Romania is quickly becoming a top choice for Pakistani students. Affordable fees and English-taught degrees make it easy to study in Romania without heavy financial pressure. One university that keeps coming up in student searches is Romanian American University, known as RAU.
This guide breaks down everything about RAU. We cover its history, programs, fees, and admission steps. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect if you choose to study in Romania from Pakistan.
We’ve double-checked every fact here against RAU’s official sources and independent education platforms. No guesswork, no outdated numbers — just what you actually need to plan your application.
What Is Romanian American University (RAU)?
RAU is a private university located in Bucharest. It was founded in 1991 by Professor Ion Smedescu. His goal was to blend American teaching methods with Romanian academic traditions.
The university was formally accredited by Romanian law in 2002. In 2010, it received the “High Degree of Trust” rating from ARACIS, Romania’s quality assurance body. This rating was renewed again in 2021, confirming its strong academic standing.
One important fact to clear up: RAU is not officially affiliated with any American university, despite its name. It is an independent Romanian institution that simply follows an American-style academic model. This is a key detail for anyone planning to study in Romania and comparing university names.
Why Choose RAU to Study in Romania?
RAU offers degree programs fully taught in English. This removes the language barrier for Pakistani students who want to study in Romania without learning Romanian first.
The campus covers more than 34,500 square metres. It includes modern classrooms, a library, sports facilities, and dedicated space for student clubs and events.
RAU also runs exchange and dual-degree programs with partner universities abroad, including Northwood University in the USA. Students get international exposure without leaving their Bucharest campus for the full degree.
RAU Location and Life in Bucharest
RAU sits in Bucharest, Romania’s capital and largest city. Bucharest offers a low cost of living compared to Western Europe, which matters a lot for students on a budget.
Public transport in Bucharest is cheap and reliable, with metro, tram, and bus lines connecting most areas. This makes daily commuting easy for international students.
The city also hosts a large international student community. Students from over 50 countries currently study at RAU, creating a genuinely multicultural campus.
RAU Faculties and Programs
RAU organizes its programs across seven specialized schools. Most focus on business and economics, with one dedicated entirely to law.
| School / Faculty | Main Focus |
|---|---|
| School of Domestic and International Business | Business administration, trade |
| School of Banking and Finance | Finance, accounting, banking |
| School of Computer Science for Business Management | IT, computer science for business |
| School of Management Marketing | Marketing, management |
| School of Domestic and International Tourism Economy | Tourism and aviation management |
| School of European Economic Studies | European economics and policy |
| School of Law | Romanian and international law |
Two of the most popular English-taught bachelor’s programs are International Business and Computer Science for Economics. Both have been available in English since 2011.
RAU Admission Requirements for Pakistani Students
Applying is a straightforward process if your documents are ready in advance. Pakistani students who want to study in Romania from Pakistan should start preparing early, since document attestation takes time.
The basic requirements include a high school diploma (attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Romanian Embassy), proof of English proficiency, and a completed online application.
English proficiency can be shown through IELTS, TOEFL, proof of prior English-medium education, or by passing the RAU English test directly. After document review, applicants complete a 10 to 15-minute online interview covering their background and goals.
RAU Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Cost is often the biggest factor for families deciding whether to study in Romania. RAU keeps its fees competitive compared to Western Europe and North America.
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | €250 (one-time) |
| Average Annual Tuition | €3,400 – €4,700 (varies by program) |
| Merit Scholarship | Up to €1,000/year for top 10% of students per program |
| Visa Rejection Refund | 100% tuition refund for non-EU/EEA students if visa is denied |
RAU has awarded over 6,500 scholarships to students since it opened. This shows a genuine commitment to supporting international students financially.
The visa rejection refund policy is especially useful for Pakistani applicants. It removes much of the financial risk tied to the visa process.
Student Visa Process to Study in Romania from Pakistan
Once you receive an admission letter from RAU, the next step is the student visa. Pakistani students apply for a Romanian long-stay student visa, known as the D/SD visa.
You’ll need your acceptance letter, passport, proof of tuition payment, proof of accommodation, and medical insurance. The Romanian Embassy in Islamabad handles visa applications for students who plan to study in Romania from Pakistan.
Processing usually takes a few weeks, so it’s smart to apply as soon as your admission is confirmed. Delays are common during peak intake seasons, so early action matters.
Remember RAU’s visa rejection refund policy mentioned earlier. If your visa is denied through no fault of your own, you get your full tuition back. This gives Pakistani families extra peace of mind.
Cost of Living in Bucharest for Pakistani Students
Beyond tuition, students need a realistic monthly budget. Bucharest remains one of the more affordable European capitals for daily living costs.
Shared student accommodation typically costs between €300 and €450 per month, depending on location and room type. On-campus housing at RAU is usually on the lower end of that range.
Food, transport, and personal expenses add roughly €300 to €350 more per month. Overall, most students manage on €600 to €800 monthly, excluding tuition.
This affordability is a major reason Pakistani families choose to study in Romania instead of pricier destinations like the UK or the USA. The quality-to-cost ratio is hard to beat in Western Europe.
Career Prospects After Graduating from RAU
RAU designs its programs around employability, not just theory. Business, finance, and IT graduates often find work in Romania’s growing private sector.
Since Romania is part of the European Union, an RAU degree is recognized across EU member states. This opens doors to job markets beyond Romania alone.
Internship opportunities are built into several programs, especially in tourism, aviation, and business management. These placements give students real work experience before graduation.
For students who want to return to Pakistan afterward, an EU-recognized degree carries strong weight with local and multinational employers. It’s a practical long-term investment when you study in Romania.
RAU vs Other Romanian Universities
It helps to compare RAU with other well-known Romanian universities before deciding. Each one offers a different balance of cost, focus, and reputation.
| University | Type | Focus Area | Approx. Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romanian American University (RAU) | Private | Business, Law, IT, Tourism | €3,400 – €4,700 |
| University of Bucharest | Public | Sciences, Humanities, Law | €200 – €3,500 |
| Titu Maiorescu University | Private | Medicine, Law, Business | €12,000 – €16,000 |
RAU stands out for its American-style teaching approach and strong business focus. If your goal is a business, IT, or law degree taught entirely in English, RAU is a strong pick when you study in Romania.
Public universities like University of Bucharest may offer more research-focused programs, often at a lower fee for certain fields. Private options like Titu Maiorescu University welcome international students and are well known for Medicine and Law.
Your choice should depend on your career goals, not just the fee difference. All three are solid, accredited options if you plan to study in Romania from Pakistan.
Student Life and Campus Facilities
Student life at RAU goes beyond classrooms. The university organizes cultural events, sports competitions, and career-focused workshops throughout the year.
Extracurricular courses are also offered at no extra cost, often taught by international professors. This adds real value on top of the standard degree curriculum.
Students who wish to work part-time can do so with a valid work permit, typically up to 20 hours per week. Student jobs usually pay around €100–€150 per month.
How RAU Supports International Students
RAU runs a dedicated International Students Office. Staff there help with admission questions, visa guidance, and general settling-in support.
New students also get an orientation program before classes begin. It covers campus navigation, academic expectations, and local city essentials.
This kind of structured support matters a lot for first-time travelers. It makes the transition smoother for anyone choosing to study in Romania from Pakistan for the first time.
Academic advisors are also available throughout the year, not just during enrollment. Students can get help with course selection, exam preparation, and internship planning whenever they need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RAU officially accredited?
Yes. RAU is accredited by Romanian law and holds ARACIS’s “High Degree of Trust” rating, renewed in 2021.
Is RAU affiliated with an American university?
No. RAU is an independent Romanian institution. It follows an American-style teaching model but has no formal US university affiliation.
What is the tuition fee at RAU?
Tuition generally ranges between €3,400 and €4,700 per year, depending on the program.
Can Pakistani students get scholarships at RAU?
Yes. Top-performing students in each program can receive merit scholarships of up to €1,000 per year.
Is IELTS required for admission?
Not always. Students can submit IELTS, TOEFL, proof of prior English-medium schooling, or pass the RAU English test instead.
Is Bucharest safe for Pakistani students?
Yes. Bucharest is considered one of the safer capital cities in Eastern Europe, with a large, welcoming international student community.
Final Thoughts
RAU is a solid choice for Pakistani students who want an affordable, English-taught degree in Europe. Its accreditation, scholarships, and visa refund policy add real security to the decision.
If your priority is business, law, IT, or tourism management, RAU checks most of the important boxes. It’s a practical way to study in Romania from Pakistan without excessive financial risk.
Still unsure which university fits you best? Talk to professional study abroad consultants for Romania and get a free evaluation of your profile.
