Study in Romania: the ultimate guide for a PhD in 2024
Romania

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Romania in 2024

Browse all PhD programmes in Romania

  • Oct-Jun Academic Year
  • Unavailable Listed Institutes
  • 20 Ranked Universities
  • 33,000 Int. Students
  • 543,000 Students
  • 19,031,000 Population

Study in Romania

Romania is one of Eastern Europe’s hidden gems. Famous not only for its gorgeous landscapes and its seven UNESCO world heritage sites, Romania gave the world some of the biggest inventions and pushed the world to where it is today.

From Ana Aslan, the creator of some of the best anti-aging products, and Petrache Poenaru, the inventor of the fountain pen, to some of the greatest engineers in the world, like the father of cybernetics, Stefan Odobleja, and the golden trio of aerodynamics, Henri Coanda, Traian Vuia, and Aurel Vlaicu, Romania basically laid the groundwork for the 21st century.

Why study in Romania?

1. Low tuition fees and living costs

In Romania, tuition costs are very affordable, especially when compared to other Western countries or even some European states. At public universities, most study programmes cost between 230 and 3,000 EUR per academic year. Additionally, if your average GPA or entry exam grade is high enough, you can occupy a state-funded place.

In terms of living costs, you should expect to pay anywhere between 300 and 600 EUR per month.

2. Active nightlife and fun events

Big student cities like Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj, and Iasi are well-known for all-night-long parties, where people enjoy music, dancing, and having a laugh with their friends. If you're not a party enthusiast, there are many other events or activities in which you can participate:

  • national and international festivals (e.g. theatre, arts, crafting, wine making)
  • mountain trekking
  • road trip on Transfagarasan or Transalpina
  • spending a night at the Balea Lake Ice Hotel

3. English is widely spoken in student cities

Saying that English is widely spoken in Romania is only half true. The truth is, most young people will speak it fluently and you shouldn't have any problems in larger and more popular cities. You should also be fine at local supermarkets or while taking a train ride on well-travelled routes.

However, if you venture out to see the countryside or want to visit some of the most popular attractions, it's not always easy to find people who can offer guidance in English.

4. Romanians are friendly and lively people

Romanians are known for their Latin blood and for having a light heart. They share a great sense of humour and are often able to see the bright or funny side even in the most difficult situations.

Romanians are also amazing hosts, who will do everything they can to ensure that their guests eat well, have fun, and enjoy their stay.

5. Visit amazing natural and human-made wonders

Romania is one of the hidden jewels of Europe, boasting a wide range of natural and man-made attractions that everyone should see at least once in their life. From centuries-old monasteries to amazing castles, from salt mines to large stone carvings, Romania has it all.

Here are some of the sites you should visit no matter what: the Bran and Peles Castles, the Palace of the Parliament, the Corvinilor Castle, the Rasnov Fortress, the Iron Gates, the Black Curch, Merry Cemetery of Sapanta, the Rock Sculpture of Decebalus, the Danube Delta, etc.

What is it like to study in Romania?

Romania has hundreds of exchange programs students. Lots of people pick it as their temporary home for the amazing nightlife and the great sightseeing they can do while here.

With clubs and bars that stay open until morning, to student discounts and youthful activities in its parks, Romania seems like a haven for the international students who want to combine a great education with a lot of fun free time.

As a major plus, many young Romanians speak (almost) fluent English, so getting around and asking for help shouldn't be very difficult.

As far as your education goes, the Romanian teaching system revolves around group projects and laboratory work, as well as written projects and in-depth research. Of course, it all depends on your degree and field; but, usually, you won’t be left only behind a book, rotting away in the library, but taken to see and operate first-hand what your future job will imply and require.

What to study in Romania?

Being home to some of the widest variety of degrees, it might be hard to start from scratch and decide on a degree. Still, based on our data, we managed to find the most popular study options in Romania. These are:

Where to study in Romania?

Romania’s capital, Bucharest, is one of the biggest cities in Europe, with over 1.8 million citizens. Although it has a great nightlife and is home of some of the biggest universities in the country, Bucharest isn’t the only great city you can choose for your educational destination.

For instance, you can study in:

Which universities and colleges to attend in Romania?

If you’re still undecided, you can always go with our recommendations and check out these universities:

How to apply

To attend a Romanian university, you should know that the application process is either online, or via post, and that you should contact the embassy or the consulate website, to see if you qualify to join one of the programmes.

You can also make sure you’re accepted to a university if you:

  • Make sure to know what the language requirements are, and whether you have to prove skills in Romanian or English before enrolling in a degree programme
  • Show how you performed as a student, and be sure to know what your Grade Point Average (GPA) was during your studies
  • Can increase your chances of going to Romania by being sure to apply to more than one university

Still, the main documents you must procure, in order to apply, depending on your degree, are:

  • Certified copy of your high school diploma
  • Baccalaureate diploma or equivalent (leaving diploma, for ex.) - for undergraduate studies
  • Certified copy of the graduation certificate - for postgraduate (Master or PhD)
  • Certified copy of academic records from high school - for undergraduates
  • University records - for postgraduate studies (Master, PhD, Doctorate)
  • Certified copy of your birth certificate
  • Medical records: vaccines and a certificate from the general practitioner in the country of origin, attesting that you do not suffer from any chronic or neuropsychological illnesses, contagious diseases, or other illnesses not compatible with your future profession
  • Copy of your passport
  • 4 photos (passport type)
  • Application form

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a Romanian university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programme.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Romania, you will sometimes need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require

English-language tests

If you wish to study in English in Romania, you have to prove your proficiency with an official English exam. The tests usually presented by students are:

Living in Romania

Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Romania:

Tuition fees

At Romanian universities, tuition fees vary based on a number of factors:

  • the type of university: private institutions have higher fees than public ones
  • your nationality: for some programmes, non-EU citizens pay more than EU citizens
  • the study level: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD
  • the discipline: Medicine, for example, is more expensive

On average, international students can pay anywhere between 230 and 9,000 EUR per academic year. You should always check the official university website, because tuition can change every year.

Don't forget to look for scholarships in Romania to reduce your study costs.

Living costs in Romania

Romania is located in Eastern Europe, so living costs and accommodation can be really cheap for international students. With a budget between 300 and 600 EUR/month, students can find a great room, live comfortably, enjoy the city nightlife, and buy a transport pass.

Here's a breakdown of average living expenses in Romania:

  • accommodation (university dormitory): 60–85 EUR/month
  • accommodation (private rent): 80–300 EUR/month
  • utilities (if you rent privately): 40–80 EUR/month
  • food and groceries: 125–185 EUR/month
  • public transport pass: 5 EUR/month, discounted for students
  • three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 25 EUR
  • 1 cappuccino: 1.50 EUR
  • 1 loaf of bread: 0.60 EUR
  • 1 litre of milk: 0.95 EUR
  • 1 kg of apples: 0.85 EUR
  • 1 kg of bananas: 1.15 EUR

About Romania

Facts about Romania

Let’s be honest here: you lose a great deal if you never visit Romania. I know it might sound like an overstatement, but the country has some of the coolest tourism spots in Europe. For instance:

  • In Maramures, in the city of Sapanta, there is a “Merry Cemetery”: the crosses are vividly painted (pun not intended), and each person has a poem written about the way they lived, or how they died. Fun, right?
  • The Romanian Palace of Parliament, located in Bucharest, is the second-largest building in the world, next only to the Pentagon in the United States;
  • The tallest rock sculpture in Europe, carved next to the Danube River, is a 40 meter (135 feet) tall statue of the Dacian king, Decebal;
  • The Voronet Monastery, located in North-eastern Romania, is also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East”. Its frescoes feature an intense shade of blue, also known as “Voronet blue”;
  • The famous British auto show Top Gear shot one of its episodes on the Transfagarasan road, in 2009, naming it “the best road in the world”.

Also, let’s not forget some awesome Romanians people and facts, like:

  • Nadia Comaneci, a Romanian Gymnast, was the first person to ever get perfect 10 in the Gymnastics Olympic Games, in 1976.
  • Romanians enjoy the fastest internet speeds in the world. According to the Ookla Net Index, nine cities in Romania are among the top 15 cities in the world with the highest download speed of fixed broadband internet connections. I will give you a moment to swallow your bitterness;
  • Vlad Tepes (or Vlad the Impaler) inspired one of the best characters in the horror genre - a little fellow named Dracula (ok, maybe not-so-awesome Romanians, but he had solid reasons to kill his enemies and impale them along the road).

Interested in scholarships for Romania? Check out our scholarship search page.

How to Apply to a Master's in Romania

If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Romania, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in Romania?

To apply to a university in Romania you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

  • birth certificate;
  • recent photos;
  • your passport or national identity card;
  • one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
  • copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
  • academic transcripts;
  • letter of intent;
  • Curriculum Vitae;
  • Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Romania so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.

Application deadlines for Romania

The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Romania are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.

To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.

Interesting programmes for you

Find PhDs Degrees in Romania

What subject to study in Romania?

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

Discover other countries

Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland
Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
France
France
France is a study destination whose romance, academic environment, and style of life charm thousands of international students every year. Students can enjoy the best of both worlds: the chance to enrol at top-ranked European universities while paying some of the lowest tuition fees worldwide. The Hexagon, a local nickname for France, is a multicultural hub, allowing you to meet, get to know, and develop friendships with people from all over the globe. There’s also a significant number of English-taught degrees (over 1,500). You can also learn French, the language of love, which will allow you to enjoy even more the local cuisine and touristic attractions and will make you a stand-out applicant on the job market.
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway
Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece
Greece
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees. In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada
Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
United States
United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel
Israel
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’. While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history. In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
Australia
Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.
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