Study in Romania: making an application
How the application process works
In Romania, there is no centralised admissions procedure, so the application process varies by institution. This guide lays out all the basic information you will need to apply and will direct you to some useful resources.
If you haven’t decided which programme or university to apply to yet, our guide Study in Romania: preparing to apply is a good place to start.
1. Apply
In Romania, students apply directly to each university and each institution has their own processes. You can apply to as many universities as you like, but remember there is an application fee of 30-50 RON (6-11 EUR), and these can add up!
EU and EEA Students
If you’re an EU national, or a national from the EEA, you will follow a similar application process to Romanian students. Make sure to have proof of your citizenship and any past qualification certificates to hand.
Non EU and UK Students
Students from outside the EU and EEA must start their application process by contacting the university. The university will send several forms for you to return, asking for information like your educational background, language proficiency and residence status. You will hear back from the university with a preliminary offer while they submit an application on your behalf to the Ministry of Education. The Ministry will then make the final decision about your admission.
Romanian universities recommend that non-EU and UK students register early to allow enough time to get a response from the Ministry of Education, a process that can take up to eight weeks. Getting a headstart will also give you more time to apply for a student visa and better access to accommodation for the start of the academic year.
2. Visa requirements
EU and EEA Students
If you’re an EU national, or a national from the EEA (European Economic Area), Canada, Croatia, Japan, Moldova, South Korea, Switzerland, the US or Serbia, you do not require a visa to study in Romania. Instead, all you need is a valid passport or other valid travel ID ready once you have been accepted.
Non EU Students
If you’re a national from anywhere else in the world, you will need to apply for a student visa once you have received your final acceptance letter. This must be applied for and obtained at the Romanian embassy in your home country before your arrival. Student visas can take up to two months to process, so make sure you get your application in as soon as possible to be ready for when your programme begins.
After arriving in Romania, you’ll also need to extend your visa and obtain a residence permit through the Romanian Office for Immigration.
In order to apply for a student visa and obtain a permit, you’ll need:
- the letter of acceptance to a Romanian university from the Ministry of Education
- proof that you have paid your first year fees
- proof of sufficient funds (our guide ‘The cost of studying in Romania’ has more information on this)
- medical insurance for the entire period, if this applies to you (see below for more information)
- criminal record certificate
- proof of language proficiency for the programme you’re taking
UK Students
The UK is in the process of leaving the EU and EEA. Current guidance advises new UK students applying to study in Romania after 1 January 2021, to follow the approach for all non-EU nationals, as above. Unifrog will be kept up to date so you know exactly what to expect as the situation unfolds.
3. Health insurance requirements
EU and EEA Students
For EU citizens, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will entitle you to free healthcare. You can apply for this whilst in your home country.
Non EU Students
If you’re a student from outside the EU and are under the age of 26, you will have access to free state-hospital care and university medical services by presenting your Student ID card once you’ve arrived in Romania.
If you’re applying for a student visa and are over the age of 26, things are a little different. You will need to buy medical insurance for the duration of your study in Romania before you make the student visa application. Proof of this purchase will need to be submitted with the application.
4. Accommodation
Most Romanian universities offer their own dormitory-style accommodation for students on-campus, but it’s a good idea to compare this with the private accommodation on offer. Affordable options off-campus and sharing with roommates can continue your cheap lifestyle whilst studying in the country. Our guide The cost of studying in Romania discusses living arrangements in more detail.
Good stuff from elsewhere
Romanian Office for Immigration