Short answer: Romania offers English-taught degrees at public universities, with 2026-27 bachelor's tuition for non-EU students from about EUR 2,070 to EUR 3,500 a year at universities such as Politehnica Bucharest and Alexandru Ioan Cuza Iasi (medicine in English costs more, about EUR 10,000 a year at Carol Davila). Indian students need a Ministry of Education letter of acceptance, then a long-stay study visa (D/SD), then a residence permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). With that permit you can work part-time up to 6 hours a day.

Last checked: 23 October 2026, on the IGI website, the Romanian Ministry of Education website and the official websites of the universities named below.

Why Indian students look at Romania

  • EU degree, lower fees: Romania is an EU member state, and public university fees for non-EU students are among the lower ones in Europe.
  • Schengen member: the Council of the EU lifted internal land border checks with Romania from 1 January 2025 (air and sea checks ended on 31 March 2024).
  • English-taught programmes: engineering, computer science, economics, medicine and dental medicine are offered in English at several public universities.
  • Part-time work: students with a residence permit for studies can work part-time without a separate work permit (details below).

Step 1: Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Education

Non-EU students apply directly to the university. The university sends its list of proposed candidates to the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry issues the letter of acceptance for studies. You need this letter before you can apply for the visa.

  • University of Bucharest says the Ministry can take up to 30 working days to issue the letter.
  • Politehnica Bucharest (UPB) says to allow at least 60 days for Ministry processing, and asks students to pay tuition within 20 days of receiving the letter.
  • Deadlines are early. For the 2026-27 intake, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi (UAIC) took applications from 1 January to 15 June, and Carol Davila University of Medicine took English-programme registrations from 1 April to 6 July 2026. Calendars for 2027-28 had not been published on these pages when we checked.

Step 2: Long-stay visa for studies (D/SD)

According to IGI, the study visa is granted for 90 days, with one or more entries. You apply online on the Romanian e-visa portal (evisa.mae.ro) and then attend the Romanian mission in person with your original documents. The National Visa Center decides after a favourable opinion from IGI, so apply well before your course starts.

Documents IGI lists for the study visa:

  • Letter of acceptance for studies issued by the Ministry of Education
  • Proof that tuition is paid for at least one year
  • Proof of means of subsistence: at least the gross national minimum monthly wage for each month of the visa period
  • Criminal record certificate (police clearance) or an equivalent document
  • Medical insurance covering the visa period
  • Parental authorisation if the student is under 18
Check the current visa fee and appointment process with the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi before you apply. We found different fee figures on official pages, so we have not printed one here.

Step 3: Residence permit for studies

After arriving, apply to IGI for a residence permit for studies at least 30 days before the right of stay given by your visa ends. IGI asks for your passport, a certificate of full-time enrolment from the university, the letter of acceptance (for the first permit), proof of means of subsistence for at least 6 months, proof of accommodation and a medical certificate. The permit is extended for the length of your studies, usually year by year; renewals must also be filed at least 30 days before expiry.

After graduation, IGI allows up to 9 months to look for a job or set up a business.

Tuition fees for non-EU students (examples, 2026-27)

Romanian law (Government Ordinance 22/2009) sets minimum monthly fees for non-EU students, and each university sets its own fee above that minimum. Examples from official university fee pages:

  • Politehnica University of Bucharest: EUR 2,600 a year for technical and science bachelor's programmes, EUR 2,700 for master's, EUR 2,200 for socio-humanities and economics.
  • Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi: bachelor's fees per year of EUR 3,500 for Computer Science and Economics, EUR 2,300 for Law and EUR 2,070 for History.
  • Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest: EUR 10,000 a year for Medicine and for Dental Medicine in English (2025-26 fee sheet, the latest published when we checked).

Universities also charge an application or processing fee (UAIC: EUR 100, non-refundable). Fees change every year, so always confirm on the university's own page for your intake.

Language: English programmes or the preparatory year

For programmes taught in Romanian, students who do not speak Romanian must first complete a one-year Romanian language preparatory year. For English-taught programmes there is no preparatory year, but you must prove English: UAIC, for example, accepts an internationally recognised certificate at CEFR level B2, and UPB accepts IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge or proof of earlier study in English. Each university decides which proof it accepts.

Can you work while studying in Romania?

Yes. IGI states that students with a residence permit for studies can work without a work permit, on a part-time individual employment contract of no more than 6 hours a day. Plan your budget without counting on job income in the first months.

FAQs

Is Romania good for Indian students?

It suits students who want an EU degree with moderate tuition and are ready for early deadlines and a two-step process (Ministry letter, then visa). Choose a public university and an English-taught programme that matches your previous study.

Is IELTS required to study in Romania?

For English-taught programmes you must prove English. Many universities accept IELTS or TOEFL; some accept other proof such as earlier study in English. Check the admission rules of your programme.

How long does the Romania study visa take?

Allow for the Ministry letter of acceptance (University of Bucharest says up to 30 working days; UPB says at least 60 days), then the visa decision, which needs a favourable opinion from IGI. Start in the first half of the year for an autumn intake.

Is Romania in Schengen?

Yes. Romania became a full Schengen member, with internal land border checks lifted from 1 January 2025.

Can I work in Romania after my studies?

IGI allows graduates up to 9 months to look for a job or start a business. After that you need the right work or residence permit.

Official sources

Talk to a licensed consultant

Win Your Visa (M/s Win Your English and Consultancy) is a Punjab Government licensed consultancy, Licence No. 908. Visit our head office in Jagraon (Raikot Road, above Bank of Baroda) or our Ludhiana branch (SCO 13, Block-A, Model Town Extension), or call +91 76578 91191. Read our Study in Romania page for universities and intakes.