Study in Romania 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Romania might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of studying in Europe — but that’s precisely what makes it one of the smartest choices for international students in 2026. With EU-recognised degrees, English-taught programmes, one of the lowest costs of living on the continent, and a vibrant student culture, Romania is steadily becoming a destination of choice for ambitious students from the UAE, GCC, Africa, and South Asia.

Whether you’re a high-school graduate planning your undergraduate degree, a working professional eyeing a master’s programme, or a parent researching the safest and most affordable option in Europe for your child — this guide walks you through every step of the process, clearly and practically.

Why Romania? Understanding the Opportunity in 2026

Romania is a full member of the European Union, meaning a degree from a Romanian university carries the same recognition as one from Germany, France, or Italy — at a fraction of the price. In 2026, Romania continues to expand its international student intake, with hundreds of programmes now offered entirely in English across medicine, engineering, business, law, and IT.

Here are some key reasons students are choosing Romania:

1. Tuition fees range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 6,000 per year, compared to EUR 10,000–35,000 in Western Europe

2. Monthly living costs average between EUR 400–700, one of the lowest in the EU

3. Over 90 universities accredited by the Romanian Ministry of Education

4. Graduates can apply for a post-study work permit in Romania or travel freely across the Schengen zone

5. A growing number of scholarships are available for non-EU international students

Romania is particularly popular among medical students — Romanian medical degrees are recognised in the UK, Germany, and across the EU, making it an exceptional long-term investment.

Choosing the Right University and Programme

Before you begin the application process, you need to identify the right institution and programme. Romania has several tiers of universities, and your choice should depend on your field of study, language of instruction, and career goals.

Top public universities in Romania include Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca (consistently ranked among Central and Eastern Europe’s best), the University of Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (a leading destination for MBBS students), Polytechnic University of Bucharest for engineering and tech, and the Academy of Economic Studies (ASE) for business and finance.

When choosing your programme, consider whether it’s ARACIS-accredited (Romania’s national accreditation body), whether the medium of instruction suits you, and the career pathways it opens in Europe and your home country. Abroad Routes maintains direct partnerships with multiple Romanian institutions and can help you match your profile to the right programme — saving you months of research.

Eligibility Requirements: What You Need Before You Apply

Romanian universities welcome students from all over the world, but you’ll need to meet certain academic and language requirements before your application is accepted.

For undergraduate programmes, you’ll generally need a secondary school certificate (equivalent to Romanian Baccalaureate), a minimum GPA or grade percentage (varies by institution and course), and proof of English proficiency — typically IELTS 5.5–6.5 or equivalent (some universities conduct their own English tests).

For postgraduate programmes, you’ll need a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, a statement of purpose or motivation letter, letters of recommendation, and a CV or portfolio for certain disciplines.

For medical programmes specifically, additional requirements may include a biology and chemistry entrance exam, a minimum science GPA, and sometimes an interview with the faculty admission committee.

If your documents are from outside the EU, they will need to be apostilled or notarised and translated into Romanian by a certified translator. This is a step many students underestimate — starting early is essential.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The application process for Romanian universities is more straightforward than most EU countries, but it does require careful attention to deadlines and documentation. Here’s how it typically works in 2026:

  • Step 1 – Shortlist universities and programmes (ideally 6–12 months before your intended start date)
  • Step 2 – Prepare and apostille your academic documents in your home country
  • Step 3 – Get certified translations of all documents into Romanian
  • Step 4 – Submit your application online via the university’s international admissions portal or through a registered agent like Abroad Routes
  • Step 5 – Receive your conditional or unconditional offer letter (usually within 2–6 weeks)
  • Step 6 – Pay the tuition deposit or registration fee to confirm your place
  • Step 7 – Apply for your Romanian student visa (Type D, Long-stay visa) at the Romanian Embassy
  • Step 8 – Arrive in Romania and complete in-person registration at your university

Most Romanian universities have intakes in October (the main academic year) with some offering a February intake for select programmes. Application deadlines typically fall between June and September for the October intake.

Applying for Your Romanian Student Visa from the UAE

As an international student based in the UAE, you’ll apply for a Romanian Long-Stay Visa (Type D) from the Romanian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai. This visa allows you to stay in Romania for the duration of your studies and is the gateway to obtaining a Romanian Residence Permit once you arrive.

Documents typically required for the Romanian Student Visa include:

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
  • University acceptance letter
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (approx. EUR 500/month for the duration of study)
  • Proof of accommodation in Romania
  • Travel health insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage)
  • Completed visa application form and photographs
  • Receipt of visa fee payment

Processing times vary from 2 to 6 weeks, so applying as soon as you receive your offer letter is strongly recommended. Visa refusals, though uncommon, do happen — usually due to incomplete documentation. Abroad Routes provides a full visa application support service, including document checklist, draft cover letters, and embassy liaison.

Costs, Scholarships and Financial Planning

One of the most compelling reasons to study in Romania is the affordability. Here’s a realistic breakdown for 2026:

Tuition Fees:

  • Bachelor’s programmes (most fields): EUR 2,000–4,500/year
  • Medicine and dentistry: EUR 4,500–6,500/year
  • Master’s programmes: EUR 2,500–5,000/year

Living Costs: Monthly expenses including accommodation, food, transport, and utilities average EUR 500–700, depending on whether you live in Bucharest or a smaller city like Cluj, Timisoara, or Iasi.

Scholarships Available:

  • The Romanian Government Scholarships Programme (via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) provides full or partial funding for select non-EU nationals
  • Many universities offer merit-based scholarships and early-bird discounts
  • Erasmus+ mobility grants may be available for students already enrolled in EU institutions

Abroad Routes can help you identify and apply for scholarships that match your profile — in many cases, our clients have secured EUR 1,000–3,000 in annual savings.

Ready to Study in Romania? Let Abroad Routes Guide You

Completing your degree in Romania opens powerful international pathways — this is the true long-term value of studying in an EU country.

As an EU-recognised qualification holder, your degree is accepted across Europe for employment, professional licensing, and further studies. Many graduates apply for Romania’s post-study residence permit and explore opportunities in the country’s growing IT, healthcare, and business sectors. Others leverage their EU-recognised degree to migrate to Germany, the Netherlands, or even Canada through skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathways.

For students from the UAE and GCC, a Romanian degree provides a credible and verifiable academic foundation for European skilled migration programs.

At Abroad Routes, we support you beyond graduation — from university admissions and visa processing to post-study work permits and skilled migration applications. Our Dubai-based consultants work closely with Romanian universities and legal partners across Europe and Canada to ensure a smooth and transparent process.

Book your free consultation or WhatsApp our Dubai team to start planning your 2026 Romania study journey.

FAQ's:

Q1: Can I study in Romania with my UAE high school certificate?
Yes. Romanian universities accept UAE Tawjihi, CBSE/ICSE, Pakistani, and other international certificates. Documents must be apostilled and officially translated into Romanian. Abroad Routes guides you through the equivalency process.

Q2: Do I need Romanian language skills?
No. Many programmes (medicine, engineering, business, IT, law) are offered fully in English. However, learning Romanian helps with daily life and long-term career opportunities.

Q3: How long does the student visa take from the UAE?
Usually 2–6 weeks after submitting a complete application to the Romanian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Early application and proper documentation are essential.

Q4: Is a Romanian degree internationally recognised?
Yes. As an EU member state, Romania’s degrees are recognised under the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Additional attestation may be required for UAE professional licensing.

Q5: Why choose Abroad Routes?
We combine education advisory and immigration expertise — offering direct university partnerships, document support, visa guidance, transparent pricing, and post-arrival assistance.