Romania : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

Higher education in Romania is offered in both public and private higher education institutions. These include universities, academies, polytechnics, institutes and colleges, organised in specialised departments.

Public higher education institutions are coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Research. University autonomy is fully guaranteed. Private higher education is an alternative to public education, although it is subject to an accreditation process. Accredited private institutions sometimes qualify for state support.

The academic year runs from October to June and students have long summer holidays.

There are two types of programmes available in undergraduate education:

• Short-term university education, which takes two to three years and is provided by university colleges. At completion the students receive Diploma de Absolvire. Graduates of these courses may continue their long-term university education, under the conditions established by each institution.
• Long-term university education, which takes four to six years and is provided by universities, academies and conservatoires. Graduates receive a Diplomã de Licenþã (university diploma), which is equivalent to a first degree.

For more details, refer to Study in Romania.

What courses are available?

Postgraduate study takes one to two years and runs on a full-time basis for undergraduate diploma holders. On completion of the course, you receive either Diplomã de Magister (Masters qualification), Diplomã de Studii Aprofundate (diploma of advanced studies) or Diplomã de Studii (diploma of graduate academic studies), depending on the programme followed.

The highest level of professional qualification in Romania is a Doctorate, which takes four to six years to complete. It follows the first academic degree (or a Masters degree) and requires the passing of examinations and the submission of an original thesis.

Many postgraduate courses are offered in English, French, German and Romanian.

If you enrol on a course taught in Romanian, you will either have to pass a Romanian language test or undergo a preparatory year of Romanian language classes.

Universities that offer a preparatory year include:

• University of Bucharest 
• University of Bacau 
• Babes-Bolyai University  

You can take distance learning courses, including MBAs, through the Centre for Open Distance Education for the Civil Society, which is similar to the Open University.

Where can I study?

Lists of Romanian universities are available at Study in Romania and Universities Worldwide.

You can see how Romanian universities are ranked in the world at Webometrics.

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

If you are applying for a Masters course, you will be required to produce a certified copy of your undergraduate degree or equivalent.

For Doctoral programmes, you will usually need to have completed a postgraduate qualification.

In addition, you will need to prove your ability to work in the language of the course.

When do I apply?

Applications for a preparatory year of study need to be submitted by 30 September for the following academic year. The deadline for applications for undergraduate and postgraduate studies is 15 September. There is no deadline for PhD applications. For postgraduate studies in faculties of medicine, there are two deadlines: 30 November and 31 March.

How do I apply?

International students wishing to study in Romania must complete an application to request a 'letter of acceptance', available from International Student Admissions - Romania . The completed form can be submitted to either of the following:

• The Department of European Affairs and International Relations within the Ministry of Education and Research, Romania.
• The institution to which you are applying.

The necessary application forms are available from the International Relations office at the Ministry of Education and Research, the Romanian university to which you are applying or from the Romanian Embassy in the country where you are, such as Romanian Embassy (UK).

You will need to submit:

• an application form (available online);
• certified copies of any undergraduate or postgraduate studies;
• a transcript of your exam results;
• certified copies of your birth certificate and passport;
• a medical certificate.

If you are applying for courses in architecture, arts, or sports you will need to present a portfolio.

Check Study in Romania  for up-to-date information about the application process.

How much will it cost?

Tuition fees are set by the Ministry of Education and Research and are the same for all universities. The level of fees is determined by the subject you are studying. Check details with the individual institutions to which you are applying.

As an approximate guide, Study in Romania estimates the average monthly budget for students, including tuition fees, is €550. Ranging from €400 to €700 depending on the subject studied.

Are any scholarships available?

A number of scholarships are offered to foreign students of non-EU states by the Romanian state through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE), Romania. These are only available to students studying in Romanian. Further information is also available from the Romanian Embassy in your own country.

Scholarships cover the tuition fees plus a small additional payment. The scholarships do not cover personal expenses and international transport. You will be expected to pay for your own accommodation.

Are there any exchange programmes?

The Erasmus programme offers opportunities for higher education students from EU countries to spend time studying in Romania. You can obtain further information and details about which subject areas they have arrangements for, from your Erasmus coordinator, who is usually based in the international office.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Romania is a member of ENIC-NARIC, whose main aim is provide information about, and to improve the recognition of, qualifications. The website includes information on current issues in international academic and professional mobility, and on procedures for the recognition of UK (and other European) qualifications.