As of 2026, Romania hosts over 50,000 international students, with annual tuition fees ranging from EUR 2,000–9,000 at EU-accredited universities offering English-taught medicine, engineering, IT, and business programmes with EU-recognised degrees.
Romania has emerged as one of Europe’s fastest-growing study destinations, particularly for medicine, dentistry, and IT. As an EU member state since 2007, Romania offers degrees that are automatically recognised across all 27 EU countries under the Bologna framework. The combination of affordable tuition (a fraction of Western European rates), low living costs (among the lowest in the EU), and high-quality English-taught programmes has attracted students from across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
This guide covers tuition at Romania’s public and private universities, the student visa process for EU and non-EU nationals, government scholarships through the Romanian Ministry of Education, living costs across major cities, work-while-studying policies, and post-study career opportunities in Romania’s booming IT sector.
Romania’s higher education system comprises 56 public universities and 46 accredited private universities. The most prestigious institutions include the University of Bucharest (founded 1864), Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca (Romania’s largest university), the Polytechnic University of Bucharest (the country’s top engineering school), and Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest. The academic year runs from October to June, divided into two semesters with examination periods in January–February and June–July.
The country’s strategic position at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe offers unique cultural exposure. Romania shares borders with Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Moldova, making it a gateway to both Western and Eastern European experiences. Its Latin-based language is easier for speakers of French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese to learn, and its vibrant cities combine medieval architecture with a modern tech-driven economy. Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca are among Europe’s fastest-growing tech hubs, with companies like UiPath (valued at over USD 7 billion) having been founded in Romania.
At a Glance
Tuition Costs
Romania offers some of Europe’s most competitive tuition rates for international students. Public universities set tuition fees through the Ministry of Education, resulting in standardised pricing that is remarkably affordable by EU standards. While EU/EEA citizens may access state-funded places (with no tuition), self-funded international students pay fees that remain significantly below Western European private education costs. Medicine and dentistry, Romania’s most popular programmes for international students, cost EUR 5,000–9,000/year — roughly one-fifth to one-tenth of equivalent programmes in the UK or Ireland.
Private universities tend to charge slightly higher fees but offer smaller class sizes and more flexible admission criteria. Some institutions, particularly those in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, have invested heavily in modern facilities and English-language instruction to attract international students. The growing competition between universities has generally kept fees stable or increased them only modestly, even as demand has risen.
Tuition by Programme Type
| Programme | Public (EUR/yr) | Private (EUR/yr) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine (English) | 5,000 – 7,500 | 6,000 – 9,000 | 6 years |
| Dentistry (English) | 5,000 – 7,000 | 5,500 – 8,000 | 6 years |
| Pharmacy (English) | 4,000 – 6,000 | 4,500 – 6,500 | 5 years |
| Engineering | 2,000 – 4,000 | 3,000 – 5,000 | 4 years |
| Computer Science / IT | 2,000 – 4,000 | 2,500 – 4,500 | 3–4 years |
| Business / Economics | 2,000 – 3,500 | 2,500 – 4,000 | 3 years |
| Arts & Humanities | 2,000 – 3,000 | 2,000 – 3,500 | 3 years |
| Master’s Programmes | 2,500 – 5,000 | 3,000 – 6,000 | 1–2 years |
Tuition at Top Universities
| University | Location | Medicine (EUR/yr) | Engineering (EUR/yr) | Business (EUR/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carol Davila Univ. of Medicine | Bucharest | 7,500 | — | — |
| Iuliu Hatieganu Univ. of Medicine | Cluj-Napoca | 7,000 | — | — |
| Grigore T. Popa Univ. of Medicine | Iasi | 6,000 | — | — |
| Victor Babes Univ. of Medicine | Timisoara | 6,500 | — | — |
| Polytechnic Univ. of Bucharest | Bucharest | — | 3,500 | — |
| Babes-Bolyai University | Cluj-Napoca | — | 2,500 | 2,500 |
| University of Bucharest | Bucharest | — | — | 3,000 |
| West University of Timisoara | Timisoara | — | 2,500 | 2,500 |
Living Costs
Romania is one of the most affordable countries in the European Union for students. Monthly living costs range from EUR 350–450 in smaller cities like Iasi and Sibiu to EUR 500–700 in Bucharest. Accommodation is the largest expense, followed by food and transport. Romanian cuisine is hearty and affordable — a full lunch at a student canteen costs RON 15–25 (EUR 3–5), and a meal at a budget restaurant costs RON 25–45 (EUR 5–9). Groceries at supermarkets like Lidl, Kaufland, and Mega Image are significantly cheaper than in Western Europe.
University dormitories (cămine) are available at most public universities and cost EUR 40–120/month — among the cheapest student accommodation in Europe. While conditions vary (some are recently renovated, others more basic), dormitories offer an excellent way to save money and meet fellow students. Private rentals in shared apartments cost EUR 150–350/month depending on the city. Public transport passes cost EUR 10–20/month with student discounts. Romania’s 5% reduced VAT on many food items keeps grocery costs particularly low.
City Cost Comparison
| City | Rent (€/mo) | Food (€/mo) | Transport (€/mo) | Total (€/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bucharest | 200 – 350 | 150 – 250 | 10 – 20 | 500 – 700 |
| Cluj-Napoca | 180 – 320 | 130 – 220 | 8 – 15 | 430 – 620 |
| Timisoara | 150 – 280 | 120 – 200 | 8 – 12 | 380 – 550 |
| Iasi | 120 – 250 | 110 – 190 | 7 – 12 | 350 – 500 |
| Sibiu | 130 – 260 | 110 – 180 | 7 – 12 | 350 – 490 |
| Brasov | 140 – 270 | 120 – 190 | 8 – 14 | 370 – 520 |
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Get Student Report — €29Student Visa Requirements
EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to study in Romania — they simply register for a residence certificate at the local immigration office within 30 days of arrival. Non-EU students require a long-stay visa (Type D for Studies), obtained at the Romanian embassy or consulate in their home country. The application process is straightforward but requires advance planning, as processing can take 30–60 days.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Long-Stay Visa Type D (Purpose: Studies) |
| University Admission | Letter of Acceptance to Studies from the Romanian Ministry of Education or direct university admission |
| Financial Proof | EUR 3,000–5,000/year or equivalent in bank statements |
| Health Insurance | Valid health insurance for Romania (EU students: EHIC card) |
| Accommodation Proof | University dormitory confirmation or rental contract |
| Criminal Record | Police clearance certificate from home country |
| Processing Time | 30–60 days |
| Application Fee | EUR 120 (visa fee, varies by country) |
Letter of Acceptance: Non-EU students must first apply to their chosen university, which then forwards the application to the Ministry of Education for approval. Once approved, you receive a Letter of Acceptance to Studies, which is required for the visa application. This process can take 4–8 weeks, so apply early.
Residence permit: After arriving in Romania, non-EU students must apply for a residence permit at the local Immigration Inspectorate within 30 days. The permit is issued for one year and renewable annually for the duration of studies. Bring your passport, visa, Letter of Acceptance, accommodation proof, health insurance, and proof of finances.
EU/EEA students: Register for a Certificate of Registration at the community public service for persons records within 3 months of arrival. Bring your passport/ID card, admission letter, health insurance (EHIC or Romanian insurance), and proof of financial means.
Scholarships for International Students
Romania offers several scholarship pathways for international students, including government-funded programmes, EU-wide mobility schemes, and university-specific awards. The Romanian Government Scholarship Programme is the primary source of funding for non-EU students and covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. EU students can access Erasmus+ mobility grants and bilateral agreements between their home and Romanian universities.
Tuition + €65–85/month stipend + dormitory
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships to citizens of non-EU countries through bilateral agreements. Covers tuition, dormitory accommodation, and a monthly stipend of RON 330–430 (€65–85). A preparatory Romanian language year is included if needed. Available for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. Apply through the Romanian embassy in your home country. Approximately 400–500 scholarships awarded annually.
€800–900/month for 3–12 months
EU-funded academic mobility programme available to students at partner universities worldwide. Romania is classified as a lower-cost country, so incoming students receive higher grant amounts (€800–900/month). Covers living costs during exchange semesters or full academic years. No tuition at the host university. Apply through your home university’s international office. Excellent way to experience Romania before committing to a full degree.
Tuition reduction 25–100%
Many Romanian universities offer merit-based scholarships or tuition discounts for international students with strong academic records. Babes-Bolyai University, Polytechnic University of Bucharest, and the University of Bucharest all have international student scholarship programmes. Some universities offer full tuition waivers for students from developing countries. Check individual university websites for available funding.
Varies by agreement
Romania has bilateral educational agreements with over 60 countries. These agreements may include scholarship places, tuition waivers, or research funding. Additionally, Romania participates in EU research funding programmes (Horizon Europe), offering funded doctoral and post-doctoral positions. The Romanian Academy and National Council for Scientific Research (CNCS) fund research positions at Romanian universities.
Work While Studying
EU/EEA students can work without restrictions in Romania. Non-EU students holding a valid residence permit can work up to 4 hours/day during term time and full-time during holidays. Work authorisation is obtained through the General Inspectorate for Immigration. Part-time jobs in Romania pay EUR 4–8/hour in most sectors, but IT and tech roles can pay EUR 8–15/hour even for students. Common student jobs include tutoring, hospitality, customer service (especially for multilingual students), and IT support.
Romania’s booming IT sector creates strong opportunities for computer science and engineering students. Companies like UiPath, Bitdefender, and numerous outsourcing firms actively recruit student interns and part-time workers. Cluj-Napoca in particular has a vibrant tech ecosystem with coworking spaces, startup incubators, and tech meetups. Many international IT companies (Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon, Google) have development centres in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, offering internships and junior positions that can lead to full-time employment after graduation.
Post-Study Work Rights
EU/EEA graduates can work freely in Romania without any additional permits. Non-EU graduates must obtain a work permit through an employer, who must demonstrate the need for a foreign worker. However, Romania’s membership in the EU means that graduates hold EU-recognised degrees, allowing them to seek employment across all 27 EU member states. This strategic advantage makes studying in Romania a gateway to the broader European labour market.
Top Universities for International Students
| University | Location | Strengths | Int’l Students | English Programmes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Bucharest | Bucharest | Law, languages, sciences, philosophy | 3,000+ | 40+ |
| Babes-Bolyai University | Cluj-Napoca | Sciences, humanities, economics, law | 4,000+ | 50+ |
| Carol Davila Univ. of Medicine | Bucharest | Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy | 5,000+ | Medicine in English/French |
| Iuliu Hatieganu Univ. of Medicine | Cluj-Napoca | Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy | 3,500+ | Medicine in English/French |
| Polytechnic Univ. of Bucharest | Bucharest | Engineering, CS, robotics, energy | 2,000+ | 30+ |
| Grigore T. Popa Univ. of Medicine | Iasi | Medicine, biomedical engineering | 2,500+ | Medicine in English/French |
| West University of Timisoara | Timisoara | IT, music, arts, social sciences | 1,900+ | 25+ |
| Technical Univ. of Cluj-Napoca | Cluj-Napoca | Electrical eng., CS, automation | 1,900+ | 151 |
Student Housing Guide
University dormitories are the most affordable option and provide an immersive social experience. Most public universities offer dormitory places to international students at EUR 40–120/month, depending on the city and room type (shared rooms are cheaper, single rooms cost more). Apply for dormitory accommodation when you apply to the university, as places fill quickly. Conditions have improved significantly in recent years, with many universities renovating their student housing.
Private rentals are found through platforms like OLX.ro, Imobiliare.ro, and Facebook groups for the specific city. In Bucharest, popular student areas include Regie (near Polytechnic University), Cotroceni, and Drumul Taberei. In Cluj-Napoca, the Mănăstur and Zorilor neighbourhoods are popular with students. Rental contracts are typically for 12 months, with one month’s deposit required. Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) add approximately EUR 60–100/month to rent. Always sign a formal contract and register your address with the authorities if required by your visa conditions.
Budget option (dormitory, smaller city): EUR 6,000–9,000/year — Iasi or Sibiu with dormitory accommodation and student canteen meals. Among the cheapest study options in the EU.
Mid-range (shared apartment, Cluj or Timisoara): EUR 8,000–12,000/year — Popular choice for most international students, providing good quality of life at affordable rates.
Medicine in Bucharest (private apartment): EUR 12,000–18,000/year — Including higher medicine tuition and Bucharest living costs. Still a fraction of UK or Irish medical school costs.
Healthcare & Insurance
EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access Romania’s public healthcare system. Non-EU students must obtain health insurance, either through a Romanian insurance provider (CASS, the national health insurance system) or private international health insurance. Monthly costs range from EUR 30–80 depending on coverage level. Romania’s private healthcare sector has grown rapidly and offers modern facilities at affordable prices. Private clinics in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara provide excellent care at a fraction of Western European costs. Pharmacies are widely available, and many medications cost significantly less than in Western Europe.
Student Life & Culture
Romania offers a unique cultural experience that blends Eastern European traditions with a rapidly modernising urban landscape. Bucharest has earned the nickname “Little Paris” for its Belle Époque architecture, wide boulevards, and vibrant nightlife. Cluj-Napoca is regularly voted Romania’s most liveable city and hosts major cultural festivals including TIFF (Transylvania International Film Festival), Untold (one of Europe’s largest music festivals), and Electric Castle. Timisoara was the 2023 European Capital of Culture and has a distinctly Central European atmosphere.
Romania’s natural beauty is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. The Carpathian Mountains cross the country from north to south, offering hiking, skiing, and wildlife-watching opportunities within easy reach of major cities. Transylvania’s medieval towns (Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara) attract visitors year-round. The Black Sea coast and the Danube Delta (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) provide summer getaway options. Weekend trips are affordable by bus or train, and Romania’s domestic budget airlines (Blue Air, Wizz Air) connect major cities cheaply.
Student organisations like ESN (Erasmus Student Network), AIESEC, and local student associations organise regular events, trips, and cultural activities. Many universities have strong traditions of student engagement, with orientation weeks, buddy programmes, and international student clubs. English is widely spoken among young Romanians, especially in university towns, making integration relatively easy for English-speaking international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to study in Romania?
Tuition for international students ranges from EUR 2,000–5,000/year for most programmes and EUR 5,000–9,000/year for medicine and dentistry. EU/EEA students may qualify for Romanian-state-funded places with no tuition. Combined with living costs of EUR 350–700/month, Romania is one of the most affordable EU study destinations, with total annual costs often under EUR 10,000.
Can I study medicine in English in Romania?
Yes. Romania is one of Europe’s top destinations for English-taught medicine. Universities in Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, Iasi, Timisoara, and Targu Mures offer 6-year MD programmes in English at EUR 5,000–9,000/year. These degrees are fully EU-recognised and allow graduates to practise across all EU/EEA countries after passing national licensing exams.
Do I need to speak Romanian to study in Romania?
Not for English-taught programmes. Over 600 programmes are available in English across all levels. French-taught programmes are also offered at medical universities. For Romanian-taught programmes, a preparatory language year is available. Learning basic Romanian helps with daily life but is not required for academic purposes in English-medium programmes.
Can I work while studying in Romania?
EU/EEA students can work without restrictions. Non-EU students can work up to 4 hours/day (20 hours/week) during term and full-time during holidays with proper authorisation. Average student wages are EUR 4–8/hour in most sectors, with IT roles paying EUR 8–15/hour. Romania’s tech sector offers excellent part-time opportunities for CS students.
What is the student visa process for Romania?
EU/EEA students need only register for a residence certificate. Non-EU students apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) at the Romanian embassy with admission letter, proof of finances (EUR 3,000–5,000/year), health insurance, accommodation proof, and criminal record certificate. Processing takes 30–60 days. Upon arrival, apply for a residence permit within 30 days.
Are Romanian degrees recognised internationally?
Yes. As an EU member state following the Bologna framework, Romanian degrees are recognised across all EU/EEA countries. Medical degrees are particularly well-recognised — graduates routinely pass licensing exams in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Scandinavia. Engineering and IT degrees are respected in the European job market.
What are the post-study work options in Romania?
EU/EEA graduates can work freely. Non-EU graduates need employer-sponsored work permits but benefit from EU-recognised degrees that open doors across Europe. Romania’s IT sector offers a 0% income tax exemption for qualifying tech roles. Many students use Romania as an affordable study base and then work in higher-salary EU countries.
What are the best cities for international students in Romania?
Bucharest has the most universities and cultural offerings. Cluj-Napoca is the student capital with a vibrant tech scene. Timisoara offers Western European influence as 2023 European Capital of Culture. Iasi has strong academic traditions and the lowest costs. Sibiu and Brasov combine medieval charm with modern amenities.
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Get Student Report — €29Last updated: 9 March 2026. Tuition data from individual university websites and the Romanian Ministry of Education. Living costs based on Numbeo and student surveys. All figures in EUR unless otherwise noted. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or financial advice.