Romania has become one of Europe’s best places for students from other countries who want good education without spending too much money. Universities in Romania are ranked among the top schools in Central and Eastern Europe. They offer classes in English across many different subjects while keeping prices much lower than schools in Western Europe.
The Romanian school system mixes old teaching ways with modern classes that match what other European countries teach. This means your degree will be accepted all across the European Union and in many other countries too. Schools like Babeș-Bolyai and the University of Bucharest give you world-class education while charging only €2,000 to €5,000 per year for most programs.
This guide shows you Romania’s top-ranked universities for 2025. You’ll learn about what they’re good at teaching, how much they cost, how to get in, and what it costs to live there. Whether you want to study medicine, engineering, computers, or business, this information will help you pick the right school in Romania.
€2,000-€5,000
€300-€600
28 Ranked
130-200 Available
Quick Guide: Top 10 Affordable Universities in Romania
Here’s a simple list of Romania’s best universities that won’t break your bank. These schools offer great education at prices much lower than most European countries.
| University Name | City | Yearly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Bucharest | Bucharest | €2,000-€5,000 | All subjects, good job connections |
| Babeș-Bolyai University | Cluj-Napoca | €2,500-€4,000 | Many language options, biggest school |
| Alexandru Ioan Cuza | Iași | €2,000-€3,500 | Lower costs, oldest university |
| West University | Timișoara | €2,200-€3,500 | Cultural city, near other countries |
| Technical University Cluj | Cluj-Napoca | €2,400-€3,500 | Engineering, tech jobs nearby |
| Politehnica Bucharest | Bucharest | €2,000-€2,500 | Engineering, oldest tech school |
| Carol Davila Medical | Bucharest | €10,000 | Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy |
| Transilvania University | Brașov | €2,400-€6,750 | Mountains, moving up in rankings |
| Ovidius University | Constanța | €2,000-€7,500 | Beach city, affordable medicine |
| Dunărea de Jos | Galați | €2,500-€4,500 | Cheapest living costs in Romania |
Money Saving Tip: Smaller cities like Iași, Brașov, and Galați cost €100-€200 less each month to live in than Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca. You get the same quality education for less money.
What Makes These Universities Affordable?
Romanian universities cost much less than schools in Western Europe or America. Most programs charge between €2,000 and €5,000 per year. That’s about the same as one semester at many American state schools.
Your living costs are also low. You can rent a room in a student dorm for €40-€100 per month, though dorm spots are competitive and not always available. Food, transportation, and fun activities cost about €300-€600 total each month. This means you can study in Europe without spending all your savings.
What You Get at Romanian Universities
- Classes taught in English (no need to learn Romanian first)
- Degrees recognized all across Europe and most countries
- Modern buildings and good internet (Romania has very fast internet)
- Safe cities with friendly people
- Chance to travel around Europe easily and cheaply
- Can work part-time (4 hours per day) while studying
What This Guide Covers
- University of Bucharest: Romania’s Premier Institution
- Babeș-Bolyai University: Excellence in Multilingual Education
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University: Historic Academic Leadership
- West University of Timișoara: Cultural Hub & Quality Programs
- Technical University of Cluj-Napoca: Engineering Excellence
- Politehnica University of Bucharest: Leading Technical Education
- Carol Davila: Top Medical University in Romania
- Transilvania University of Brașov: Rising Star Institution
- Ovidius University: Affordable Coastal Education
- Dunărea de Jos University: Regional Academic Excellence
- FAQs: Common Questions About Romanian Universities
University of Bucharest: Romania’s Premier Comprehensive Institution
The University of Bucharest is Romania’s first school to appear in the QS World University Rankings. It ranks in the 801-850 global band. Started in 1864, this well-known university has about 32,000 students and works with over 300 other universities in Europe through ERASMUS agreements.
The school does really well in helping students get jobs. It ranks first in Romania for employer reputation and employment outcomes according to QS 2025 rankings. It has 19 different departments teaching everything from humanities to social sciences and natural sciences. It’s especially strong in Arts and Humanities, Computer Science, and Education.
Key Academic Strengths
- #1 in Romania for Employer Reputation (QS 2025)
- #1 in Romania for Arts and Humanities (THE Subject Rankings)
- #1 in Romania for Computer Science (THE Subject Rankings)
- 3rd globally for Gender Equality (THE Impact Rankings SDG 5)
- Top 25 globally for Quality Education (THE Impact Rankings SDG 4)
- Over 50 research institutes and departments
Tuition Fees for International Students
Each year costs €2,000 to €5,000 for most Bachelor’s and Master’s programs if you’re not from the EU depending on the faculty and program. This makes it one of the cheapest top-ranked European universities.
Application Advantage: The University of Bucharest accepts applications all year with many admission rounds. This gives international students flexible options for when to start.
According to Times Higher Education, the university shows great commitment to helping the environment and helping people. The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest works with researchers from many countries.
Babeș-Bolyai University: Europe’s Largest Multilingual Institution
Babeș-Bolyai University is always ranked #1 in Romania’s National Metaranking. It’s in the 781-790 band in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Started in 1581 in Cluj-Napoca, this university offers complete study programs in Romanian, Hungarian, and German. They also have many English and French programs.
With nearly 50,000 students across 22 departments, UBB offers 291 programs in Romanian, 110 in Hungarian, and 15 in German. Many international students come here from countries outside Europe – about 31.1% of foreign students are from non-EU countries.
Unique Multilingual Advantage
UBB offers distinctive multilingual education with four different Christian theology departments (Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Greek-Catholic, and Reformed Protestant) plus a Jewish Studies center. This shows how much they care about religious and cultural differences.
Cost Structure and Campus Life
Tuition for international students costs €2,500 to €4,000 per year depending on what you study. The university has great student housing with 17 housing areas and over 5,000 dorm rooms, often costing less than €100 each month.
Cluj-Napoca has great student life with modern buildings and lower living costs than Bucharest. Monthly costs are usually €350 to €500, making it very affordable for international students.
Research Excellence: UBB works with the European University Association’s Institutional Evaluation Programme. This shows they care about keeping their research quality high and always improving.
The university does research in many different areas. They’re especially strong in materials science, biophysics, and political science. As noted by ResearchGate, UBB works with researchers from around the world.
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University: Romania’s Oldest Modern University
Started in 1860, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iași is Romania’s oldest modern university. It’s a founding member of the elite Universitaria Consortium. The university ranks 7th in Romania and is in the 1001-1200 QS band. It offers complete programs across 15 departments.
UAIC is really good at humanities, natural sciences, law, and economics. It has many Bachelor’s and Master’s programs taught in English and French, making it easy for international students to fit in.
Academic Programs and International Focus
The university offers doctoral programs in almost all subjects, making it a research-focused school. Tuition for international students costs €2,000 to €3,500 per year. Humanities programs cost less and sciences cost more.
Program Highlights
- Specialized Master’s in Software Engineering
- Computer Science with Computational Linguistics focus
- International Business programs in English
- Economics and Business Administration (Eduniversal 2-Palme ranking)
- Complete natural sciences classes
Iași is one of Romania’s most important cultural and school centers. It offers affordable living with monthly costs from €300 to €450. The city’s rich learning environment and lower costs make it great for students who want to save money.
Historic Advantage: As Romania’s first modern university, UAIC has strong connections with former students and companies. This is really helpful when looking for jobs in Romanian industries.
West University of Timișoara: Cultural Hub & Academic Excellence
West University of Timișoara holds 8th position in Romania’s National Metaranking and ranks in the 1201-1400 QS band. Located in Timișoara, which was European Capital of Culture in 2023, this university has 11 departments teaching arts, sciences, law, and economics.
The university is in western Romania, close to European borders. It has strong connections with schools in Hungary and Serbia. Each year costs €2,200 to €3,500 for international students. They offer many programs in foreign languages.
Campus Facilities and Student Life
The UVT campus has school buildings, dorms, the “Eugen Todoran” Central University Library, and sports areas. Timișoara has a lively student community of over 30,000 students. This creates a fun international atmosphere with great cultural activities.
International Connections: Timișoara’s multicultural history and closeness to Hungary and Serbia make it perfect for students interested in Central European studies and chances to work across borders.
Living costs in Timișoara are among Romania’s lowest. Monthly costs are between €300 and €500. The city has modern buildings and a growing tech sector. This gives great chances for internships and jobs for graduates.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| University Dormitory | €60-€85 |
| Private Apartment (shared) | €150-€250 |
| Food & Groceries | €100-€150 |
| Transportation Pass | €15-€25 |
| Total Living Cost | €300-€500 |
Technical University of Cluj-Napoca: Engineering & Technology Leader
The Technical University of Cluj-Napoca ranks 10th in Romania and is in the 1201-1400 QS band. It’s a leading school for technical education. With 12 departments and branches in five cities, UTCN offers complete engineering and technology programs.
The university’s main strength is in special engineering subjects like Architecture, Automation and Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering. They teach in Romanian, German, and French, making it easier for European students to join.
Technical Specializations and Career Outcomes
UTCN works closely with companies. This makes sure what they teach is useful and helps graduates get jobs. Each year costs €2,400 to €3,500 for international students. Computer Science and Electronics programs usually cost more.
Top Engineering Programs
- Automation and Computer Science Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Civil Engineering and Architecture
- Electronics and Telecommunications
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Cluj-Napoca’s growing tech community is often called “Romania’s Silicon Valley.” This gives lots of chances for internships and jobs. Big tech companies like Amazon, Emag, and many startups actively hire UTCN graduates.
Industry Advantage: UTCN’s location in Cluj-Napoca gives you direct access to Romania’s biggest tech center. This means amazing chances for internships and job placement for engineering students.
Politehnica University of Bucharest: Romania’s Premier Engineering Institution
Politehnica University of Bucharest has over 200 years of history. It’s Romania’s oldest and biggest technical university. Ranked 3rd in Romania and in the 1201-1400 QS band, UPB has about 28,000 students across 15 departments offering complete engineering education.
The university recently joined with the University of Pitești. Together they formed the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest. This made them bigger with more research abilities. UPB’s Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Languages offers complete degree programs in English, French, and German.
Research Excellence and Industry Connections
UPB runs two very modern research centers: CAMPUS (Center for Advanced Research on New Materials, Products and Innovative Processes) and PRECIS (Research Center for Innovative Products, Processes and Services). Together they have over 90 advanced labs.
Engineering Specializations
UPB offers all types of engineering including Aerospace, Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Industrial, and Chemical Engineering. Its Aerospace program is special as one of few in Eastern Europe.
Tuition and Financial Considerations
Each year costs €2,000 to €2,500 for non-EU students depending on what engineering subject you pick. Technical programs cost around €2,430 per year while humanities programs cost around €1,980 per year.
According to UPB International Relations, the university works with many research partners and helps transfer technology. The campus has over 30 dorm buildings with affordable rooms.
Student Facilities
- 30+ dorm buildings with modern features
- Lots of green spaces across campus
- 90+ advanced research labs
- Technology transfer and startup help
- Sports areas and student clubs
Graduate Success: UPB graduates have a strong reputation in IT and engineering companies all across Romania and other countries. Many former students hold leadership jobs in major tech companies.
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy: Medical Education Excellence
Carol Davila University ranks among Romania’s top medical schools and in the 801-1000 THE band. More importantly, Shanghai Ranking puts it in the top 101-150 worldwide for Clinical Medicine. Research.com says it’s #1 in Romania for Medicine research impact.
With over 12,400 students including 16% from other countries, UMFCD offers programs in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Midwifery/Nursing. Programs are taught in English, Romanian, or French, with Romanian language proficiency becoming increasingly important for clinical work.
Medical Program Structure and Clinical Training
The university works with over 20 hospitals across Bucharest. This gives students lots of hands-on clinical training. This real-world experience makes Romanian medical education special and prepares graduates for international medical licensing tests.
Language Requirement: While programs are taught in English or French, students need Romanian language skills for effective patient communication during clinical rotations. Carol Davila offers language prep programs.
Tuition Fees and Program Costs
Medical, Pharmacy, and Dental Medicine programs cost €10,000 per year for international students. Even though these cost more than other programs, they’re still much cheaper than medical schools in Western Europe or North America.
| Program | Annual Tuition (EUR) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | €10,000 | 6 years |
| Dentistry | €10,000 | 6 years |
| Pharmacy | €10,000 | 5 years |
| Nursing | Contact university | 4 years |
The AD Scientific Index confirms Carol Davila’s leadership. It shows the school has the most top-ranked medical scientists in Romania. Recent research includes studies on infectious diseases and public health.
International Recognition: Carol Davila medical degrees are recognized by the World Health Organization and follow EU rules. This lets graduates practice all across Europe and get international licenses.
Transilvania University of Brașov: Rising Academic Star
Transilvania University of Brașov has shown amazing improvement. It broke into the top 5 of Romania’s 2024 National Metaranking. Ranked in the 1201-1400 QS band and 1201-1500 THE band, UNITBV has over 20,000 students across 18 complete departments.
The university’s recent rise shows they invested a lot in research and partnerships with other countries. Research.com ranks UNITBV #2 in Romania for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, showing excellent performance in specialized engineering subjects.
Academic Structure and Specializations
UNITBV offers complete programs in engineering, sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, sports, and medicine. The university gives a Romanian language prep year for non-EU students who want to take classes in Romanian. This makes it easier to join.
Research Strengths
- #2 in Romania for Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (Research.com)
- Strong presence in Engineering subjects (AD Scientific Index)
- Balanced research in Social Sciences and Business
- Growing partnerships with researchers worldwide
- Product design and car engineering excellence
Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities
International student tuition costs €2,400 to €6,750 per year depending on the program, with Medicine programs costing €5,500 and Music programs reaching €6,750. UNITBV actively looks for international talent through programs like the “Transilvania Academica Scholarship.” This is made specifically for non-EU students and covers some or all tuition.
Brașov is a historic and beautiful city in Transylvania. Living costs are moderate at €350 to €500 each month. The city is close to mountain resorts and old castles. This gives you unique cultural experiences along with quality education.
Location Advantage: Brașov’s mountain setting offers outdoor fun, winter sports access, and beautiful natural scenery. This makes it perfect for students who want adventure along with studying.
According to the UNITBV International Office, the university hosts a diverse international student community from many countries, showing strong global diversity.
Ovidius University of Constanța: Affordable Coastal Education
Ovidius University of Constanța offers international students quality education in Romania’s biggest coastal city on the Black Sea. With yearly tuition for medical programs and €2,000 for other subjects, Ovidius gives affordable options compared to more expensive city schools.
The university offers complete English and French programs in Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. Modern buildings and seaside location create a unique student experience.
Medical Programs and International Focus
Ovidius Medical programs follow standard European classes. Clinical training happens in partner hospitals all around Constanța. Programs are taught in English or French with Romanian language classes included throughout to prepare students for clinical rotations.
Cost Comparison Advantage
Ovidius offers affordable medical education in Romania. Medical and Dentistry tuition is lower than Bucharest or Cluj medical schools while maintaining quality standards.
Living in Constanța: Coastal Student Life
Constanța is Romania’s main port city. It offers seaside living with moderate costs. Monthly costs range from €300 to €450, much lower than Bucharest. Students enjoy beach access, nice weather, and a growing international community.
Constanța Student Benefits
- Black Sea coastal location with beach access
- Lower living costs than major Romanian cities
- Modern sea-related buildings and features
- Nice weather with warm summers
- Growing international student community
- Historic attractions and cultural sites
Hidden Gem: Ovidius University gives quality medical education at competitive tuition in Romania. It also offers unique seaside lifestyle you can’t get in other university cities.
Dunărea de Jos University of Galați: Regional Excellence & Affordability
Dunărea de Jos University of Galați offers complete school programs with tuition from €2,500 to €4,500. This makes it a budget-friendly choice for international students. Located in eastern Romania along the Danube River, the university gives quality education in a less expensive city.
The university has many different classes across engineering, sciences, humanities, and economics. While it doesn’t appear in major international rankings, Dunărea de Jos is a solid choice for students who want affordability while getting recognized Romanian higher education credentials.
Academic Programs and Structure
Dunărea de Jos offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs mostly in Romanian with some English-taught options. The university’s engineering and economics programs are especially strong. They benefit from Galați’s history as a shipbuilding center.
Affordable Alternative: For students looking for approved Romanian education at very low cost, Dunărea de Jos gives quality programs with tuition up to €2,000 less each year than Bucharest schools.
Living Costs and City Environment
Galați offers Romania’s cheapest student living with monthly costs as low as €250-€400. Dorm rooms cost less than €70 each month. Private apartments stay under €150. The city’s lower cost of living lets students make the most of their budget.
| Cost Category | Galați (EUR/month) | Bucharest (EUR/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Dormitory | €50-€70 | €40-€100 |
| Private Apartment | €100-€150 | €200-€350 |
| Food | €80-€120 | €120-€180 |
| Total Living | €250-€400 | €450-€750 |
While Galați doesn’t have the big city feel of larger cities, it gives you real Romanian cultural experience with river access, historic sites, and growing student features. The quieter environment works well for students who prefer focused studying over city nightlife.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romanian Universities
Tuition fees for international students in Romania range from €2,000 to €5,000 per year for most programs. Medical programs cost around €10,000. Monthly living costs range from €300 to €600 depending on the city. University dorms cost €40-€100 per month, though spaces are competitive. Private apartments range from €150-€350. Total yearly costs including tuition and living usually range from €5,000 to €15,000. This makes Romania one of Europe’s most affordable study places.
Romanian university degrees are fully recognized all across the European Union and around the world. Romania follows the Bologna Process. This makes sure degrees work with European higher education standards. Medical degrees from schools like Carol Davila are recognized by the World Health Organization and follow EU rules. Graduates can continue education or work all across Europe. Many Romanian degrees are accepted for professional licenses in countries worldwide with proper credential checks.
Most major Romanian universities offer English-taught programs at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. Universities like Babeș-Bolyai, University of Bucharest, and Politehnica Bucharest give complete degree programs in English. This is especially true in fields like Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and International Relations. You’ll need to show English skills through TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge certificates. Some universities also offer programs in French, German, and Hungarian. This gives more language choices for international students.
The University of Bucharest and Babeș-Bolyai University are always ranked as Romania’s top schools for international students. University of Bucharest does really well in employer reputation. It offers strong programs across humanities, sciences, and computer science. Babeș-Bolyai in Cluj-Napoca is one of Europe’s largest multilingual universities with many international programs. For specific subjects: Carol Davila leads in Medicine, Politehnica Bucharest in Engineering, and Bucharest University of Economic Studies in Business. Your best choice depends on what you want to study, what language you prefer, and your budget.
You don’t need Romanian language skills to study in English-taught programs at first. But learning basic Romanian makes your experience better for daily talks, shopping, and fitting into the culture. Medical students should know that Romanian language proficiency is important for effective patient communication during clinical work. Universities offer language prep courses. Many universities give optional Romanian language classes for international students. For programs taught in Romanian, you must complete a one-year Romanian language prep course unless you can show skills through testing.
Romanian government scholarships are available for non-EU students through the Ministry of Education. These cover tuition, housing, and monthly money. Individual universities offer merit-based scholarships. Transilvania University’s “Transilvania Academica Scholarship” specifically targets international students. Need-based financial help is available for students who can show financial hardship. But these scholarships are very competitive. So applicants should prepare to pay everything themselves. Research each university’s scholarship page and apply early. Many scholarships have March deadlines for the next school year.
Applications are sent directly to individual universities through their online systems. This usually happens between February and July. You’ll need verified and translated high school or university diplomas, school records, proof of language skills, passport copy, and birth certificate. Documents from non-Hague Convention countries need extra verification through your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Romanian Embassy. After university acceptance, you get a Letter of Acceptance from Romania’s Ministry of Education. This is required for visa application. The whole process takes 3-6 months. So start preparing early.
Non-EU international students can work up to 4 hours per day without a work permit while studying in Romania. EU students have no work limits. Part-time chances exist in restaurants, retail stores, tutoring, and more and more in IT and customer service jobs. This is especially true in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara. Many students work as language tutors or in international companies that need foreign language skills. Campus jobs and research helper positions are also available. Working part-time helps pay for living costs while gaining valuable work experience in the Romanian job market.
Cluj-Napoca is widely thought of as the best city for international students. It offers fun student life, affordable costs, strong universities, and Romania’s biggest tech center for internships. Bucharest gives the most big-city experience with many university choices but higher living costs. Timișoara appeals to students looking for cultural variety near European borders with moderate costs. Brașov offers beautiful mountain setting with good universities at affordable prices. Iași gives real Romanian experience with historic universities and lowest costs. Your perfect city depends on whether you care most about career chances, affordability, city features, or cultural atmosphere.
Studying medicine in Romania offers great value with tuition around €10,000 per year. This is much lower than Western European medical schools while keeping high education standards. Carol Davila University ranks in the global top 150 for Clinical Medicine according to Shanghai Rankings. Romanian medical degrees are WHO-recognized and follow EU rules. This lets you practice internationally. Programs include lots of clinical training in partner hospitals. The main challenge is developing Romanian language skills for effective patient communication. Many Romanian medical graduates successfully pass licensing tests in the UK, US, and other countries.
He is an SEO wizard and founder of Top Study World & Nafran, has been featured more times than a celebrity on Ahrefs, Semrush, Dawn News, Propakistani and dozens more. His superpower? Helping students ace their exams!
