136,093
#121.6 km²
Sibiu County
Historical region of Transylvania
Sibiu is one of Romania’s most student-friendly mid-sized cities: historic, walkable, and plugged into a growing innovation and cultural scene. As a study destination, Sibiu balances academic depth at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu (ULBS) with an international calendar of festivals and museums—great for students who want a compact city that still feels global. The local economy is anchored by IT & services, automotive suppliers, tourism, and public institutions, offering varied internship pathways while you study.
The city’s architectural core—its Upper and Lower Towns—sits 10–15 minutes from most university facilities, compressing commutes and costs. According to Romania’s official census (RPL 2021), Sibiu Municipality is among Transylvania’s larger urban centers, a scale that supports strong services without big-city prices.
Sibiu is the seat of Sibiu County, in Romania’s Centru development region, set on the Transylvanian Plateau at the foot of the Southern Carpathians. The municipality is connected to national corridors by rail, national roads (DN1/E68), and an international airport 10–15 minutes from the center. The city’s official population baseline comes from RPL 2021 definitive results (municipal level), published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
Sibiu International Airport (SBZ) links directly into the local bus network (TURSIB), with the terminal bus stop at the airport gate—useful for late-arriving students.
Status: Sibiu is a county capital (municipiu, county seat). For county-level profiles and comparative indicators, see INS Direcția Județeană de Statistică Sibiu and regional dossiers compiled by the Regional Development Agency (ADR Centru).
Discover the charm of Sibiu, Romania—a city full of history, culture, and student life. Plan your stay or studies with expert guidance from Stinwo International Agency today!
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Population | 136,093 |
Area | 121.6 km² |
County | Sibiu County |
Region | Historical region of Transylvania |
Timezone | EET (UTC+2) |
Climate | Cool temperate (continental influence); four seasons |
Average Temperature | Typical: warm summers, cold winters |
Languages | |
Monuments | The Memorial Tower, The Council’s Tower, Ruins of St. Ladislaus Chapel |
The city’s districts and neighborhoods reflect a mix of historic charm, modern housing, and easy connections by public transport. Students can explore these options to find the best match for their daily routines and preferences.
Sibiu provides several key areas that are especially suitable for students, offering different balances of affordability, convenience, and lifestyle. Each neighborhood has its own strengths, from central locations to quieter residential settings.
Sibiu’s higher-education ecosystem centers on Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu (ULBS)—a comprehensive public university with programs in Romanian and select tracks in English/other languages—complemented by the “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy (AFT), a nationally accredited military institution. National statistics for 2024–2025 confirm stable student volumes country-wide, with ULBS maintaining a strong regional intake and international partnerships.
Sibiu is home to two leading higher education institutions that shape both academic and professional life in the city. Universitatea „Lucian Blaga” din Sibiu offers a wide range of programs and an active international community, while Academia Forțelor Terestre „Nicolae Bălcescu” provides specialized military training and leadership education.
National higher-education reports (Ministry of Education) and ULBS’s institutional data underpin Sibiu’s student community size; consult the 2023–2024 Higher Education Report for system-level figures and ULBS rectorate publications for exact campus numbers by faculty.
Subject | Cost |
|---|---|
Accommodation | €80–140 (ULBS dorm) / €300–500 (private 1-bed) |
Food & Groceries | €150–220 |
Transportation | €16–20 |
Utilities | €60–100 |
Entertainment | €60–120 |
Healthcare | €10–30 |
Total Monthly | €380–990 |
Transportation | Status |
|---|---|
Metro (Metrorex) | No |
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB) | Yes |
Taxi/Ride_hailing | Yes |
Sibiu is considered one of the safer cities in Romania, with a low overall crime index and high safety ratings for residents and visitors. Everyday risks such as theft, assault, or vandalism are reported at low levels, and violent crime remains uncommon.
Walking alone is generally safe, especially during the day, while nighttime safety is still rated positively. The main challenge identified by locals is corruption, which is perceived as more widespread than street-level crime. Overall, Sibiu provides a secure environment for students and international residents, making it a welcoming city to live and study in.
Options | Cost |
|---|---|
University Dorms | €80–140 (Shared rooms; utilities included; proximity to faculties) |
Private Student Dorms | €200–300+ (Enhanced amenities; limited stock) |
Shared Apartments | €180–250 per student (2–4 students) |
Studios | €320–450+ (Independent living; lower utility usage) |
Host Families | €350–500 (full board) |
ULBS publishes annual cazare calendars, online platform access, and rules (Aug–Sept windows for 2025 intake). Private rentals: use faculty/student associations and reputable agencies; always request a registered contract.
Recommended areas: Centru (walkable, pricier), Hipodrom & Ștrand (budget + bus), Turnișor (airport access).
Cinemas in major malls; seasonal festival calendar; live music venues around the Historic Center.
Sibiu offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for students, blending historic charm with modern amenities. The city’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot or by public transport, connecting students to universities, cafés, libraries, and cultural sites.
Numerous theaters, museums, and art galleries; annual events like the Sibiu International Theatre Festival provide rich cultural experiences.
A wide range of cafés, bars, and pubs popular with students; the Historic Center is a hub for socializing.
Parks, gyms, and sports complexes offer opportunities for fitness and outdoor activities.
Active student clubs, Erasmus Student Network (ESN), and university societies organize social, academic, and volunteering activities.
A variety of housing options from dormitories to private apartments; reasonable costs for food, transport, and entertainment.
Sibiu is one of Romania’s safer cities, making it comfortable for students to explore independently during the day or evening.
Overall, Sibiu combines academic opportunities with an active social and cultural life, making it an ideal city for both local and international students.
Sibiu has four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters characteristic of central Romania’s continental regime. For official climate characterizations and seasonal summaries, consult ANM (Meteo România).
Sibiu’s cuisine blends Saxon, Romanian, and Hungarian influences—think ciorbă, stews, Transylvanian pies—served in the historic squares and side streets.
Student Work Rights: Non-EU students with temporary residence for studies can work without an employment permit, part-time up to 6 hours/day, with an individual labor contract. EU/EEA students may work without restrictions. Always confirm your status with IGI.
Breakfast near Piața Mare (~€4–6), short bus ride on TURSIB to class (or walk from Centru).
Lunch at a campus cafeteria (€4–6), study at the library, errands at Promenada or Shopping City.
Dinner with friends in the Old Town (€8–12), theatre night at TNRS or museum late events.
ASTRA Park & Museum, mountain day trips, volunteering at cultural institutions.
