Romania lies in the Central-South-Eastern part of the European continent.

Having a surface of approximately 238,000 sq km and a population of 22.5 million

inhabitants, it is one of the medium-sized countries of Europe. Romania

neighbours Moldavia, Ukraine, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and coasts the

Black Sea.

One of Romania`s specifics consists in the fact that it is crossed by the 45 North

Parallel and the 25 East Meridian, thes being the mathematical co-ordinates

marking the halfway between the Equator and the North Pole and between the

Atlantic Coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the Eastern border of the continent, the

Ural Mountains, respectively. Romania is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

Romanians have an old and rich history. The ancient name of this territory was

Dacia. It was inhabited by Getic and Dacian populations. After the wars against

Rome, between 101-102 and 105-106, Dacia became a Roman province providing

the basis for the formation of both the Romanian people and language.

During the Middle Ages Romanians lived in three provinces, namely Wallachia,

Moldavia and Transylvania. These got united during the 19th and 20th c., forming

modern Romania.

The population is formed in its biggest proportion by Romanians, who represent

90% of the total number of inhabitants, to which Hungarians (around 7%),

Gypsies, Germans, Ukrainians, Turks, Tartars etc. can be added.

Out of the total number of population, 55% live in towns and the rest of 45% live

in rural areas (with villages populated by up to 27,000 persons).

The capital of the country is the city of Bucharest, which has a population of over 2

million inhabitants. Here it is concentrated approximately 15% of the national

industrial capacity, over 50% of the direct foreign investments, over 30% of the

higher education institutions and over 50% of the Romanian students. Other big

cities, having more than 300,000 inhabitants, are the regional centres Iasi, Cluj,

Timisoara, Craiova, Brasov and Constanta.

Romania is a republic, a parliamentary democracy, seeking to join the European

Union.

Romania has economic and cultural relations with over 150 countries around the

world.

The official language of the state is Romanian, belonging to the Romance family

of languages; within the local public administration, where the percentage of

inhabitants belonging to another ethnic populations is over 20%, their language can

also be used.

The foreign languages most frequently spoken in the countru are English, French

and German.

The national currency is the leu (in May, 2004 : 1 USD = 33,155 ROL / 1 Euro =

40,355 ROL).

The first institutes of higher education that functioned on the territory of Romania

where Academia Vasiliana (1640) founded by prince Vasile Lupu in Iasi as a

"higher school for Latin and Slavonic languages" and the Academy of Bucharest

opened at the end of the 17th c. by the prince Constantin Brancoveanu.

The bases for higher education in Romanian language where laid down in the 19th

c.: courses for topometric engineers organised in 1814 by Gheorghe Asachi in

Moldavia and by Gheorghe Lazar in Wallachia in 1818. In 1835 the Academia

Mihaileana was set up in Iasi and in 1852 in Bucharest the School of Agriculture

was opened, the forerunner of today's Agronomic Institute. In 1857, the National

School for Medicine and Surgery was set up in Bucharest and in 1864 the National

School for Bridges, Highways, Mining and

Architecture was opened to become later the nucleus of the Politechnical School in

Bucharest. It was also in 1864 that the foundations of the fine arts higher education

where laid down.

was issued the first Public Education Law (1864), which regulated the whole

system of school education from primary to university education. At the end of the

19th c., following a dramatic development of the educational system, different

fields of education were regulated by separate pieces of legislation: the Law of

Primary Education (1893), the Law of Secondary and Higher Education (1898), the

Law of Vocational Education (1899).

University of Cernauti (1875). After 1918, the Romanian system of education was

unitarily regulated by the new laws of organisation of education issued in 1924-

1928.

Between the two World Wars the network of higher education institutions was

strongly developed.

In 1948, after the onset of the Communist rule, education was organised by the

State as a unitary highly centralised structure. Completely separated from the

Church, education was accessible to all children. However, due to a structural

imbalance, and a chronic lack of material resources, an effect of the economic

crisis, the growth of the highereducation was inhibited, both in point of technical

and material resources - chronically outdated and insufficient - and in point of

number of students. In the academic year 1975/1976, there were 42 higher

education institutions in 20 university centres, among them being 7 universities:

Bucharest, Cluj, Iasi, Timisoara, Craiova, Brasov, Galati, with a total number of

164,567 students.

After the overthrow of the Communist rule in 1989, a major reform was initiated

by the higher education institutions themselves. Under the reform programme, the

number of students enrolled in the various study programmes available in Romania

has been on a constant increase in the last decade, reaching 353,228 for the 1999-

2000 academic year. This huge increase is also the result of the introduction of a

new opportunity for the Romanian citizens to pursue studies based on tuition fees.

In Romania education is considered to be a national priority, the entire educational

system being protected by the Constitution and by organic laws (the Education

Law), specialised laws (the Law on the Accreditation of Higher Education

Institutions and Recognition of Diplomas, the Law on the Statute of the Teaching

Staff), governmental decisions and orders of the Minister of Education and

Research.

These legislative acts laid the foundation for the reform of the Romanian education

system and allowed its opening and upgrading as compared to the educational

systems of the highly developed countries of the world.

The national system, which includes both public and private higher education

institutions, has openness as its main feature, that is the transfer of a student from

one educational form to the other is stipulated by law. The education system is

organised on levels, ensuring the coherence and continuity of instruction, taking

into consideration the age and individual peculiarities.

In Romania higher education is provided in education and research institutions,

universities, institutes, academies, conservatories and university colleges.

The state higher education sector in Romania comprises 49 state higher education

institutions with 324 faculties and other 20 private higher education institutions.

The higher education institutions comprise several faculties, university colleges,

divisions, departments and small pilot units specialised in researches and microproduction.

The faculty represents the functional basic unit of the higher education

institution and is organised by chairs or by departments. The teaching in a faculty

is organised by specialities, years of study, student series and groups. The faculty

includes the teaching and research personnel, the students and the auxiliary and

administrative personnel. The faculties are individualised by their study

programmes and field of specialisation.

The department is a sub-unit governed by the university Senate or by the Council

of a faculty. The department carries out teaching, research, design etc. The chair is

the basic structural unit of the faculty and it includes the teaching research, design

and auxiliary personnel working in a specific academic field.

The academic year starts between mid September and mid October, subject to the

decision of each University Senate. Based on their institutional autonomy,

universities may also decide on the academic schedule. Each year is divided into

two semesters. Each semester lasts fourteen weeks. Students have a summer

holiday, a Christmas holiday, an Easter holiday and a holiday at the end of the first

semester.

Examination take place at the end of each semester. They may be oral or written. A

re-examination period is scheduled before the beginning of the new academic year.

Acording to the national standards, the number of hours per week is 22-28, with a

decreasing tendency. Classes are held from Monday to Friday.

The Romanian higher education system provides full time courses, evening

courses, part time courses and distance learning. The part time and distance

learning courses may be provided only by higher education institutions that

organize full time courses. The programs of such courses are usually one academic

year longer than the full time courses programs.

Undergraduate education provides two types of programmes:

Short-term university education (2-3 year programme provided by the

university colleges) courses finalised with diplomã de absolvire (diploma

certifying the completion of studies at a college and the passing of a relevant

examination). According to the Education Law, graduates of these courses may

continue their long-term university education, under the conditions established by

each institution.

Long-term university education (4-6 year programmes provided by the

universities, academies and conservatories) courses finalised with diplomã de

The duration of the long term studies varies according to the field :

law, political sciences, art and sports.

medicine and architecture.

Graduate education offers specialisation or an extension of the education provided

in universities. Graduate study programmes include:

awarded a degree diploma;

schools attached to universities or functioning as autonomous units; the studies are

based on inter-disciplinarity aiming at increased professional specialisation;

accredited as such; the doctoral courses are organised as day courses or night

courses. The scientific title of doctor granted by the institution is validated by the

National Council for the Attestation of Academic Titles, University Diplomas and

Certificates;

and addressed to certain categories of employment of those without a university

diploma.

Higher education in Romania has the following forms: regular studies, reduced

frequency courses and Open Distance Learning.

In what concerns certification, there is a wide range of academic graduate and

post-graduate diplomas and distinctions that one can obtain after studying in

Romania:

their studies in higher education, but have failed to pass the get their degree.

Diplomã de absolvire a unui colegiu - Diploma certifying the completion of studies

at a college and the passing of the relevant final examen.

This kind of diploma is awarded by a school of graduate studies, within a higher

education institution. Such schools enroll holders of the first academic degree at

the end of a two-three year graduate study programme.

academic degree awarded in all domains after 4-6 years of study and original

research. It follows the first academic degree (or master's degree) and requires the

passing of examinations and the submission of an original thesis. The holder of a

doctoral diploma is granted the Ph.D. title in the respective field of science or the

arts.

institutions (by vote of the Senate) to Romanian and foreign prominent figures in

science, technology and culture. It is also occasionally conferred, in recognition of

specific merits, to outstanding national and international public figures.

Romania signed the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning

Higher Education in the European Region (Lisabona 1997), and at the same time, it

is part of the Bologna Process concerning the implementation of the common

European Higher Education area.

Through commitments assumed at the European level, focused on quality

assurance, credit transfers and transparency of educational programmes

description, qualifications (diplomas) obtained in the Romanian Higher Education

ensured the academic and professional mobility of the graduates all over the world.

International students willing to study in Romania can apply either to the Ministry

of Education and Research or to the chosen Romanian university, in order to

receive the Letter of Acceptance.

The following application papers are requested:

1. Application form;

2. Certified copy of the Baccalaureate Diploma or equivalent - for undergraduate

studies;

3. Certified copy of the graduation certificate - for graduate applicants or PhD;

4. Academic record translated into Romanian, English, French or German;

5. Language certificate (see further instructions regarding this issue)

6. Certified copy of the Birth Certificate;

7. Certified copy of the passport;

8. Medical certificate.

The application forms are available at the International Relations Offices of the

the Romanian Embassies abroad. The application papers, only in copy, have to be

mailed to the Ministry of Education and Research or to the chosen university, in

order to receive the approval statement. The Ministry of Education and Research

may issue theLetter of Acceptance in at least 2 months from the date of receiving

the complete files. The official documents have to be submitted personally, in

original, when applying in Romania.

Before coming to Romania, the international students should have their documents

endorsed within the Romanian embassies in their own countries; then, they should

obtain a valid visa for studying in Romania.

The application file must be sent to Romania by 1,st of September (for

undergraduate and graduate studies), but there is no deadline for PhD applicants.

The medicine faculties have two deadlines for the post-graduate studies: on 30th of

November and another on 31st of March.

Admission to higher education institutions is based on the selection of application

files. For applying to study architecture, arts, and sports, international students are

required to present their portfolio.

International students have to prove good knowledge of the teaching language

(Romanian, English, French or German).

Usually, international students learn Romanian during the preparatory year. The

candidates who speak Romanian can skip the preparatory year after having passed

a test of Romanian language. The candidates, who can formally prove that they

have studied in Romanian for at least four years consecutively, do not need to pass

the Romanian language test or to attend the preparatory year.

The following universities organize the preparatory year:

1. "Politehnica" University of Bucharest;

2. University of Bucharest;

3. University of Bacau;

4. "Babes-Bolyai" University of Cluj;

5. "Ovidius" University of Constanta;

6. University of Craiova;

7. "Al. I. Cuza" University of Iasi;

8. University of Pitesti;

9. "Oil and Gas" University of Ploiesti;

10. West University of Timisoara.

Students will have to take language tests, during the academic year, in order to

check their speaking and writing abilities.

Foreign students, who have begun to study in their home country or in another

country, can finish their studies in Romania. This is possible according to each

individual case, after the recognition and equivalence of diplomas.

Following are typical budgets for an international student in Romania. The value of

the study fees, which is stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Research, is

the same for all universities. The fees differ from one domain of specialization to

another. The fees for one year of study include the assessed practical experience

stipulated in the curricula and the medical assistance, in the same conditions

offered to the Romanian students.

The fees should be paid in advance for a period of 10 (ten) month for full time

courses and 3 (three) month for part time courses.

Fee quotas in foreign currency, both for full time course and for part time are liable

to change.

(10 months) 3200 USD 3600 USD 4700 USD 7600 USD

(12 months)

Included in

tuition

Included in

tuition

Included in

tuition

Included in

tuition

(10 months)

1500 - 2000 USD 1500 - 2000

USD

1500 - 2000

USD

1500 - 2000

USD

(Estimated)

1000 USD 1000 USD 1000 USD 1000 USD

(Exstimated)

150 - 500 USD 150 - 500 USD 150 - 500

USD 150 - 500 USD

USD

7350 - 8200

USD

10250 - 1110

USD

Most of the Romanian universities have their own cafeteria within the campus.

Room and board are reported to the average expanses of different higher education

centers. International students can be advised by the specialized departments of the

universities in order to identify the best solution. The international students can

also choose room and board extra-campus. Travel, books and supplies mostly

depend on the option of each student.

(10 months) 3400 USD 3800 USD 4950 USD 8000 USD

(12 months)

Included in

tuition

Included in

tuition

Included in

tuition

Included in

tuition

(10 months)

1500 - 2000 USD 1500 - 2000

USD

1500 - 2000

USD

1500 - 2000

USD

(Estimated)

1000 USD 1000 USD 1000 USD 1000 USD

(Exstimated)

150 - 500 USD 150 - 500 USD 150 - 500

USD 150 - 500 USD

USD USD USD

Citizens from abroad may also be accepted to study on the basis of scholarships

granted by Romania, in the framework of bilateral agreements, through the

competent authorities in their countries or on the basis of scholarships and grants

offered by other states or by international organisations.

"Ion Mincu" University of Architecture and Urbanism of Bucharest

University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest

Technical University of Civil Engineering of Bucharest

"Politehnica" University of Bucharest

University of Bucharest

"Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Bucharest

University of Music, Bucharest

Academy of Economic Studies of Bucharest

University of Fine Arts of Bucharest

National School of Political Studies and Public Administration of Bucharest

National Academy of Physical Education and Sports of Bucharest

"I.L. Caragiale" University of Theatre and Film of Bucharest

"December 1st" University of Alba-Iulia

"Aurel Vlaicu" University of Arad

University of Bacau

North University of Baia Mare

"Transilvania" University of Brasov

Technical University of Cluj-Napoca

University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca

"Babes-Bolyai" University of Cluj-Napoca

"Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Cluj-Napoca

"Gheorghe Dima" Music Academy of Cluj-Napoca

"Ioan Andreescu" Academy of Visual Arts of Cluj-Napoca

"Ovidius" University of Constanta

Maritime University of Constanta

University of Craiova

University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova

"Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati

"Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi

"Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Agricultural Sciences

and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi

"Al.I. Cuza" University of Iasi

"George Enescu" University of Arts, Iasi

University of Oradea

"Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi

University of Petrosani

University of Pitesti

"Oil and Gas" University of Ploiesti

"Eftimie Murgu" University of Resita

|"Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu

"Stefan cel Mare" University of Suceava

"Valachia" University of Targoviste

"Constantin Brancusi" University of Targu Jiu

"Petru Maior" University of Targu Mures

University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu Mures

University of Theatrical Arts of Targu Mures

University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara

"Politehnica" University of Timisoara

"Banat" University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary

Medicine of Timisoara

West Universityof Timisoara

"Vasile Goldis" West University of Arad

"Nicolae Titulescu" University of Bucharest

"Titu Maiorescu" University of Bucharest

"Dimitrie Cantemir" Christian University of Bucharest

Romanian – American University of Bucharest

“Hyperion” University of Bucharest

“Spiru Haret” University of Bucharest

“Bioterra” University of Bucharest

Ecological University of Bucharest

Romanian University of Sciences and arts of Bucharest

"George Bacovia" University of Bacau

European University of Lugoj

“Emanuel” University of Oradea