This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current EU and Romanian immigration guidance. You can confirm current rates and costs through our Romanian Visa Application Guide.
International students accepted to study at a Romanian university or accredited higher education institution must apply for a Romania Student Visa (Type D/SD). This long-stay visa allows students from non-EU/EEA countries to live and study in Romania for periods exceeding 90 days. The process is regulated by Government Emergency Ordinance No. 194/2002 and supervised by the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs (IGI) and Ministry of Education.
Who Needs a Romania Student Visa
A student visa is required if you:
- Are a non-EU or non-EEA citizen accepted to a Romanian university or college.
- Plan to stay in Romania for more than 90 days to pursue studies.
- Do not already hold a valid Romanian residence permit or EU long-term residence card.
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not need a visa to study in Romania but must register their residence with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) within 90 days of arrival.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Romania Student Visa, you must:
- Have an official Letter of Acceptance issued by the Romanian Ministry of Education.
- Be enrolled in a full-time course at an accredited institution.
- Provide proof of sufficient financial means, at least the equivalent of one year’s minimum wage in Romania (approx. €3,000).
- Show valid health insurance covering your full period of stay.
- Hold a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended study period.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents when applying for a Romania Student Visa:
- Visa application form completed on the Our eVisa Portal.
- Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years).
- Recent passport-sized photos.
- Official Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education.
- Proof of payment of tuition fees (or scholarship confirmation).
- Proof of accommodation (university dormitory or rental contract).
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the study.
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- Travel health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000.
How to Apply for a Romania Student Visa
The student visa application process typically involves the following steps:
- Obtain your Letter of Acceptance from the Ministry of Education via your university.
- Submit an online visa application..
- Book an appointment at the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate.
- Attend your appointment with original documents and biometrics.
- Await processing and collect your passport once approved.
Processing Times and Fees
- Visa type: Long-stay (D/SD) Student Visa.
- Processing time: 30 to 60 days from the date of submission.
- Visa fee: €120 (non-refundable).
After Arrival: Residence Permit
Within 30 days of arriving in Romania, students must apply for a residence permit at the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) office nearest to their university.
The residence permit allows legal stay for the full academic year and is renewable annually for the duration of the course.
Part-Time Work Rights
Students with a valid residence permit are permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, provided they remain enrolled in full-time education.
Extending a Student Visa
To continue studies beyond the initial visa period, students must apply to extend their residence permit before it expires.
See Visa Extension Guide (2026) for full details.
Universities Accepting International Students
Romania is home to several leading universities that attract international students:
- University of Bucharest.
- Babeș-Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca).
- Politehnica University of Bucharest.
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy.
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (Iași).
Related Guidance
- Romania Visa Eligibility Requirements (2026)
- Romania Visa Documents Required (2026)
- Romania Visa Application Guide (2026)
- Romania Visa Extension Guide (2026)
- Romania Embassy Contact Details (2026)
About This Page
Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team.
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
\Last Updated: 5 January 2026.