The Romanian Language Preparatory Year is an intensive and foundational academic program specifically designed for international students who plan to pursue higher education at Romanian universities. This preparatory course plays a crucial role in helping students acquire the necessary linguistic competence and cultural awareness needed to succeed in Romanian-taught academic programs. As of 2025, it remains one of the most accessible pathways for foreign applicants aiming to integrate smoothly into Romania’s higher education system.
Romanian Language Preparatory Year Program Structure
Typically lasting one full academic year and divided into two semesters, the Romanian Language Preparatory Year provides extensive training in language skills, structured to gradually guide students from beginner to intermediate proficiency. The comprehensive curriculum encompasses reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises, while also integrating components of Romanian history, geography, culture, and civilization to enrich students’ contextual understanding of the language.
At institutions like POLITEHNICA Bucharest, the first semester introduces students to Romanian through levels A1 and A2, focusing on basic grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and everyday conversational scenarios. Cultural modules are also introduced to help students understand local norms, traditions, and etiquette.
The second semester builds on this foundation with more advanced content, guiding students toward a B1 level of proficiency. Additionally, students begin to specialize in academic vocabulary relevant to their intended university fields, whether technical, scientific, medical, or social.
Titu Maiorescu University offers a similarly structured program. During the first semester, students focus on developing essential communication abilities, pronunciation, and comprehension. In the second semester, emphasis is placed on professional terminology and subject-specific language skills related to the student’s future academic path, including disciplines such as medicine, engineering, economics, law, and the humanities.
Romanian language preparatory year requirements
Romanian language preparatory year requirements generally include the completion of secondary education, such as a high school diploma or its equivalent. While specific Romanian language preparatory year requirements may vary slightly from one institution to another, common criteria often involve submitting an application form, authenticated copies of academic transcripts, a high school diploma, a birth certificate, a valid passport, proof of permanent residence, and a recent medical certificate. In many cases, meeting Romanian language preparatory year requirements also involves providing proof of payment for processing fees.
For example, the University of Oradea outlines its Romanian language preparatory year requirements by requesting all application documents to be submitted electronically, while requiring original documents to be presented upon arrival. The application period for fulfilling Romanian language preparatory year requirements usually starts in early spring and may extend through late summer, depending on the university’s schedule.
Additionally, some universities support applicants by offering guidance on visa application procedures and accommodation options, further simplifying the process of meeting Romanian language preparatory year requirements for international students.
Tuition Fees for Romanian Preparatory Year
Tuition fees for the Romanian Language Preparatory Year vary depending on the university and the applicant’s nationality. Non-European Union (non-EU) students generally pay higher fees than EU or EEA citizens. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Bucharest University charges 2,900 Euros annually. Meanwhile, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, charges 2000 Euros.
Politehnica University Timișoara sets its tuition at €1,980 per year for non-EU students, with reduced fees for EU citizens and ethnic Romanians from abroad. Some universities may offer payment plans or limited scholarships for outstanding applicants, although funding opportunities for this program are typically limited.
Prospective students are encouraged to consult individual university websites for up-to-date information on tuition costs, deadlines, and required documentation. It is also advisable to begin the application process well in advance, as spots may be limited and processing times vary. In the table below, we have mentioned the tuition fee of Preparatory year in Romanian for various universities in 2025:
| University Name | Tuition Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| University of Bucharest | €2900 |
| Victor Babeș University | €2000 |
| University Politehnica of București | €2430 – €8730 |
| Academy of Economic Studies (ASE) | €3000 |
| Technical University of Timișoara | €1980 |
Best University for preparatory year in Romanian
Many institutions across the country are considered the Best University for preparatory year in Romanian, offering international students the opportunity to gain essential language skills before beginning their academic journey. The Best University for preparatory year in Romanian can be found in both large urban centers like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași, as well as smaller but equally reputable academic cities such as Alba Iulia and Suceava.
Each Best University for preparatory year in Romanian provides a rich selection of academic programs, including Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Biomedical Sciences. Choosing the Best University for preparatory year in Romanian allows students to integrate smoothly into both the educational system and cultural life of Romania. Below is a comprehensive list to help future students find the Best University for preparatory year in Romanian that matches their academic and personal goals:
| University Name | Academic Programs |
|---|---|
| University Politehnica of Bucureşti | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts |
| University Tehnică de Construcţii of Bucureşti | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts |
| University of Bucureşti | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| Economic Studies Academy of Bucureşti | Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Engineering |
| University “1 Decembrie 1918” of Alba Iulia | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University “Aurel Vlaicu” of Arad | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education, Biological and Biomedical Sciences |
| University “Vasile Alecsandri” of Bacău | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University “Transilvania” of Braşov | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University Tehnică of Cluj-Napoca | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences |
| University “Babeş-Bolyai” of Cluj-Napoca | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University “Ovidius” of Constanţa | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University of Craiova | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University “Dunărea de Jos” of Galaţi | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” of Iaşi | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University of Oradea | Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts |
| University of Piteşti | Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts |
| University “Lucian Blaga” of Sibiu | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts |
| University “Ştefan cel Mare” of Suceava | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University “Petru Maior” of Târgu Mureş | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts |
| University de Vest of Timişoara | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University Creştină “Dimitrie Cantemir” of Bucureşti | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Sports Sciences and Physical Education |
| University “Titu Maiorescu” of Bucureşti | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences |
| University Româno-Americană of Bucureşti | Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences |
| University “Spiru Haret” of Bucureşti | Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts |
Romanian Language Preparatory Year at UMFT
The Romanian Language Preparatory Year at Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMFT) offers international students a one-year program designed to help them gain the necessary Romanian language skills for pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies. The Romanian Language Preparatory Year is available for the 2025–2026 academic year, with 40 seats for non-EU candidates, 5 for EU candidates, and 2 for Romanians Everywhere.
Applications open on June 2, 2025, and the deadline is July 25, 2025. The total cost of the Romanian Language Preparatory Year includes a tuition fee of €2000, a non-refundable file processing fee of €200, a place confirmation fee of €300, and a 100 RON enrollment fee payable in cash.
To enroll in the Romanian Language Preparatory Year, students must obtain a Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education, confirm their place within the university’s deadlines, pay all applicable fees, and, if required, secure a D-SD study visa. The Romanian Language Preparatory Year at Victor Babeș University is a valuable step toward academic success in Romania, offering both high-quality instruction and comprehensive support for international applicants.
Romanian Language Preparatory Year at UB
The Romanian Language Preparatory Year at UB (University of Bucharest) is a one-year program tailored for international students aiming to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies in Romania. The Romanian Language Preparatory Year at UB equips students with essential Romanian language skills, enabling them to succeed in academic fields such as Humanities and Arts, Social Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Sports and Physical Education.
Applications for the Romanian Language Preparatory Year at UB open on February 24, 2025, and the deadline to apply is June 30, 2025. The total tuition fee for the program is €2900, with an additional non-refundable admission fee of €100. The Romanian Language Preparatory Year at UB offers students an excellent foundation in both language and academic integration, making it a strategic choice for those planning to continue their studies in Romania.
Romanian Language Preparatory Year at Politehnica Bucharest
The Romanian Language Preparatory Year at Politehnica Bucharest is a mandatory, full-time academic program for international students who wish to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Romanian but lack a valid language certificate. Registration period starts from February 17, 2025, to July 31, 2025.
The program is structured in two semesters. In the first semester, students study Romanian language at levels A1–A2, along with Romanian culture and civilization. The second semester focuses on Romanian language at the B1 level, including an introduction to specialized vocabulary relevant to each student’s future field of study. Upon successfully passing all required exams, students receive a graduation certificate, which is essential for applying to Romanian-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programs.
The Romanian Language Preparatory Year at Politehnica Bucharest equips students with academic language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as subject-specific terminology. Tuition fees range from €2430 to €8730, depending on the chosen field of future study.
5 Advantages of Romanian Language Preparatory Year
Participation in the Romanian Language Preparatory Year provides international students with a range of tangible and long-term benefits:
- Language Proficiency: By the end of the program, students are expected to reach at least a B1 level of proficiency in Romanian, enabling them to follow lectures, write academic papers, and interact confidently in university and daily life settings.
- Cultural Integration: The program introduces students to Romanian customs, societal norms, and historical context, which are vital for effective social integration and understanding the environment they will live and study in.
- Academic Preparedness: Students gain not only linguistic skills but also academic terminology and practices specific to their intended study area, making them better equipped to handle the challenges of undergraduate or postgraduate coursework in Romanian.
- University Admission: Successful completion of the preparatory year is a prerequisite for enrolling in most Romanian-taught degree programs. The certification awarded is recognized by universities across the country, which ensures a smooth academic transition.
- Community and Support: Many universities offer additional support services such as language tutoring, student mentoring, and cultural events, which foster a sense of belonging and help students build international networks.
Conclusion
In summary, the Romanian Language Preparatory Year is more than just a language course—it is a comprehensive orientation program that opens doors to higher education opportunities in Romania. By combining rigorous language training with cultural immersion and academic preparation, the program equips students with the tools they need to thrive in their chosen fields. As Romania continues to attract students from all over the world, the Preparatory Year stands as an essential step in bridging the gap between international backgrounds and Romanian academic life.
