Analytical material
Advantages of Studying in Romania: Living Costs, Employment, Language and Career Prospects
Why Is Studying in Romania Worth Considering?
Romania is still less likely to be considered for higher education than Germany, France, Italy or the Netherlands. Official statistics show a large and stable university system. In the 2024/2025 academic year, 568,608 students studied in the country. The number increased by almost 24,000 compared to the previous year. The data is published in the report of the Ministry of Education and Research of Romania.
Higher education is based on the public sector. Public institutions enrolled 505,022 students, or 88.8% of the total student population. Private institutions enrolled 63,586 students, or 11.2%. The predominance of the public sector means a wide range of programmes in large university centres and state participation in the financing of educational infrastructure. State status does not guarantee free education. The cost depends on citizenship, field of study, language of the programme and form of funding.
Some students chose the first stage of higher education. The undergraduate programme included 432,907 students. The magistracy numbered 112,039 students. 20,823 students studied at PhD study. A further 2,839 students completed postgraduate programmes. The distribution shows a complete system for different academic purposes, from obtaining a first qualification to a scientific career.
The range of study options is extensive. In the 2024/2025 academic year, Romania offered 2,602 bachelor’s programmes across 413 distinct subjects and 79 broad fields. These programmes were delivered by 86 institutions, including 52 public and 34 private universities. At master’s level, 82 institutions offered 2,694 programmes across 80 fields. Detailed figures appear in the official report on the state of higher education.
A wide offer makes it possible to select a university not only by name, but also by content of the programme, city, cost and language of instruction. The same direction can be taught in several institutions with different curricula and admission conditions. Comparing subjects, practice, teaching staff and career opportunities helps to find the right option without focusing only on rankings.
The Romanian system uses European ECTS credits and is based on the principles of the Bologna Process. Bachelor’s degree usually includes 180 to 240 ECTS and Master’s degree from 60 to 120 ECTS. The standard academic year corresponds to 60 ECTS. The structure facilitates the continuation of education and the academic recognition of the disciplines passed. The official description was published by the National Center for the Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas.
A large number of universities and programmes does not remove the need to verify quality. The Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education conducts external evaluations of institutions and study programmes, assesses compliance with established standards and publishes its findings. Applicants should check the status of the specific programme because a well-known university name does not guarantee identical accreditation across every subject.
The international audience of Romanian universities continues to grow. In the 2020/2021 academic year, 34,447 foreign students studied in the country. By 2024 and 2025, the number reached 40,281 students. The increase for the period under review was 5,834 students, or about 17 percent. The growth shows an increased international presence and increased interest in studying in Romania.
Studying in the country deserves attention due to the combination of a large public sector, thousands of programmes, a European diploma structure, a growing foreign community and an official quality control system. Practical value depends on the right choice of field of study, verification of accreditation, language of study and career opportunities in the chosen city.
Economic Development and Career Prospects
Romania continues to develop in terms of income levels and productivity. The OECD attributes growth to market opening, reforms, investment and European financing.
• Investments are directed to roads, transport, digital public services and other modernization projects. For a young specialist, a long-term effect is important: new projects gradually create a demand for engineers, analysts, developers, managers and employees of 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. Student budgets are generally under less pressure than in more expensive Western European countries. Renting in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca can still take up a significant part of the cost, so a low average price level does not mean an equally low living costs in any city.
• Romania’s economy has not yet reached the level of the richest countries in the union. Gross domestic product per resident, taking into account purchasing power, remained 20 or 30 percent below the European average. The simple explanation is that prices are lower, but average incomes are also lower. A more accessible life helps at the start, and career advancement requires education, language, and professional experience.
Demand is distributed among different areas. The European employment network EURES refers to the scarce professions of software developers, construction, logistics, trade, hotel business and catering. The list also includes welders, carpenters, security guards and service workers. The market does not only need information technology specialists.
The situation varies between cities and regions. Bucharest offers more jobs in business, finance, technology and international services. Cluj is noticeable in the field of technology and medicine. Timisoara is associated with manufacturing, engineering and international companies. Iasi develop medicine, education and technological directions.
The Romanian language remains one of the main career advantages. English can be enough to study and work in an international team. The local language expands the choice of vacancies, facilitates communication with employers and helps to move faster from a student part-time job to a full-fledged professional position.
It should be considered as a plan for several years. A master’s degree can last one or two years, a bachelor’s degree usually takes three or four years, medical education requires about six years. The economic situation at the time of issue will differ from the situation at the time of submission of documents.
The Higher Education System
Check the quality and accreditation of both the university and the specific programme before paying any fees. External evaluation and accreditation are conducted by the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. A university’s appearance in an advertising catalogue does not replace verification through the agency’s official register.
An accredited Romanian degree forms part of the European Higher Education Area, and the ECTS system generally facilitates academic recognition and further study. However, it does not guarantee an automatic professional licence in every EU country. Medicine, architecture, teaching, law and other regulated professions may require separate recognition of qualifications, proof of language ability and registration with a professional body.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is the first full stage of higher education after secondary school. Programmes in business, journalism, languages, biology and other traditional subjects commonly last three years. Engineering generally takes four years and medicine approximately six. The exact duration depends on the subject and is stated in the curriculum. The official Study in Romania catalogue allows applicants to search by programme language and duration.
Business, management and journalism are more economic and social. The group of natural sciences includes biology, chemistry, physics, geology, geography and environmental sciences.
Admission process
The rules are set by a university or individual faculty. Selection can take into account the average school-leaving grade, the results of final examinations, the entrance test, the interview or the portfolio. For example, creative departments often request portfolios, and journalism and political science may include language and analytical skills testing.
The language of instruction also affects admission. The Romanian language programme usually requires a language certificate or preparatory year. For a programme in English, the university may request an international certificate, an internal test, or a personal statement.
Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland enter on the same terms as citizens of Romania. For applicants from other countries, the university transfers documents to the Ministry of Education. After the check, the ministry issues the letter of admission required for the student visa. The official processing period is from 30 to 60 days, so it is better to start preparing documents in advance. The detailed scheme is published on the portal Study in Romania.
Popular Universities of Romania
University of Bucharest. It offers one of the widest range of destinations in the country. The structure has faculties of journalism and communications, business and administration, foreign languages, political science, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, geology, mathematics and informatics.
According to the QS subject ranking for 2026, the university ranked first in Romania in linguistics, modern languages, English literature, political science, chemistry and geography. In mathematics, physics and astronomy, the university ranked second in the country. The results are 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 basic sciences.
University of Babesh and BoyayaiIt is located in Cluj-Napoca and stands out with a large selection of learning languages. Programs are available in Romanian, English, German and Hungarian.
The official catalog includes business administration, management, finance, international economics, journalism, advertising, PR, political science, biology, chemistry, physics and environmental sciences. English-language programmes are available in business, management, finance and journalism.
The university is especially interesting for applicants who want to combine a strong field of study with an international and multilingual environment.
Bucharest University of Economic Research ASErepresents a profile option for business, finance, economics and management.
Programs in business administration, management, marketing, finance and banking, international business, economic informatics and accounting are available in English. Most programmes last three years and include 180 ECTS credits.
ASE is suitable for careers in banking, marketing, analytics, company management, international trade and entrepreneurship.
Alexandru Ioan Cusa UniversityIt is located in Iasi and offers programmes across almost the entire classical academic lineup.
The catalog presents business administration, management, marketing, finance, journalism, communications, languages, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, geography and geology. Business Administration, Physics, Computer Science and selected geographic programmes are available in English.
The university deserves attention when looking for a large classical university outside Bucharest and Cluj.
Western University of TimisoaraIt combines economic, humanitarian and natural directions. The university offers programmes in business, management, journalism, communications, biology, chemistry, geography, mathematics and physics.
The journalism programme includes multimedia, investigations, photojournalism, television, radio, social networks, digital content creation and practice in specialized organizations. 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 full list is available on the official page of the faculty.
National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
SNSPA specializes in communications, PR, management, political science and public administration.
The English-language Bachelor of Communication and Emerging Media is suitable for a career in digital media, communications, content and PR. There is no classical journalism programme in the English catalogue, so the University of Bucharest, the University of Babes and Boyai, the University of Alexandru Ioan Cuza and the Western University of Timisoara are more suitable for journalism education.
How quickly to choose a university?
For business, finance and management, the main options will be ASE and Babes and Boyai University. For journalism, it is worth comparing the University of Bucharest, the University of Babes and Boyai and the Western University of Timisoara. SNSPA is suitable for communication, PR and political science. For biology, chemistry, physics and geography, the University of Bucharest, the University of Babes and Boyai, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University and the Western University of Timisoara offer strong choices.Before submitting it is necessary to check the language of the programme, admission conditions, list of documents, cost and current dates on the page of the selected faculty.
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree is suitable for graduates who want to deepen their expertise, change career direction or prepare for an academic career. Study normally lasts one or two years and carries 60–120 ECTS credits, with many programmes requiring 90 or 120. The National Centre for Diploma Recognition and Equivalence (CNRED) publishes official information about the Romanian education system.
Admission normally requires a recognised bachelor’s degree, an academic transcript and evidence of proficiency in the programme language. Selection criteria vary by faculty and may include GPA, entrance examinations, an interview, personal statement, portfolio or research proposal. Research-focused programmes place greater weight on academic preparation and the proposed topic, while business programmes often emphasise professional experience and career motivation.
An English-language master’s degree allows you to start your studies without a free Romanian. A large selection is available in business, international relations, computer science, engineering, economics and natural disciplines. Romanian remains an important advantage when looking for a job. Marketing, sales, public administration, medicine, education and working with local clients often require confident communication in Romanian.
Practical experience is desirable from the first semester. The employer evaluates not only the diploma, but also internships, professional projects, digital skills and industry understanding. A one-year programme leaves little time for adaptation. The search for practice, participation in career events and the creation of professional contacts is better to start immediately after admission.
MBA in RomaniaPresents a professional master’s degree in business management. The curriculum usually combines strategy, finance, marketing, analytics, operational management, negotiation, and leadership. The main task is not related to a narrow specialization, but to preparing for the management of a company, team or own project.Classical academic master’s degree is suitable for starting a career and gaining specialized knowledge. Focused on professionals with practical experience. Executive MBA is designed primarily for managers, entrepreneurs and managers. The INDE MBA programme requires a minimum of three years of professional experience, a bachelor’s degree and English. The ASEBUSS Executive MBA requires a minimum of three years of management or entrepreneurial experience.
Romania offers MBA programmes at several price points. The INDE MBA costs €8,000 for EU citizens and €9,000 for non-EU students. It is taught in English and evaluated by AMBA and Romania’s ARACIS quality-assurance agency. A Creative MBA costs €5,000 for EU citizens and €9,000 for non-EU students.
International programmes occupy the higher end of the price range. The ASEBUSS Executive MBA lasts two years and costs €10,500 per academic year, or €21,000 in total, excluding the optional international trip to Atlanta. The Bucharest Executive MBA offered by WU Executive Academy lasts 16 months and costs €43,200. It carries 120 ECTS credits, is taught in English and includes international modules in Austria, the United States or Asia.
For comparison, the Global Executive MBA in Vienna costs 65,200 euros, while the International MBA of the IE School in Madrid costs 89,900 euros. The comparison does not reflect differences in rankings, faculty and the international network, but shows the scale of possible savings when choosing a Romanian programme.
The practical advantages of an MBA in Romania include comparatively moderate fees for local programmes, English-medium teaching, flexible schedules and access to professional networks. Many formats allow participants to continue working while studying. Projects focus on real management challenges, enabling students to apply their learning before graduation.
Romanian-Language Preparatory Year
Romania offers a route broadly comparable to a foundation programme: the Romanian-language preparatory year for foreign citizens. Its purpose is to prepare students for bachelor’s, master’s or PhD study taught in Romanian. The course normally lasts one academic year. The first semester develops grammar, speaking, reading and writing, while the second introduces subject-specific terminology. Medical students study vocabulary related to anatomy and biology; technical students focus on physics and engineering; and economics students learn the language of business and finance.
The preparatory year is generally required for foreign applicants who cannot demonstrate Romanian proficiency. Exemption may be available to holders of a recognised language certificate or applicants who previously studied in Romanian for several years. Each university sets its own detailed requirements.
The University of Bucharest offers a preparatory year before bachelor’s, master’s and PhD study. Students who pass the final examination receive evidence of Romanian-language proficiency for an application to a Romanian-taught programme. Completing the course does not guarantee automatic admission; applicants must still complete the selection process for their chosen degree.
The cost of the preparatory year depends on the university, citizenship and future direction.
The West University of Timișoara also offers a one-year preparatory course for EU and non-EU citizens. It combines general Romanian with terminology related to the student’s intended field.
The Romanian model is mainly focused on language. The programme usually does not replace missing school subjects, and the entrance exam after graduation is retained if there is a similar requirement at the faculty.
The alternative is to enter immediately in English.Universities offer English-language programmes at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A large selection is available in business, management, finance, international relations, computer science, engineering, medicine, physics and other natural sciences.
The University of Bucharest offers English-taught programmes in business administration, political science, international relations and physics. Babeș-Bolyai University provides English-medium options in business, management, finance, journalism and public health. The Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE) offers programmes in management, marketing, finance, international business, economic informatics and accounting. Alexandru Ioan Cuza University provides English-taught options in business administration, computer science, physics and geography.
The full search is available through the state catalogue Study in Romania. The filter allows you to choose the level of education, field of study, city and language of teaching.
For an English-language programme, a preparatory year of Romanian is usually not required. The university will request confirmation of English. The minimum level is often B2, but individual faculties accept a B1, an international certificate, an internal test or a previous study document in English.
Why Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca Are Good Choices for Students
Bucharest: Studying at the centre of economic and cultural life
Bucharest became the capital of the United Principalities in 1862. The political role accelerated the construction of administrative buildings, banks, theaters, hotels and private palaces. The modern architecture of Bucharest resembles an open textbook of urban history.
On the streets of the center are preserved Orthodox churches, buildings of French academicism, Romanian national style, interwar modernism and monumental architecture of the communist period. The city does not have a uniform architectural style, but architectural contrasts help to see the development of the country without museum windows.
The main cultural symbol of the city is the Romanian Athenaeum. The building was designed by French architect Albert Galleron, and the grand opening took place in 1888. Now the hall serves as the main stage of the Philharmonic by George Enescu.
The museum map of Bucharest is suitable for students of art, history, architecture, journalism and cultural studies. The National Museum of Art of Romania occupies the former Royal Palace and houses collections of Romanian medieval, modern and European art.
The Dimitrie Gusti National Museum opened in 1936. The open-air exposition includes traditional houses, churches, outbuildings and workshops from different regions of the country. The visit helps to understand the regional differences, rural culture and everyday life of Romania.
The network of the Museum of the Municipality of Bucharest unites twelve museums and memorial houses. The Sutsu Palace, the home of artist Theodor Aman and the Astronomical Observatory allow you to study the history of the capital through the architecture, art and biographies of the inhabitants.
Cultural life is not limited to permanent exhibitions. The city programme of ARCUB includes street theater festivals, jazz concerts, light installations, film screenings and outdoor events. The student gets access to the cultural industry not only as a spectator. Volunteering, internships, editorial work, and event management help build a portfolio while still studying.
The practical advantage of Bucharest is the concentration of employers. The capital has state institutions, international companies, banks, technology teams, national media, cultural organizations and the non-profit sector. The choice of internships is especially wide for students of business, management, information technology, communications, international relations and creative specialties.
The large size of the capital also creates difficulties. The road between housing, university and work can take a long time. The metro greatly simplifies movement, so the area of residence is better to choose, taking into account the location of the faculty and the nearest station.
Cluj-Napoca: a compact university city with a Transylvanian character
It combines ancient heritage, medieval buildings and modern student culture. The story begins with Roman Napoca. Later, a medieval fortified city was formed, and the development of Transylvania added Gothic temples, Baroque palaces, and nineteenth-century administrative architecture.
The historic center is easy to explore on foot. The route passes through the ruins of Roman Napoca, fragments of the city wall, the tailors’ tower, the Gothic church of St. Michael, the house of Matthias Corvinus and the Banfi Palace. Description of the main monuments is presented in the historical route of the University of Babesh Boyai.
The university tradition plays an important role in the character of the city. Academic education in Cluj dates back to the founding of the Claudiopol Academy in 1581. The modern Babeš Boyai University continues the multilingual model of education with programmes in Romanian, Hungarian, German and English. The history of the academic environment is described in the materials of the university.
The architectural symbol of Baroque Cluj is Banfi Palace. Construction took place from 1774 to 1785 by architect Johann Eberhard Blauman. The palace has the status of a monument of national importance and is considered an important example of Transylvanian Baroque. Now the premises are occupied by the Art Museum of Cluj.
To get acquainted with the culture of the region, the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania, founded in 1922, is suitable. Collections are devoted to traditional clothes, crafts, farming and everyday life of the inhabitants of the region.
The continuation of the museum exposition is the National Ethnographic Park Romulus Vuya. The park was founded in 1929 and is considered the first open-air museum in Romania. On the territory collected wooden houses, outbuildings and craft workshops from the seventeenth to the twentieth century.
Cluj’s contemporary cultural reputation is linked to cinema. Since 2021, the city has been included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the cinema category. The biggest event is the Transylvanian International Film Festival. TIFF has been held since 2002 and brings together directors, actors, journalists, volunteers and viewers from different countries.
The compactness of the city simplifies the student rhythm. University buildings, libraries, museums, cafes and cultural venues are relatively close. This environment is especially convenient for educational projects, communication, language practice and professional dating.
Demand for housing before the start of the school year is high, so the search for a room or a place in a student hall is better to start in advance. The city is inferior to Bucharest in terms of the size of the labor market, but offers a strong environment for information technology, medicine, engineering, science, arts and creative industries.
Which city should a student choose?
Bucharest is suitable for a career in business, finance, government, international companies, journalism, communications and cultural management. The big city offers a wide range of employers, events and professional contacts.
Cluj-Napoca is suitable for relaxed university rhythm, intercultural communication and regular participation in academic life. A compact historical center, strong universities, museums and festivals create an environment that can turn learning into a full-fledged life experience.
Useful Links for Studying and Living in Romania
Begin your research with the official Study in Romania portal:
https://studyinromania.gov.ro/
Search for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes by subject, language, city and university:
https://studyinromania.gov.ro/choose-program
Official list of universities:
https://studyinromania.gov.ro/universities
Admission procedures for EU and non-EU citizens:
https://studyinromania.gov.ro/procedures
Check university and programme accreditation through the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education:
Information about recognition of school certificates and university qualifications:
https://studyinromania.gov.ro/recognition
Government scholarships for international students:
https://studyinromania.gov.ro/scholarships
Official scholarship application platform for citizens of non-EU countries:
https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro/
Erasmus opportunities in Romania:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/possibilities-by-country/en_romania
Apply for a long-stay student visa through E-Visa Romania:
https://eviza.mae.ro/
Visa, residence, financial-evidence, health-insurance and student-employment requirements:
Online residence-permit portal:
https://portaligi.mai.gov.ro/portaligi/
Long-term residence in Romania:
International admission information for the University of Bucharest:
Bucharest University of Economic Studies:
POLITEHNICA Bucharest:
https://www.international.upb.ro/admission/applying/students-from-non-eu-countries
Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca:
https://infoadmitere.ubbcluj.ro/en/internationalstudents/
Employment, internships and Romanian labour-market information:
https://eures.europa.eu/index_en
https://eures.europa.eu/living-and-working/living-and-working-conditions-europe/living-and-working-conditions-romania_en
https://eures.europa.eu/living-and-working/labour-market-information/labour-market-information-romania_en
Admission dates, tuition fees, visa rules and document requirements are updated regularly. Always carry out a final check on the chosen university’s official website and the relevant Romanian government portals.
FAQ
English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes are available, particularly in medicine, business, international relations, engineering and computer science. The range is narrower than the selection of Romanian-taught programmes. Admission often requires a recognised language certificate or an internal language examination.
The European Commission gives an indicative monthly budget of €600–€900. A place in a student hall and use of university canteens can keep costs near the lower end, while renting a private flat in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca may push expenses above €900. Keep an additional reserve for the rental deposit, documents and the first two or three months.
Accredited programmes follow the Bologna structure and use ECTS, which generally simplifies academic recognition. Regulated professions require a separate recognition procedure in the country where the graduate intends to work. Always verify programme accreditation before enrolling.
Need Help with Your Application?
If you are unsure where to begin and need help applying to a Romanian university, preparing documents or choosing a programme, you can request academic guidance. Support is provided in accordance with the requirements of the chosen university and the principles of academic integrity.
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You may also find this guide to tuition-free study in Europe and 42 scholarship programmes useful:
Учёба в Европе без платы за обучение: 42 грантовые программы для бакалавров и магистров
