Romania offers several study routes at different levels. A key distinction is the language of the programme: some applicants enter a university programme directly, while others who want to study in Romanian may first complete a Romanian language preparatory year.
How is studying in Romania?
Romanian universities offer programmes in areas such as medicine, engineering, economics, computer science, humanities and social sciences. International students can apply at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
Language of study
Programmes may be taught in Romanian or foreign languages such as English. If the goal is a Romanian-taught programme and the applicant does not yet have the required Romanian, a Romanian language preparatory year can be part of the route.
What is the Romanian language preparatory year?
The preparatory programme is designed for international students who plan to continue university study in Romanian. The guide describes some official programmes as full-time one-year programmes carrying 60 ECTS. It is intended as preparation for university study rather than a general conversation course.
Is a language certificate required for the preparatory route?
The guide explains that the Romanian language preparatory route has a specific exception regarding proof of programme language for the student-visa documents. This does not mean every Romanian study programme is exempt from language requirements; the exact programme must be checked.
Admission requirements and documents
Requirements depend on the university, programme and level. Secondary-school records matter for bachelor’s applications, previous-degree records for master’s, and research requirements also matter at doctoral level. Passport, academic documents and transcripts are core application materials; translation or legalisation may also be required.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition varies by university, level, programme language and student status. Living costs depend on the city and lifestyle and include food, transport, study materials and accommodation. University housing can be a lower-cost option in many cases, but availability and prices vary.
Student visa and residence
For non-EU students who need a visa, the guide discusses the long-stay student visa D/SD. It lists financial evidence, criminal-record documentation, health insurance, accommodation and programme-language documents where required. Proof of tuition payment for at least one academic year is also mentioned in the official visa document list discussed in the guide.
Student cities and the route after study
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and other university centres offer different study and living environments. City choice should reflect the university, programme, housing cost and lifestyle. Post-graduation options depend on the individual situation and the immigration rules in force at the time.
Admission requirements, costs and residence rules can change. Check the university requirements and official rules that apply when you submit your application.