Visa and immigration requirements for Masters study in Romania will depend on your nationality. Romania is an EU member, so if you are from the EU you do not need to apply for a visa to study.
All students will require a residence permit to study in Romania – regardless of whether or not they need a visa.
Who needs a visa to study a Masters in Romania?
Students arriving from the EU countries, the European Economic Area, as well as from Canada, Croatia, Japan, Moldova, South Korea, Switzerland, the USA and Serbia do not need a visa to enter Romania.
All other international students are required to apply for a Romanian student visa prior to arrival.
You should begin this process once you have a letter of acceptance from your university. Visas can take up to two months to process, so you must ensure you apply early for your letter of acceptance.
Applications for a Romanian student visa can be made at your closest Romanian embassy or consulate.
How to apply for a Romanian long stay visa
The embassy in your country of origin should be able to help you with applications, so if you are unsure of any part of the process, contact them directly. They will provide you with an application form. Alongside this, you will need:
- Your passport (the original and a certified copy).
- A letter of acceptance. You can apply for this either directly through your university, or request one from the Ministry of Education.
- Proof of means of financial support, whether from your parents or through a student loan or other funding (cash is not accepted).
- Proof that you have obtained health insurance for the duration of your visa.
- Your birth certificate (original and a certified copy).
- Proof that you have paid at least your first year of tuition (original and photocopy).
Payment must be sent directly to the university as soon as you have received your letter of acceptance.
The length of a long-stay visa is 90 days, thus applying for a residence permit is essential (see below).
Can I work on a student visa?
Yes! You have the right to work during your studies (approximately four hours per day). Work placements may also be available as part of your Masters degree. This is particularly likely in professional and vocational subject areas.
Residence permits
All students regardless of their visa requirements will need to apply for a Permit of Temporary Residence. You must contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the area in which you plan to live prior to moving. This is to make sure you will be able to get the temporary residence permit in that area.
Though a temporary residence permit can allow you to stay for longer than 120 days, this will need renewing yearly. You must make sure you apply for your residence permit within 30 days of the expiry date on your visa.
In order to apply, you must provide:
- Your passport (original and copy)
- Proof of suitable accommodation
- Proof of health insurance.