2026 student guide
Study Pharmacy in Romania: Fees, Universities & Admission
Everything an international student needs to choose a university, budget the five years and apply with confidence.
5 years
300 ECTS
English-taught
From €3,000 a year
Quick answer
- Yes, international students can study pharmacy in Romania in English at several public medical universities.
- The program lasts 5 years (10 semesters, 300 ECTS) and leads to a pharmacist degree.
- Tuition for non-EU students is roughly €3,000 to €6,000 per year, depending on the university.
- You need a high school diploma with biology and chemistry, a passport and a Letter of Acceptance for the visa.
- The degree follows EU training rules, so graduates can apply for pharmacist registration in other EU countries.
- Main study cities: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara, Târgu Mureș and Constanța.
- The main intake starts in October, and applications usually open in spring and summer.
- Romania has become one of Europe's smartest choices for future pharmacists, thanks to low tuition and EU-oriented training.
- Pharmacy is a top choice for students who love chemistry and biology, and it is taught at some of the best Romanian universities.
- This guide covers universities, costs, admission, the curriculum, careers and the questions students ask most.
- Tap the tabs, move the sliders and tick the chips below to build your own plan.
Why Study Pharmacy in Romania?
Affordable and Recognized
- Tuition is far lower than in the UK, Ireland or the United States.
- Programs are built around EU professional training standards for pharmacists.
- Student cities rank among the cheapest in the European Union.
English-Taught Programs
- Several universities teach the full pharmacy program in English.
- You can start without speaking Romanian.
- Basic Romanian helps during practical training and daily life.
Hands-On Learning
- Lectures are combined with laboratory work every year.
- Teaching labs cover chemistry, pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical technology.
- Final-year practice happens in real pharmacy settings.
- Small practical groups let you ask questions and get feedback.
Best Universities to Study Pharmacy in Romania
- Choose a city to see its pharmacy school. Confirm each year which programs run in English.
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Why it stands out
- One of the oldest and largest medical and pharmacy schools in the country.
- The capital offers many hospitals, pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.
Good to know
- Admission is competitive.
- Living costs are the highest in Romania.
Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Why it stands out
- Known for a strong research culture.
- Cluj-Napoca is a lively, youthful city with a large international community.
Good to know
- Housing is pricier than in most Romanian cities.
- Apply early for dormitory places.
Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Why it stands out
- A large international student body from many countries.
- Iași is a historic university city with low living costs.
Good to know
- Winters are cold, so pack accordingly.
- Check the current English-language intake.
Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Why it stands out
- Located in western Romania, close to Hungary and Serbia.
- Timișoara is multicultural and easy to live in.
Good to know
- Costs are moderate.
- Travel to other European cities is simple.
George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology
Why it stands out
- A smaller city with a close-knit student community.
- Daily expenses are low.
Good to know
- Fewer entertainment options than the big cities.
- Good choice for focused study.
Ovidius University of Constanța, Faculty of Pharmacy
Why it stands out
- A seaside campus on the Black Sea coast.
- Summers are lively and beaches are close.
Good to know
- Rent rises in summer.
- Confirm the English program before applying.
Pharmacy Tuition Fees and Living Costs
Build your budget
Estimated cost per year
€10,500
Estimated 5-year total
€52,500
Tuition
- Public universities usually charge non-EU students about €3,000 to €6,000 per year.
- Fees change by university and language of study.
- Some schools add application or document fees.
Monthly Living Costs
- Dormitory beds are the cheapest housing option.
- Plan roughly €350 to €700 per month, depending on city and lifestyle.
- Health insurance and books add a yearly cost.
Pharmacy vs Medicine and Nursing
Pharmacy vs Medicine
- Pharmacy lasts 5 years, while medicine and dentistry last 6.
- Pharmacists focus on medicines, formulation and safe use; doctors focus on diagnosis and treatment.
Pharmacy vs Nursing
- Prefer direct patient care? Compare this path with how to study nursing in Romania.
- Nursing is more clinical and shorter; pharmacy is more chemistry and laboratory based.
- Both lead to stable healthcare careers with demand across Europe.
- Pharmacy suits students who prefer science, accuracy and long-term professional growth.
- Nursing suits students who prefer daily contact with patients and faster entry to work.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Documents You Need
- High school diploma, legalized or apostilled and translated.
- Transcripts that show biology and chemistry.
- Passport copy and passport-style photos.
- Birth certificate and a medical certificate.
- English proficiency proof or an interview, depending on the university.
Application Steps
- Compare fees, city and language of teaching, then shortlist two or three schools.
How to Prepare for the Entrance Exam or Interview
What Is Usually Tested
- Basic biology topics such as cells, genetics and human body systems.
- Core chemistry topics such as atoms, reactions and organic compounds.
- Simple English questions if the program is taught in English.
Preparation Tips
- Review your high school biology and chemistry books for three months.
- Solve past questions if the university publishes them.
- Practice explaining scientific ideas aloud in English for the interview.
- Prepare a short answer to why you chose pharmacy and why Romania.
Pharmacy Curriculum, Year by Year
Year 1: Foundations
Key subjects
- Anatomy, cell biology and general chemistry.
- Physics and basic laboratory skills.
Year 2: Chemistry and Biology
Key subjects
- Organic and analytical chemistry.
- Physiology, biochemistry and pharmaceutical botany.
Year 3: Drugs and Their Sources
Key subjects
- Pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical chemistry.
- Introductory pharmacology.
Year 4: Formulation and Safety
Key subjects
- Pharmaceutical technology and toxicology.
- Advanced pharmacology and clinical biochemistry.
Year 5: Practice and Thesis
Key subjects
- Supervised practical training in a pharmacy.
- Final exam and diploma thesis.
Careers After a Pharmacy Degree
Where Graduates Work
- Community pharmacies.
- Hospital pharmacies.
- Pharmaceutical production and quality control.
- Research and clinical trials.
- Regulatory affairs and drug safety.
Next Steps
- Master's programs and PhD studies.
- Pharmacy specialization after graduation.
- Registration in other EU countries, which may require language proof.
Is Pharmacy in Romania Right for You?
- Tap everything that sounds like you.
Select at least one option to see your result.
Student Life and Housing
Dormitories
- University dorms are the cheapest option and put you next to classmates.
- Places are limited, so apply as soon as you receive your acceptance.
- Rooms are usually shared, with basic furniture and shared kitchens.
Private Apartments
- Sharing a flat with two or three students lowers the monthly rent.
- Look for places near the faculty or a metro, tram or bus line.
- Read the rental contract carefully and ask what bills are included.
Daily Life
- Public transport is cheap, and students often get discounted passes.
- Student cafes, markets and canteens keep food costs low.
- Student associations organize trips, parties and study groups.
Smart Ways to Save and Avoid Mistakes
Ways to Save
- Apply early to secure dormitory places and avoid late fees.
- Ask each university about scholarships or tuition discounts.
- Cook at home and use student discounts for transport and food.
Common Mistakes
- Sending documents that are not legalized or translated correctly.
- Choosing a university only by price, without checking the language of teaching.
- Applying close to the deadline, which delays the visa process.
- Ignoring basic Romanian, which makes pharmacy practice harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pharmacy taught in English in Romania?
- Yes, several public universities offer it in English for international students.
Do I need IELTS for pharmacy?
- Requirements differ by university.
- Some accept an interview or school evidence instead of IELTS.
Can I work while studying?
- Part-time work is possible under Romanian rules for students.
- Check the current limits before you start.
Can I practice in other EU countries?
- The degree supports EU recognition.
- Each country still has its own registration process.
When should I start applying?
- Start gathering documents six to nine months before the October intake.
- Legalization and translation can take several weeks.
Is pharmacy harder than other programs?
- It is demanding, with heavy chemistry and laboratory work.
- Steady study habits from year one make it manageable.
