Romania is a popular destination for international medical students. Tuition fees range between £4,300 - £7,400 per year.
Situated in Southeastern Europe, Romania has an estimated population of 19 million, and its capital city Bucharest has 1.7 million inhabitants.
The Romanian education system continuously changes and improves to meet high European standards and practices. Moreover, local schools invest in renovations to keep up to date with the latest developments in the medical field.
More than 40 medical colleges and universities offer medicine in English, be they in the capital city Bucharest or even in smaller towns like Craiova or Cluj. You are practically spoilt by choice.
In Europe, Romanian medical schools are a force to be reckoned with, especially tuition fees. Prices are more than reasonable, with costs ranging from £4,300 up to £7,400 per year. In addition, the living costs are significantly cheaper compared to most other countries in the European Union.
When looking to study medicine abroad in English, look no further than Romania. Here are the top reasons to help you make the right choice:
Check out our price breakdown of medical schools in Romania
1. Carol Davila University of Medicine of Bucharest. It was established in 1857 and is considered one of the best medical schools in Romania. With reasonable tuition fees and extremely cheap living costs, it’s become the first choice for many prospective students. Bucharest, this diverse and vibrant city, attracts hundreds of international students. After spending time in the capital city, you can see why they chose Carol Davila as their number one choice!
The tuition fees are £6,950 per year. Carol Davila University offers 300 seats for medicine each year. Bucharest's living costs are about £350 per month, excluding the monthly rent, which is 150 per month. There’s no entrance exam here, but candidates should have Biology and Chemistry at the high school level. The academic year starts on 1st October and is 28 weeks in total. The Carol Davila University of Medicine in Bucharest is one of the top medical schools in Romania and is recognised by the GMC.
2. University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova. Some consider UMFCV the best medical university in Romania. It is located in a quaint city called Craiova, in the southwest region of the country. It has been known as the safest local city. Craiova may be smaller than the capital, but it’s by no means worse off for it! The university is next to Romanescu Park, where students often have lunch and wind down after classes
This Romanian university is highly regarded for its academic excellence and teaching standards. It is quickly rising through the ranks to overtake even the capital city of Bucharest when it comes to education! There are no entry exams here, just like most medical universities in Romania. Still, it would be best if you had good high school grades in Chemistry and Biology. Competition is high because seats are limited – 50 for medicine and 30 for dentistry. Tuition fees are £5,250 per year, and the study duration is 6 years for both options. Living costs are as little as £300 per month. The GMC recognises UMFCV.
3. Titu Maiorescu University of Bucharest. This is another university that’s situated in the capital city of Bucharest. It was founded in 1990 and even awarded the “Trusted” moniker (the maximum rating given by the institution) by The Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education in 2015. With over twenty hospitals situated around Bucharest, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to help hone your clinical practice skills while studying medicine.
The university, along with others from all around Romania, adheres to strict curricula following international higher education standards and EU guidelines. Titu Maiorescu usually appeals to those who wish to study dentistry in the country. The university also offers an excellent medicine course in English. Tuition fees are £7,400 for EU citizens and £8,700 for non-EU per year. Seats in this university are very limited, and competition is high, but it pays off. There’s also an entry exam in basic science and English. When you graduate, you will get an international degree in medicine recognised by the UK GMC.
4. Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad. Founded in 1990 and named after a prominent local politician Vasile Goldis is situated right on the Mures River, with an industrial and transportation hub at its core. As it’s one of the more modern universities in the country, you will expect to find state-of-the-art facilities as well as a curriculum to match it.
Arad is now becoming one of the fastest developing cities in Romania. Tuition fees at Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad are £5,450 per year, and the university offers 45 seats for EU citizens and 45 seats for non-EU citizens. Living costs in Arad are about £450 per month, everything inclusive. There’s a competitive entry test in Biology and Chemistry. Naturally, the university is recognised by the GMC.
5. Ovidius University Constanta. Constanta is one of the youngest and most modern medical universities in Romania. It holds one of the largest libraries in the country and is only 220km from the capital city Bucharest. With a rich history and a beautiful Black Sea coast, you will find something to marvel at in Constanta.
The exciting seaside life attracts many international students to the city. Tuition fees are £5,250 per year, and living costs in Constanta are as low as £450 – £550 per month. You can enter Ovidius University with a certificate for English proficiency and good grades in Biology and Chemistry. The GMC recognises the university diploma.
6. Iuliu Hartieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj. It is located in the gorgeous city of Cluj, situated in northwest Romania. With state-of-the-art facilities, you might almost forget that UMF Cluj is the oldest medical education institution in the northwestern part of the country. Tuition fees for Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy are £6,550per year. The cost of living in Cluj is around £650 to £800 per month with rent. No entrance exam. GMC-approved
7. Victor Babes University of Medicine of Timisoara. UMF Timisoara was founded in 1944 and named after one of the founders of modern microbiology, Victor Babes. The three faculties make up the bulk of this university, with Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy on offer for its thousands of students. A popular attraction for students willing to study dentistry in Romania. Tuitions fees are £6,550 per year, and living costs are around £550 per month. A 50-question entrance exam is for everyone who wishes to study here. Graduates get a diploma recognised by the GMC and giving them the right to work as doctors in the UK.
8. Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine of Iasi. Named in honour of a famous Romanian scientist, UMFI offers both Medicine and Dentistry in English. Situated in one of the largest cities in the country, it is a cultural hub with excellent amenities to offer prospective students. There’s no entrance exam for this medical university. Tuition fees for medicine and dentistry are £6,550 per year, and available seats are 200 and 70, respectively. The cost of living in Iasi is about £300 per month. GMC-approved university.
9. Oradea Medical University. Situated in the northwest part of Romania, Oradea is one of the largest universities in the country, with 15 faculties, over 14,000 students and 930 academic staff. Founded in 1991, it has been acknowledged as one of the more prestigious medical universities in Romania. To get admitted here, you need to pass the entrance exam. Tuition fees are £4,300 per year, and living costs in Oradea are between £350 and £550 per month. The GMC approves the university.
10. Banat University of Agricultural Sciences & Veterinary Medicine of Timisoara (USAMVBT). It was founded in 1945 and nowadays is among the most preferred universities to study veterinary medicine in English. It's low tuition fees and affordable living costs in the city of Timisoara are also among the facts that prospective students consider while choosing their schools
The city is home to many universities, and many of its inhabitants are students. It is a great place to socialise with people who have similar interests as you. Living in Timisoara costs around £600 per month, including the rent.
The school requires entrance exams, but your high school grades are also considered in your ranking score. The tuition fee at this school is £4,800 per year. USAMVBT is recognised by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Medicine(EAEVE), which allows students to practise everywhere around the world after graduation.
11. Dunarea de Jos University of Galati. Established in 1975, nowadays has earned its place among the most popular medical schools in Romania. The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the Dunarea de Jos University of Galati has a modern infrastructure, laboratories and workshop rooms for various cutting-edge medical research. All that and access to high-performance clinics, a computerised library in continuous development, new dormitories and sports facilities. If you are looking to study medicine in Romania, you are very close to reaching your goal.
Every year, the University welcomes more than 2500 international students, and the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy takes over 180.
Medical school doesn't require entrance exams, but your high school grades are also considered in your ranking score. The tuition fee at this school is £5,250 per year. The degree is recognised by the World Health Organisation and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Moreover, the medical curriculum meets all the international, European, and GMC standards for proper education and doctor’s licensing.
Universities in Romania set their admission requirements. Generally, most universities require students to have passing marks in Biology and Chemistry at A-Levels or high school. Here is a complete list of the high school diplomas needed for admission. They also require an English proficiency certificate for non-native speakers. If you have a GCSE or BTEC, please enquire with Medlink Students regarding admission.
Furthermore, some universities have an entrance examination. There is a basic science exam for Titu Maiorescu University. Victor Babes University has a similar exam, while Banat University has an oral exam on a preselected topic.
Tuition fees in Romania start from £5,250, and living costs are between £500 and £850 per month with rent included. These costs make Romania one of the most affordable countries for medical education in the European Union. Tuition prices for non-EU students can be higher in some universities, but they are still competitive with the low living costs.
Tuition fees for medical universities in Romania range from £4,300 to £7,400 per year. Since the country is a member of the European Union, prices for EU and non-EU citizens may differ. Still, tuition fees to study medicine in Romania are considered relatively low to low midrange for the continent.
Rent | Utilities | Transport | Food | Leisure |
~£300 | ~£100 | ~£50 | ~£200 | ~£100 |
Living costs for one person are £350 and £650 per month in Bucharest. Rent prices in the capital city range between £300 and £400 for a single-bedroom apartment. Naturally, prices in Bucharest are the highest in Romania.
In smaller cities like Iasi, Craiova, and Arad, living costs are around £400. However, rent prices are significantly lower at average prices of around £250, £200, and £150, respectively. Most universities offer dormitory rooms, and they can additionally lower the monthly costs for future doctors.
Romania is among the most affordable countries to live in within the European Union, and many international students consider this an advantage.
The universities on offer for medicine in Romania are 6 years only. The best thing to do with your degree is to get exemptions from the subjects you have already completed. You can do so as long as the modules taught in the medical university match the total number of hours and the course material in your previous degree. Medlink Students can help you with this procedure if you have at least 80% of the total number of hours for the subject.
Studying medicine in the UK can be very competitive, and there are only a limited number of places available. With such harsh requirements for entry, many people are denied their applications and cannot follow their dreams of becoming a doctor. Instead of giving up or continuously re-applying, again and again, year after year, it’s better to study medicine abroad. Romania welcomes you with open arms! Many thousands of people have been more than happy studying in this enchanting country. Isn’t it worth it to give it a shot yourself? Would you like to receive free expert advice on the most suitable university in Europe for you? Just submit a free application, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.
Medical universities in Romania enjoy worldwide degree recognition, modern facilities, and excellent opportunities for extracurricular activities. Furthermore, international students relish the rich local culture and appreciate the country's low tuition and living costs. Thus, Romania rightfully attracts hundreds of medical students from all over the world.
While education provides excellent value for its cost, there is so much more in Romania to entice international students for a full six-year stay.
Here are the objective reasons to choose Romania as a destination to study abroad:
Romanian cities have a unique charm that is hard to forget. The old town areas mix the Byzantine traditions of the old with the Western Medieval styles. The architectural landmarks are usually surrounded by buildings in an eclectic style from the late 19th century.
Romania has 6,000 years of traditions in winemaking. Local grapes are unique to the region, yet they receive worldwide appreciation. Furthermore, they perfectly complement the local cuisine. Visitors greatly enjoy the local pastries, soups, and traditional holiday dishes.
Finally, adventurers and travellers have plenty to see within Romania. Danube delta is famous for its boat trips that observe the wildlife. The Carpathian mountains are another destination celebrated by visitors. Transylvania, Bucovina, and Maramures are excellent locations for hiking and camping.
Medicine is not the only course offered by the top medical universities in Romania. Some local institutions give students a chance to study dentistry in English. Many students even opt to study dentistry in Romania as their first choice.
The leading dental school in Romania is located in the capital – Bucharest. Other dental schools in the country are located in Timisoara, Iasi, Cluj and Craiova.
Romania is an excellent destination for international students to study medicine. The local universities offer exceptional quality education in English and French. At the same time, tuition fees and living costs remain among the lowest in the European Union. In addition, the unique Romanian culture and landscape make the country an unforgettable experience for international students.
Do you feel like packing already?
Yes, it will be. For your peace of mind, we recommend you check with your local medical council as well. A simple call should suffice.
It depends on which university you choose. Some universities require you to pass an entrance test while others rank you based on your high-school diploma sciences grades. It's best to contact our advisors for specific information.
The living costs in Romania are between £300 and £550.
No. The tuition fees are ranging from £4,300 up to £7,400 per year.
Yes. Every Romanian medical university we work with offers a medical and/or dentistry programme entirely in English for international students.
Studying medicine in Romania is considered preferable to studying it in many Western countries. The quality of education and standards for doctors are the same, but the costs of tuition and the living expenses are significantly lower.
Generally, Carol Davila University of Medicine & Pharmacy, University of Medicine & Pharmacy Craiova and Titu Maiorescu University are considered to be the best medical universities in Romania. However, every university is different and tends to different student needs.
Yes. If you have stayed in Romania on a temporary residence permit for at least 5 years, you can apply for a full residence permit. Medical education continues for six years, so most international medical students can remain in the country and practise medicine there.