Study Abroad Programs in Romania

Romania is one of the largest countries in Europe by both population and land area, sitting squarely on the Black Sea and sharing borders with Bulgaria and Ukraine. The state of Romania emerged in the late 19th century after gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire, and over the 20th century endured a tumultuous history of regime change as Europe became plagued by war. Today it is a presidential republic with an open economy.

The largest city and most popular destination where to study abroad in Romania is Bucharest, the nation’s capital. Bucharest is a major cultural, financial, and industrial hub of Eastern Europe, and is also the sixth most populous city in the entire European Union. Sprawled along the banks of the Dambovita River and offering a magnificent combination of medieval and modern architecture, it is no wonder why Bucharest is the top choice of many to study abroad in Romania.

Bucharest is by far the largest city in Romania, but for a more quaint experience of the country’s national culture you may want to study abroad in a smaller destination. Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, and Slobozia all are very enticing cities in this right, each bringing a distinct flavor to the table. For fans of horror and mythology, you may also find it to be a fascinating experience studying abroad in Transylvania.    

A wide range of programs are available through which to study abroad in Romania, covering many different fields of research and academic subjects. Study abroad programs will generally offer you the opportunity to either enroll full time at a local college (such as the University of Bucharest, the nation’s top academic institution), or else will offer you classes at a smaller international or satellite school.

Some of the most popularly studied subjects for international students in Romania include Philosophy, International Relations, Environmental Studies, and Eastern European Studies. Romanian is generally the language utilized by national schools, so this can be a tricky tangle to navigate as you search for the perfect Romanian study abroad program. If you are not planning on learning the language while you study abroad in Romania, then your course options will be more limited within English speaking programs.

In total there are nearly 60 public and private universities in Romania, in addition to a variety of smaller academic institutions where you might study abroad. Study abroad programs in Romania are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and most commonly run during summer session, single semesters, or the full academic year.

Romania is still building up its economy in wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union, and this means that it remains a relatively inexpensive country where to study abroad. The local currency is the Romanian leu, which runs at just over 4 RON to $1 USD. For additional information about the many financial aid opportunities available to study abroad in Romania, check out our Scholarship Directory.

Homestays and campus dormitories are the most common types of accommodation when you study abroad in Romania, both offering wonderful and unique opportunities for cultural immersion. Individual apartments are also generally made available, and often study abroad programs in Romania can help organize an independent living situation for you if that is what you prefer.

As a member state of the European Union, foreign students who live within the EU will not have to obtain a visa in order to study abroad in Romania. Those who come from outside of Europe will generally have to apply for a student visa if they plan on studying in the country for longer than three months. For more information regarding your individual situation, check out our Romanian Embassy Directory.

Go East. Many students choose to study abroad in Western Europe because of its global centrality, while not many give serious thought to studying in the East. Romania is an archetypal Eastern European country where you can get the most out of your experience.

Explore. The Romanian countryside is notoriously rugged and beautiful. From the Carpathians to the Danube Delta to the Black Sea, you will have your hands full taking in the immense wilderness.

Interact. Romanians are fascinating people to interact with, as they have endured such a tumultuous history yet have emerged to stand tall today as a rising European power. Learning from each other’s cultures is the most valuable aspect of studying abroad.