WU Executive Academy lasts 16 months and costs EUR 43,200. The programme includes 120 ECTS, is taught in English and includes international modules in Austria, the United States or Asia.
For comparison, the Global Executive MBA in Vienna costs EUR 65,200, while the International MBA at IE in Madrid costs EUR 89,900. The comparison does not account for differences in rankings, faculty composition or international networks, but it illustrates the scale of potential savings when choosing a Romanian programme.
The practical value of an MBA in Romania comes from moderate tuition for local programmes, English language instruction, flexible schedules and access to business contacts. Many formats allow participants to continue working while studying. Projects are built around real management tasks, so knowledge can be applied before graduation.
Preparatory Year Before University
Romania has a format comparable in some ways to a foundation programme. The official programme is the preparatory year of Romanian language for foreign citizens. Its main purpose is language preparation before Bachelor, Master or doctoral studies taught in Romanian. The programme usually lasts one academic year. The first semester focuses on grammar, speaking, reading and writing. The second semester introduces professional vocabulary related to the future field of study.
Medical students study terminology in anatomy and biology, technical fields work with physics and engineering vocabulary, while economic programmes add the language of business and finance. The Romanian Ministry of Education describes a similar structure.
The preparatory year is intended for international applicants who do not have a Romanian language certificate. Exemption may be possible with a recognised language document or several years of previous education in Romanian. Exact requirements are determined by the university.
The University of Bucharest offers a preparatory year before Bachelor, Master and doctoral studies. After the final examination, graduates obtain the language preparation needed to apply to a Romanian taught programme. Completing the course does not guarantee automatic admission. Admission to the main programme requires a separate selection process.
The cost of the preparatory year depends on the university, citizenship and future field of study.
The West University of Timișoara also runs a one year preparatory programme for EU and non EU citizens. The programme combines general Romanian with vocabulary related to the future academic profile.
The Romanian model is focused mainly on language. The programme generally does not replace missing secondary school subjects, and an entrance examination may still be required if the faculty uses one.
An alternative is to apply directly to an English taught programme. Romanian universities offer English taught Bachelor and Master programmes in business, management, finance, international relations, computer science, engineering, medicine, physics and other natural sciences.
The University of Bucharest offers business administration, political science, international relations and physics in English. Babeș Bolyai University offers English programmes in business, management, finance, journalism and public health. ASE provides English programmes in management, marketing, finance, international business, economic informatics and accounting.
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University offers English language study in business administration, computer science, physics and geography.
A complete search is available through the government Study in Romania catalogue. Filters make it possible to select the level of study, field, city and language of instruction.
For an English taught programme, a Romanian preparatory year is generally not required. The university will request proof of English. The minimum level is often B2, although some faculties accept B1, an international certificate, an internal test or evidence of previous education in English.
Why Bucharest and Cluj Napoca Work Well for Students
Bucharest: Studying at the Centre of Economic and Cultural Life
Bucharest became the permanent capital of the United Principalities in 1862. Its political role accelerated the construction of administrative buildings, banks, theatres, hotels and private palaces. Modern Bucharest architecture resembles an open textbook of urban history.
The central streets preserve Orthodox churches, buildings influenced by French academic architecture, the Romanian national style, interwar modernism and monumental architecture from the communist period. There is no single uniform image, but these contrasts make it possible to see the country’s development outside a museum setting.
One of the city’s main cultural symbols is the Romanian Athenaeum. The building was designed by the French architect Albert Galleron and officially opened in 1888. Today it serves as the principal concert hall of the George Enescu Philharmonic.
Bucharest’s museum landscape is particularly useful for students of art, history, architecture, journalism and cultural studies. The National Museum of Art of Romania occupies the former Royal Palace and contains collections of Romanian medieval, modern and European art.
The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum opened in 1936. The open air exhibition includes traditional houses, churches, farm buildings and workshops from different regions of the country. A visit helps students understand regional differences, rural culture and everyday life in Romania.
The Bucharest Municipality Museum network includes twelve museums and memorial houses. Suțu Palace, the house of painter Theodor Aman and the Astronomical Observatory allow visitors to study the history of the capital through architecture, art and the biographies of its residents.
Cultural life extends far beyond permanent exhibitions. ARCUB’s city programme includes street theatre festivals, jazz concerts, light installations, film screenings and open public events. Students can access the cultural sector not only as spectators. Volunteering, internships, editorial work and event organisation can help build a portfolio while still at university.
A practical advantage of Bucharest is the concentration of employers. The capital hosts government institutions, international companies, banks, technology teams, national media, cultural organisations and the nonprofit sector. Internship opportunities are especially broad for students of business, management, information technology, communication, international relations and creative fields.
The size of the capital also creates challenges. Travel between accommodation, university and work can take a considerable amount of time. The metro makes movement much easier, so the neighbourhood should be chosen with the location of the faculty and the nearest station in mind.
Cluj Napoca: A Compact University City with a Transylvanian Character
Cluj Napoca combines ancient heritage, medieval urban fabric and contemporary student culture. Its history begins with Roman Napoca. A fortified medieval city later developed, while the evolution of Transylvania added Gothic churches, Baroque palaces and nineteenth century administrative architecture.
The historic centre is easy to explore on foot. A route can include the ruins of Roman Napoca, sections of the city wall, the Tailors’ Tower, the Gothic Church of Saint Michael, the house associated with Matthias Corvinus and Bánffy Palace. Babeș Bolyai University provides a historical route describing the city’s principal monuments.
University tradition plays an important role in the city’s identity. Academic education in Cluj traces its history to the establishment of the Claudiopolitan Academy in 1581. Modern Babeș Bolyai University continues a multilingual model of education with programmes in Romanian, Hungarian, German and English. The university’s own materials describe the development of this academic environment.
Bánffy Palace is one of the architectural symbols of Baroque Cluj. It was built between 1774 and 1785 to a design by architect Johann Eberhard Blaumann. The palace is classified as a monument of national importance and is considered an important example of Transylvanian Baroque architecture. Today it houses the Cluj Art Museum.
The Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania, founded in 1922, provides an introduction to the culture of the region. Its collections focus on traditional clothing, crafts, household activities and everyday life.
The Romulus Vuia National Ethnographic Park extends the museum experience outdoors. Founded in 1929, it is considered the first open air museum in Romania. The site contains wooden houses, farm buildings and craft workshops dating from the seventeenth to the twentieth century.
Cluj’s contemporary cultural reputation is strongly linked to cinema. Since 2021, the city has been part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the category of film. Its largest event is the Transilvania International Film Festival, TIFF. The festival has been held since 2002 and brings together directors, actors, journalists, volunteers and audiences from many countries.
The compact size of the city simplifies student life. University buildings, libraries, museums, cafés and cultural venues are relatively close to one another. Such an environment is particularly convenient for academic projects, social interaction, language practice and professional networking.
Demand for housing is high before the start of the academic year, so the search for a room or dormitory place should begin early. The labour market is smaller than Bucharest’s, but Cluj offers a strong environment in information technology, medicine, engineering, science, art and creative industries.
Which City Should a Student Choose?
Bucharest suits students planning careers in business, finance, government institutions, international companies, journalism, communication and cultural management. A large city provides a wider choice of employers, events and professional contacts.
Cluj Napoca suits students who prefer a calmer university rhythm, intercultural communication and regular involvement in academic life. A compact historic centre, strong universities, museums and festivals create an environment capable of turning study into a broader life experience.
Useful Links for Admission and Life in Romania
A good starting point for admission preparation is the government portal Study in Romania. Its programme catalogue allows applicants to search Bachelor, Master and doctoral programmes by field, language of instruction, city and university. The university list provides access to the official pages of individual institutions.
The general application procedure for citizens of the European Union and other countries is presented in the admission procedures section of Study in Romania.
The accreditation status of a university and programme should be checked through ARACIS. Recognition of school certificates and university diplomas is handled by CNRED. A separate explanation of the recognition procedure is also available on Study in Romania.
Information about state scholarships is available in the section for international students on Study in Romania. Citizens of countries outside the European Union can check the conditions of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship programme and apply through the official scholarship platform. Opportunities for international exchange, study and internships are available through Erasmus in Romania.
Applications for a long stay study visa are submitted through the Romanian state E Visa system. Requirements concerning visas, residence permits, proof of financial resources, health insurance and student employment are published by the General Inspectorate for Immigration. Online appointments and document uploads for residence permits are available through the immigration portal.
Students who plan to remain in Romania after graduation should review the conditions for long term residence in advance.
Admission information for Bucharest can be checked through the official pages of the University of Bucharest, the Bucharest University of Economic Studies and the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest. For Cluj Napoca, Babeș Bolyai University has a dedicated admission section.
Vacancies, internships and information about the Romanian labour market are available through the European EURES portal. Its Living and Working in Romania section explains employment rules, contracts and relocation, while labour market information helps applicants assess sectors with demand and the prospects of a chosen field.
Admission dates, tuition fees, visa rules and document requirements are updated regularly. Final verification should always be carried out on the official page of the selected university and on Romanian government portals.
Frequently Asked Questions
English taught programmes are available at Bachelor and Master level, especially in medicine, business, international relations, engineering and computer science. The choice is narrower than the Romanian taught offer. A language certificate or internal examination is often part of the admission requirements.
A European Commission estimate is around EUR 600 to EUR 900 per month. A dormitory and student canteen can bring the budget closer to the lower end. A private apartment in Bucharest or Cluj may push spending above EUR 900. Before moving, it is useful to have additional funds for a deposit, documents and two or three months of living expenses.
Accredited programmes use the Bologna structure and ECTS, so academic recognition is generally easier. Regulated professions require a separate procedure in the country where the graduate plans to work. Accreditation should always be checked before enrolment.
Need Help with Admission?
If it is difficult to identify the first step and support is needed with admission to Argentina, document preparation, university selection or choosing an educational programme, academic guidance is available. The work is organised in line with the requirements of the selected university and the principles of academic integrity.
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