If you are an international student weighing your options, this guide walks through the best Romanian universities by city, what each one is known for, and how to choose the right fit for your goals.
Not sure Romania is the right country for you yet? Read our guide on why Romania stands out as a study destination before diving into the universities below.
Why Study at a Romanian University?
Before looking at specific institutions, here is why Romanian universities attract thousands of international students every year:
- EU-accredited degrees recognised across all European Union member states and beyond.
- Tuition fees between €2,000 and €5,000 per year, a fraction of the cost in the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands.
- English-taught programs available at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
- Low cost of living, with monthly expenses averaging €500 to €700 including rent, food, and transport.
- Diverse university cities from Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca to Iasi, Timisoara, and Sibiu, each with its own character and student culture.
- Strong programs in high-demand fields including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, IT, and economics.
Explore the full range of study programs available through Conachi Academy to see what is on offer across Romanian universities.
How to Choose the Right Romanian University
With over 30 options, the choice can feel overwhelming. Here are the key factors to weigh:
- Your field of study – Some universities are exceptional for medicine, others for engineering or business. Match the institution to your program.
- City size and lifestyle – Bucharest is a capital city with everything you would expect. Cluj-Napoca has a vibrant student culture. Smaller cities like Sibiu and Suceava offer lower costs and a quieter pace.
- Language of instruction – Most programs for international students are in English, but confirm this for your specific program before applying.
- Tuition and fees – Costs vary between institutions and programs. See a full tuition and fees breakdown to plan your budget accurately.
- Accreditation – All universities listed here are accredited by Romania’s Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS) and recognised by the Romanian Ministry of Education.
Browse undergraduate options or explore graduate programs to narrow down your choices before reaching out to our team.
Best Universities in Bucharest for International Students
Bucharest is Romania’s capital and its largest university city. It has the widest range of institutions, programs, and career opportunities of any city in the country.
University of Bucharest
One of Romania’s oldest and most respected universities, with a strong reputation across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and law.
- Founded in 1864, making it one of the country’s most established institutions.
- Offers programs in English across multiple faculties.
- Located centrally in Bucharest with easy access to the city’s professional and cultural life.
- Particularly strong for students interested in social sciences, political science, languages, and natural sciences.
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”
The top medical university in Romania and one of the most respected in Southeast Europe.
- Offers medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy programs in English and French.
- Attracts a large number of international students, particularly from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Known for its rigorous academic standards and clinical training facilities.
- Graduates are eligible to practice medicine across the EU after completing the necessary licensing requirements.
- A first choice for international students pursuing medicine in Romania.
Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE)
Romania’s leading institution for economics, business, and finance.
- One of the largest universities in Romania by enrollment.
- Strong reputation for economics, accounting, finance, marketing, and business administration.
- Several English-taught programs at both bachelor’s and master’s level.
- Well-connected to Romania’s business community and multinational employers operating in Bucharest.
Politehnica University of Bucharest
The top engineering and technology university in Romania.
- Covers computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and more.
- Strong research output and industry partnerships, particularly with tech companies operating in Bucharest.
- A solid choice for international students targeting engineering or IT careers in Europe.
Romanian-American University
A private institution focused on business, economics, law, and computer science.
- Programs taught fully in English.
- Strong international partnerships and a career-oriented curriculum.
- A good option for students who want a smaller, more personalised university environment in Bucharest.
Titu Maiorescu University
A private university in Bucharest offering programs in law, medicine, dentistry, psychology, and economics.
- Known for its dentistry and law faculties.
- English-taught programs available for international applicants.
- More accessible admission requirements compared to some of the larger state universities.
Best Universities in Cluj-Napoca for International Students
Cluj-Napoca is widely considered Romania’s student capital. It has a large, energetic student population, a thriving tech scene, and a cost of living that is lower than Bucharest while still offering everything a student needs.
Babes-Bolyai University
The largest university in Romania and one of the most internationally recognised.
- Consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Romania and among the best in Central and Eastern Europe.
- Offers programs in Romanian, Hungarian, German, and English across a wide range of disciplines.
- Faculties covering law, economics, sciences, humanities, IT, environmental science, and more.
- A large and diverse international student community.
- Excellent student support infrastructure and campus facilities.
Read student testimonials from students who chose Cluj-Napoca to get a real feel for student life there.
Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy
One of Romania’s top medical universities, based in Cluj-Napoca.
- Offers medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy programs in English and French.
- Strong clinical training opportunities in Cluj-Napoca’s well-equipped hospitals.
- A large international student body with strong support services for non-Romanian speakers.
- Well-regarded across Europe for the quality of its medical graduates.
Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
A leading technical university with a strong focus on engineering, IT, and applied sciences.
- Programs in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, and more.
- Cluj-Napoca is a major tech hub in Romania, giving students access to internships and job placements with IT companies.
- English-taught programs available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Strong industry connections and a good graduate employment record.
Best Universities in Iasi for International Students
Iasi is Romania’s second-largest university city and one of the most affordable. It has a long academic tradition and a large student population relative to its size.
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi
One of the oldest universities in Romania, with a strong reputation across multiple disciplines.
- Founded in 1860, making it Romania’s first modern university.
- Strong faculties in law, economics, computer science, philosophy, and natural sciences.
- A large international student community and English-taught programs available.
- Lower cost of living than Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca, making it a budget-friendly option.
Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
A major medical university in northeast Romania.
- Offers medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing in English and French.
- One of the most popular choices for international students studying medicine in Romania outside of Bucharest.
- Strong clinical training network in Iasi’s university hospitals.
- Competitive tuition fees compared to medical universities in Western Europe.
Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi
A respected technical university covering engineering, architecture, and applied sciences.
- Programs in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science.
- English-taught programs at bachelor’s and master’s level.
- Affordable city combined with strong technical education makes this a practical choice for engineering students.
Best Universities in Timisoara for International Students
Timisoara is a cosmopolitan city in western Romania, close to the Hungarian and Serbian borders. It is known for its multicultural atmosphere, strong university sector, and lower cost of living.
West University of Timisoara
The leading multidisciplinary university in western Romania.
- Strong faculties in economics, law, political science, IT, mathematics, and arts.
- English-taught programs available across several faculties.
- A welcoming environment for international students with a strong Erasmus network.
- Timisoara’s western location and transport links make it easy to travel around Europe.
Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara
A well-established medical university in western Romania.
- Offers medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy programs in English and French.
- Strong clinical facilities and hospital partnerships in Timisoara.
- Popular with international students from across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Competitive tuition fees and a lower cost of living compared to Bucharest.
Best Universities in Other Romanian Cities
Romania’s university landscape extends well beyond its major cities. These institutions offer solid programs in more affordable, less crowded environments.
Transilvania University of Brasov
- Located in one of Romania’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by the Carpathian mountains.
- Strong programs in engineering, economics, law, and social sciences.
- English-taught options available and a growing international student community.
- A good choice for students who want quality education in a visually stunning, mid-sized city.
Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu
- Based in Sibiu, one of Romania’s most charming historical cities.
- Offers programs in engineering, medicine, law, social sciences, and economics.
- A smaller, more personal university environment compared to Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca.
- Particularly appealing for students who want a quieter, more focused study environment.
Ovidius University of Constanta
- Located in Constanta on Romania’s Black Sea coast.
- Offers medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, economics, and engineering programs.
- English-taught medical programs are particularly popular with international students.
- Unique coastal city setting with lower costs than the major inland university cities.
University of Oradea
- Located near the Hungarian border in northwestern Romania.
- Programs in medicine, engineering, economics, law, and social sciences.
- English-taught medicine and dentistry programs attract international students.
- Affordable tuition and living costs make it a strong value option.
Universities by Field: Quick Reference
Not sure which university is right for your subject? Here is a quick breakdown by field:
Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest
- Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi
- Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara
- George Emil Palade University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Targu Mures
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova
- Ovidius University of Constanta (medicine and dentistry faculties)
Engineering and Technology
- Politehnica University of Bucharest
- Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
- Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi
- Transilvania University of Brasov
- Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara
Economics and Business
- Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE)
- Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca
- West University of Timisoara
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi
Law and Social Sciences
- University of Bucharest
- Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi
- Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu
See all study programs available through Conachi Academy across these universities and fields.
How to Apply to a Romanian University
Applying to a Romanian university involves more steps than applying in some other countries. The process includes university application, Ministry of Education approval, and a long-stay student visa. Here is a brief overview:
- Choose your university and program based on your academic background and career goals.
- Submit your application with all required documents, including diplomas, transcripts, and English proficiency proof.
- Receive your Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education, typically within 30 to 60 days.
- Pay your first year tuition and arrange health insurance and accommodation.
- Apply for your long-stay student visa at your nearest Romanian Embassy or Consulate.
- Arrive in Romania and register your residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
See the full step-by-step application guide on the Conachi Academy website. If you are ready to start, submit your application form here. It takes around 10 minutes to complete.
Check current application dates and deadlines to make sure you are applying within the right window for your target intake.
How Conachi Academy Helps You Get In
Conachi Academy works directly with accredited Romanian universities and acts as an official intermediary for international students. Here is what that means for you:
- We help you identify the right university and program based on your qualifications and goals.
- We prepare and submit your full application package on your behalf.
- We handle communication with the university and the Romanian Ministry of Education throughout the process.
- We guide you through visa document preparation and the consulate process.
- Our student support team remains available after you arrive to help with registration, accommodation, and settling in.
Our Partners
AMC Nepal supports international students based in Nepal with everything needed before departure: document preparation, bank statement guidance, visa appointment logistics, and pre-departure counselling.
If you are applying from Nepal, AMC Nepal is the right starting point for Nepal-side support.
EJS Europe provides in-country support across European destinations including Romania. From arrival orientation and accommodation setup to residence permit registration and academic integration, EJS Europe is there once you land.
Together, Conachi Academy, AMC Nepal, and EJS Europe cover every stage of your journey, from your first inquiry through to graduating from a Romanian university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Romanian university degrees recognised internationally?
Yes. All accredited Romanian universities issue degrees recognised across the European Union. Graduates can work, pursue further studies, or obtain professional licences in EU member states.
Many degrees are also recognised in countries outside the EU, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, depending on the field and licensing body.
Do I need to speak Romanian to study there?
No. English-taught programs are available at most major Romanian universities across medicine, engineering, business, and other fields. Basic Romanian helps with daily life but is not required for your degree program.
Which Romanian city is best for international students?
It depends on your priorities. Bucharest offers the widest range of programs and career opportunities. Cluj-Napoca has the most vibrant student culture and a booming tech scene.
Iasi is the most affordable option with excellent medical and technical universities. Timisoara offers a multicultural environment and easy access to Western Europe.
How do I know which university to choose?
Start with your field of study and budget, then look at the city. Contact our admissions team and we will help you match your academic background and goals to the right institution and program.
Are there scholarships available?
Some Romanian universities offer partial scholarships or fee reductions for high-achieving international students.
The Romanian government also offers a limited number of scholarships through the Study in Romania program. Our admissions team can help you identify opportunities you may qualify for.
Start Your Application
Romania has 30+ accredited universities waiting to welcome international students. Whether you are aiming for medicine in Bucharest, engineering in Cluj-Napoca, or economics in Iasi, there is a program and a university that fits.
Your next steps:
- Browse all universities available through Conachi Academy
- Explore study programs by field
- Check tuition fees and costs
- Review application dates and deadlines
- Start your application
- Connect with AMC Nepal for Nepal-side support
- Connect with EJS Europe for in-Romania arrival support
Questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact our team directly.
