Romania Study Visa for International Students

Romania, a country in Eastern Europe, has become a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education abroad. According to the Romanian Ministry of Education, the number of foreign students enrolled in Romanian universities increased by 54% from 2015 to 2020, reaching over 30,000 students from more than 100 countries. The primary reason for this is due to the low tuition fees and living costs in Romania, compared to other European countries. The average tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree is around 2,000 EUR per year, while the monthly living expenses range from 300 to 500 EUR, depending on the city and lifestyle. Additionally, Romania has a long tradition of academic excellence and innovation, dating back to the 19th century. Many Romanian universities are ranked among the top in Europe and the world, especially in fields like medicine, engineering, computer science, and arts. Romania is also a member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which ensures the recognition and compatibility of degrees across the continent. The Romania study visa for international students is a flexible and easy-to-obtain student visa. International students who graduate from a Romanian university can apply for a work permit and stay in the country for up to three years after completing their studies. As such, it is an extremely rewarding choice to pursue your education in Romania, and a study visa allows you to work and study in the country. In this article, we will look at the Romania study visa in detail, along with its eligibility, cost, application process, and more. 

Romania Study Visa: Highlights 

Romania Study Visa: Details

A Romanian student visa is a type of long-stay visa that allows non-EU citizens to study in Romania at an accredited educational institution. The student visa allows them to enter and stay in Romania for the duration of their studies, as well as to work part-time (up to four hours per day) during the academic year and full-time during the holidays. The student visa also grants them the right to travel within the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180 days. Students can also enjoy the benefits of the European Higher Education Area, such as academic recognition, mobility, and quality assurance. Additionally, they can also access various scholarships, grants, and exchange programs offered by the Romanian government or other organizations. 

The visa is valid for 90 days, during which you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration. The residence permit for students and pupils is valid for a period equal to the total duration of the studies, and it is renewable. The total duration of your stay cannot exceed the duration of your studies. It also allows you to work part-time for up to 4 hours per day, as long as it does not affect your academic performance. You must obtain a work permit from the territorial labor inspectorate before starting any work activity. The work permit is valid for the same period as the residence permit.

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Romania Study Visa: Eligibility

• You must have a letter of acceptance for studies from the Ministry of National Education or an accredited educational institution in Romania.
• You must pay the tuition fees for at least one year unless you are granted a scholarship by the Romanian State.
• You must show that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay, at least the minimum monthly wage.
• You must obtain a criminal record certificate or a similar document from your country of origin or residence.
• You must have medical insurance for the duration of your visa.
• You must prove that you have good knowledge of the teaching language of the class you intend to attend, either by passing a test or attending a preparatory year.
• You must apply for a long-stay visa for studies at the Romanian embassy or consulate in your country before traveling to Romania.
• You must register with the General Inspectorate for Immigration and obtain a temporary residence permit within 30 days of your arrival in Romania.

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Romania Study Visa: Application Process

• Obtain your letter of acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education. This is a document that confirms your admission to a Romanian university and authorizes you to study in Romania.
• Pay the tuition fees for one year (if not on scholarship) to the bank account of the university. You will need to show proof of payment when applying for the visa.
• Apply for the student visa at the Romanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You will need to fill out an online visa application form and submit it along with the required documents, such as the letter of acceptance, proof of financial support, police clearance certificate, health insurance, and accommodation proof. The visa fee is 120 EUR.
• Wait for the visa approval. The processing time may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it usually takes from two days to two months. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the embassy or consulate.
• Collect your visa and travel to Romania. You will need to present your passport and visa at the border control when entering Romania.
• Apply for the extension of the right of temporary residence and obtain a residence permit. You will need to do this within 30 days of your arrival in Romania. You will need to go to the Romanian Office for Immigration and submit the same documents for the visa application, plus the proof of enrollment at the university. The residence permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

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Romania Study Visa: Documents Required

Here is a detailed list of the documents required for a Romanian study visa:

• A valid passport that has at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry into Romania and has at least two blank pages.
• Two passport-sized photos that meet the specifications.
• Proof of acceptance for studies issued by the Romanian Ministry of Education or by the Romanian educational institution where you intend to study.
• Proof of tuition fee payment for at least one academic year, unless you are on a scholarship.
• Proof of financial support, showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses, study costs, and return travel for the duration of your stay. The minimum amount required is 2,500 EUR per academic year.
• A health insurance policy that covers the entire period of your stay in Romania and has a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR.
• A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of your country of residence, attesting that you have no criminal convictions.
• A medical certificate issued by a licensed physician, stating that you do not suffer from any contagious diseases or other conditions that could endanger public health.
• A completed and signed long-stay visa application form, which you can download from the website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

You must provide the following documents to obtain a residence permit:

• Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Education;
• Proof of tuition fee payment for one year;
• Proof of sufficient means of support for the entire period of the visa;
• A criminal record certificate or another document with the same legal value;
• Medical insurance during the validity of the visa;
• Proof of suitable accommodation;
• Two recent photos.

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Cost and Processing Times 

To obtain a student visa in Romania, international students must pay a visa application fee of 120 EUR. In addition to this fee, applicants must demonstrate their financial capability to support themselves during their stay by providing evidence of having access to at least 2500 Euros. This sum is intended to cover living expenses for the duration of their time in Romania.  The processing duration for the visa application can vary significantly, ranging from a mere two days to as long as two months. Given this variability, students should initiate the application process immediately. It’s important to note that the application procedure can only commence once the student has received a formal letter of acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education. This document is crucial as it confirms the student’s enrollment and is a mandatory requirement for the visa application. Therefore, timely application is essential to ensure all preparations are in place for the upcoming academic venture in Romania.

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What to do if your Visa Application is Rejected?

If your Romanian visa application is rejected, there are several steps you can take:

Review the Rejection Notice: Carefully read the rejection notice provided by the Romanian authorities. This will typically outline the reasons for the rejection.

Understand the Reasons: Understand the specific reasons why your visa application was rejected. This will help you address any issues or concerns in your appeal or subsequent application.

Consider Appealing: If you believe there has been a mistake or misunderstanding, you may have the option to appeal the decision. Follow the instructions provided in the rejection notice for the appeal process.

Reapply: Depending on the reasons for the rejection, you may choose to reapply for the visa after addressing any deficiencies or providing additional documentation to support your application.

Seek Legal Advice: If you’re unsure about the reasons for the rejection or how to proceed, consider seeking legal advice from an immigration lawyer or consultant who specializes in Romanian immigration law.

Explore Alternatives: If your visa application continues to be rejected, explore alternative options for achieving your goals, such as applying for a different type of visa or exploring study or work opportunities in other countries.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Romania study visa for international students is not an overly complex process. It involves a straightforward set of requirements and a clear procedure that, when followed correctly, can be completed without undue difficulty. However, the importance of careful planning cannot be overstated. A meticulous approach to gathering the necessary documentation, understanding the visa regulations, and adhering to the application timeline significantly increases the chances of a successful visa application. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize when to seek help and guidance. Navigating the nuances of visa applications can be daunting, and expert advice can provide clarity and prevent common pitfalls. Educational institutions, visa consultants, and even current students who have undergone the process can be invaluable resources. By planning carefully, applying meticulously, and seeking guidance when needed, students can pave the way for a smooth journey toward their educational aspirations in Romania. For guidance and assistance in the visa application process and more, feel free to contact our admission experts at Gyanberry for free! Book your video call appointment now.