If you are considering a career in healthcare and want a degree that is recognised across Europe and beyond, pharmacy in Romania is worth your full attention. The programs are internationally accredited, taught in English, structured in line with EU standards, and offered at tuition rates that are significantly lower than most Western European countries.
This guide covers everything you need to know – what the degree actually looks like year by year, how long it takes, which universities offer it, and where the qualification can take you professionally.
To see whether our partner universities offer pharmacy, explore our full list of Study Programs or visit the Universities page.
What Qualification Do You Graduate With?
A pharmacy degree in Romania is a 5-year integrated program that results in a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) – or equivalent Bachelor’s in Pharmacy – carrying 300 ECTS credits. This structure follows the EU’s framework for regulated health professions and meets the requirements of the European Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (2005/36/EC).
Because pharmacy is an EU-regulated profession, a degree from an accredited Romanian university allows graduates to have their qualifications automatically recognised in other EU member states – and recognised (with additional licensing steps) in countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, and the Gulf states.
No graduate-entry shortcut exists. All students, regardless of prior qualifications, must complete the full 5-year programme from Year 1. This is a requirement set by EU standards and applies universally across Romanian institutions.
Program Duration and Structure
Duration: 5 years (10 semesters) Credits: 300 ECTS Teaching language: English (and French at select universities) Degree awarded: Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) / Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm – varies by institution)
The 5 years follow a logical progression from foundational science through to clinical practice and professional specialisation.
Years 1 & 2 – Foundations in Pharmaceutical Sciences
The opening two years focus on building a rigorous scientific base. Students cover:
- Organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry
- Pharmaceutical botany and plant biology
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Biochemistry
- Mathematics and biostatistics
- Physics and physical chemistry
- Cell biology and genetics
Laboratory sessions run throughout, and the emphasis is on developing hands-on technical competence alongside theoretical understanding. Students who enter with a strong background in chemistry and biology will find this stage consolidates and extends what they already know.
Years 3 & 4 – Core Pharmaceutical Science and Clinical Training
The programme deepens significantly in Years 3 and 4. Subjects become more applied and directly connected to pharmaceutical practice:
- Pharmacology and clinical pharmacology
- Toxicology and drug interactions
- Pharmaceutical technology (drug formulation and delivery)
- Pharmaceutical microbiology and immunology
- Pharmacokinetics (how drugs move through the body)
- Drug analysis and quality control
- Industrial pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical legislation and ethics
This stage also introduces practical placements in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacy departments, and pharmaceutical companies. These internships are structured, supervised, and count towards graduation requirements. For international students, they provide essential exposure to real clinical and industrial environments in Europe.
Year 5 – Specialisation, Research, and Final Examinations
The final year is where students consolidate everything and begin to specialise. It typically includes:
- Advanced clinical pharmacology
- Pharmacovigilance (drug safety monitoring)
- Cosmetics and food supplement science
- Healthcare management
- Research methodology
- Diploma thesis / final research project
- Comprehensive final examinations
The thesis is an original research project completed under academic supervision. It is presented and defended before an examination committee and forms a core part of the final qualification assessment.
Universities in Romania Offering Pharmacy in English
Romania has several highly regarded medical universities that offer pharmacy programs to international students. The most prominent include:
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest Romania’s oldest medical institution, founded in 1857. One of the most recognised names for medical and pharmaceutical education in Eastern Europe. Pharmacy is offered in English and French. Tuition: approximately €7,500–€8,000/year.
Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca Established in 1919, this is one of the oldest medical universities in Transylvania and regularly appears in European rankings. The pharmacy programme runs in English and French, with 300 ECTS credits. Tuition: approximately €8,500/year.
Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara Located in one of Romania’s most vibrant western cities, Victor Babeș has an internationally accredited pharmacy faculty. The English-language programme spans 5 years and 300 ECTS. Tuition: approximately €8,000/year.
Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași Based in Iași, one of Romania’s most affordable student cities and home to one of the oldest pharmacy faculties in the country. Strong internship connections with local hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. Tuition: approximately €7,500/year.
All of the above hold national accreditation from ARACIS (Romania’s Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) and international recognition aligned with WFME and EU standards.
For a full breakdown of which programs are available through Conachi Academy, visit our Academics overview or read about Undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements for Pharmacy in Romania
Admission requirements vary slightly between universities, but the standard requirements for international students are:
- High school diploma with strong results in chemistry and biology
- Certified copy of secondary school transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency (language interview or multiple-choice test – IELTS/TOEFL not always required)
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- Application/processing fee (typically €150–€300)
- Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education (required for visa)
Some universities conduct a short entrance assessment in chemistry or biology rather than a formal exam. Evaluation is primarily document-based and based on academic performance.
Conachi Academy guides students through every step of this process. See our How to Apply page and check Dates & Deadlines to plan your application timeline.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Study
Pharmacy tuition at Romanian public universities for international students typically ranges from €7,500 to €8,500 per year depending on the institution. Private universities may charge slightly more. Over the full 5-year program, tuition costs total approximately €37,500–€42,500 – significantly lower than comparable programs in the UK, Germany, or France.
Additional costs to factor in:
- Application and file processing fees: €150–€300 (one-off)
- Confirmation deposit (towards tuition): varies by university
- Living costs in Romania: typically €500–€800/month depending on city and lifestyle
For a full breakdown of what to expect financially, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Career Paths After a Pharmacy Degree from Romania
An MPharm from an accredited Romanian university opens doors across multiple sectors. Graduates are not limited to working behind a pharmacy counter – the qualification is a gateway to a broad range of healthcare, research, and industry roles.
Community Pharmacy
The most visible career path. Community pharmacists dispense medications, counsel patients, check prescriptions, and serve as accessible healthcare professionals. This is a licensed profession in all EU countries, with automatic recognition of Romanian pharmacy degrees within the EU under the Professional Qualifications Directive.
Hospital Pharmacy
Hospital pharmacists work within clinical teams, managing drug supply chains, advising on drug regimens, monitoring for interactions and adverse effects, and supporting specialised units such as oncology, intensive care, and paediatrics. This is a highly respected and competitive specialisation.
Clinical Research and Trials
With pharmaceutical knowledge and scientific rigour, pharmacy graduates are well-positioned for roles in clinical trials – as clinical research associates (CRAs), data managers, or trial coordinators. Romania has a growing clinical research sector, and the EU as a whole actively recruits for these roles.
Pharmacovigilance (Drug Safety)
One of the fastest-growing fields in pharmaceuticals. Pharmacovigilance specialists monitor the safety of drugs on the market, analyse adverse event reports, and liaise with regulatory authorities. It is a global function – companies like Novartis, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca all have pharmacovigilance operations across Europe.
Regulatory Affairs
Regulatory affairs professionals help pharmaceutical companies bring products to market legally and compliantly. They manage submissions to agencies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA), handle labelling requirements, and advise on drug approval strategy. It is a career that combines scientific knowledge with law and policy.
Pharmaceutical Industry (R&D, Production, Quality)
Large pharmaceutical companies recruit pharmacy graduates into roles across research and development, drug formulation, quality assurance, quality control, production management, and supply chain. Romania hosts regional offices and manufacturing sites of several global pharma companies.
Academic and Research Careers
Graduates who wish to go further academically can pursue doctoral (PhD) studies in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, or related fields – either in Romania or at universities across Europe.
Working Abroad
Because the Romanian pharmacy degree follows EU standards, graduates can work in EU member states through automatic mutual recognition. Working outside the EU – in the UK, Canada, Australia, the Gulf – requires passing country-specific licensing examinations, but the Romanian degree provides a solid foundation for this.
Is Pharmacy in Romania Right for You?
Pharmacy in Romania suits students who want a rigorous, science-based degree that carries genuine international weight, at a cost that makes European education accessible. It is demanding – five years of chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and clinical training – but the outcome is a qualification that can take you into healthcare systems around the world.
If you are unsure whether pharmacy is the right field, or want to compare it with other health science programs available through Conachi Academy, visit our Study Programs page. If you are ready to begin the application process, our team is available to guide you. Check How to Apply or contact us directly with your questions.
You can also read first-hand accounts from students already studying in Romania on our Student Testimonials page, and explore what campus life actually looks like on our Student Life section.
Information in this article is based on publicly available data from Romanian universities and EU regulatory frameworks as of 2026. Tuition fees and program details are subject to change – always verify directly with the university before applying. Conachi Academy does not issue academic qualifications or guarantee admission.