Romania

Basic Information about Romania

Romania lies in the central Southeastern part of the European continent. With a population of 22.5 million, it is one of the medium-sized countries of Europe. Romania borders Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldavia, Ukraine, and Serbia, and shares part of the Black Sea coast. The capital is Bucharest, which has a population of over 2 million inhabitants. The official state language is Romanian.

The Higher Education System

In Romania, higher education is provided at educational and research institutions, universities, institutes, academies, conservatories and university colleges. The state higher education system in Romania comprises 49 state higher educational institutions with 324 departments and another 20 private higher educational institutions.

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate education provides two types of programmes:

• Short-term university education
  (2-3 year programme provided by university colleges): courses leading to a diplomã de absolvire (diploma certifying the completion of studies at a college and the passing of a relevant examination).
  
  
• Long-term university education
  (4-6 year programmes provided by universities, academies and conservatories): courses leading to a diplomã de licenþã (university diploma, equivalent to a first degree).

Graduate Education

Graduate education offers specialisation or an extension of the education provided in universities. Graduate study programmes include:

• Advanced studies
  (1-2 years) for university graduates; graduates are awarded a degree diploma.
  
  
• Master studies
  (1-2 years) for university graduates.
  
  
• Graduate academic studies
  (2-3 years) organised by graduate study schools attached to universities or functioning as autonomous units; the studies are organised on an inter-disciplinary basis aimed at increased professional specialisation.
  
  
• Doctoral studies
  (4-6 years) offered by universities and research institutes accredited as such; the doctoral courses are organised as day courses or night courses. The academic title of doctor granted by the institution is validated by the National Council for the Attestation of Academic Titles, University Diplomas, and Certificates.
  
  
• Continuing education university courses, lasting no more than one year, and addressed to certain employment categories for those without a university diploma.

Scholarships

Citizens from abroad may also be accepted to study on the basis of scholarships granted by Romania under 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.