Romania has become one of the most preferred choices for many international students who dream of becoming medical professionals. There are more than 30 institutions to study medicine in Romania that offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of medicine, such as general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. These programs are available in three languages: English, French, or Romanian, depending on the preference and proficiency of the students. The quality of education in Romania is high, as the country follows European standards and practices, and invests in modern facilities and equipment. According to the official website of the Romanian government, there are currently over 33,000 international students in Romania, attracted by the affordable tuition fees and living expenses, as well as the globally recognized qualifications. Moreover, Romania faces a shortage of doctors, as many of them have left the country to work abroad. This creates a high demand for medical professionals in the country, as well as opportunities for graduates to find employment in other European countries or worldwide. Studying medicine in Romania is a smart choice for anyone who wants to get a quality education, a valuable degree, and a rewarding career. In this article, we will look at some of the best universities in Romania to study medicine, along with their entry requirements, tuition fees, and more.
Overview of Study Medicine in Romania
| No. of Universities | 30+ |
| No. of Programs | 30+ |
| Degrees Offered | MD/DMD |
| Duration of Study | 6 years |
| Tuition Fees | 3,000-8,000 EUR |
Why Study Medicine in Romania?
High-Quality Education: Romanian medical universities maintain high academic standards, providing quality education with modern facilities and experienced faculty.
Cost-Effective: Compared to many Western countries, the cost of studying medicine in Romania is relatively lower, including tuition fees (3,000-8,000 EUR/year) and living expenses (~6000 EUR/year).
English-Taught Programs: Many Romanian medical universities offer English-taught programs, eliminating language barriers for international students.
Diverse Clinical Exposure: Students gain diverse clinical exposure through hands-on training, internships, and clinical rotations, enhancing their practical skills and preparing them for a global medical career.
Research Opportunities: Romanian medical universities actively engage in medical research, offering students opportunities to participate in research projects and stay abreast of advancements in the field.
Global Networking: Studying in Romania allows students to build a global network of contacts, connecting with peers from various countries and establishing valuable professional relationships.
Emphasis on Practical Skills: Medical programs in Romania often prioritize hands-on training, ensuring that students acquire practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, better preparing them for real-world medical practice.
Residency Placement Assistance: Many Romanian medical schools provide support in securing residency placements, facilitating the transition from academic studies to specialized medical practice.
Top Universities to Study Medicine in Romania
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMFCD) is a public health sciences university in Bucharest, Romania. It was founded in 1869 by Carol Davila, a Romanian physician of Italian ancestry who organized the military medical service and the public health system in Romania. The university is one of the oldest and largest in Romania, with over 10,000 students and 1,600 academic staff. The university is affiliated with the International Association of Universities and the European University Association. The university offers a six-year medicine program in English, French, and Romanian, leading to a Doctor of Medicine degree. The program consists of three years of preclinical studies, clinical studies, and final exams. The curriculum covers basic sciences, medical sciences, clinical skills, and professional development. The university also provides opportunities for research, internships, and international mobility for its students.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2024/25) |
| Medicine | 6 years | 6,000 EUR |
Suggested Reading: Study Dentistry in Romania in English
University of Oradea
The University of Oradea (UO) is a public university located in Oradea, a city in northwestern Romania. It was established in 1990, but its roots can be traced back to the 18th century when the first higher education institution in Oradea was founded. UO has 15 faculties, offering 123 undergraduate and 151 postgraduate programs in various fields of study. The university has about 19,000 students and 935 academic staff. UO is accredited by the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education and its diplomas are recognized in the European Union and beyond. The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy (FMF) is one of the 15 faculties of UO. It offers 6-year programs in general medicine and dentistry, both available in English and Romanian. The faculty has about 3,000 students and 300 academic staff. The clinical courses are conducted in three hospitals in Oradea: the Bihor County Hospital, the Municipality Hospital, and the Pelican Hospital. FMF is known for its high-quality education, modern facilities, and international recognition.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2024/25) |
| Medicine | 6 years | 7,500 EUR |
Suggested Reading: Study Medicine in New Zealand
Victor Babes University of Medicine & Pharmacy
Victor Babes University of Medicine & Pharmacy (UMFT) is a state university in Timisoara, Romania, that was founded in 1944 by King Michael I. It is named after the famous scientist Victor Babes, who was born in this region. UMFT has three faculties: Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, which offer various programs and specializations for students and professionals. UMFT is one of the leading medical universities in Europe, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. It has more than 25,000 alumni, including many foreign students from all over the world. The medicine program at UMFT is designed to train qualified physicians who can provide effective and high-quality healthcare. The program lasts for six years and consists of three cycles: basic sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical practice. The curriculum covers various disciplines, such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, neurology, psychiatry, and others. The program also includes elective courses, research projects, and internships in different hospitals and clinics. The graduates of the medicine program can obtain the title of Doctor of Medicine (MD) and can pursue further specialization or residency in various fields of medicine.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2024/25) |
| Medicine | 6 years | 4,800 EUR |
Suggested Reading: Study Medicine in Malaysia
Grigore T Popa University of Medicine & Pharmacy
Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy is a public university in Iași, Romania, named after the famous Romanian scientist Grigore T. Popa. It was established in 1879 as the Faculty of Medicine, incorporated into the University of Iași, and became an independent institute in 1948. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical universities in Romania, and it is classified by the Ministry of Education as an advanced research and education university. The university offers four faculties: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Medical Bioengineering. The Faculty of Medicine has a six-year program that covers the basic, preclinical, and clinical sciences, as well as elective courses and practical training. The faculty has over 5,000 students, including more than 1,000 international students from various countries. The faculty also has a strong research activity, with several centers and platforms that focus on topics such as molecular medicine, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neuroscience, oncology, and public health.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2024/25) |
| Medicine | 6 years | 8,000 EUR |
Suggested Reading: Study Medicine in Australia
University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures
The University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures (UMFST) is a public institution of higher education in Romania, founded in 1945. It is named after George Emil Palade, a Romanian-American cell biologist and Nobel laureate. The university has a multicultural and multilingual profile, offering programs in Romanian, Hungarian, and English. It is the largest university of medicine in Romania, with more than 11,000 students enrolled in three faculties: Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. The university also has faculties of Engineering, Science and Letters, and Economics and Law. It is ranked among the top 10 universities in Romania and the top 1000 universities in the world. The Faculty of Medicine at UMFST offers a six-year program in human medicine, leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD). The program is divided into three cycles: preclinical, clinical, and practical. The preclinical cycle covers the basic sciences and lasts for three years. The clinical cycle covers the main medical specialties and lasts for two years. The practical cycle consists of a one-year internship in a hospital or clinic. The program is accredited by the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS) and recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU). The program is also offered in English and Hungarian, attracting students from various countries.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2024/25) |
| Bachelor of Medicine | 6 years | 8,000 EUR |
Suggested Reading: Study Medicine in Bulgaria in English
Admission Requirements for Medicine in Romania
- Applicants should have completed their secondary education and obtained a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
- Submission of academic transcripts detailing performance in relevant subjects like biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
- For English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency is required, through standardized tests such as IELTS (5.5) or TOEFL (79).
- Some medical universities in Romania may require international students to pass an entrance exam or participate in an interview to assess their suitability for the medical program.
- Submission of a medical certificate confirming the applicant’s physical fitness and ability to pursue a medical education.
Career Opportunities for Medicine Graduates in Romania
Medicine graduates in Romania have various career opportunities, depending on their specialization, qualifications, and preferences. They can pursue postgraduate medical studies in Romania or abroad, as the MD or DMD degrees they obtain are recognized worldwide. They can also apply for residency programs in Romania, which involve clinical work and theoretical training in different medical fields, such as cardiology, surgery, or infectious diseases. Alternatively, they can seek employment in the public or private health sector, as physicians, dentists, pharmacists, or researchers. Some of the employers that hire medicine graduates in Romania are hospitals, clinics, laboratories, universities, and pharmaceutical companies. Moreover, they can explore other fields that require medical knowledge and skills, such as health management, consulting, education, or information technology. Medicine graduates in Romania have the advantage of being fluent in English or French, as well as Romanian, which makes them competitive and adaptable in the global market.
The average salary for medicine graduates in Romania, according to Salaryexplorer, is 50,073 EUR, depending on their experience, specialization, and employer. However, medicine graduates in Romania may face some challenges, such as low public funding, high workload, and migration to other countries with better working conditions and pay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be an extremely rewarding option to study medicine in Romania, especially for international students who are looking for a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. Compared to other Western countries, Romania has lower tuition fees and living expenses, which can make a significant difference in the budget of medical students. For example, the average tuition fee for medical studies in Romania is around 3,000-8,000 EUR while in the UK, it can range from 10,000 to 50,000 Euros per year. Many Romanian medical universities such as Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and Victoria Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy offer compelling and uncompromising programs at highly affordable rates. However, before making such a life-changing decision, one should also consider the potential challenges and drawbacks of studying abroad, as well as other important factors such as budget, scholarships, employment opportunities, stay back options, and so on. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and make a balanced decision that suits one’s personal and professional goals. For more information regarding the same, reach out to our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!
