The cost of studying in Romania
Tuition fees, accommodation fees and general living costs
Low tuition fees and living costs make Romania one of the cheapest European destinations for students. Use this guide to find out what you can expect to spend on tuition fees, accommodation, and day-to-day living.
The official currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON).
Tuition fees
University tuition fees in Romania range from 600 RON to 5000 RON per year, although Medicine and Engineering programmes can be more expensive.
EU students pay the same fees as Romanian students, whilst non-EU students will normally have to pay a slightly higher fee.
The way that tuition fees are paid in Romania varies based on whether or not you need a student visa. Students who require a visa must pay one year of tuition fees in a single instalment before they make their visa application. Pupils who do not require a visa can choose to pay either in one, two or three instalments per year. For more information on student visas and who needs one, take a look at our guide ‘Applying to study in Romania’.
Accommodation fees
Most universities offer their own dormitory-style accommodation for students, with prices starting at about 60 RON per month for a shared room. Check with your chosen university to find out what’s on offer and how to apply for accommodation.
If you’re planning to stay in private accommodation, the International Relations office at your university will often be able to give you some recommendations. We've also included a link at the bottom of this guide to a reputable renting website. It is worth remembering that private accommodation does tend to be more expensive.
General cost of living
The cost of living in Romania is generally very low. Overall, students will need an average monthly budget of 300 RON to 500 RON.
This can be broken down into 150 - 300 RON per month to rent a private apartment, and around 150 RON for food. According to Numbeo, this means the capital of Romania, Bucharest, is around 50% cheaper to live in than London, with a rent that is 87% lower than New York. Also, in Romania, all students receive a free transport pass, making student life even more affordable!
Scholarships, awards and bursaries
The Romanian government offers generous grants to students, including full fee waivers. Often, these are awarded before you begin your degree, however it is common practice in Romana for universities to cover the following year’s fees for the highest-performing students in each year group.
All EU students are entitled to the same grants as Romanian students. There are also some grants offered specifically to non-EU students. Grants are normally awarded based on a student’s academic merit or social situation. The Useful resources section at the bottom of this guide includes a link to a list of state-funded scholarships for both EU and non-EU students studying in Romania.
Working while studying
If you’re coming to study in Romania from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you have the right to live and work there. As a non-EU student with a student visa in Romania, you can take on paid part-time work while you are on the programme, as long as you have a residency permit.
Typical student jobs tend to be in restaurants and cafes, or in positions such as childcarer/tutor for a family - the resources at the bottom of this guide include a useful website for a job search. Some universities might offer jobs in their student bar or administrative departments.
Extra costs for students who need visas
If you need a student visa, you’ll need to prove that you have enough money to fund your stay in Romania. If you’re not sure whether you need a student visa, check out our ‘Applying to study in Romania’ guide.
The Romanian government has decided that 11,250 RON per year (approximately 2,400 EUR) is the minimum amount of money that a non-EU student must have in order to live independently.
You can prove that you’ll be able to meet this minimum through these ways:
- a guarantor’s letter from someone who promises to pay your expenses if you can’t meet the minimum requirement
- a letter which confirms your grant, scholarship or loan
You may also be able to use a bank statement, but this only applies in cases where you already have the money in your bank account. If you use a bank statement as proof, you’ll need to have 11,250 RON for every year you’re planning to stay.
Further Resources