Romania has become one of the most affordable and student-friendly study destinations in Europe, especially for international students who want to study without IELTS or TOEFL. For the 2026 intake, many Romanian universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate instead of English language tests.
An MOI certificate is an official letter from your previous school or university confirming that your degree was taught and assessed entirely in English. This option allows students to apply for fully funded and tuition-waiver scholarships without spending money on English exams.
Romania offers EU-recognized degrees, low tuition fees, affordable living costs, safe cities, and a welcoming academic environment, making it an excellent choice for international students.
Why Study in Romania Without IELTS?
Many Romanian universities accept MOI certificates instead of IELTS or TOEFL
Tuition fees are very low even without scholarships, usually €2,000–€5,000 per year
Living costs are among the lowest in the EU, around €400–€800 per month
Safe and welcoming society with English widely spoken at universities
Post-study options include a 9-month job-search stay and work permit pathways
Over 50,000 international students from more than 150 countries
Wide range of English-taught programs in almost every field
Easy Schengen visa access for travel across Europe
Top Universities in Romania Without IELTS (MOI Accepted)
The following universities commonly accept an English Proficiency Certificate or MOI letter instead of IELTS/TOEFL. Always confirm with the admissions office before applying.
- University of Bucharest – Historic and top-ranked, strong in humanities and social sciences
- Babeș-Bolyai University – Multicultural campus with many English-taught programs
- West University of Timișoara – Known for sciences, arts, and economics
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University – Strong research reputation
- University of Craiova
- Ovidius University
- Politehnica University of Bucharest – Leading engineering and technology university
- Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
- University of Galați
- University of Petroșani
Tip: Always email the admissions office to confirm MOI acceptance. Most Romanian universities respond quickly and positively.
Major Romanian Scholarships Without IELTS 2026
Romanian Government Scholarships (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs
Covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, accommodation, and medical insurance
MOI accepted instead of IELTS
Around 85 scholarships awarded each year
Scholarships Offered by the Romanian State to Foreign Citizens (MFA)
Full funding for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
Includes tuition, stipend, accommodation, and health insurance
MOI accepted
Available for non-EU citizens
Scholarships from the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Business Environment
Around 40 fully funded scholarships annually
Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
Covers tuition and living expenses
MOI accepted
University of Bucharest Scholarships
Merit-based, scientific performance, and special scholarships
Partial to full tuition fee waivers
MOI accepted
Transilvania Academica Scholarships
Full tuition, accommodation, and monthly allowance
Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students
MOI accepted
CEEPUS Scholarship Program
Fully funded exchange semesters or full-degree programs
MOI accepted
Participating universities include the University of Bucharest and Politehnica University of Bucharest
How to Study in Romania Without IELTS
Request a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous institution
Choose a Romanian university and program that accepts MOI
Apply online through the official university portal
Submit MOI certificate instead of IELTS or TOEFL
Receive an offer letter and apply for a Romanian student visa
Visa processing usually takes 4–8 weeks
Important tip: Always confirm MOI acceptance by email before submitting your application.
Living Costs in Romania (2026 Estimate)
Average monthly living costs range between €400 and €800
Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca: €500–€900
Smaller cities like Timișoara, Iași, and Craiova: €400–€700
Shared accommodation: €200–€400
Food: €150–€250
Public transport: €20–€50
Most government-funded scholarships cover tuition and living costs very well.
Application Checklist
Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
Academic transcripts
Valid passport
Strong motivation letter
Online application submission
Track application status regularly
Prepare visa documents after acceptance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not confirming MOI acceptance with the university
Applying to programs that strictly require IELTS
Late applications
Weak or generic motivation letters
Incomplete or incorrect document uploads
