If you are comparing European destinations, study in Romania deserves a serious look. It offers EU-recognised degrees, English-taught programmes, tuition that costs a fraction of what you would pay in Western Europe, and cities that are safe, student-friendly and easy to live in on a modest budget. For Pakistani families, that combination of quality and affordability is hard to beat.
This guide covers the best universities in Romania, what they teach at undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) level, what they cost, how the campuses and cities compare, and which universities Pakistani students should shortlist. It also explains the Romania study visa process at a high level, because choosing a university and getting a visa are two halves of the same plan for anyone who wants to study in Romania from Pakistan.
Why Romania Works for Pakistani Students
Romania is an EU member state, and its higher education system follows the Bologna framework. That means a Romanian bachelor’s degree (3 to 4 years) and master’s degree (usually 2 years) are recognised across Europe. Many programmes are taught in English, so you do not need to speak Romanian to begin your studies, although learning it helps with daily life and part-time work.
Costs are the other big draw. Non-EU tuition at public universities is mostly in the range of a few thousand euros per year, and living costs in cities like Cluj-Napoca, Iași or Timișoara are well below those in Germany, France or the UK. Add a growing job market in IT, engineering and business services, and Romania makes sense as both a study destination and a career starting point for those who study in Romania from Pakistan.
How Romanian Universities Are Ranked
Before naming the top-ranked university options, it helps to understand what “top-ranked” means in Romania. The most widely used international benchmark is the QS World University Rankings. In the latest edition (QS 2027, published in June 2026), the University of Bucharest holds the number one spot in Romania in the 801–850 band, while Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca sits second in the 851–900 band. Both had been tied at 761–770 the year before, so the small slip is worth noting, but they remain the only two Romanian universities in the global top 1,000.
An honest point for your readers: Romania does not have universities in the global top 500, and that is fine. Ranking position matters less than whether a programme is recognised, affordable, well taught and relevant to your career. Subject rankings also tell a different story from overall ones. Politehnica Bucharest, for example, is ranked first in Romania for engineering and technology in QS subject tables, even though its overall band is lower, something worth knowing before you study in Romania.
These are the names that usually come up when people search for Romania top-ranked universities, and they are the safest starting point for any shortlist.
| University | City | Overall Standing | Known For | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Bucharest | Bucharest | #1 in Romania (QS 2027: 801–850) | Sciences, humanities, law, business, languages | Varies by faculty, check official fee table |
| Babeș-Bolyai University | Cluj-Napoca | #2 in Romania (QS 2027: 851–900) | Largest range of English-taught programmes, IT, business | Varies by faculty, check official fee table |
| Politehnica Bucharest | Bucharest | Top in Romania for engineering subjects | Engineering, computer science, electronics | Around €2,430 per year |
| Technical University of Cluj-Napoca | Cluj-Napoca | Strong technical reputation | Engineering, IT, architecture | Varies by faculty, check official fee table |
| Carol Davila University | Bucharest | Leading medical university | Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy | Considerably higher than engineering or business |
University of Bucharest
Founded in 1864, the University of Bucharest is the best Romanian university in the QS rankings and the one with the strongest overall brand. Its central location in the capital means access to embassies, companies, libraries and the widest range of internships, a strong draw for students who study in Romania from Pakistan.
At undergraduate level it covers areas such as business, law, journalism, languages, mathematics, computer science, psychology and the natural sciences. Master’s programmes are available across most of these fields. Note that the English-taught offer is narrower than the Romanian-taught one, so check each programme’s language of instruction before applying.
Facilities include a large central library, student dormitories, sports facilities and active student organisations. Bucharest is also the most expensive Romanian city, though still affordable by European standards. Dorm places are limited, so many students share private flats.
Study in Romania: University of Bucharest Guide
A deeper look at Bucharest’s programmes, costs and campus life.
Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca
Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB) is the largest university in Romania and offers one of the widest selections of programmes taught in English, which is exactly what most international students need. Its UG and PG offer includes computer science, business administration, European studies, psychology, political science, environmental science and more.
Cluj-Napoca is a major tech hub and a lively student city, with a strong IT industry and a reputation as one of Romania’s best places to live. Students get access to modern libraries, labs, sports facilities and student housing, and the city is compact enough to cover on foot or by bus.
Fees vary by faculty and programme, so always check the official fee table for the relevant intake. This is a strong choice for students who want a good ranking, English-taught options and a city with real job prospects, whenever you study in Romania.
Politehnica Bucharest
The National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest is the leading engineering university in the country. It offers UG and PG programmes in engineering fields such as electronics, telecommunications, computer science, automatic control, aerospace, mechanical and industrial engineering, with a number of English-taught tracks.
Its published non-EU tuition for undergraduate and graduate studies in technology and science fields is around 2,430 euros per academic year, which is among the most competitive prices for a technical degree in Europe. Students who need to learn Romanian first can take a preparatory language year at an additional cost. The university also provides dormitory accommodation for international students, laboratories and a large campus in the capital.
Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and Iași Technical University
Two other technical universities are worth mentioning for engineering-minded students who want to study in Romania from Pakistan. The Technical University of Cluj-Napoca offers engineering, architecture and IT programmes in a city with a strong tech employer base.
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași publishes non-EU fees ranging from about 2,430 to 3,500 euros per year depending on the programme, such as civil engineering, telecommunications and industrial design, and Iași is noticeably cheaper to live in than Bucharest or Cluj.
Medical Universities: Carol Davila and UMF Cluj
Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy attract many Pakistani applicants. The leading institutions are the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest and the Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, along with medical universities in Iași, Timișoara and Târgu Mureș. English-language medical programmes are available for non-EU students, and these universities have teaching hospitals and clinical training built into the course.
Medical degrees are the most expensive and the most competitive: tuition is considerably higher than for engineering or business, and the programmes run 6 years for medicine and 5 to 6 for dentistry. Students should also confirm that the degree meets recognition requirements in their intended country of practice, including Pakistan, before they study in Romania.
Tuition Fees at a Glance
Fees change every academic year and differ by university, faculty and language of instruction, so treat these as planning ranges rather than quotes when you study in Romania.
| Programme Type | Typical Non-EU Tuition | Duration | Example Universities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s: engineering, IT, sciences | About €2,400 to €3,500 | 3 to 4 years | Politehnica Bucharest, Iași Technical University | Figures published by these universities |
| Bachelor’s: business, social sciences, humanities | Roughly €2,000 to €4,000 | 3 to 4 years | University of Bucharest, Babeș-Bolyai | Varies widely by university and faculty |
| Master’s (PG) programmes | Roughly €2,400 to €4,000 | Usually 2 years | Most Romanian universities | Often similar to or slightly above UG fees |
| Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy | Considerably higher, often several thousand euros more | 5 to 6 years | Carol Davila, UMF Cluj | Check each university’s official table |
| Romanian language preparatory year | About €2,000 to €3,000 | 1 year | Required before Romanian-taught programmes | Needed if your programme is taught in Romanian |
On top of tuition, budget for an admission or processing fee (often around 50 to 80 euros), accommodation, food, transport, health insurance and visa costs. Many students manage on a modest monthly budget outside Bucharest, especially if they secure a dorm place.
Facilities and Student Life
Most public Romanian universities offer libraries, laboratories, sports halls, student cafeterias and dormitories, with international students often getting priority or a dedicated quota for housing. Larger universities run international offices that help with registration, residence permits and orientation. Student communities in Bucharest, Cluj and Iași include sizeable groups from South Asia, the Middle East and Africa, so you will not be the only international student in your class.
Locations matter as much as rankings. Bucharest offers the most opportunities and the highest costs. Cluj-Napoca is a tech and startup hub with a young population. Iași and Timișoara are calmer, cheaper and well respected academically. Choose based on your course, budget and how comfortable you are with a bigger or smaller city, whenever you study in Romania from Pakistan.
Which Universities Should Pakistani Students Consider?
There is no single best answer, but here is a practical way to match students to universities as they study in Romania:
- Computer science, IT, business: Babeș-Bolyai University, for its strong ranking, many English-taught programmes, and great tech city
- Engineering: Politehnica Bucharest, TU Cluj-Napoca, TU Iași, for specialised technical education at competitive fees
- Law, humanities, sciences, or the strongest national brand: University of Bucharest, #1 in Romania with a central location
- Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy: Carol Davila, UMF Cluj, leading medical schools with English programmes
- Lowest cost of living with solid quality: Iași universities, a cheaper city with respected academics
Romania Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers
Prepare for the embassy stage while you’re still comparing universities.
When shortlisting, check four things: the language of instruction for your exact programme, the published fees for the intake you are targeting, whether dorm places are available to non-EU students, and the university’s admission calendar. Non-EU admission deadlines can be early, and some universities now require a guarantee fee when you accept your place.
The Romania Student Visa Process
Once you are admitted, you need a Romania student visa, the long-stay study visa, which is the next major step in the Romania study visa journey. In broad terms, non-EU applicants apply to the university, the university’s file goes through the Ministry of Education, and you receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
With that letter you apply for the visa through the Romanian embassy in Islamabad. Processing can take weeks to months, with the LOA stage sometimes taking up to around 60 working days and embassy decisions arriving within roughly a month after the interview. Peak months such as August are slower, so applying early is essential for anyone who wants to study in Romania from Pakistan.
Typical documents include your passport, academic transcripts and certificates, the LOA, proof of funds, proof of accommodation, health insurance and a clean police certificate. Requirements change, so always confirm the latest checklist with the embassy before submitting.
Romania Study Visa Financial Requirements
See exactly how financial proof is assessed before you apply for your visa.
About Global Migration Advisors
Global Migration Advisors (GMA) helps Pakistani students turn a Romanian study plan into an approved visa. Our counsellors help you choose between the best universities in Romania based on your budget, grades and career goals, prepare and review your application file, guide you through the LOA stage, and support you through the Romania student visa process and embassy appointment.
We also offer IELTS coaching for students who need an English test for their chosen programme. Visit globalmigration.pk or contact our team for a free consultation before you study in Romania.
FAQs: Studying in Romania’s Top-Ranked Universities
The University of Bucharest (QS 2027: 801–850) and Babeș-Bolyai University (QS 2027: 851–900) are the only two Romanian universities in the global top 1,000.
No, but ranking position matters less than whether a programme is recognised, affordable, well taught and relevant to your career when you study in Romania.
Non-EU tuition typically ranges from about €2,000 to €4,000 a year for most bachelor’s and master’s programmes, with medicine, dentistry and pharmacy costing considerably more.
Politehnica Bucharest is ranked first in Romania for engineering and technology subjects, alongside the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and Iași Technical University.
The LOA stage can take up to around 60 working days, and embassy decisions typically arrive within roughly a month after the interview. Applying early matters, especially before peak months like August.
Final Thoughts
For Pakistani students, Romania offers a rare mix of European recognition and affordable tuition. The University of Bucharest and Babeș-Bolyai University lead the national rankings and are strong all-round picks. Politehnica Bucharest and the other technical universities are excellent for engineering, and the Carol Davila and Cluj medical schools are the main routes for healthcare careers.
Start with your subject, match it to a city and budget, and apply early. A well-prepared file is the best way to avoid delays. Get personal advice today on your study in Romania plans from professional study abroad consultants for Romania.
