Working in Romania as a Foreign Student

Romania is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education in a diverse and culturally rich country. The country offers a variety of academic programs in fields such as engineering, medicine, business, arts, and humanities, taught in Romanian, English, French, or German. The tuition fees in Romania are among the lowest in Europe, ranging from 200 to 5000 euros per year depending on the program and the university.  However, the cost of living in Romania can still be a burden for many students, especially in big cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or Timisoara, where the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around 300 euros, and the average monthly expenses for food, transportation, and utilities are around 200 euros. That is why working in Romania as a foreign student, is a viable option for many, to supplement their income and cover their expenses. According to a study by the National Institute of Statistics, international students contributed 1.2 billion EUR to the Romanian GDP in 2022, representing 0.6% of the total output. Furthermore, working as a student can help you develop valuable skills, knowledge, and networks that can enhance your employability and career opportunities. In Romania, there are many types of jobs available for students, such as teaching, tutoring, translating, freelancing, hospitality, tourism, or IT. As such, Romania is a fertile environment for students to work while pursuing their education. In this article, we will guide you through the various aspects of working as a student in Romania, such as the legal requirements, the types of jobs available, the average wages, etc., and more. 

Working in Romania as a Foreign Student: Highlights 

How Long Can You Work as a Student in Romania? 

If you are an international student in Romania, the length of time you can work as a student depends on your nationality and the type of work you do. 

• If you are from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you do not need a work permit and you can work as many hours as you want, as long as it does not interfere with your studies. 
• If you are from a non-EU country, you do not need a work permit as long as you have a valid residence permit for studying in Romania and you work part-time with a maximum of 4 hours per day or 20 hours per week. This applies to any kind of work, including internships and volunteering. If you want to work more than 4 hours per day or full-time, you need to apply for a work permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration. The work permit is valid for one year and can be renewed. The employer has to pay a fee for the work permit and meet certain conditions, such as proving that there are no Romanian or EU citizens available for the job. 

If you graduate from a Romanian university and want to stay and work in Romania, you can apply for a residence permit for work within 60 days after graduation. You need to have a job offer or a contract from a Romanian employer and a work permit. The residence permit for work is valid for the same period as the work permit.

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Working in Romania: Types of Part-time Jobs in Romania

On-campus: On-campus jobs refer to working at the university or college where the student is enrolled. This can include jobs such as teaching assistant, research assistant, library assistant, tutor, or cafeteria worker. On-campus employment is usually convenient and flexible, as it allows students to work close to their classes and adjust their schedules according to their academic needs. On-campus employment can be extremely helpful for students who want to gain experience in their field of study, network with professors and peers, and access academic resources. However, on-campus employment may be limited and competitive, as there are usually more students than available positions. Moreover, on-campus employment may not pay very well, as the wages are often set by the university or college.

Off-campus: Off-campus jobs refer to working outside the university or college where the student is enrolled. This can include jobs such as call center agent, graphic designer, data entry operator, or English tutor. Off-campus employment is usually more diverse and lucrative, as it allows students to work in different sectors and earn higher wages. However, off-campus employment may be challenging and demanding, as it requires students to balance their work and study commitments, commute to their workplace, and adapt to different work environments. Moreover, off-campus employment may be restricted and regulated, as it depends on the student’s visa status and work permit.

Internships: Students can also opt for Internships, which include working for a short period at an organization or company related to their field of study or career interest. This can include internships at NGOs, media outlets, law firms, or IT companies. Internships are usually valuable and rewarding, as they allow students to gain practical skills, professional experience, and career guidance. Internships are also beneficial for students who want to build their resume, enhance their portfolio, and establish contacts in their industry. However, internships may be scarce and selective, as they are often offered by prestigious and competitive organizations or companies. 

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Popular Part-Time Jobs in Romania 

Call center agent: Responsibilities include answering phone calls, providing customer service, or selling products or services. This position is suitable for students who are fluent in any foreign language. 

PR and Marketing Intern: A PR and Marketing Intern aids a company in its promotional endeavors by contributing to marketing strategies, managing public relations efforts, overseeing social media platforms, drafting press releases, facilitating translations, or engaging in graphic design tasks. Proficiency in both English and various European languages is essential, alongside a flair for creativity and adeptness in digital tools and platforms.  

Nanny: A nanny assumes the responsibility of caring for children, engaging in educational activities, providing tutoring when needed, and facilitating playtime. Duties may encompass tasks such as picking children up from school, assisting with hygiene routines, preparing snacks, and ensuring they are ready for bedtime. 

Sales Representative: A sales representative is tasked with promoting and selling a company’s products or services to potential clients. Responsibilities may include initiating contact with leads, delivering persuasive presentations, and negotiating deals. 

English Tutor: This involves instructing students of diverse ages and proficiency levels in the English language. Duties may involve designing lesson plans, providing constructive feedback, and assessing student progress through test grading. Essential qualifications include a proficient command of the English language, adept teaching skills, and ideally, a certification or degree in English language education.

Teaching assistant: This job involves assisting a professor or a lecturer with teaching, grading, or research tasks. It is ideal for students who have a good academic record, a strong interest in a subject, and a desire to pursue an academic career. 

Library assistant: This job involves helping library staff with cataloging, shelving, or lending books, journals, or other materials. It is ideal for students who have good organizational skills, a passion for reading, and a respect for library rules. 

Delivery driver: This job involves delivering food, groceries, or other items to customers using a car, a bike, or a scooter. It is ideal for students who have a valid driver’s license, a vehicle, and a smartphone. 

Marketing Assistant: This internship involves assisting with marketing campaigns, strategies, or research. It is ideal for students who have a degree or a background in marketing, business, or related fields and have skills in creativity, communication, or analytics. 

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How Much Can You Earn Working in Romania as a Foreign Student?

As a student worker, you may not earn the average salary, but you can still make a decent income depending on your skills, qualifications, and availability. Generally, student jobs in Romania pay between 2 to 5 EUR per hour, which means you can earn between 165 to 410 EUR per month if you work 20 hours per week. However, some jobs may pay more or less depending on the demand, the difficulty, and the performance.  For example, a game presenter who speaks Italian can earn up to 820 EUR per month. This is because game presenters are in high demand in Romania, as they provide live casino services to online players from different countries. They also need to work in shifts, sometimes at night or on weekends, which can be challenging for some students.  On the other hand, a nanny who speaks English or Spanish can earn between 245 to 370 EUR per month. This is because nannies are in low supply in Romania, as most families prefer to take care of their children themselves or hire relatives or friends. Therefore, the amount of money you can earn as a student worker in Romania depends on several factors, such as your language skills, your qualifications, your availability, and the type of job you choose. 

International students are subject to income tax on their worldwide income if they are tax residents in Romania, or on their Romanian-sourced income if they are non-residents. The current income tax rate in Romania is 10% for both residents and non-residents. Taxable income may include salaries, scholarships, grants, dividends, interest, royalties, rental income, capital gains, and other sources. There might be some tax exemptions or deductions depending on the student’s situation and the tax treaties between Romania and their home country. For example, some scholarships or grants may be exempt from income tax if they are used for educational purposes and do not exceed a certain amount. International students may also deduct some expenses related to their education, such as tuition fees, books, transportation, and accommodation. International students who have taxable income in Romania must obtain a tax identification number (CNP) from the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF). They can apply for a CNP online or at the local tax office with their passport, visa, and residence permit.

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Tips for Finding Jobs as a Student in Romania 

Utilize University Resources: Many universities in Romania offer career services and job placement assistance to students. Take advantage of these resources to access job listings, career counseling, resume assistance, and networking opportunities.

Explore Part-Time Opportunities: Look for part-time job openings that offer flexible schedules, allowing you to balance work with your academic commitments. Common part-time job options for students include retail positions, tutoring, administrative roles, and hospitality jobs.

Consider Internships: Internships are excellent opportunities to gain hands-on experience in your field of study while still in school. Seek out internships with companies or organizations relevant to your career interests, as they can provide valuable insights, skills, and networking contacts.

Network: Networking is a crucial aspect of finding job opportunities in Romania. Attend career fairs, industry events, and networking functions to connect with professionals in your field. Additionally, join relevant student organizations or professional associations to expand your network further.

Utilize Online Job Portals: Explore online job portals and job boards specifically tailored to the Romanian job market. Websites such as eJobs, BestJobs, and LinkedIn can be valuable resources for finding job listings and connecting with potential employers.

Consider Freelancing: If you have specific skills or expertise, consider freelancing or offering services on a contract basis. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr allow you to showcase your skills and bid on projects in various fields, including writing, graphic design, programming, and translation.

Enhance Your Skills: Take advantage of opportunities to enhance your skills and qualifications through workshops, online courses, or certifications. Building a strong skill set can make you more competitive in the job market and increase your chances of securing employment.

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Conclusion 

In conclusion, working in Romania as a foreign student can be extremely rewarding, given the huge number of opportunities that this country offers. However, to make the most of these opportunities, students need to do proper research before choosing their study program, employer, and living arrangements. They also need to balance their work and study commitments, as well as their personal and social life, to avoid stress and burnout. Moreover, students should explore the possibilities of obtaining scholarships and other financial aid options, such as grants, loans, or part-time jobs, to reduce their financial burden and increase their chances of academic success. By following these tips, students can enjoy a fulfilling and enriching experience of working in Romania as a foreign student. For more information, regarding the same, contact our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!