Introduction
Romania is one of the European destinations that deserves the attention of international students because it combines European education, a variety of universities, programs available in English, relatively affordable tuition fees, and a cost of living that is more flexible than many other European countries. The official portal, Study in Romania, provides a database of universities, programs, and university cities, which helps students start their search in an organized manner.
Why do many students choose to study in Romania?
Many students choose Romania because it gives them the opportunity to obtain a European degree within accredited universities, and in well-known university cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, and Timișoara. The most important advantage here is that the student does not need to start searching from scratch, because the Study in Romania portal displays a list of official universities that the student can review directly.
Romania is also suitable for students who want to combine affordable costs with academic opportunity, especially in fields such as engineering, computer science, economics, humanities, and some medical specialties, with programs available in English at several universities.
Tuition Fees in Romania
Tuition fees in Romania are not a fixed number; they vary according to the specialty, university, and degree level. However, examples of programs officially published on the Study in Romania platform provide a useful practical picture:
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€2,430 per year for a Bachelor's program in Computer Science in English for non-Europeans.
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€1,980 per year for a Bachelor's program in Finance and Banking in English for non-Europeans.
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€1,980 per year for a Master's program in Philosophical Counseling and Consultancy in English for non-Europeans.
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€2,500 per year for a Master's program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics in English for non-Europeans.
Therefore, Romania can be presented to the student as having many programs starting from approximately €1,980 to €2,500 per year in some academic fields. Fees may increase depending on the university and specialty, especially in certain specialized programs. It is always best for the student to check the specific program page before making a final decision.
Are there programs in English?
Yes, and that is one of the main strengths of Romania. There are multiple programs in English, which the official platform displays directly. The European Immigration Portal also clarifies that the student must prove proficiency in the language of study they will join, whether Romanian, English, or others, depending on the program.
This means that international students can study in Romania without the Romanian language being a basic requirement in all cases, but they must confirm the program's language and language proof requirements before applying.
Living in Romania
Romania is considered a destination where a student can live on a more flexible budget compared to many other European countries. Although the cost varies from city to city, the general structure of student life makes it a good option for students looking for a balance between study and spending. The Study in Romania platform provides details about cities, universities, and daily life, while the official portal itself mentions benefits such as transportation discounts for some students within the country, which enhances the destination's attractiveness.
The best phrasing here is: The cost of living in Romania varies according to the city, type of housing, and the student's lifestyle, but overall, it is more flexible than many higher-cost European destinations. This is more accurate than stating a single number that might not fit every city or student.
Scholarships
One of the most important opportunities a student should know about is the Romanian government scholarships for non-EU citizens. The official scholarship website confirms that the Romanian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offers annual scholarships to students from outside the European Union, and that the application is done through the official portal designated for that. The site also mentions that eligibility requirements include the applicant having achieved good academic results, with a minimum officially stated on the page.
This makes Romania a suitable option not only for self-funded students but also for those looking for a funded or semi-funded opportunity to study in Europe.
What does a student need to apply?
This is where the practical information that the student actually relies on begins. According to the General Inspectorate for Immigration in Romania, a student from outside the European Union first needs academic acceptance from an accredited institution, then they must apply for a long-stay study visa. Basic documents for the visa application include:
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Proof of acceptance for study.
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Proof of payment of tuition fees for at least one year.
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Proof of financial means of at least the gross minimum national salary per month for the duration of the visa.
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Criminal record or its equivalent.
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Health insurance for the duration of the visa.
The official authority also clarifies that the long-stay study visa is valid for 90 days. After arriving in Romania, the student must apply in person for a residence permit before the expiration of the stay granted by the visa. The official European page also indicates that those who intend to study for more than 90 days must obtain a temporary residence permit after arrival.
What happens after arriving in Romania?
After arrival, the procedures do not end. The student must obtain or extend a study residence permit with the General Inspectorate for Immigration. The official page clarifies that this permit is requested with documents such as the passport, certificate of enrollment from the university, proof of financial resources, and other documents required for the study case. Instructions also state that the application must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration of the right of stay granted by the visa.
Can a student work while studying?
Yes, and this is a very important point for the student. According to the European Commission's Immigration Portal, a non-European student in Romania has the right to work part-time during their studies without a work permit, for a maximum of 4 hours per day. The portal also mentions that after graduation, the stay can be extended for an additional period to search for work or complete professional procedures, according to official conditions.
Practical Short Steps for the Student
If a student wants to start the right way, these are the practical steps:
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Determine the required specialty.
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Search for suitable universities and programs via Study in Romania.
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Review the language of study and specific program fees.
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Confirm admission requirements and documents.
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Obtain academic acceptance.
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Prepare long-stay study visa documents.
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After arrival, apply for a residence permit in Romania.
Most Important Official Sites
For more official details, students can rely on these links:
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Official study portal in Romania: https://studyinromania.gov.ro
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List of universities in Romania: https://studyinromania.gov.ro/universities
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Romanian Government Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.mae.ro
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Immigration and residency information for study (IGI): https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/studying-in-romania/
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EU portal for student rights and procedures in Romania: https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/romania-student_en
Conclusion
Romania is a good choice for students who want a European education, relatively reasonable fees, programs in English, the possibility of part-time work during studies, and the opportunity to benefit from government scholarships. The important thing here is that the student does not just settle for the general picture but goes directly to the program, university, and official documents. In this way, the decision becomes clearer, the application easier, and the risks lower.