Romanian Language Preparatory Year for International Students (2026 Guide)

What Is the Romanian Language Preparatory Year?

Definition

• The Romanian language preparatory year is a one-year, full-time program for international students who do not yet speak Romanian.
• Accredited Romanian universities run it, and the certificate you earn is accepted for enrolment in Romanian-taught programs.
• The course follows the academic calendar: two semesters, with classes from about October to June.

What You Learn

• General Romanian: grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing and speaking.
• Specialized academic Romanian for your future field, such as medical, technical or economic terminology.
• Romanian culture and civilization, which helps you settle into student life in Romania.

Who Needs the Preparatory Year in Romania?

You Need It If

• You want a bachelor's, master's or PhD program taught only in Romanian.
• You have no recognized Romanian language certificate.
• Your target university requires the Romanian preparatory year for non-EU applicants.

You Can Skip It If

• You apply to an English-taught program, which is common in medicine, dentistry, engineering and business.
• You already hold a Romanian language proficiency certificate accepted by the university.
• You studied in a Romanian-language school, and the university confirms your level.

Romanian Preparatory Year Requirements

Requirements differ by university, so always confirm the current list on the official admission page.

Documents Usually Required

Academic documents

• High school diploma (or equivalent) with an apostille, translated and legalized into Romanian.
• High school transcripts, also translated and legalized.
• A minimum grade set by the university (some use 6/10 on the Romanian scale).

Personal documents

• Passport copy and passport-size photos.
• Translated birth certificate.
• Medical certificate stating you are fit for university studies.

Language proof

• Some universities ask for an English certificate even for the Romanian language preparatory year, and a few do not accept online tests such as Duolingo.
• No IELTS? Read our guide on how to get admission in Romania without IELTS for accepted alternatives.

Romanian Preparatory Year Fees

What Affects the Cost

• Fees vary by university and by student category (EU/EEA or non-EU).
• Published figures on university and official portal pages have ranged from a few thousand RON to roughly €3,000 per year. Confirm the current amount before you budget.
• Public universities are usually cheaper than private ones.

Extra Costs to Plan For

• Application or admission fee (some universities charge around €100).
• Apostille, official translations and legalization of documents.
• Student visa fee, health insurance and residence permit.
• Accommodation and monthly living costs in your university city.

How to Apply for the Preparatory Year in Romania

• Choose your future program first. Many universities do not accept an application for the preparatory year alone, so you must name the degree you plan to study afterwards.
• Check language and grade requirements on the university's international admission page.
• Prepare your documents with apostille and official Romanian translations.
• Submit the online application and pay the admission fee before the deadline.
• Receive your acceptance letter from the university.
• Apply for the long-stay student visa. Non-EU students need it before travelling; see our Romania student visa guide.
• Get your residence permit after arrival, then enrol and start classes in autumn.

Preparatory Year Fields of Study

• Humanities, arts and social sciences.
• Economics and business.
• Engineering, mathematics and natural sciences.
• Biology, biomedical sciences and medical-related tracks.
• Available tracks depend on the university, so match the track to your future degree.

What Happens After the Preparatory Year?

• You receive a certificate proving your Romanian language level.
• You apply for your bachelor's, master's or PhD in Romanian at any accredited university that accepts the certificate.
• Some universities require an entrance exam or a new admission file, so keep your grades strong during the year.
• You can then study in Romania in Romanian, with lower tuition than many English-taught programs in some fields.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming the preparatory year guarantees admission to your degree.
• Applying to the Romanian language preparatory year for an English-taught program you do not need it for.
• Ordering translations and apostilles too late and missing the deadline.
• Comparing only fees and ignoring the track, location and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Preparatory Year in Romania

Is the Romanian language preparatory year mandatory?

• Only for Romanian-taught programs when you have no accepted language certificate. English-taught programs do not require it.

How long is the preparatory year in Romania?

• One academic year, split into two semesters, typically from October to June.

How much are Romanian preparatory year fees?

• They depend on the university and your citizenship. Check the official page of each university for the current figure.

Can I study in English and skip the Romanian preparatory year?

• Yes. Choose an English-taught program, and you can apply directly to your degree.

Does the preparatory year guarantee admission to a degree?

• No. You must still meet the admission conditions of your chosen faculty.