Study abroad
Study in Romania
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Romania
Thinking about studying in Romania? The country is in South-Eastern Europe, with higher education centred on cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Iași. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in healthcare, digital technology and infrastructure may find the local context especially relevant. Many courses are taught in Romanian, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Why study in Romania?
What makes Romania worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location in South-Eastern Europe, the local language and the subjects on offer all shape the experience, alongside your budget and career goals.
- Industry context: Healthcare, digital technology and infrastructure matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Computing & Information Technology and Engineering, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Iași each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Romania means everyday contact with Romanian and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
- European mobility: as part of the European Union, Romania takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Romania
Students heading to Romania often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Computing & Information Technology
- Engineering
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Business & Management
Because healthcare, digital technology and infrastructure matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Romania on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Romania
- Bucharest University of Economic StudiesBucharest, Romania
- THE 2026 801–1000
- University of BucharestBucharest, Romania
- THE 2026 1001–1200
Scholarships to Study in Romania
Paying for study in Romania can involve more than one source of support, and it is worth researching them before you apply for a course.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Romania
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
- European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Romania
Many programmes in Romania start around October, which is the main entry point for most new students. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Romania
Tuition in Romania varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Romania
Whether you need a visa to study in Romania depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Romania in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Romania
Your everyday budget in Romania will depend on your city, your accommodation and your lifestyle. Costs in Bucharest can differ noticeably from those in Cluj-Napoca or Iași and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Romania
Why should I study in Romania?
It depends on your goals. Romania offers programmes across many subjects, a location in South-Eastern Europe and study in Romanian (with some English-taught options). Students interested in healthcare, digital technology and infrastructure may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Romania?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Computing & Information Technology, Engineering and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences. The subjects page for Romania lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Romania?
Many programmes start around October. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Romania?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Romania?
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Romania.
Are scholarships available for international students in Romania?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Romania?
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Iași are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Romania?
Many courses are taught in Romanian. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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