Romanian universities typically conduct admissions twice a year (mainly in summer and sometimes in early autumn). However, in light of the ongoing situation, many universities have established flexible deadlines and customized entry routes for Ukrainian refugees. These measures ensure that students who had to interrupt their studies—or who want to start fresh—can integrate into Romanian higher education with fewer bureaucratic obstacles.
1. Application requirements
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Diplomas/Transcripts
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CNRED (Centrul Național de Recunoaștere și Echivalare a Diplomelor):
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Website: cnred.edu.ro/en
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What you’ll find:
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Procedures and forms for validating high school or university diplomas.
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Step-by-step guidance on how to handle incomplete documentation (a common situation for refugees).
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Contact details for specialized support if you need help collecting or translating documents.
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If you don’t have all your official certificates, many universities can still provisionally enroll you based on partial transcripts, past student IDs, or a self-declaration of your prior studies. They might administer internal tests or interviews to assess your level (per Ordinul nr. 3325/2022).
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Language Proficiency
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Romanian-taught programs:
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A B1/B2 certificate in Romanian might be required. Some institutions will accept an internal language exam or a certificate from recognized centers (e.g., the Institute for the Romanian Language).
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If you are not fluent, ask about a preparatory year or language courses often offered for international students.
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English/French/German-taught programs:
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Requirements usually mirror standard European frameworks (e.g., B2 in English or French). Some universities accept IELTS/TOEFL/DELF or conduct their own language assessment.
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Example: Politehnica University of Bucharest – International Admissions provides details on accepted language certificates for English-taught degrees.
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Passport or temporary protection permit
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You must prove your legal residency in Romania. This can be your:
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Ukrainian passport with an entry stamp indicating your date of crossing, or
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Temporary Protection Permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
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Having either document will typically allow you to register for studies under special refugee-friendly procedures.
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2. Academic Mobility Options
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Transfer from Ukrainian Universities
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Under Ordinul nr. 3325/2022 (mentioned on the Ministry of Education website), Romanian universities can:
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Evaluate your previous coursework and exam records, even if your transcripts are incomplete.
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Grant you equivalent credits or an advanced standing in an existing program.
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You might be placed in the second or third year of a Romanian bachelor’s degree if you already completed those levels in Ukraine, depending on how your credits match the Romanian curriculum.
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Erasmus+ or bilateral agreements
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Some Romanian universities have direct partnerships with Ukrainian institutions.
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If you were part of an Erasmus+ program, you can check if your Ukrainian university has a joint agreement with a Romanian partner, making credit transfer more straightforward.
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For a list of Erasmus+ partner institutions, see the EU’s official portal: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu.
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3. Entrance exams / interviews
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High-demand majors
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Fields like medicine, pharmacy, or dentistry often require a written exam (biology, chemistry, etc.).
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Engineering or architecture programs may have a test of mathematics or design skills.
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Transcripts, interviews, or portfolio
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Other faculties might consider existing transcripts or an online interview to gauge your fit for the program.
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Arts/humanities faculties (e.g., music, fine arts) sometimes require a portfolio of artistic work or an audition.
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Where to check exam details
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University websites → “Admission” or “Admitere” section.
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International offices → They’ll have details about special sessions or which standardized tests (if any) they accept.
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4. Flexible or rolling admissions
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Continuous enrollment sessions
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Many universities now run rolling admissions to accommodate Ukrainian arrivals at different times.
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If you arrive mid-semester, you can often audit classes or enroll part-time until the next official admission window opens.
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Mid-semester start
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Ask about the possibility of joining ongoing courses. Some faculties are lenient about letting you catch up if you missed the official start date, especially under refugee-friendly policies.
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Special calls
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Certain universities publicly announce “special calls” or “supplementary seats for refugees” on their websites. If you do not see it posted, email or call the admissions office or the International Relations Office for clarification.
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5. Where to inquire
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CNRED (National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas)
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Website: cnred.edu.ro/en
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What you’ll find:
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Official info on diploma recognition.
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Contact forms for clarifications.
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Lists of regulated professions (medicine, law, etc.) that require special approval.
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University websites
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Admission calendars: Typically posted under “Admitere” or “Admissions.”
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Specific criteria: Language tests, required documents, or portfolio guidelines.
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Contact info: Look for “Contact,” “International Office,” or “International Students” sections. For example:
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Cluj Universities Admission Hub (a consortium tool for some Cluj institutions).
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Ministry of Education / ProtectieUcraina – Education section
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Website: protectieucraina.gov.ro/1/
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What You’ll Find:
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Up-to-date announcements on legislative changes relevant to Ukrainian nationals.
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Guidance on pre-university enrollments (if you have children) and university admissions.
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Info about free Romanian language courses, bridging programs, and social/financial aid.
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Additional tips & links
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Preparatory language courses: If you need to boost your Romanian language skills, ask about “Year 0” or “Preparatory Year” at your chosen university.
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Scholarships & tuition waivers: Some institutions provide partial or full scholarships for Ukrainian refugees. This info can appear in the “Burse/Bursaries” or “Financial Aid” section.
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Non-governmental support: NGOs like CNRR or IOM Romania often collaborate with universities to offer financial or administrative help for refugees enrolling in academic programs.
Navigating admissions and academic mobility in Romania doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the key requirements—language proficiency, legal documentation, potential entrance exams—and by leveraging official resources (CNRED, university websites, ministry portals), you can find the fastest and most suitable pathway to continue or begin your studies. Always reach out directly to the faculty or the International Office for specifics, as procedures can vary by institution and by field of study.
Whether you’re transferring from a Ukrainian university or embarking on a new academic journey, Romanian higher education institutions have set up flexible, refugee-focused policies to ease your transition. Remember: ask about rolling admissions or special calls, check faculty guidelines for exam/portfolio requirements, and explore the Ministry of Education and ProtectieUcraina websites regularly for any new updates or support programs. Good luck on your academic path in Romania!