Study in Romania has quietly grown into one of Europe’s most underrated yet promising study destinations. With affordable tuition fees, a charming mix of Eastern and Western European culture, and globally recognized universities, more students are choosing Romania as a smart and budget-friendly option for higher education. From medicine and engineering to humanities and IT, study in Romania for international students offers diverse English-taught programs without the financial pressure of Western Europe.
Beyond affordability, Romania gives students a warm, multicultural student environment, vibrant cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași, and easy access to the EU job market. Strong academic traditions, rich history, and friendly locals make studying in Romania for international students a rewarding and immersive experience. Whether you want medical studies, arts, technology, or economics, choosing to study in Romania opens the door to a unique European experience.
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Pros of Study in Romania for International Students
Choosing to study in Romania for international students comes with multiple advantages:
- Affordable tuition fees compared to Western Europe
- Low cost of living in major student cities
- Wide range of English-taught programs
- Globally recognized degrees, especially in medicine and engineering
- Safe, welcoming, and multicultural environment
- Beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant student life
- Strong academic reputation in technical and medical fields
- EU country with access to European travel
- Modern facilities and growing research culture
- Opportunities for part-time work during studies
Cons of Study in Romania for International Students
While Romania is great, a few challenges exist:
- Romanian language may be needed for daily communication
- Public transport can vary in efficiency between cities
- Some administrative processes may feel slow
- Competitive admission for medical programs
- Weather can be very cold in winter
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
A clear and structured application process makes it easier for students planning to study in Romania.
1. Search for Suitable Study Programs
You can explore programs using:
- a. Official Study in Romania Portal
Find all English-taught programs and university details. - b. University Admission Portals
Each university has its own portal for applications.
2. Review Admission Requirements
Most universities require:
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or medium of instruction letter)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Passport copy
- Application fee receipt
- Recommendation letters (sometimes required)
3. Apply Through the University Portal
- Study in Romania does not use a centralized system.
- Each university has its own online application portal.
4. Submit Required Documents
Upload all your academic and supporting documents to the system.
5. Attend Additional Assessments
Some programs require:
- Interviews
- Entrance exams (especially medicine)
- Portfolio submission for arts and architecture
6. Receive Your Offer Letter
You may get:
- Conditional offer
- Unconditional offer
7. Pay Tuition Deposit & Begin Visa Application
After accepting the offer, proceed with:
- Tuition deposit payment
- Visa application at the Romanian Embassy
- Prepare residence permit documents
Cost of Living in Romania
Students planning to study in Romania can expect affordable monthly expenses:
- Accommodation: 120–250 EUR in dorms, 250–400 EUR in shared flats
- Food & groceries: 120–180 EUR
- Transportation: 10–15 EUR with student discounts
- Health insurance: 20–40 EUR
- Miscellaneous expenses: 60–120 EUR
Total estimated cost: 350–650 EUR per month
Tuition Fees in Romania
Tuition fees vary by university and program:
- Bachelor’s programs: 2,000–5,000 EUR per year
- Master’s programs: 2,200–6,000 EUR per year
- Medical programs: 5,000–8,000 EUR per year
- Engineering/IT programs: 2,000–4,500 EUR per year
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Scholarships Available for International Students
Scholarships make study in Romania even more attractive. These include government-funded, university-funded, and international programs for students who want to study in Romania.
1. Romanian Government Scholarship (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Eligibility: Students from non-EU countries applying for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs
- Requirements: Academic transcripts, passport, CV, motivation letter, 2 letters of recommendation
- Benefits: Full tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend, accommodation support
- Duration: Full program duration
2. University of Bucharest Scholarships
- Eligibility: High-achieving international students enrolled at the university
- Requirements: Transcripts, academic achievements, scholarship form
- Benefits: Full or partial tuition waivers
- Duration: One academic year, renewable
3. Transilvania Academic Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants to bachelor’s or master’s programs with excellent academic profiles
- Requirements: CV, transcripts, motivation letter
- Benefits: Tuition fee waiver, free accommodation
- Duration: Entire study period
4. Erasmus+ Scholarships
- Eligibility: Students applying for exchange or joint-degree mobility
- Requirements: University nomination, learning agreement
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, travel allowance
- Duration: 3–24 months
5. Babes-Bolyai University Merit Scholarships
- Eligibility: Outstanding academically strong students
- Requirements: Transcripts, university scholarship form
- Benefits: Tuition fee reduction or full coverage
- Duration: One academic year
Top Universities in Romania
These are among the top choices for those who plan to study in Romania:
- University of Bucharest
- Babes-Bolyai University
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași
- University Politehnica of Bucharest
- West University of Timisoara
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
- Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
- Ovidius University of Constanta
- Transilvania University of Brasov
- Gheorghe Asachi Technical University
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Studying in Romania offers an exciting mix of affordability, cultural richness, and academic quality. Students who study in Romania gain access to English-taught degrees, friendly cities, and the European job market. Despite minor challenges such as language barriers or cold winters, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, making Romania a strong choice for 2026 and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it expensive to study in Romania for international students?
No. Study in Romania is considered one of the most affordable options in the EU, with living costs around 350–650 EUR monthly.
Are there English-taught programs in Romania?
Yes. Many universities offer English-taught bachelor’s, master’s, and medical programs.
Can international students work during studies?
Yes, those who study in Romania can work part-time during their academic program.
Is a Romanian study visa easy to get?
Processing takes around 3–8 weeks depending on embassy workload.
Are scholarships available to study in Romania?
Yes. Government, university, and Erasmus+ scholarships are available.
What are the best cities for students?
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, and Timișoara are top choices.
Is IELTS required to study in Romania?
Not always. Many universities accept English-medium certificates.
Can students stay in Romania after graduation?
Yes. You can apply for a temporary residence permit to look for work.
Which programs are most popular in Romania?
Medicine, IT, engineering, business, and social sciences.
