Medical studies in Romania

Studying medicine in Romania - Many advantages

The historic architecture of Romania's major cities and the colourful nightlife attract countless travellers to the country every year. So why not study where others go on holiday? You can find all the information and other arguments in favour of studying medicine in Romania here!

Degree recognised throughout Europe

According to the EU Professional Recognition Directive, completed medical studies in Romania are recognised throughout Europe and students can easily apply for a licence to practise medicine in Germany.

NC-free study abroad

1.0s Numerus Clausus for medical studies? Unlike in Germany, the 1.0 numerus clausus is not required for a place on a degree programme in Romania. To apply for degree programmes at most Romanian universities, you only need your university degree and an English language certificate. High school graduates with good grades in science subjects such as chemistry or biology can score particularly well here.

Favourable tuition fees and living costs

Compared to other European countries, Romanian universities abroad charge low tuition fees. While other European universities charge over 6,000 euros per semester, the amount charged by some universities in Romania covers the fees for an entire year.

If you decide to study medicine in Romania, you will save quite a bit on living costs, as countries like Romania have the cheapest living costs in the entire European Union. This even allows students to live in their own flat instead of a shared flat and make the most of their financial resources.

Lectures: Communication in English or French

As there are so many people from all over the world interested in studying medicine at Romanian universities, the entire programme structure with all lectures for students is in English. In some cases, however, the universities also offer lectures in French, such as the university in Iaşi.

Possible to return to Germany during your studies

If you are drawn back to Germany from Romania as quickly as possible, you have the opportunity to transfer from abroad back to Germany during your studies. As the structure of the medical degree programme is very similar to the German medical degree programme, you can try to transfer to universities in Germany by providing information such as a certificate of equivalence and proof of performance.

Studying medicine in Romania: At which universities can you study medicine?

Romania has six established universities where you can study your dream medical programme (human medicine and dentistry) in English - ideal for international applicants:

1st Victor Babes University of Timisoara

• Study programmes: Human medicine, dentistry (6 years each), Pharmazie ohne NC

• Special features: High research orientation, international teaching in English and French, modern clinical training

2. Iuliu Hatieganu University of Cluj-Napoca

• Study programmes: Medicine and pharmacy also in English and French

• Reputation: Leading medical faculty in Transylvania with a strong focus on research, high quality

3. "George Emil Palade" University of Târgu Mureș

• Study programmes: Human Medicine, Dentistry (each offered in English)

• Special feature: German campus in Hamburg (UMCH); pre-clinical part possible in Germany

4. Grigore T. Popa University of Iaşi

• Study programmes: Human medicine and dentistry in English (partly also in French)

• Advantage: Large international degree programme, high degree of recognition for transfer to Germany, no aptitude test for applicants

5th University of Oradea

• Study programmes: Medicine in English

• Frame: Six-year curriculum, equipment in cooperation with US institutions

6th Carol Davila University of Bucharest

• Study programmes: Human medicine, dentistry, pharmacy in English

• Reputation: Oldest and most renowned medical school in Romania, globally recognised

Studying medicine in Romania - Requirements

In order to be admitted to study medicine in Romania, there are various requirements and procedures in the application process that prospective medical students must observe.

General requirements

• General university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur or equivalent qualification) is required

• Good grades in biology and chemistry are considered to be supportive for a successful application

• Language certificate in English (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS), sometimes an English test from the university can be submitted later

Specific admission requirements at universities

Iuliu Hațieganu University of Cluj-Napoca

• Abitur average: Recommendation approx. 2.3 or better when applying for English or French-language study places

• Admission procedure: No written test for international degree programmes, selection based on academic profile and supporting documents

Victor Babeș University of Timisoara

• Language certificate: English or French required

• Admission test: MCQ aptitude test in biology and chemistry for non-EU students, selection procedure for the submission of application documents

University of Targu Mures (George Emil Palade University)

• Teaching: Human medicine and dentistry in English, partly pre-clinical phase in Hamburg

• Admission: NC-independent, admission is based on academic performance and interview / document evaluation

Universities of Iași, Arad and Oradea

• Iași (Grigore T. Popa) and Arad: Good science grades, letters of recommendation, internships and education can support the application. For Arad, an MCQ test in biology is mandatory, as well as at least B1 level in English or French

• Oradea (University of Oradea): Proof of English language skills (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS or university test) and personal interview on Biology or Organic Chemistry required

We'll prepare you with all the information you need! Wait, you "only" have a vocational baccalaureate? No problem! There are some countries that offer you a Medizinstudium mit Fachabitur enable.

Medical studies in Romania - Structure

Duration and structure

Studying medicine in Romania usually takes six years, similar to German universities.
It is divided into:

• Pre-clinical training (first 2 years): Focus on theoretical basics such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology and terminology

• Clinic (from the 3rd year): Modules on internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology, psychiatry and much more, combined with practical hospital placements

Preclinical phase (years 1-2)

• Teaching the basics of natural sciences: anatomy, biophysics, cell biology, medical chemistry, physiology

• Supplementary teaching: medical Romanian, sport, social and health psychology (depending on the university)

Clinical phase (years 3-5)

• Participation in specialised modules on CardiologyNeurology, Gynäkologieemergency medicine, public health, forensics and other disciplines

• Regular clinical practice in teaching hospitals: independent anamnesis, patient care, participation in diagnostics and therapeutic routine

Practical year / Internship (year 6)

• Final year with full-time clinical rotation (e.g. Internal Medicine, Chirurgieelective subject)

• The internship is comparable to the German practical year (PJ): compulsory rotations plus elective rotations for specialisation

• Contact us with people and patients in the foreground

• Course ends with official licence examination and final thesis

Mobility & recognition

• The degree programme is structured according to the Bologna Process, with recognised ECTS credits (360 ECTS)

• A transfer to Germany is generally possible - provided that the previous academic achievements are recognised and the examination regulations are suitable

• Erasmus exchange programmes also offer the opportunity for a Semester abroad within the EU

Studying medicine in Romania - costs & financing

Tuition fees (per year)

• According to current data, tuition fees range from around €4,800 to €8,000 per year depending on the university, which is below the European average.

• Victor Babeș University (Timișoara): around € 4,800 p.a. for medicine in English

• Grigore T. Popa University (Iași): approx. € 5,000 p.a.

• Iuliu Hațieganu University (Cluj-Napoca): approx. 7,500 - 8,000 € p.a. for the English programme area

• Arad / Târgu Mureș: around € 6,000 - 8,000 p.a. depending on location and degree programme

Cost of living (monthly)

• The cost of living in Romania is significantly lower than in Germany.

• Average for students: around €400 - €600 per month, including rent, food, transport and leisure time

• In smaller cities such as Iași or Oradea, you can sometimes get by on around €300 a month for basic costs.

Financing options

• Scholarships: National and international funding programmes support tuition fees and/or living costs.

• Student loans: Repayment usually takes place after graduation - particularly suitable for covering tuition fees

• Own funds / part-time job: Support from the family or a part-time job despite the time spent studying.

4 interesting facts about Romania

1. The heaviest building in the world is located in Romania - in Bucharest to be precise. It is the Palace of the Parliament of Bucharest, for which 700,000 tonnes of steel and bronze were used for construction.

2. Romania is the first city to have electric street lighting In 1884, the gas lanterns in Timişoara were replaced by electric lights.

3. A perfectly round village: Charlottenburg, located about 40 kilometres from Timisoara, was formed by German settlers in the 18th century and is the only one of its kind in Romania.

4. The national dish in Romania is Mămăligă, a solid maize porridge with meat and cheese from sheep. It is often served with roulades and is very popular at home and abroad.

Studying medicine in Romania - Application

To apply to study medicine in Romania, you must submit various application documents, such as a notarised copy or a language certificate in English or French. Some universities also require a letter of recommendation or participation in an entrance test for prospective students. It is important that you recognise the different Bewerbungsfristen der Universitäten and make sure you submit your application in good time.

Alternative to studying medicine in Germany? We can help you!

Are you interested in a Medizinstudium im Ausland? We are there to advise and support you in all phases! Together we will pave the way to your dream job!