Study Medicine in Romania 2026 — Complete Guide for International Students
Romania is one of Europe's top destinations for international medical students. Six major Universities of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF) offer English- and French-language MD programs that are fully recognised across the EU, at a fraction of the cost of Western European medical schools.
Why study medicine in Romania?
Romania has become one of the most popular destinations for international medical students for three reasons: EU-recognised degrees (under directive 2005/36/EC, your MD is automatically valid in all 27 EU member states), affordable tuition (typically 6,000–9,000 EUR/year for English-taught medicine vs. 30,000+ EUR in Ireland or the Netherlands), and quality teaching (Romania has been training physicians for over 150 years, with a strong clinical-rotation tradition in well-equipped university hospitals).
The six major medical universities
The leading Romanian medical schools are: Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Bucharest), Iuliu Hațieganu University (Cluj-Napoca), Grigore T. Popa University (Iași), Victor Babeș University (Timișoara), University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, and George Emil Palade UMFST (Târgu Mureș). All of them run a 6-year MD program in Romanian, English and (in most cases) French.
Admission for international students
Admission to the English-language Medicine track is based on a written multiple-choice exam in biology and chemistry (some universities accept SAT/MCAT or high-school GPA in lieu of the entrance exam — confirm with each university). EU/EEA citizens apply directly; non-EU applicants need a Letter of Acceptance to Studies from the Romanian Ministry of Education before applying for a student visa. Applications usually open between February and August for the academic year starting in October.
Tuition and living costs
Annual tuition for the English-taught Medicine program ranges from 5,000 EUR at smaller universities up to 9,000 EUR at Carol Davila Bucharest. Dentistry and Pharmacy programs are similarly priced. Living costs in Romania are low — 400–600 EUR/month in cities like Cluj, Iași or Timișoara (rent included), and 600–800 EUR/month in Bucharest. University dormitories are available at very low rates (40–80 EUR/month) for international students who apply on time.
What about the residency and practising in the EU?
After the 6-year MD, you can either return to your home country (your degree is automatically recognised across the EU and EEA, and is also accepted as a qualifying degree for further licensing in the UK, the US, Canada and Australia after equivalency exams) or stay in Romania for a residency program (residency is accessed through a national exam — open to graduates of Romanian medical schools, including international students).
Featured faculties
All faculties in this vertical with detailed admission information for international students
Faculty of Medicine — Carol Davila University, Bucharest
The Faculty of Medicine at Carol Davila University in Bucharest is the most prestigious medical school in Romania. Admission is by a 100-question multiple-choice exam (60 biology + 40 organic chemistry), with a competition of about 8–10 candidates per place. Programs are available in Romanian, English and French; the 6-year curriculum leads to an MD degree recognised across the EU.
Faculty of Medicine — Iuliu Hațieganu University, Cluj-Napoca
The Faculty of Medicine at UMF Cluj is one of the most competitive medical schools in Romania. Programs are available in Romanian, English and French. Admission is via a multiple-choice exam in biology and organic chemistry.
Faculty of Medicine — Grigore T. Popa University, Iași
Faculty of Medicine at UMF Grigore T. Popa Iași — Romanian, English and French tracks. Admission via written exam covering biology and chemistry.
Faculty of Medicine — Victor Babeș University, Timișoara
Faculty of Medicine at UMF Victor Babeș Timișoara — known for its English- and French-taught Medicine programs. Curriculum aligned with EU standards, MD degree recognised across the EU.
Facultatea de Medicină – UMF Craiova
UMF Craiova oferă Medicină în limbile română, engleză și franceză. Admiterea se face prin test grilă cu 100 de întrebări (biologie + chimie organică), în 3 ore.
Facultatea de Medicină – UMFST Târgu Mureș
UMFST George Emil Palade Târgu Mureș oferă Medicină în limbile română, engleză și maghiară. Are programe puternice și o tradiție medicală centenară. Admiterea: test grilă din biologie și chimie organică.
Facultatea de Medicină – Universitatea Ovidius din Constanța
Facultatea de Medicină a Universității Ovidius din Constanța are programe în română și engleză, cu o pondere mare a studenților internaționali. Admiterea: grilă cu 100 întrebări (biologie + chimie), 3 ore.
Romanian cities offering this field
Frequently asked questions
Can I study medicine in Romania in English?▾
Yes. UMF Carol Davila Bucharest, UMF Cluj, UMF Iași, UMF Timișoara, UMF Craiova and UMFST Târgu Mureș all run 6-year MD programs entirely in English.
Is the Romanian MD recognised in the EU?▾
Yes. Under EU directive 2005/36/EC, MDs from accredited Romanian universities are automatically recognised across all EU and EEA member states.
How much does it cost to study medicine in Romania in English?▾
Tuition ranges from approximately 5,000 EUR/year (smaller universities) to 9,000 EUR/year (Carol Davila Bucharest). Dentistry and Pharmacy are similar.
What are the entrance requirements?▾
Most universities run a written entrance exam in biology and chemistry. Some accept SAT subject scores, GPA-based admission or interview-based admission for non-EU applicants. Verify on each university's website.
Do I need to speak Romanian to follow the English-language program?▾
No, lectures and exams are entirely in English. However, basic Romanian is helpful for clinical rotations starting in the third year, when you interact with Romanian-speaking patients. Most universities include free Romanian language classes in the first year.
How competitive is admission to English-taught Medicine?▾
Carol Davila Bucharest and UMF Cluj are the most selective (typically 1.5–3 international candidates per place for English programs). Smaller UMFs are easier to enter. Strong scores in biology and chemistry are key.
Can I do residency in Romania after graduation?▾
Yes. International graduates can take the Romanian national residency exam, which is open to all medical-school graduates. Residency lasts 3–6 years depending on the specialty.
Looking for a tutor?
Our marketplace lists hundreds of verified Romanian tutors for admission preparation, language support and academic coaching — many of them speak English.