Student Visa for Studying in Romania

Complete Guide to Romania Student Visa Requirements and Process for 2025

Romania has emerged as a top destination for international students in 2025, offering affordable, high-quality education in fields like engineering, medicine, and humanities. With over 140,000 international students enrolled last year, the country's universities are accredited under the Bologna Process, ensuring EU-wide recognition of degrees. If you're planning to study here, securing a student visa is essential for non-EU/EEA nationals. This guide breaks down the requirements, application steps, costs, and tips for a smooth process. Always verify details with the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your local embassy, as policies can update.

Who Needs a Student Visa?

• Exemptions: Citizens of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and select nations like the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, and South Korea can enter visa-free for up to 90 days and then apply for a residence permit. However, for studies longer than 90 days, all non-EU students must obtain a long-stay D/SD visa.
• Eligibility: You must be accepted into an accredited Romanian university for full-time undergraduate, master's, PhD, or exchange programs. Exchange participants must be aged 13-19 if under a specific program.

Types of Student Visas

• Short-Stay C Visa: For preparatory courses or short exchanges (up to 90 days).
• Long-Stay D/SD Visa: For full programs; valid for 90 days initially, extendable via residence permit upon arrival. Holders of valid student visas from other EU countries can stay up to 360 days under student mobility rules without a new visa.

Required Documents

Prepare these originals with certified translations into Romanian or English:

1. Valid Passport: At least 3 months validity beyond your stay, issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages.
2. Visa Application Form: Download from the Romanian embassy website; complete in English or Romanian.
3. Acceptance Letter: Issued by the Ministry of National Education, confirming full-time enrollment.
4. Proof of Accommodation: University dorm letter, rental agreement, or host invitation.
5. Financial Proof: Bank statements showing at least the Romanian minimum gross salary (€700-€800/month) for the visa duration, or scholarship confirmation. For one year: ~€3,000 minimum.
6. Health Insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, valid in Romania for the entire stay.
7. Criminal Record Certificate: From your home country, apostilled if required.
8. Medical Certificate: Confirming no contagious diseases (e.g., TB, hepatitis).
9. Tuition Payment Proof: For at least one year (unless scholarship-exempt).
10. Parental Consent: For minors (under 18).
11. Photos: Two recent passport-sized.
12. Language Proficiency: Not mandatory for visa, but universities may require IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (80+) for English programs.

For PhD/postdoc or preparatory Romanian language year: Additional proof of research plan or language course enrollment.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Secure Admission: Apply directly to universities (deadlines: May-July for fall intake). Receive acceptance and Ministry approval (2-4 weeks).
2. Gather Documents: Translate and notarize as needed.
3. Apply at Embassy/Consulate: In your home country; book an interview (personal appearance required). Submit in person.
4. Pay Fee: €120 (non-refundable); scholarships may waive.
5. Processing Time: 15-60 days; apply 3 months in advance. Track via embassy portal.
6. Upon Approval: Enter Romania within visa validity. Register at local Immigration Office (IGI) within 30 days for residence permit (valid 1 year, renewable).
7. Extensions: Apply 60 days before expiry at IGI; requires updated enrollment proof.

Costs Breakdown

• Visa Fee: €120.
• Residence Permit: €120/year.
• Health Insurance: €100-€200/year.
• Total Initial: €500-€800, plus travel.

Common Challenges and Tips

• Rejections: Often due to incomplete finances or docs; double-check apostilles.
• Work Rights: Up to 4 hours/day during term, full-time in holidays; no separate permit needed.
• Post-Study: Extend residence for 9-12 months job search; leads to work visa.
• 2025 Updates: Faster processing for Schengen-aligned apps; digital submissions piloted in select embassies.

Romania's student-friendly policies, including no IELTS for many programs, make it accessible. For personalized help, consult university international offices. This is general advice—professional immigration services recommended.