This guide explains everything you need to know about the Licență degree in Romania.
The Bologna Process and Why It Matters
To understand the Licență degree, it helps to understand the framework it sits within.
- The Bologna Process is a Europe-wide agreement that standardised higher education qualifications across participating countries.
- Romania joined the Bologna Process in 1999 and restructured its university system in line with its three-cycle framework.
- The three cycles are: first cycle (Licență, equivalent to Bachelor’s), second cycle (Masterat, equivalent to Master’s), and third cycle (Doctorat, equivalent to PhD).
- Because Romania uses this common European framework, a Licență degree carries the same formal standing as a Bachelor’s degree from any other Bologna signatory country.
This matters enormously for international students. It means a Licență from a Romanian university is not a regional qualification that requires conversion elsewhere. It is a recognised European first-cycle degree.
What the Licență Degree Is
A Licență degree is a full undergraduate university qualification earned at an accredited Romanian higher education institution.
- It marks the completion of the first cycle of university study under the Bologna framework.
- It is awarded after the student completes all required coursework and passes the final examination, known as the examen de licență.
- The degree is awarded by the university and recorded in a nationally recognised diploma document.
- Graduates hold the title of licențiat, typically followed by their field of study, for example licențiat în drept for law or licențiat în medicină for medicine.
How Long Does a Licență Degree Take?
The duration depends on the field of study.
- Most Licență programmes last three years, structured across six semesters.
- Certain regulated professions require longer programmes.
- Medicine typically takes six years.
- Dentistry and pharmacy typically take five years.
- Architecture and law typically take four years.
- Most other fields, including business, engineering, science, social sciences, and humanities, follow the standard three-year structure.
For international students planning their timeline, knowing the duration of their chosen programme is an important early step.
The Credit System: ECTS
Romanian universities use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, known as ECTS.
- ECTS credits measure the total learning effort a course requires, including lectures, seminars, self-study, and assessments.
- A standard three-year Licență programme requires 180 ECTS credits to complete.
- A four-year programme typically requires 240 ECTS credits.
- ECTS credits are universally recognised across European universities, which makes transferring credits or continuing to a Master’s programme in another country straightforward.
The use of ECTS is one of the concrete ways in which Romanian degrees are integrated into the broader European higher education system.
How the Licență Programme Is Structured
The three years of a standard Licență programme follow a clear and consistent pattern.
First Year
- The first year introduces the foundational knowledge of the field.
- Core compulsory modules build the theoretical and practical base that all further study depends on.
- Students begin to understand the discipline as a whole before moving into more specialised areas.
Second Year
- The second year deepens the foundational knowledge from the first year.
- Students begin to encounter more specialised topics within their field.
- Optional or elective modules may start to appear, allowing some degree of individual direction.
Third Year
- The third year combines advanced study with a significant independent project.
- Students produce a final dissertation or project, known as the lucrare de licență, which they defend at the examen de licență.
- The final examination is a formal academic assessment that determines whether the degree is awarded.
The Final Examination: Examen de Licență
The examen de licență is what formally closes the Licență degree.
- It typically involves presenting and defending the student’s final dissertation or thesis before an academic committee.
- In some fields it also includes a written or practical examination component.
- The result of this examination, combined with the student’s overall academic record, determines the final degree classification.
- Passing the examen de licență is required to receive the diploma. Students who complete all coursework but do not pass the exam do not yet hold the degree.
Languages of Instruction
Language of instruction is an important practical consideration for international students.
- Most Licență programmes are taught in Romanian, which is the primary language of Romanian higher education.
- A significant number of programmes, particularly in medicine, dentistry, engineering, and business, are offered in English.
- Some universities also offer programmes in French or German, particularly where historical academic partnerships exist.
- International students who do not yet speak Romanian have genuine options, either by choosing an English-language programme or by completing a Romanian language preparation year before beginning their degree.
How the Licență Degree Is Recognised
Recognition is one of the most important considerations for any international student.
- Because Romania operates within the Bologna framework, a Licență degree is formally equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree across all Bologna signatory countries.
- This includes recognition across the European Union, which now has 27 member states.
- Romanian Licență holders can continue to a Master’s programme at Romanian or European universities using the same ECTS credit system.
- Employers across Europe recognise the Licență as a standard first-cycle university qualification.
- For graduates who return to their home countries, formal recognition may require a credential evaluation process, but the Bologna framework makes this significantly more straightforward than for qualifications from non-signatory systems.
What a Licență Degree Leads To
Completing a Licență opens several clear pathways.
Employment
- A Licență graduate holds a recognised university degree that qualifies them for graduate-level employment in Romania, across the European Union, and in many other countries.
- The specific career opportunities depend on the field of study, but the degree itself is a recognised professional qualification at the first-cycle level.
The Masterat: Second-Cycle Study
- Licență graduates who wish to continue can apply for a Masterat programme, Romania’s second-cycle degree, equivalent to a Master’s.
- Most Masterat programmes last one to two years.
- They allow graduates to specialise further within their field or to move into related areas.
- Masterat programmes at Romanian universities are also Bologna-aligned and ECTS-based.
The Doctorat: Third-Cycle Study
- Graduates who hold a Masterat may go on to doctoral study, known as the Doctorat, equivalent to a PhD.
- This is the highest level of academic qualification and is typically research-focused.
Professional Qualifications
- In regulated professions such as medicine, law, and engineering, the Licență is typically the entry qualification, after which additional professional registration or licensing steps apply.
Why Romania Is a Realistic Choice for International Students
Choosing where to earn a Licență is a significant decision, and Romania is increasingly chosen by international students for specific, practical reasons.
- Tuition fees at Romanian universities are significantly lower than at universities in Western Europe or North America, making the degree accessible without high debt.
- The cost of living in Romania is lower than in most EU countries, which means everyday life during study is more affordable.
- Romanian universities have a long tradition in medicine, engineering, and sciences, and their programmes are accredited by Romanian and European bodies.
- As a full EU member, studying and graduating in Romania places students within the European educational and employment area.
Who Qualifies to Study for a Licență Degree
International students from outside the EU, including those from Nepal, can apply to Romanian universities.
- The primary requirement is a completed secondary school education, equivalent to the Romanian baccalaureat.
- Depending on the language of the programme, a language proficiency certificate may be required.
- Some universities require entrance examinations, particularly for medicine and dentistry.
- All international applicants must submit a set of documents, which must be translated and attested through the correct official channels.
How Conachi Academy Supports International Students
Navigating the Romanian university admission process from abroad is significantly easier with guidance.
- Our undergraduate programmes page sets out the Licență-level options available to international students through our partner universities.
- Our academics overview explains how Romanian university study is structured and what to expect.
- Our partner universities page lists the institutions we work with and their respective strengths.
- Our why Romania page explains the broader case for choosing Romania as a study destination.
- To discuss your situation and find the right programme, contact our team for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Licență degree the same as a Bachelor’s degree? Yes. A Licență is Romania’s first-cycle university degree under the Bologna Process and is formally equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree. It is recognised across the European Union and in all other Bologna signatory countries.
How long does a Licență degree take in Romania? Most Licență programmes take three years. Medicine takes six years, dentistry and pharmacy five years, and architecture and law four years. All other fields, including business, engineering, and science, typically follow the three-year structure.
Can international students study for a Licență degree in Romania? Yes. Romanian universities are open to international students, including those from outside the EU. Requirements include a recognised secondary school qualification, language proficiency, and in some cases an entrance examination.
Is a Licență degree from Romania recognised internationally? Yes. Because Romania participates in the Bologna Process, a Licență is recognised as a standard first-cycle university degree across Europe. Graduates can continue to Master’s programmes at European universities and apply for graduate-level employment across the EU.
What is the examen de licență? It is the final examination required to complete the Licență degree, typically involving the defence of a dissertation before an academic committee. Passing it is required to receive the diploma.
Final Thoughts and Next Step
A Licență degree is Romania’s Bachelor’s-equivalent qualification, structured within the Bologna framework, recognised across Europe, and available to international students across a wide range of fields. Most programmes take three years, use ECTS credits, and conclude with a defended dissertation. For international students seeking an accredited European degree at an accessible cost, the Romanian Licență is a serious and well-supported option. Understanding what it is, how it works, and where it leads is the first step toward making an informed decision.
If you want help finding the right Licență programme in Romania, request information or contact our team to get started.