🇷🇴Romania visa — short-stay through VFS Global

Romania is one of the most affordable routes into a recognised EU degree for Indian students — and, like its neighbours, it is especially well known for English-taught medicine and dentistry at its long-established universities.

Romania is an EU member and has joined the Schengen Area, so a Romanian study visa also gives you short-stay mobility across the wider Schengen zone. After graduation, students can apply for a period to stay and look for skilled work.

For Indian students, the appeal is value: recognised EU degrees, a strong record of teaching international students in English — particularly in the health sciences and engineering — and tuition and living costs well below Western Europe.

The honest counterweights: daily life and most local jobs run in Romanian; winters are continental and cold; and, as with any value destination, choosing a genuinely recognised, well-regarded institution is essential.

What a study visa for Romania involves

Indian students apply for a long-stay (type D) study visa and then a residence permit for study once they hold an admission — and, in Romania's system, a Letter of Acceptance to Studies issued by the Ministry of Education — from a recognised institution. You must show proof of funds for your living costs, alongside your admission, accommodation and health cover. Because Romania is in the Schengen Area, your study visa also allows short visits across the other Schengen countries while you study.

Verified from Romanian Ministry of Education · checked 2026-05-16

Romania visa costs — what to budget

| Route | Government fee (approx, EUR) | Also budget for | |---|---|---| | Long-stay study visa / residence permit | A defined fee | Proof of funds, tuition, health insurance | | Schengen short-stay visa | Around €90 | Trip funds, travel insurance |

Romania visa processing times

| Route | Typical processing | Note | |---|---|---| | Long-stay study visa / residence permit | Several weeks to a few months | The Letter of Acceptance step takes time — start early | | Schengen short-stay visa | Around 15 days | Slower in peak travel seasons |

Where Indian students go in Romania

Romania's universities are respected within the region, with a particular reputation in medical education. The University of Bucharest is the broad national flagship; "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest and "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine in Iași are well known for English-taught medicine; and Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca is a large, respected institution. Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași and Timișoara are the main student cities. Confirm the institution and programme are properly recognised before applying.

The Indian community in Romania

Romania's Indian community is young and growing, driven mainly by students — many in medicine — and concentrated in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Iași. Indian groceries and a student community exist in the main cities, though the network is modest. The climate is continental, with cold winters and warm summers.

Why Lifeset Overseas for your Romania visa

We are a licensed visa consultancy in Patiala, Punjab. You get one consultant from your first call to the visa decision, an honest assessment of whether Romania and your chosen institution fit your goals, and fixed, disclosed fees. We prepare the study visa file — including the Letter of Acceptance step — correctly and in good time.

Romania visa FAQs

Why is Romania popular for medicine? Romania's universities have a long record of teaching medicine and dentistry in English to international students, offering recognised EU degrees at a far lower cost than Western Europe.

Are courses in Romania taught in English? Yes — English-taught programmes are available, with a strong concentration in medicine, dentistry and engineering.

How much money do I need for a Romania study visa? Romania requires proof you can cover your living costs for the period of study, on top of tuition. See our proof of funds guide.

What is the Letter of Acceptance to Studies? A document issued through Romania's Ministry of Education confirming your admission. It is a required step before the study visa, and it takes time — so start early.

Is Romania affordable? Yes — tuition and living costs are among the lowest in the EU, which is the country's main draw.

Can I work while studying in Romania? Students can work alongside their studies within the rules for student permits. Treat it as support, not funding.

Can I stay in Romania after my degree? Yes — graduates can apply for a period to stay and look for skilled work.

Does a Romanian visa let me travel in Schengen? Yes. A Romanian study visa allows short visits across the other Schengen countries while you study.

Do I need IELTS for Romania? For English-taught programmes, yes — usually IELTS or TOEFL to the level your programme sets. Medical programmes often also set an entrance examination.

My Schengen visa was refused — what now? Identify the exact reason, then appeal within the deadline or reapply with a stronger file. See our Schengen visa rejection guide.

Further reading

• Study visa hub — compare Romania with other destinations
• Proof of funds for a study visa — how much to show and how
• Schengen visa rejection from India — reasons and recovery