Romania has some of Europe's oldest technical universities. If you're considering engineering, here's where to study, what it costs, and what your degree is worth.
Romania's technical universities are not new institutions riding a recent wave of investment. The Polytechnic University of Bucharest opened in 1818. The Technical University of Cluj-Napoca has operated continuously since 1948 and traces its engineering roots to the early 20th century. These institutions have produced engineers working across Europe for generations.
For international students, this history matters in a practical way: a degree from a Romanian technical university carries institutional weight that newer programmes in cheaper countries cannot match. Combined with tuition that runs at a fraction of Western European costs, engineering in Romania is one of the better-value propositions on the continent.
Four institutions dominate engineering education in Romania for international students. Each has a different character and a different city context.
Politehnica University of Bucharest (UPB) is the oldest and largest technical university in Romania, with over 20,000 students. It sits in the capital, which means access to Romania's largest job market and the headquarters of most multinational companies operating in the country. The university's faculty of engineering spans 15 departments. English-taught programs are available at both bachelor and master level.
Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (UTCN) consistently ranks among Romania's top technical institutions. Cluj-Napoca itself has become one of the most economically dynamic cities in Central Europe, with a technology sector that draws comparison to European tech hubs. For engineering students looking for internships and post-graduation employment, the city's industry ecosystem is exceptional. See the cities guide and our dedicated how to choose your city article for a fuller comparison.
Politehnica University of Timișoara (UPT) operates in Romania's westernmost major city, which borders Hungary and Serbia. The university has strong European connections through its geographic position and long-standing partnerships with German and Austrian institutions. Students with ambitions to work in Germany or Austria after graduation find the cross-border academic culture here particularly useful.
Technical University Gheorghe Asachi of Iași (TUIASI) serves the northeast of Romania and is the main technical institution for the Moldovan and Ukrainian student communities studying in Romania. Iași is a student city — a third of its population is students — and living costs are among the lowest in Romania.
All four universities teach at least some programs in English. The availability and breadth of English-medium programs has expanded significantly since 2020. As of 2025-2026, you can study the following fields in English at Romanian technical universities:
| Field | Typical degree length | Available at |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 4 years (240 ECTS) | UPB, UTCN, UPT |
| Mechanical Engineering | 4 years | UPB, UTCN, UPT, TUIASI |
| Electrical Engineering | 4 years | UPB, UTCN, UPT |
| Electronics and Telecommunications | 4 years | UPB, UTCN |
| Computer Engineering | 4 years | UPB, UTCN, UPT, TUIASI |
| Automation and Applied Informatics | 4 years | UPB, UTCN, UPT |
| Environmental Engineering | 4 years | UTCN, UPT |
| Chemical Engineering | 4 years | UPB, UPT, TUIASI |
Master's programs in English are available in most fields, typically running 2 years (120 ECTS). A combined bachelor plus master path — six years total — produces a graduate with both the practical foundation and the specialisation needed for senior technical roles.
Engineering tuition at Romanian public universities for international students runs between €3,000 and €5,500 per year depending on the institution and program. Civil and chemical engineering tend to sit at the higher end due to laboratory costs. Computer engineering and automation programs tend to be at the lower end.
Compare this to Germany (€1,500-3,000/year in fees but high living costs and highly competitive admissions), the Netherlands (€8,000-12,000/year), or the UK (£18,000-25,000/year). Romania delivers an accredited EU engineering degree at a fraction of the cost.
Living costs add roughly €400-600 per month depending on the city. Bucharest sits at the top of that range; Iași and Timișoara at the bottom. Over a four-year bachelor program, your total investment in tuition and living runs roughly €25,000-40,000. A comparable program in the Netherlands or UK costs three to four times more.
Romanian technical universities do not typically require an entrance exam for international students applying through the standard admissions route. The main requirements are: completion of secondary education with a focus on mathematics and physics, minimum grade requirements (usually a B or equivalent in relevant subjects), English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5-6.0 or equivalent, or proof of previous English-medium education), and a completed applications package.
You do not need to sit a separate entrance test. You do need to show that your secondary school preparation included adequate maths and science coverage. Students from science streams in their home country meet this requirement easily. Students from arts or humanities-focused secondary programs sometimes need to provide additional evidence of maths preparation.
Read the full application guide for the step-by-step process, and review the documents checklist to understand what you need to submit.
An engineering degree from a Romanian university is an EU degree. Under EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications, engineering qualifications from EU member states receive mutual recognition across the bloc. A Romanian mechanical engineering degree is legally recognised in Germany, France, Austria, the Netherlands, and every other EU country. You do not need to repeat your degree or sit conversion exams to work as an engineer in another EU member state.
The European Commission's professional qualifications framework governs this recognition. For regulated engineering professions — where a professional licence is required — you apply to the relevant national body in your target country. They assess your Romanian qualification against local standards, and in most cases grant recognition.
"We hire graduates from Romanian technical universities regularly. The calibre of their training in fundamentals — mathematics, physics, thermodynamics, structural analysis — is comparable to what we see from German and Dutch graduates. In some areas, particularly mathematics and programming, the Romanian graduates outperform. What employers in Germany and Austria need to see is the diploma, the transcript, and a language certificate. The Romanian degree itself raises no questions."
— Andreas Weber, Engineering Recruitment Director, Continental Automotive, Germany
Romania's industrial base is larger than most international students expect. The automotive sector alone employs over 200,000 people. Dacia (owned by Renault) operates its main production facilities in Pitești. Continental, Bosch, Siemens, and Schneider Electric all have major Romanian operations. These companies actively recruit from Romanian technical universities and offer structured internship programs starting as early as year two of a bachelor program.
Cluj-Napoca stands out as the most internship-rich city for engineering students. The city has the highest concentration of technology and engineering companies per capita of any Romanian city, and the Technical University there has formalised internship agreements with over 150 companies. For students who want industry experience during their degree — not just after — Cluj is the right city.
Our full admissions service includes city and university matching based on your specific engineering field and career goals. When you're ready to choose, contact us and we'll match your field to the right institution and city.
For a broader view of which Romanian city fits your priorities, the cities and fields page covers each major university city in detail.
Yes. Romania is an EU member state. Engineering qualifications from Romanian universities receive mutual recognition across the EU under Directive 2005/36/EC. You can work as an engineer in Germany, France, the Netherlands, or any other EU country with your Romanian degree. For regulated professions requiring a licence, you apply to the relevant national body in your target country for recognition — which is typically granted.
Yes. All four major technical universities offer English-medium bachelor and master programs in engineering fields including civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, and environmental engineering. Program availability varies by institution — confirm the specific program you want is taught in English before applying.
You need a completed secondary school diploma with a maths and science background, minimum grade requirements (typically a B or equivalent in relevant subjects), English proficiency (usually IELTS 5.5-6.0 or equivalent), and a complete application package. Most Romanian technical universities do not require a separate entrance exam for international students.
Tuition runs between €3,000 and €5,500 per year depending on the program and institution. Living costs add roughly €400-600 per month. Total cost over a four-year bachelor program — tuition plus living — typically falls between €25,000 and €40,000. This is three to four times cheaper than comparable programs in the UK or Netherlands.
Yes. Under EU professional qualifications rules, your Romanian engineering degree is eligible for recognition in Germany, France, and other EU member states. For regulated engineering professions, you apply to the national professional body (for example, the Ingenieurkammer in Germany). They review your qualification and in most cases grant recognition. You may need to demonstrate German or French language proficiency for certain roles.
Cluj-Napoca offers the strongest combination of a top technical university (UTCN) and a dense industry ecosystem with internship opportunities in technology and automotive. Bucharest (Politehnica) is best if you want access to Romania's largest job market and corporate sector. Timișoara (Politehnica) suits students with ambitions to work in Germany or Austria after graduation. Iași is best if you want to minimise living costs while attending a well-regarded institution.
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