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: