🎓 Study in Romania: The Complete Guide for International Students (2026)
Romania is one of Europe's best-kept secrets for international students — affordable tuition, English-taught degrees, EU-recognized diplomas, and a rich student life. Here's everything you need to start.
Why Romania? The Case in 3 Numbers
Romania grants EU-accredited degrees at a fraction of Western European costs. Tuition ranges from €2,000 to €9,000 per year depending on the field, living costs average €500–700/month in Bucharest, and the country hosts over 40,000 international students from more than 100 countries.
Romanian university diplomas are fully recognised across all 27 EU member states and by WHO (for Medicine and Dentistry) — a critical point for students planning to practise in Europe or internationally.
Top Universities for International Students
| University | City | Best For | Tuition/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carol Davila University | Bucharest | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy | €8,500 – 9,000 |
| University of Bucharest | Bucharest | Social Sciences, Law, Sciences | €2,500 – 4,200 |
| Politehnica Bucharest | Bucharest | Engineering, Computer Science | €2,700 – 3,500 |
| ASE Bucharest | Bucharest | Business, Economics | €2,500 – 4,000 |
| Babeș-Bolyai (UBB) | Cluj-Napoca | Arts, Sciences, Business | €2,000 – 3,800 |
| UTCN Cluj | Cluj-Napoca | Engineering, IT | €2,400 – 3,200 |
| UAIC Iași | Iași | Medicine, Sciences, Law | €2,200 – 3,500 |
| West University Timișoara | Timișoara | IT, Economics, Arts | €2,100 – 3,400 |
Programs Taught in English
You do not need to speak Romanian to study here. All major universities offer fully English-taught programs in Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Law, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. Some institutions also offer French-medium programs, particularly in Medicine.
How Much Does It Really Cost?
| Expense | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent (student dorm) | €80 – 150 |
| Rent (private apartment) | €300 – 500 |
| Food & groceries | €150 – 250 |
| Transport (city pass) | €10 – 20 |
| Utilities & internet | €30 – 60 |
| Leisure & miscellaneous | €80 – 150 |
| Total (dorm) | €350 – 630 |
| Total (private) | €570 – 980 |
Bucharest and Cluj are the most expensive cities; Iași and Timișoara are 15–25% cheaper on average — worth considering if budget is a priority.
Scholarships Available in 2026
The ARICE scholarship (Romanian Government) covers tuition waiver + monthly stipend for eligible students from Africa and the Middle East. The MFA scholarship offers similar benefits for specific partner countries. Deadlines for the 2026–2027 academic year are in June 2026 — act fast.
The Admission Process — Step by Step
- 1Choose your university and program (we help you match based on your profile).
- 2Prepare your documents: high school diploma + transcripts + translation + apostille.
- 3Submit your application to the university (or through IPCJ).
- 4Receive your acceptance letter.
- 5Apply for the Romanian student visa (Type D) at your local Romanian embassy.
- 6Arrive, register at the university, and get your residence permit.
Student Visa: What You Need to Know
Non-EU students need a long-stay (Type D) Romanian student visa. Processing takes 30–60 days and requires an acceptance letter from a Romanian university, proof of sufficient funds (approx. €500/month), valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Student Life in Romania
Romanian university cities — especially Bucharest, Cluj, and Iași — have vibrant international student communities. You will find student associations, cultural events, affordable restaurants, public transport, and a growing English-speaking social scene. Safety ratings are consistently high compared to Western European capitals.
Is Romania Right for You?
- ✓You want an EU-recognised degree without paying €15,000–30,000/year.
- ✓You are interested in Medicine, Engineering, IT, or Business.
- ✓You want to study in English without learning the local language first.
- ✓You plan to work or stay in Europe after graduation.
- ✓You want a real student city experience in a safe environment.
Ready to Study in Romania?
Book a free consultation — we'll match you to the right university and handle every step of your application.