2026 - 2027 SAA Rankings for Best Value Universities In Romania For International Students

70 Best Value Institutions in Romania for International Students

Here are the 70 best-value institutions in Romania for international students. Here, you’ll learn more about their rankings, international student population, and their background.

For more than 200 years, the University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest (UPB) has been in the business of training engineers and technologists. It is the oldest and most prestigious technical school in Romania, with students from all over Romania and the world competing to get into its distinguished engineering programs. UPB is also fervently dedicated to research and innovation and is home to many reputable research centers and institutes.

The Polytechnic University of Timisoara maximizes the opportunity to expand its internationalization by participating in framework agreements with institutes and universities around the globe. The university’s main objective is to intensify high-quality European education in order to produce more outgoing and professional graduates in society. Other than its student-centered policies, the university also takes into consideration the welfare of its teachers and educators in order to preserve a healthier and more productive academic environment.

Babes-Bolyai University (UBB), situated in the multicultural Transylvanian region, is a prominent Romanian university highly praised for its unique approach to teaching. UBB offers degree programs aligned with the region’s diverse values and traditions. Several of its courses are taught in different languages, of which students are free to choose from Romanian, German, Hungarian, French, or English.

As an advocate of multiculturalism, UBB is the ideal representation of a culturally diverse university. Its initiatives are very much admired not just in Romania but also by the rest of Europe.

The University of Bucharest (UB) has a rich and strong history that can be traced back to 1694. Its significant contribution is providing superior education, which has become the basis of the country’s modern educational system. This elite institution offers a wide selection of academic programs ranging from natural sciences to foreign languages and literature. UB community comprising highly qualified educators and staff supports students in fulfilling their educational and personal goals. The institute provides access to countless academic resources, encourages students to enroll in exchange programs, participate in off-campus forums, and more.

Formerly the University of Iasi, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Romania and boasts a rich history of research and academic excellence. Since its establishment in 1860, the university has delivered top-class education and produced outstanding graduates, some of which go on to become notable figures in society.

Established in 1913 by the Royal Decree of Carol I of Romania, Bucharest University of Economic Studies is a public research institution of higher learning specializing in business, technology, and innovation. The university is divided into 13 faculties and offers programs across the whole sphere of technology and business, including agribusiness, cybernetics, economics, and public administration. It merges economics and technology in its education, ensuring that its graduates come out with the relevant aptitude needed to thrive in the market economy.

Located in the historic city of Brașov, the Transilvania University of Brașov stands as a testament to Romania’s rich history and culture. The university itself has grown into a multicultural hub and accepts diverse international and European students to its various programs yearly. Students at the Transylvania University of Brasov also enjoy the privilege of schooling close to historic sites and monuments like the Black Church and Strada Sforii.

As a public research institution, the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca not only trains professionals in technical areas but also engages in high-value research to solve pressing global and technological issues. The university is known for making notable research contributions in topics like renewable energy, superconductivity, and nanomaterials. It aims to become one of the leading contributors to science and technology in Europe by developing revolutionary solutions and methods to tackle current problems.

The Dunarea de Jos University of Galati is a prominent institution of higher learning in the southeast of Romania with over forty decades of providing tertiary education to local communities. It started as an agriculture and naval development institute but has since grown into a comprehensive university offering programs in diverse fields of study. However, the university is sought-after in Romania for its internationally recognized and reputable naval and agriculture programs.

One of the members of the Universitaria Consortium, a group of elite Romanian universities, West University of Timisoara is a leading research university with a history of academic excellence. The university has contributed immensely to the development of Romania and can boast of notable individuals among its graduates.

Since its establishment in 1944, West University of Timisoara has been a pioneer in personalizing education. It tailors study plans to meet the needs of students, which allows for a more flexible approach to teaching compared to conventional rigid systems.

While the University of Craiova is recognized internationally for its football club, U Craiova 1948 Club Sportiv, it also outputs impactful research and skilled graduates. As the last university established by the Kingdom of Romania before its dissolution, it combines rich traditional academic history with modern teaching techniques to produce competent and curious individuals. The university is located in Craiova and operates with 14 faculties, including a faculty of theology in reverence to its roots.

With its ever-increasing arsenal of inventions and patents, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava (USV) expresses its desire to be a global leader in knowledge dissemination and societal development. The university is rapidly growing in the academic sphere, and this is shown by the passion of its staff and students for research and innovation. Among employers in Europe, USV is viewed favorably as a university that produces productive and creative individuals for the market economy.

The University of Oradea (UO) is a public university in Oradea, the economic and socio-cultural hub of Western Romania. Oradea city is home to architecturally striking buildings and has a rich tradition with arts. Students who study at UO will have the privilege of schooling in the most influential university in Oradea, with a strong history of collaboration with industries and organizations. In addition, the student will enjoy easy access to professionals, industry leaders, and potential employers.

George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures (UMPhST) is a specialist university in Targu Mures dedicated to the development of medical knowledge and health practices. Since its inception in 1948, UMPhST has continued to evolve and expand its operations. In 2018, UMPhST absorbed Petru Maior University, which led to an unprecedented increase in its academic strength, scope, and facilities.

Named after Lucian Blaga, a popular Romanian poet and philosopher, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu is a comprehensive research university in Sibiu, Romania. It offers numerous courses in diverse fields ranging from theology to science. However, exclusive of course or program, the university emphasizes rigorous and critical thinking as it holds to its unique belief that ‘the mind moves matter.’

Named after a roman poet, Publius Ovidius Naso, who once lived in the area now called Constanta, Ovidius University of Constanta is a public university with two campuses in Constanta. The university offers programs in diverse areas of study, including theology and arts. Most of the programs come nationally and internationally accredited and span all three levels of study from bachelor’s to master’s to Ph.D.

Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, was established as a faculty under the University of Bucharest in 1857 but later became an independent institution in 1923. The university operates with three principal faculties but has numerous research institutes and over 37 clinical hospitals in Bucharest. It is the oldest and largest medical school in Romania, with various accolades attached to its name.

The University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca is a public university in Cluj-Napoca specializing in agriculture and allied areas. It is one of the best places in Romania to study agriculture and is the successor of the prominent Higher School of Agriculture of Cluj. One of the university’s goals is to make Romania a leading center for agricultural innovation development and produce top-tier professionals.

The Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania is an autonomous higher education that was established with the purpose of preserving the Hungarian traditions in Romania. And one way of keeping its customs is by offering study programs taught in the Hungarian language. The university has a massive community welcoming students regardless of background. Guided by its Christian values and principles, it aims to cultivate individuals with qualities exhibiting respect for freedom, openness, and optimism.

The university currently operates on four campuses, with its main campus located in Cluj-Napoca.

The University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova is a comprehensive educational institution that mainly offers programs for students interested in the healthcare industry. Over the years, it has invested in equipment and tools that will improve medical techniques and procedures to provide better healthcare services to society. Its mission is to produce competent graduates that are ready to serve on the frontline.

Named in honor of Grigore T. Popa, the pioneer of modern medical education in Romania, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy is a public university comprised of four divisions. The divisions making up the university are medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and biomedical engineering which can be further divided into eight colleges.

Named after Gheorghe Asachi, the father of Romanian technical education, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi specializes in technology, engineering, and technical education. In addition to its long and rich history of top-tier engineering education, the institution has carved its name internationally and abroad as a leader in technical training and research. All this makes it a highly desirable university for future technical and engineering professionals.

The Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy is Transylvania’s oldest and most prestigious medical university. Since its establishment in 1919, the university has continually produced competent health professionals while leading the way in medical research and innovation. The university offers top-notch medical courses through its three essential faculties of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.

Starting in 1991 as a postgraduate school under the University of Bucharest, the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration has developed into an independent institution but maintains its inherited structure. The university specializes in management and communication and divides itself into four faculties; public administration, public relations, political science, and management.

Founded in 1852, the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest is Romania’s oldest and largest agricultural university. The university integrates Romanian traditions with contemporary methods to achieve holistic results in teaching and agronomy. It also has ample facilities for teaching and research, allowing students and researchers to maximize their potential and disseminate knowledge.

Named in honor of Aurel Vlaicu, a notable Romanian engineer, inventor, and pilot, the Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad is a comprehensive university with a strong background in engineering and technical education. The university owes its rich history in technical education to its predecessor, the Institute of Sub-Engineers, which was founded in 1972 to boost technical education in Romania.

With roots stretching as far back as 1818 during the establishment of the School for Land Surveyors, the Technical University of Civil Engineering, Bucharest, is a prestigious engineering school with a rich history of technical excellence. It is the only university in Romania entirely dedicated to training civil engineers and related professionals. Due to its high level of specialization, the Technical University of Civil Engineering, Bucharest, has Romania’s best civil engineering program.

Known for its technical education, Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau is a university in the historical region of Moldovia. The university has five faculties allowing it to offer a wide range of programs and keep its designation as a comprehensive university. In addition to the five faculties, the university has a doctoral school to facilitate both doctoral and postdoctoral education.

While the Valahia University of Targoviste has roots dating back to the first law school established in Wallachia, it officially became a university in 1991 with the establishment of the Technical and Economic University College. The university comprises ten faculties, and their mission is to train globally viable graduates and conduct high-value research.

Built with the goal of providing equal opportunities for the Hungarian community, the Partium Christian University embodies what it truly means to be part of an all-inclusive community. It aims to shape students with positive attitudes, lead ideal lives, and be socially responsible individuals. Whilst instilling the Hungarian principles in its curriculum, the university ensures to adapt its teaching to the current industry needs.

Spiru Haret University is among the private universities redefining tertiary education in Romania by imitating the Harvard model of learning instead of implementing the conventional European standards. It is the largest private university in Romania and has numerous branches in various cities, but its main campus is located in Bucharest. As a sign that the university values academic achievements, it is named in honor of Spiru Haret, a prominent Romanian astronomer who made fundamental contributions to the n-body problem in celestial mechanics.

Romanian-American University (RAU) is a private university founded in 1991 by the late Prof. Ion Smedescu, who wanted to create a competitive university modeled after the educational systems of North American universities. RAU has gained international recognition for its highly-engaging business and management courses and is known for its outstanding Business Management in Tourism and Aviation program.

Named after the date of the Grand Union of Romania and Transylvania in Alba Iulia, 1 December 1918 University of Alba Iulia is a public university founded in 1991 with history and archaeology departments. The university offers numerous programs beyond history and humanities but holds through to its heritage by excelling in archaeology.

Dimitrie Cantemir Christian University has a rich history of international collaboration with various universities, public entities, research institutions, and profit and non-profit organizations. With its experience in developing globally competitive students, the university is confident when it comes to coordinating bilateral agreements and exchange programs for its students. Throughout the years, Dimitrie Cantemir Christian University has been keen on maintaining an academic environment that is progressive to maximize the talents and skills of students enrolled.

Titu Maiorescu University is a private institution of higher learning with campuses in Bucharest and Targu Jiu. The university comprises nine faculties and offers programs at all levels of study even, including postdoctoral studies. Since its inception in 1990, the university has strived to elevate the quality of higher education in Romania by competing with public universities in delivering outstanding education.

Founded by Vasile Goldis in 1990 to improve the quality of higher learning in Transylvania and Banat, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad has shown it can be a leading private university in Romania. The university combines contemporary teaching methods with an innovative management system to ensure students maximize their potential and become top experts and skilled professionals.

Named after Ion Mincu, a notable Romanian architect, the Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning is a public university in Bucharest specializing in design, architecture, and regional planning. The school perfectly integrates engineering knowledge with design, training architectural professionals that are skilled and flexible enough to meet changing labor demands.

Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS) is an agricultural institution situated in the city of Iasi. The institution offers education to its students at different levels: undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. Its faculties are broken down further into unique specializations. These are the Faculty of Agronomy, Faculty of Horticulture, Faculty of Agro-technique, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

The Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti is an institution of higher learning established by the government in 1948 to develop Romania’s oil and gas sector. Initially established as the Institute of Petroleum and Gas, the Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti became a university in 1993 when it began offering degrees and a wide range of courses.

Agora University of Oradea is one of the best learning institutions in Romania. It seeks to integrate research and practical learning into its teachings in order to heighten the critical skills of its students. With the diverse programs it offers, the university indeed attracts a handful of international students yearly, allowing it to form deep academic relationships with partner universities around the globe.

Constantin Brancusi University is an institution of higher learning in Targu Jiu, a historic city in Romania. The city is known for the Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brancusi, which is one of the greatest outdoor architectural works of the 20th century and was done to honor the Romanian heroes of the first world war.

The university comprises four faculties and a department of teacher training. Notable among the faculties is the faculty of engineering.

Nicolae Titulescu University of Bucharest is a private institution that offers higher-level education to its students through different study programs. The university offers programs in different faculties which include the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, the Faculty of International Relations and Administration, and law school. Through these programs, students have the opportunity to graduate from the different education levels

The University of Petrosani is the successor to Romania’s Institute of Mining, which started operation in 1957. It is located in Petrosani, a city popular for its mining infrastructure and well-developed engineering labor market. As a result of its history and location, the university excels in mining and engineering and so offers the most comprehensive mining courses available in Romania.

Considered the first private institution of higher education in Romania, Hyperion University is a non-profit university located in the heart of Bucharest, the largest city in Romania. The university offers a number of courses and specializations through its different faculties, which are engineering sciences, social, humanistic and natural sciences, legal sciences, journalism, psychology and educational sciences, economic sciences, and arts.

Bucharest National University of Arts located in the capital city of Romania that offers unique education to its students exploiting the different fields of art. Having a good reputation in the region, it prides itself on the preparation and training of students at different professional levels. The University has an exhibition area whereby a variety of exhibitions are carried out both locally and internationally.

Gheorghe Dima National Music Academy is a public music-based institution that prides itself on modernizing the Romanian education system. The institution specializes in musical fields such as Opera Singing, Piano, Violin, harmony, and Counterpoint Composition. The university offers admission to both local and international students interested in pursuing their studies there.

The University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca is an art university in Romania. It is constituted of two faculties, the faculty of fine arts and the faculty of decorative arts and design. UAD was initially called the Fine Arts School of Cluj and changed its name to the Academy of Visual Arts Ioan Andreescu up until 2000, when it officially became the university it is currently. The school offers programs at both undergraduate and graduate programs.

George Bacovia University is a private university in Bacau, Romania, that was founded in 1992 and received accreditation in 2002. Host to about 881 students, the university offers seven study programs at the bachelor level and sic master study programs through one faculty, the faculty of economic, juridical, and administrative sciences.

Founded in 1990, the Ecological University of Bucharest received institutional accreditation in 2003 and is the only institution with an ecological profile in Romania. The university operates with a mission to train highly skilled specialists and provide them with the necessary skills necessary for their specific fields. In doing so, the university also hopes to develop scientific research and contribute to the development of society.

Constanta Maritime University primarily focuses on marine programs with the mission of providing continuous development in the Romanian and European markets. With the fact the labor market significantly relies on shipments, the university is even more eager to offer advanced academic knowledge that will enhance the competency of its students. In the coming years, the university sees itself as a peddler of continued learning and universal values.

The Petre Andrei University of Iasi is a prestigious institution developed to carry out educational plans of providing knowledge to students based on the current labor market trends. The university is known for carrying out its activities in and for the community in its vicinity, thus having relations with employers and the business sectors in the region.

National University of Arts George Enescu was established in 1860 to initiate a higher education process for the art discipline. It is dedicated to providing rigorous training and teaching students to become responsible professionals. The institution offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree programs in music, choreography, visual arts, and theatre.

University of Arts Targu Mures is an institution that prides itself on educating students in the different fields of art through its comprehensive study programs. Through the programs, the students can improve their creativity in becoming creators as well as specialists in the fields like theatre arts, musical and dramatic arts, and decorative arts. The university aims at enhancing the scientific and artistic services it offers, providing students with knowledge from the undergraduate level, graduate, and postgraduate levels.

Tibiscus University is a private institution established in 1991 that offers higher education to its students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university carries out its study programs to produce graduates that will be suited to contributing to the community as well as the job market. Its establishment in the region was together with the Romanian Association for Unconventional Technologies and the Federation of Associated Farmers, which are also private.

The National University of Physical Education and Sport is an institution that bases its programs on physical health, priding itself in training personnel that specializes in a variety of fields that involve sporting and physical activity. The university is endowed with a faculty of physiotherapy as well as one that involves physical education and sport. It also offers its programs from undergraduate to postgraduate level.

Mihail Kogalniceanu University of Iasi is a well-known private institution established in 1990 with two undergraduate programs in the university and three university master’s programs. The university aims at educating and improving the process of study for its students, this is possible through the different study programs they offer and the research activities carried out at the university.

An affiliate of the Union of Christian Baptist Churches in Romania, the Emanuel University of Oradea is a private university of Baptist heritage. The university officially gained its current name in 1998 and offered undergraduate and graduate courses in fields mainly within the social sciences, with others in technology and language.

Constantin Brancoveanu University is among the private universities established to answer the demand for more higher education schools in the region. The institution offers various study programs, with their master’s programs often specializing in the management field. The programs offered allow students to obtain a nationally acknowledged degree and have higher chances of employment in the region and across the country.

Founded in 1990, Athenaeum University of Bucharest is a private, non-profit university focused on research. It aims to provide quality education to students for the development of its local community, as well as Europe and the world at large. The university prides itself in having numerous partnerships, both at the local and international levels. It offers programs at the bachelor, master, and postgraduate levels.

Host to more than 9000 exceptionally talented students, Andrei Saguna University, is a private institution offering undergraduate and graduate-level courses through its two faculties. The school operates mainly in the Romanian language, but admissions are open to students worldwide who can speak the local language. It has an acceptance rate of about 76%, which is relatively high, making it an ideal institution for students.

Named in honor of Saint Apollonia, Apollonia University is a private university in Romania that was founded in 1991. It is a coeducational institution with two faculties; the Faculty of Dental Medicine and the Faculty of Communication Sciences. The university mainly offers undergraduate programs in the study areas represented by the faculties.

The Institute for Business Administration in Bucharest (ASEBUSS) is a private institution that largely offers business courses. The institution prides itself in being a Romanian institution integrated with American approaches to higher education. It has numerous ties to American institutions as well as other international corporations and is the only Romanian school that is part of the Executive MBA Council.

Located in the largest city in Romania, Artifex University is a private institution that offers study programs in the fields of finance, accounting and management. The school is organized into two faculties, the Faculty of Finance and Accounting and the Faculty of Management, both of which offer a total of five bachelor’s degree programs and five master’s degree programs.

Established as a school of music in 1864, the National University of Music Bucharest underwent a number of significant changes that saw it recognized as an academy in 1931 and finally a public university in 2001. The school is divided into two faculties, one that offers programs focused on composition, musicology, and music pedagogy and another that offers programs focused on musical performance.

Bogdan Voda University of Cluj-Napoca was established in the year 1992, offering higher education to its students through providing comprehensive research programs. It was formed with the mission of delivering quality education and advancing research, and its primary goal continues up to this day. The school prides itself on being a dynamic university that is continuously expanding and adapting to the changes of the world.

The Dragan European University of Lugoj is a private university in Lugoj, Romania, named after the professor who started the initiative to open a higher education school in the region, Professor Iosif Constantin Dragan. The school aims to develop into a scientific research-focused institution of higher learning. It offers academic programs at both bachelor and master levels through its two faculties: the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Law.

Formerly a faculty under the Western University in Romania, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, has developed into a reputable specialist university. The university envisions itself as a future European leader in health research and fervently encourages its students and staff to engage in research and innovative activities. As a result, the university sees its students feature in prominent international medical journals.

Formerly Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Timisoara, the university changed its name to King Michael I University of Life Sciences in 2022 as a testament to its rebranding efforts to evolve from a purely agricultural university to a comprehensive technical university. It is a public university in Timisoara, Romania specializing in agriculture and agronomy-related fields. However, the university has publicized its plans to expand its course offerings and increase its faculties.

Formed in 1954 as a merger of the Institute of Film and the Institute of Theatre, the National University of Theatre and Film “I.L. Caragiale” is a public art university dedicated to training theatre and film professionals. The university offers various courses relating to theatre, performing arts, and film, including game design, animation, and cinematography.

With a contemporary approach to higher education and a student-centered curriculum, Danubius International University is a private university focused on training professionals and specialists in high-demand areas. They hope to provide enough skilled graduates and innovators to meet global labor needs and stimulate national development. The university uses the school method of division instead of the traditional faculties and is divided into four schools in which its school of Law is very prominent.