Top 10 Universities in Romania in 2026. Romania has steadily emerged as one of Europe’s most attractive and underrated study destinations. Beyond its medieval cities, Carpathian landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Romania offers globally recognized degrees, affordable tuition, low living costs, and a growing number of English-taught programs.
In 2026, Romanian universities continue to strengthen their global reputation, particularly in engineering, medicine, IT, economics, social sciences, and research-based disciplines. Thanks to alignment with the Bologna Process, degrees awarded in Romania are recognized across the European Union and many other regions worldwide.
This long-form guide explores the Top 10 Universities in Romania in 2026, explains why Romania is an excellent choice for international students, and provides actionable tips for admissions, scholarships, and SEO-friendly academic planning.
Why Study in Romania in 2026?
Before diving into the rankings, it is important to understand why Romania stands out among European study destinations.
Key Advantages of Studying in Romania
- Internationally recognized degrees aligned with the Bologna System
- Affordable tuition fees compared to Western Europe
- Low cost of living, especially outside Bucharest
- Wide range of English-, French-, and German-taught programs
- Strong emphasis on STEM, medicine, and engineering
- One of the fastest internet infrastructures in the world
- Safe cities and student-friendly environments
Romania is particularly appealing to students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East who seek high-quality European education without high financial barriers.
How We Selected the Top Universities in Romania for 2026
The universities listed below were selected based on multiple indicators:
- National and international rankings
- Academic reputation and research output
- International student enrollment and support services
- Availability of English-taught programs
- Graduate employability and EU recognition
- Institutional history and global partnerships
The list is ordered by city for easier comparison.
1. Transilvania University of Brașov
Located in the heart of Romania, Transilvania University of Brașov is one of the country’s largest and most dynamic public universities. It has built a strong reputation for aligning academic programs with labor market needs, sustainability, and innovation.
Key Highlights
- Over 20,000 students and 800 academic staff
- Programs taught in Romanian, English, German, and French
- Strong focus on applied sciences, engineering, and economics
- Excellent student life in a historic and affordable city
Popular Fields
- Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science and IT
- Economics and Business Administration
- Environmental Sciences
Best for: Students seeking a balance between academic quality, affordability, and quality of life.
To Apply, click here (Start Your Application here).
2. University of Bucharest
The University of Bucharest is one of Romania’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It is a research-intensive institution with strong international collaborations across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Key Highlights
- Around 32,000 students enrolled
- Over 100 global university partnerships
- Strong Erasmus+ and exchange programs
- Wide academic offerings from Bachelor to PhD
Popular Fields
- Natural Sciences
- Political Science and International Relations
- Law
- Humanities and Social Sciences
Best for: Students interested in research, academic careers, and international exposure.
To Apply, click here (Start Your Application here).
3. University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest
University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest is Romania’s largest and most influential technical university. It has played a critical role in training engineers and innovators for both Romania and the European Union.
Key Highlights
- Approximately 23,000 students
- Strong partnerships with global tech companies
- Modern labs and industry-aligned curricula
- Emphasis on innovation and applied research
Popular Fields
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Robotics and Automation
- Artificial Intelligence
- Civil and Mechanical Engineering
Best for: Engineering and technology-focused students aiming for high employability.
To Apply, click here (Start Your Application here).
4. Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE)
ASE is Romania’s leading institution for economics, business, finance, and management education. It is highly internationalized and offers extensive student support services.
Key Highlights
- Nearly 22,000 students across 12 faculties
- Programs taught in English, French, and German
- Dedicated career guidance and international offices
- Strong links with multinational companies
Popular Fields
- Finance and Banking
- International Business
- Accounting
- Management and Marketing
Best for: Students pursuing business-oriented degrees with strong career prospects.
To Apply, click here (Start Your Application here).
5. Babeș-Bolyai University
Babeș-Bolyai University is the largest university in Romania and one of the most multicultural institutions in Eastern Europe.
Key Highlights
- Over 41,000 students
- Instruction in Romanian, Hungarian, English, French, and German
- High admission acceptance rate for international students
- Strong student services and exchange programs
Popular Fields
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics and Physics
Best for: International students seeking a diverse and inclusive academic environment.
To Apply, click here (Start Your Application here).
6. Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
This university is recognized for its advanced engineering education and research output. It places strong emphasis on innovation and international cooperation.
Key Highlights
- Approximately 12,500 students
- Over 200 international academic partnerships
- Strong Erasmus+ participation
- Modern research facilities
Popular Fields
- Software Engineering
- Electronics and Telecommunications
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronics
Best for: Students aiming for technical careers in Europe’s innovation-driven industries.
To Apply, click here (Start Your Application here).
7. Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași
As Romania’s oldest modern university, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University is known for its academic rigor and historical significance.
Key Highlights
- First Romanian university to implement the Bologna Process
- Over 23,000 students
- Flexible academic structures, including major-minor systems
- More than 400 international partners
Popular Fields
- Economics
- Law
- Computer Science
- Humanities
Best for: Students seeking academic flexibility and international recognition.
To Apply, click here (Start Your Application here).
8. Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași
This is one of the oldest technical universities in Eastern Europe, with a long-standing tradition in engineering education.
Key Highlights
- Around 17,000 students
- Strong engineering heritage
- EU-aligned curricula
- Active research and innovation projects
Popular Fields
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Architecture
- Electrical Engineering
Best for: Students pursuing engineering degrees with strong European compatibility.
To Apply, click here (Start Your Application here).
9. West University of Timișoara
The West University of Timișoara is known for its international focus and strong humanities and sciences programs.
Key Highlights
- Over 350 international exchange agreements
- 19 foreign-language study programs
- Strong academic accreditation abroad
- Research-oriented teaching model
Popular Fields
- Economics and Business
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Political Science
Best for: Students interested in exchange programs and international careers.
To Apply, click here (Start Your Application here).
10. Politehnica University of Timișoara
One of the largest technical universities in Central and Eastern Europe, Politehnica University of Timișoara combines academic excellence with practical training.
Key Highlights
- Around 12,000 students
- Strong industrial placements
- Bologna-aligned programs
- High graduate employability
Popular Fields
- Information Technology
- Automation and Control
- Electronics
- Mechanical Engineering
Best for: Career-focused students seeking practical engineering education.
To Apply, click here (Start Your Application here).
Tuition Fees and Living Costs in Romania (2026 Estimate)
Average Tuition Fees
- Bachelor’s programs: €2,000 – €4,000 per year
- Master’s programs: €2,500 – €5,000 per year
- Medical programs: €6,000 – €8,000 per year
Average Living Costs
- Accommodation: €150 – €350 per month
- Food: €150 – €250 per month
- Transportation and utilities: €50 – €100 per month
Romania remains one of the most affordable EU countries for international students.
Scholarships for International Students in Romania
- The ARICE Scholarship | Fully Funded Scholarship in Europe 2026 for Romanian Universities
- Bucharest Summer University 2025 in Romania – Fully Funded Summer School in Europe
- Transilvania Academica Scholarship 2025 in Romania (Fully Funded)
- Romania Government Scholarship Program (Fully Funded)
- Volunteer In Romania 2025 | Fully Funded
- Romania Announces International School Job Openings with Attractive Salaries (2026)
Actionable Tip: Always apply early and prepare academic transcripts and recommendation letters in advance.
Is Romania Right for You?
Romania offers a compelling mix of quality education, affordability, cultural diversity, and EU-recognized qualifications. The universities listed above represent the best options for students planning to study in Romania in 2026.
If you are planning to study abroad in Europe, start by shortlisting universities from this guide, researching scholarship options, and preparing your documents early. Bookmark this post, share it with other students, and continue optimizing your study abroad strategy by staying updated with the latest admissions and scholarship opportunities.
