Every year, thousands of Pakistani families ask the same question: where can my child get a quality European degree without paying Western European prices? More and more of them land on the same answer. If you have been researching study in Romania, you are in good company.
This guide covers what you need to know before applying: why Romania is attractive, what it costs, how the Romania student visa process works, whether Romania is safe, and what to expect if you want to study MBBS in Romania from Pakistan.
Is Romania Good for Studying?
Yes, Romania is a strong option for many Pakistani students, especially in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and engineering. Here is why anyone considering study in Romania should take it seriously.
- Affordable tuition by European standards. Public universities in Romania charge far less than comparable institutions in Western Europe, the UK or North America. Tuition for non-EU students varies by university and programme, but studying in Romania is a fraction of what the same degree would cost elsewhere in the EU.
- Degrees taught entirely in English. Many Romanian universities run full programmes in English, so you do not need to learn Romanian before you start. You will need to prove English proficiency, which is where IELTS, PTE or Duolingo scores come in. You will still want to pick up basic Romanian, especially for hospital placements in a medical degree.
- European Union membership. Romania is an EU member state, so your degree comes from a European education system built around the Bologna Process. Graduates often find it easier to explore postgraduate study or careers elsewhere in Europe, subject to each country’s own rules.
- A low cost of living. Rent, food, transport and entertainment in cities like Cluj-Napoca, Iași and Timișoara are well below the European average. Many students live comfortably on a modest monthly budget.
- Established international student communities. Romania has hosted international students for decades, so you will find student societies, Pakistani communities and support networks in the major university cities.
Why Pakistani Students Choose to Study MBBS in Romania
Medicine is the most popular reason Pakistani students look at Romania. Here is why many families choose to study MBBS in Romania from Pakistan instead of competing for limited seats at home or paying very high private-college fees.
- No domestic merit-list pressure. Admission depends on your academic record, usually your FSc pre-medical results, plus English proficiency. Some universities also hold interviews or entrance tests.
- A six-year programme taught in English. Medicine in Romania is a six-year degree, with theory, clinical rotations and hospital training built in.
- Recognised universities. Romania’s leading medical universities include institutions in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara and Târgu Mureș, many with long histories and international students from dozens of countries.
- Clinical exposure. Students train in university hospitals from the early clinical years, which builds practical confidence.
- Lower total cost. Tuition plus living costs are generally lower than private medical colleges in Pakistan or many other study destinations.
An important note for MBBS aspirants: If you plan to practise in Pakistan after graduation, check the current Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) recognition requirements and the licensing process for foreign medical graduates before you choose a university. Rules change, so confirm the latest position instead of relying on a friend’s experience from a few years ago.
Study in Romania: University of Bucharest Guide
See what studying medicine or another programme at Bucharest specifically looks like.
Is Romania a Low Crime Country?
This is one of the questions parents ask us most, and it deserves an honest answer before anyone commits to study in Romania.
Is Romania a low crime country? Compared with many countries, Romania has relatively low rates of violent crime, and most international students report feeling safe in university cities. The kinds of crime you are most likely to encounter are the same ones found in any European capital: pickpocketing in crowded areas such as public transport, busy markets and tourist spots, and occasional scams targeting newcomers.
Sensible habits go a long way:
- Keep your phone, wallet and passport secure in crowded places.
- Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked cars.
- Be cautious with strangers offering unusually cheap deals on rent or exchange.
- Choose accommodation close to your campus in a well-reviewed area.
- Save emergency numbers (112 is the European emergency number) and your embassy contact.
No country is entirely free of crime, and conditions vary by city and neighbourhood. In general, Romania is considered a safe, student-friendly destination, particularly the smaller university cities, where campus life is concentrated and neighbourhoods are walkable, something worth knowing before you study in Romania from Pakistan.
Romania Student Visa Success Rate in 2026 for Pakistani Students
Last year was a very strong one for Pakistani applicants, and most well-prepared Romania study visa applications were approved. This year started differently. In July and August, the approval rate fell sharply to under 10%, mainly because of incomplete documents, weak financial records and attestation gaps. In September the situation changed, and the success rate rose to around 50%. That is still below last year’s levels, but it shows that study in Romania remains a realistic option for Pakistani students.
A weak month is not a closed door. Approval trends shift with the season and embassy workload, and what separates approved files from refused ones is how complete, consistent and properly attested they are. If you plan to study MBBS in Romania, start early and get your file reviewed before you apply.
What Matters Most: Genuine Intention and the Ability to Finance Your Studies
Whether you want to study MBBS in Romania or choose another programme, two things matter more than anything else in your Romania student visa application.
1. A genuine intention to study. Visa officers want to see a student with a real academic plan. Be ready to explain why you chose Romania, your university and your course, and how the degree fits your future goals. Your answers should match your documents, your academic background and your study plan. Applications that look like a shortcut to something else, or that contain inconsistent or exaggerated information, are the ones that run into trouble. Be honest, prepare well and know your own plan.
2. The ability to finance your studies. You must show that you can pay tuition and cover living costs for the duration of your programme. That means clear, believable financial documentation: bank statements with a visible history, sponsor letters and supporting records that tell one consistent story. Unexplained deposits, last-minute transfers and mismatched figures raise doubts quickly. If you are not sure you can afford the full course, it is better to plan that honestly now than to find out after you arrive.
When both are in place, a genuine student with a credible financial plan, everything else in your file becomes much easier: attestation, university admission and the visa itself, whether you study in Romania from Pakistan or elsewhere.
Romania Study Visa Financial Requirements
See exactly how financial evidence is assessed before you build your documentation.
At Global Migration Advisors, we start by checking exactly these two things. Book a free counselling session at globalmigration.pk and we will tell you honestly whether your plan is ready or what needs strengthening first.
The Romania Student Visa: How the Process Works
The Romania study visa is a long-stay visa for students who have been admitted to a Romanian institution. The exact steps and document lists can change, so always check with the Romanian embassy or your consultant before you submit anything. In broad terms, the process looks like this:
- Choose your programme and university. Match your grades, budget and career goals with the right city and institution.
- Apply and receive your acceptance. For non-EU students, the university applies to the Romanian Ministry of Education for an official letter of acceptance after reviewing your documents.
- Pay the required fees. Tuition deposits and application costs depend on the university.
- Prepare your visa file. You will typically need your passport, the acceptance letter, academic transcripts, proof of financial means, accommodation details, health insurance, a police clearance and other supporting documents.
- Apply for the Romania student visa. Submit your application through the Romanian diplomatic mission serving Pakistan and attend any required appointment.
- Travel and obtain your residence permit. After you arrive, you apply for a student residence permit with Romanian immigration authorities.
| Step | What to Do | Involves | Outcome | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choose programme and university | Match grades, budget and goals | Research into cities and institutions | A shortlisted, realistic choice | First decision in the whole process |
| Apply and receive acceptance | University submits your file to the Ministry of Education | Academic documents review | Official letter of acceptance | Required before the visa stage |
| Pay required fees | Pay tuition deposit and application costs | University-specific fee structure | Confirmed place | Costs vary by university |
| Prepare visa file | Gather passport, acceptance letter, financial proof, insurance | Document attestation and translations | Complete, consistent visa file | Most common stage for delays |
| Apply for the visa | Submit through the Romanian diplomatic mission | Embassy appointment | Visa decision | Attend any required interview |
Documents Pakistani students often struggle with
The visa file is where many applications stall. Pakistani students commonly face delays with:
- Document attestation. Academic records often need to be verified through the proper chain, which can include IBCC equivalence, HEC attestation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), before they are accepted abroad.
- Proof of financial sponsorship. Bank statements, sponsor letters and supporting records must be clear, consistent and properly documented. Gaps or unexplained deposits raise questions.
- Translations and certified copies. Documents may need to be translated and certified in line with embassy requirements.
- Timing. Attestation, appointments and processing all take time. Starting late is the most common reason students miss an intake.
Treat the visa as a project with its own timeline. Applying early and keeping your paperwork clean makes a real difference for anyone who wants to study in Romania.
Romania Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers
Prepare for the kind of questions embassy officers ask once your documents are ready.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Romania?
Costs vary by programme and city, but plan for four categories when you study in Romania from Pakistan:
- Tuition fees. Medicine and dentistry cost more than most other subjects. Compare universities carefully, since fees differ widely.
- Accommodation. University dormitories are cheaper than private rentals, though places can be limited.
- Living expenses. Food, transport, phone, study materials and personal costs.
- One-off costs. Visa fees, health insurance, flights, document attestation and residence permit charges.
Ask for a written breakdown that includes every fee, so there are no surprises after you commit. Be wary of any agent who quotes a single “all-inclusive” figure without itemising it.
Choosing the Right City
Where you study in Romania matters just as much as which university you choose.
| City | Known For | Best For | Cost Level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bucharest | The capital, largest range of universities and hospitals | Students who want the most connections and options | Busiest and priciest | Widest international reach |
| Cluj-Napoca | Lively, student-focused city | Students who want a youthful atmosphere | Moderate | Strong academic reputation |
| Iași | One of Romania’s oldest university cities | International medical students | Relatively affordable | Popular with medicine applicants |
| Timișoara | Modern, multicultural city in the west | Students who want a strong student community | Moderate | Diverse international population |
| Târgu Mureș | Smaller city with a medical focus | Students who prefer a close-knit environment | Affordable | Strong medical specialisation |
The best city for you depends on your course, budget and comfort level. A smaller city may suit a first-time overseas student better than a capital, whether you study in Romania from Pakistan for medicine or another field.
Is Studying in Romania Right for You?
Romania suits students who want an affordable, English-taught European degree and are ready to adapt to a new culture and climate. Winters can be cold, daily life will involve some Romanian, and you will be far from home. If you are academically prepared, financially organised and realistic about the challenges, Romania can be an excellent choice to study in Romania.
It is less suited to students who expect a Western European lifestyle on a minimal budget, or who plan to skip careful research into licensing and recognition rules.
How Global Migration Advisors Can Help
Planning to study in Romania is much easier with guidance from people who handle Pakistani student applications every day. At Global Migration Advisors, our Lahore-based team helps students and families through each stage:
- Free counselling to match your grades, budget and goals with the right Romanian university and programme
- University admissions support, including application preparation and follow-up
- Romania student visa guidance, with checklists tailored to what embassies expect from Pakistani applicants
- Document attestation support across IBCC, HEC and MOFA, so your records are accepted the first time
- Financial sponsorship documentation, organised clearly and consistently
- IELTS, PTE and Duolingo coaching to help you meet English requirements
- Honest advice, including telling you when a particular route is not the right fit
We also support students heading to Lithuania, Sweden, Italy, Finland, Cyprus and the UK, so you get comparisons based on your situation rather than a single pitch.
FAQs: Studying in Romania
Yes. It offers affordable tuition, English-taught programmes, EU membership and a lower cost of living, which is why many Pakistani students choose to study in Romania.
Romania has relatively low violent crime, and most students feel safe. Petty theft such as pickpocketing does occur in busy areas, so normal precautions apply.
Timelines vary by season and embassy workload. Start gathering and attesting documents well before your intake if you want to study in Romania from Pakistan.
Yes, if you meet the university’s admission requirements and obtain a student visa. Check PM&DC rules for foreign graduates before committing.
Not for English-taught programmes, but learning basic Romanian helps in daily life and especially in clinical settings when you study in Romania.
Final Thoughts
Romania offers a genuine combination that’s hard to beat: affordable tuition, English-taught degrees, EU recognition and a manageable cost of living. Whether your goal is MBBS, engineering or another field, success comes down to two things, a genuine intention to study and the ability to show you can finance it properly.
Ready to start? Visit globalmigration.pk or contact our team today to book a counselling session about your plans to study in Romania.



