Preparatory year at Babeș-Bolyai University

Preparatory Year of Romanian Language

Cluj-Napoca

The Preparatory Year at Babeș-Bolyai University is a one-year, Bologna-aligned Romanian language program (typically 60 ECTS) for international students planning to continue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD studies in Romanian. Running from October to June with 25 contact hours per week, it develops general and academic language skills up to at least B1 level and introduces specialized vocabulary based on each student’s intended field. UBB’s strong rankings in QS, THE, EduRank, Webometrics and uniRank, together with national quality assurance by ARACIS, ensure high academic standards and international recognition. Graduates gain the linguistic and cultural foundation needed to enter Romanian-taught degree programs nationwide.

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Tuition Fee

3000 Euro

Duration

1_year

Level of Studies

Languages

romanian

Everything You Need to Know

Duration
1 Year

Start Application
April 1, 2025

Application deadlines
August 8, 2025

Languages

romanian

Delivered
On Campus

Overview

The Preparatory Year at Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB), Cluj-Napoca, is a one-year intensive Romanian language program designed for international candidates who plan to study a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD taught in Romanian. It runs across the full academic year (October–June) and includes 25 teaching hours per week over two semesters, providing systematic training in general and academic Romanian.

Students simultaneously explore Romanian culture and academic expectations, preparing for disciplines ranging from medicine and engineering to business, humanities, and social sciences. The program bridges language, culture, and university life, making it a strategic first step for long-term study in Romania.

Academically, the Preparatory year at Babeș-Bolyai University follows the Bologna model and is framed nationally as a full-time, 60-ECTS study program that ends with an exam at minimum B1 level (CEFR), which is required to access Romanian-taught degrees. Courses combine grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing with field-specific terminology aligned to a chosen future specialization.

Within Romania’s largest university, hosting over 48,000 students and multiple language lines (Romanian, Hungarian, German, English, French), participants benefit from a highly international campus and clear progression routes into accredited programs recognized across the European Higher Education Area.

Preparatory year at Babeș-Bolyai University Highlights

Duration & structure: 1 academic year (October–June), 2 semesters; nationally regulated as a 60-ECTS preparatory study program.
Curriculum focus: Intensive Romanian as a foreign language plus culture and specialization-oriented vocabulary (medicine, engineering, economics, humanities, etc.).
Learning methods: 25 teaching hours/week in small groups, interactive seminars, language labs, and continuous assessment rather than a classic entrance exam.
Teaching language(s): Romanian as the language of instruction; admission guidance and documentation available in English and French.
International outlook: Designed specifically for foreign citizens; country-based seat quotas (around 200 places in 2025) and full ECTS compatibility support mobility across Europe.

Programme Structure

The Preparatory Year at Babeș-Bolyai University mirrors the standard academic calendar and is organized as a full-time, 60-ECTS program across two semesters. Teaching activities run from October to June with intensive weekly schedules, ensuring that students can reach the minimum B1 CEFR level required to enroll in Romanian-taught study programs.

Year 1 – Semester 1

Foundations of Romanian (A1–A2): phonetics, core grammar, basic vocabulary, everyday communication.
Introductory courses in Romanian culture and civilization.
Guided practice in oral interaction, listening comprehension, and basic academic reading and writing.

Year 1 – Semester 2

Intermediate Romanian (towards B1): complex grammar, extended vocabulary, writing longer texts, presentations.
Discipline-oriented language modules tailored to the student’s intended field (e.g., medical, technical, legal, economic terminology), as indicated in the application form.
Academic skills in Romanian (note-taking, exam strategies, seminar participation).
Final language examination verifying achievement of at least B1 level, in line with the national framework for preparatory year programs.

The program concludes with a graduation certificate issued by the university, which is used for enrollment into Romanian-taught degree programs in Romania.

Admission Requirements

Certified copy of high school diploma

Certified copy of academic records

Certified copy of birth certificate

Passport and two photos

Health certificate

A Certificate of recognition (for students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland) of the studies

Application Form

Language Proficiency Certificate

Payment proof for application fee

Entrance Examination

File Based

Entrance Type

Academic Records Evaluation

Tuition Fee

3000 Euro

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Babes Bolyai University

Babeș-Bolyai University, located in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, is one of the country’s largest and most prestigious universities. Renowned for its diverse academic programs, vibrant international community, and strong research focus, UBB offers students a dynamic and inclusive environment for learning and personal growth. With a commitment to innovation and global partnerships, the university prepares graduates to succeed in a rapidly changing world.