Moldova, officially the Republic of Moldova, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe between Romania and Ukraine. Its capital is Chișinău, and the official state language is Romanian.
Moldova has rolling hills and a moderate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Because it is compact and relatively affordable, it can be a practical study destination for international students looking for lower tuition and living costs in Europe.
Higher education in Moldova is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Research. For the 2025/26 study year, Moldova had 16 higher education institutions and 62,900 students enrolled in higher education. International applicants usually apply through their chosen university, and their educational documents may need to be legalized, translated, and reviewed for admission.
Official Study in Moldova guidance highlights European-recognized, ECTS-compatible degrees, tuition from about €1,200 per year, and living costs from about €350 per month. The universities below are among the more affordable options for international students, but fees can change by intake, citizenship, program, and language of instruction.
Affordable Schools in Moldova for International Students
1. University of European Studies of Moldova (USEM)
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: from 14,500 MDL/year (Bachelor’s) | from 16,000 MDL/year (Master’s)
The University of European Studies of Moldova (USEM) is a private, accredited higher education institution in Chișinău. It offers programs in law, journalism and communication, international relations, economics, psychology, and related fields. USEM notes that studies are fee-paying and may be delivered in Romanian, Russian, and English, with tuition installment options available on request.
For 2025/26, USEM states that students from Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine pay the same tuition rates. Other foreign citizens pay double those rates. Based on the posted fee order, annual tuition for non-Romania and non-Ukraine foreign citizens starts at about 14,500 MDL for bachelor’s programs and 16,000 MDL for master’s programs.
2. Moldova State University (USM)
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: €1,800/year (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Moldova State University (USM), founded in 1946 in Chișinău, is the country’s flagship public institution. It offers programs across humanities, social sciences, law, natural sciences, IT, economics, and related fields, and participates in international academic networks and mobility opportunities.
For 2026 admissions, USM lists bachelor’s and master’s tuition at €1,800 per year. The university also lists a preparatory year at €1,000 and PhD studies at €2,000 per year. Even at the current posted rate, USM remains one of the most affordable public universities in Moldova for international students.
3. Technical University of Moldova (UTM)
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: from €2,300/year (Bachelor’s) | from €2,500/year (Master’s)
The Technical University of Moldova (UTM) is an affordable Moldovan option for engineering, information technology, architecture, design, applied sciences, veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, and business administration. It has modern research facilities, industry links, and international collaboration through Erasmus+ and other projects.
For 2026/27, UTM lists foreign-student tuition by program. English-taught bachelor’s and integrated programs range from €2,300 per year for Animal Husbandry to €3,200 per year for Veterinary Medicine; Software Engineering is listed at €3,000 and Business Administration at €2,500. Master’s programs listed in English range from €2,500 to €3,000 per year. An admission fee of €100 applies.
4. Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM)
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: €2,300/year (Bachelor’s) | €2,500/year (Master’s)
The Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM) is the country’s specialist university for economics and business. Located in central Chișinău, it trains accountants, financiers, marketers, managers, and business IT specialists. Its programs emphasize practical skills, entrepreneurship, and links with the regional labor market.
For 2025/26, ASEM publishes flat tuition fees for foreign citizens. Bachelor’s programs cost €2,300 per year, while master’s programs cost €2,500 per year. A registration fee of €150 applies.
5. Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF)
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: from €3,150/year (Bachelor’s and Master’s) | from €4,000/year (Integrated Programs)
Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF) is Moldova’s only public medical university and the main institution training doctors and pharmacists in the country. It offers Medicine, Stomatology, Pharmacy, Public Health, Nursing, Optometry, Physiokinetotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, and other biomedical programs, with several programs available to foreign students in Romanian, English, French, or Russian depending on the field.
For 2026/27, USMF tuition for foreign students depends on the specialty. Bachelor’s and master’s programs start at €3,150 per year, including Public Health, Human Nutrition, Public Mental Health, and Molecular Technologies in Health. Integrated programs range from €4,000 per year for Pharmacy to €6,000 for Medicine and €7,000 for Stomatology. A €100 admission fee applies, and tuition does not include invitation, visa, accommodation, food, medical insurance, or other fees.
FAQs About Studying in Moldova
What are the characteristics of the Moldovan higher education system?
Higher education in Moldova includes bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and integrated study programs. Moldovan higher education uses ECTS-compatible structures, and the 2025/26 network included 16 higher education institutions with 62,900 students. Universities may be public or private, and recognized institutions follow national education regulations overseen by the Ministry of Education and Research.
Is it possible to study in English in Moldova?
Yes, but availability depends on the university and program. Romanian is the official state language and remains the main language at many universities. However, Moldova also promotes multilingual programs for international students, and some programs are taught in English, Russian, French, or mixed formats. Always check the specific program page before applying.
How is the application process at Moldovan universities?
International applicants usually apply through the chosen university. Common documents include an application form, a valid passport, legalized and translated education documents, a declaration on document authenticity, and, after admission, items such as a criminal record certificate, health insurance, and proof of language proficiency where required. Some students also need a D/AS study visa and later a temporary residence permit for study purposes.
How much should I budget for tuition fees?
For the universities listed here, tuition starts at about 14,500 MDL per year at USEM for non-Romania and non-Ukraine foreign students, while USM lists €1,800 per year for 2026 bachelor’s and master’s admission. UTM and ASEM generally range from about €2,300 to €3,200 per year for non-medical programs. Medical and health science programs at USMF cost more, from €3,150 to €7,000 per year depending on the specialty.
Is living in Moldova also affordable?
Yes. Official Study in Moldova guidance says students can live from about €350 per month. Dormitory pricing varies by university and room type; USM indicates international student dormitory fees are typically around €60 per month, while ASEM says accommodation starts from €75 per month. Public transport in Chișinău is inexpensive, with single rides listed at 6 MDL. Students should still budget extra for medical insurance, residence documents, books, meals, and personal expenses.
We hope that this article on cheap universities in Moldova was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
