What comes to mind when you read the word “Romania”? Medieval castles? Horror stories? Vampires? Famous soccer players or gymnasts? You should also add higher education options to your list because Romania has a broad range of universities and study programs.
Multilingual programs, comparatively affordable living costs, and the use of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) are among the reasons to consider studying in Romania. The country has public and private higher education institutions, and the right choice will depend on your field, preferred language of instruction, and budget.
Many institutions offer programs taught in English and other foreign languages. Prospective students should compare the official program and admissions pages before applying because the available options, tuition fees, and entry requirements vary by institution and field of study.
In this article, we will go over affordable Romanian universities to help you choose an option that suits your needs. In Romania, tuition depends on the institution, field of study, and applicant category. EU citizens generally apply under the same conditions and pay the same tuition fees as Romanian citizens. Non-EU applicants usually follow separate admission procedures, and universities often publish their fees in euros.
There are also scholarships available in Romania, such as the Romanian Government Scholarships. Eligibility and coverage vary by award. For example, the 2026–2027 Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship program is available to eligible applicants from non-EU countries, with stated exceptions. Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy are excluded from that program, and bachelor’s and master’s scholarship recipients study in Romanian.
Affordable Schools in Romania for International Students
1. University of Bucharest (UB)
Established in 1864, the University of Bucharest (UB) is a public university in Romania. It is the successor to higher education structures that date back to the Saint Sava Academy, which was founded in 1694. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UB is ranked #761–770.
The tuition ranges above apply to non-EU fee-paying applicants and vary by faculty. The official admissions pages also list country-based discounts for eligible applicants.
2. Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB)
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: €220–€950/month (undergraduate and master’s) | €250–€970/month (doctoral)
Located in Cluj-Napoca, Babeș-Bolyai University traces its academic tradition to the Major Jesuit College founded in Cluj in 1581. UBB describes its educational model as multicultural and multilingual.
Under the 2026–2027 fee regulation for self-funded students from countries outside the EU, EEA, and Swiss Confederation, undergraduate fees range from €220 to €950 per month, master’s fees range from €220 to €950 per month, and doctoral fees range from €250 to €970 per month, depending on the faculty and field.
3. Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (UAIC)
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: €2,070–€3,500/year (undergraduate) | €2,070–€4,000/year (master’s) | €3,000–€4,200/year (doctoral)
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (UAIC) was established in October 1860 and is the oldest university in Romania.
The official 2026–2027 fee table lists annual tuition fees by faculty. Undergraduate fees range from €2,070 to €3,500 per year, master’s fees range from €2,070 to €4,000 per year, and doctoral fees range from €3,000 to €4,200 per year where doctoral studies are offered.
4. Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE)
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: €3,500/year (undergraduate) | €4,500/year (master’s) | €6,500–€7,000/year (doctoral)
The Bucharest University of Economic Studies is a public university in Romania that was established by Royal Decree on April 6, 1913. It specializes in economics, business, and related fields.
The official fees page currently lists non-EU tuition for the 2025–2026 academic year as €3,500 per year for bachelor’s programs, €4,500 per year for master’s programs, and €6,500 per year for most doctoral programs. Doctoral programs in Cybernetics and Economic Statistics and Economic Informatics cost €7,000 per year. For 2026 admissions, non-EU admission fees are €350 for bachelor’s programs, €450 for master’s and MBA programs, and €650 for doctoral programs.
5. Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF Cluj)
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: €3,500/year (General Nursing) | €7,500–€10,000/year (Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy, depending on the year of study)
For students interested in health-related fields, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF Cluj) offers programs in Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing. The Romanian-language Faculty of Medicine in Cluj dates back to 1919, when the University of Dacia Superior was founded. The present institution took its current name in 1993.
For international admissions, Medicine and Dental Medicine are available in English and French, Pharmacy is available in French, and Nursing is available in English. Medicine is also available in Romanian for non-EU applicants. Applicants to programs taught in English or French must submit a language proficiency certificate at a minimum B2 level.
Students enrolled in foreign-language study programs, except Romanian citizens, must take a Romanian-language proficiency test at the end of their third year. Students can enroll in the fourth year only after passing this test.
The 2026–2027 fee schedule lists General Nursing at €3,500 per year. Tuition for Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy is €10,000 per year during the first two years, €8,500 in the third year, €8,000 in the fourth year, and €7,500 in later years where applicable.
FAQS About Studying in Romania
What is the Higher Education System Like in Romania?
Romania’s higher education framework includes a short cycle and three university cycles: bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies.
Full-time bachelor’s programs generally take three to four years and include 180 to 240 ECTS credits. Master’s programs generally take one to two years and include 60 to 120 ECTS credits. Doctoral programs typically take four years. Some regulated programs, including Medicine and Dental Medicine, last longer.
Romanian universities use ECTS, which supports the recognition of study periods and qualifications.
What is the Admission Process at Romanian Universities?
International applicants should review the rules of the university and program to which they are applying. Universities may request documents related to prior studies and may set additional requirements.
For non-EU applicants, the university submits the admission file to the Ministry of Education. If the Ministry reaches a positive decision, it issues a Letter of Acceptance. The official Study in Romania portal states that the Ministry’s processing time is at least 30 days and may take up to 60 days, so applicants should start early.
What are the Tuition Fees of Romanian Universities?
Tuition fees depend on the university, field, level of study, and applicant category. EU citizens generally apply under the same conditions and pay the same tuition fees as Romanian citizens, while universities commonly publish separate euro-denominated schedules for non-EU students.
Fees may be quoted per academic year or per month, so always use the linked official schedule. Some universities allow installment payments. Programs such as Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine may cost more, and some institutions vary fees by year of study.
What is the Language of Instruction at Romanian Universities?
Many Romanian universities offer programs taught in English and other foreign languages. The available languages depend on the institution and program.
When applying to a program taught in Romanian, foreign applicants must present a Romanian-language certificate. Some institutions also offer Romanian-language courses or a preparatory year. Always check the official admissions page for the program you are considering.
What are the Living Costs in Romania?
Romania is a member of the European Union, but its official currency is the Romanian leu, abbreviated as RON, rather than the euro.
The official Study in Romania portal describes Romania as one of the least-expensive countries in the EU, although costs vary by city and lifestyle. Its estimates include €100 to €300 per month for food, €40 to €60 for gas and electricity, €20 to €40 for phone and internet, and €10 to €30 for public transportation. Private accommodation ranges from under €100 per month per person to more than €300 for an entire multi-bedroom apartment.
We hope that this article on affordable universities in Romania was helpful! If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
