Pharmacy in Romania is becoming an increasingly attractive option for international students looking for European higher education at a comparatively affordable cost. Romania offers pharmacy programs, modern university facilities, international student communities, and opportunities to gain practical knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences.
For students comparing European destinations, Romania can offer a useful balance between tuition costs, living expenses, academic opportunities, and student life.
In this guide, you will learn about:
Pharmacy tuition fees in Romania
Top pharmacy universities
Admission requirements
Application process
Cost of living
Student life
Career opportunities after graduation
Licensing and professional recognition
Frequently asked questions
Why Study Pharmacy in Romania?
There are several reasons international students consider pharmacy in Romania.
Affordable Tuition Fees
Compared with some Western European destinations, Romanian universities can offer comparatively affordable tuition fees for international students. However, fees vary by university, program, language of instruction, and academic year.
Students should always check the current fee published by their chosen university before applying.
European Higher Education Environment
Romania is part of the European Higher Education Area, and its universities operate within the European higher education framework.
However, completing a pharmacy degree does not automatically give a graduate the right to practise as a pharmacist in every European country. Professional registration and recognition requirements depend on the country where you intend to work.
English-Taught Programs
Some Romanian universities offer programs or courses in English, making them accessible to international students who do not speak Romanian.
Before applying, students should verify the exact language of instruction for the pharmacy program they are interested in.
Modern Laboratories and Practical Training
Pharmacy education combines theoretical knowledge with practical learning. Depending on the university, students may have access to:
Pharmaceutical laboratories
Research facilities
Practical training environments
Scientific resources
Laboratory-based coursework
International Student Environment
Romania attracts students from different countries, creating an international campus environment in several major university cities.
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara are among the cities international students commonly consider for higher education.
Pharmacy Fees in Romania 2026
The cost of pharmacy in Romania depends on the university and program.
A general estimate for international students may be around:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition | €4,500–€8,000 |
| Program duration | Approximately 5 years |
| Estimated tuition for the full program | €22,500–€40,000 |
| Monthly living expenses | Approximately €300–€550 |
These figures are indicative rather than fixed. Tuition fees and living costs can change, so students should verify the latest information directly with the university.
In addition to tuition, students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, visa-related expenses, study materials, and personal costs.
Top Universities for Pharmacy in Romania
When researching pharmacy universities in Romania, students should compare tuition fees, admission requirements, program language, curriculum, facilities, location, and professional recognition.
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
is located in Bucharest and is one of Romania’s established medical universities.
Students considering pharmacy should check the university’s current pharmacy program, admission requirements, tuition fees, and language of instruction before applying.
Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy
is located in Cluj-Napoca.
The university offers medical and health-related education and is an institution international students may consider when researching pharmaceutical education in Romania.
Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy
is based in Timișoara.
International applicants should review the university’s current pharmacy admissions information, tuition fees, program language, and eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Tip: Do not select a university only because its tuition fee is low. Check accreditation, curriculum, clinical or practical training, admission rules, and the professional registration requirements of the country where you intend to work.
Admission Requirements for Pharmacy in Romania
Admission requirements for pharmacy in Romania vary between universities and may change from year to year.
International students generally need an appropriate secondary-school qualification and academic documentation.
Academic Requirements
Depending on the university, applicants may need:
High school diploma or equivalent qualification
Academic transcripts
Biology and/or Chemistry background
Passport
Application documents
Other documents requested by the university
Students should confirm whether their secondary-school qualification is accepted before applying.
Entrance Exam or Academic Evaluation
Some universities may use an entrance examination, while others may assess applicants based on their academic records or another admission procedure.
Depending on the institution, the assessment may involve subjects such as:
Biology
Chemistry
Academic performance
Interview or other evaluation
Admission rules should always be checked on the official university website.
English Language Requirements
English-language programs may have specific language requirements.
Depending on the institution, students may be asked for:
IELTS or another accepted English qualification
Proof of previous education in English
Medium of Instruction documentation
University language assessment
Interview
Do not assume that IELTS is automatically unnecessary. Check the exact requirement for your selected program.
Documents Required
International students may be asked to provide:
Passport copy
High school diploma
Academic transcripts
Birth certificate
Medical certificate
Application form
Passport-size photographs
Proof of language proficiency, where applicable
Other documents required by the university or authorities
Some documents may need translation, notarization, legalization, or apostille procedures depending on the applicant’s country and the university’s requirements.
How to Apply for Pharmacy in Romania
The application process can vary by university, but international students can generally expect several stages.
Step 1: Choose a University
Compare universities based on:
Tuition fees
Program language
Admission requirements
Location
Curriculum
Facilities
Recognition and professional requirements
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Review the university’s current admission requirements and confirm that your academic qualifications meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Collect your academic records, passport, certificates, photographs, and any other required documents.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit your application through the university’s designated application system or procedure.
Step 5: Complete Any Required Evaluation
If the university requires an entrance examination, interview, or academic assessment, complete the relevant stage.
Step 6: Receive the Admission Decision
Successful applicants may receive an admission or offer document from the university.
Step 7: Complete Fee and Enrollment Requirements
Follow the university’s instructions regarding deposits, tuition payments, and enrollment.
Step 8: Apply for the Appropriate Visa
Non-EU students should check the current Romanian immigration and visa requirements and prepare the required financial, academic, accommodation, and insurance documents.
Step 9: Travel and Complete Enrollment
After receiving the necessary authorization, students can travel to Romania and complete their university enrollment and other required formalities.
Cost of Living in Romania for Students
One of the reasons students research pharmacy in Romania is the possibility of managing living costs more easily than in some major Western European cities.
A student’s monthly budget may include:
| Expense | Approximate Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €150–€300 |
| Food | €100–€200 |
| Transportation | €20–€40 |
| Personal expenses | €50–€100 |
| Estimated total | €300–€550 |
Actual expenses can be higher or lower depending on the city, accommodation type, lifestyle, and personal spending.
Students living in private accommodation in larger cities should prepare for potentially higher housing costs.
Student Life in Romania
Romania offers international students a mix of historic cities, university communities, cultural experiences, and relatively accessible living costs.
Popular student destinations include:
Bucharest
Cluj-Napoca
Timișoara
Iași
International students can experience a multicultural environment while studying and may have opportunities to participate in student organizations, academic activities, and social events.
Career Opportunities After Pharmacy in Romania
A pharmacy degree can lead to several career paths, but graduates must meet the professional requirements applicable to the country where they want to practise.
Community Pharmacy
Graduates may pursue roles in community pharmacies after completing the relevant education, registration, and licensing requirements.
Hospital Pharmacy
Hospital pharmacy can be another career path, subject to the requirements of the relevant healthcare system and employer.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Pharmacy graduates may also explore non-dispensing roles in areas such as:
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Quality control
Quality assurance
Regulatory affairs
Research and development
Medical or scientific support
Working in Another European Country
Students who plan to work outside Romania should research professional recognition before choosing a university.
The European Commission provides information about the recognition of professional qualifications in EU countries.
For example, graduates considering Germany should check the requirements for pharmacist recognition with the relevant German authorities rather than assuming that graduation alone is sufficient.
Pharmacy Salary After Graduation
Pharmacist salaries vary significantly according to country, employer, experience, specialization, working hours, and professional registration.
For this reason, salary figures should be treated as estimates rather than guaranteed earnings.
Students planning an international career should compare:
Professional licensing requirements
Language requirements
Registration fees
Cost of living
Taxes
Employment conditions
Average pharmacist salaries
A higher salary does not necessarily mean a higher standard of living after taxes and expenses.
Important Things to Check Before Applying
Before choosing pharmacy in Romania, international students should carefully verify the following:
1. University Accreditation and Recognition
Check the university’s official status and the recognition of the specific degree.
2. Program Language
Confirm whether the entire program is taught in English or whether some components require Romanian.
3. Current Tuition Fees
Never rely solely on information from third-party websites. Check the latest official university fee schedule.
4. Professional Recognition
If your goal is to work abroad after graduation, research the licensing and recognition process in your intended country.
5. Language Requirements
Even if your university program is taught in English, the country where you eventually work may require local-language proficiency.
6. Total Budget
Calculate tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, visa costs, and other expenses before making a decision.
Common Mistakes International Students Should Avoid
Students researching pharmacy in Romania for international students should avoid making decisions based only on advertisements or tuition fees.
Common mistakes include:
Choosing a university solely because it is inexpensive
Failing to verify the university and program
Assuming every European pharmacy degree has identical professional recognition
Not checking the language of instruction
Ignoring licensing requirements in the destination country
Preparing documents too late
Underestimating living expenses
Relying on outdated admission information
Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmacy in Romania
Is Romania good for pharmacy?
Romania can be a suitable option for students looking for pharmacy education in a European setting. However, the right choice depends on the university, tuition budget, language, academic requirements, and your long-term career plans.
How much does pharmacy cost in Romania?
International tuition can vary considerably by university. A broad estimate is approximately €4,500–€8,000 per year, but applicants should confirm the current fee directly with their chosen university.
How long is pharmacy in Romania?
Pharmacy education is generally structured as a five-year program in Romania, although students should verify the exact structure and duration of the program they intend to join.
Is IELTS required for pharmacy in Romania?
It depends on the university and program. Some institutions may accept alternative evidence of English proficiency, while others may specify particular language requirements.
Can I work in another European country after graduating?
Potentially, but graduation does not by itself guarantee the right to practise pharmacy in another country. You may need professional recognition, registration, language proficiency, and other requirements established by the destination country.
Is Romania affordable for international students?
Romania can be relatively affordable compared with some European destinations, but actual costs depend on the city, accommodation, lifestyle, and university.
What documents are required to study pharmacy in Romania?
Requirements vary, but international applicants commonly need academic certificates, transcripts, passport documentation, application forms, and other documents specified by the university.
Final Thoughts: Is Pharmacy in Romania Worth Considering in 2026?
Pharmacy in Romania can be an option for international students seeking European higher education with comparatively accessible tuition and living costs.
Before applying, however, students should look beyond the headline tuition fee. Compare universities, verify the current admission requirements, check the language of instruction, calculate your complete budget, and—most importantly—research the professional licensing requirements for the country where you plan to work.
With careful planning and the right university choice, studying pharmacy in Romania can provide a foundation for careers in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical companies, research, quality control, and other areas of the pharmaceutical sector.
Explore More
If you are comparing European study destinations, you can also explore our guide to [Study Pharmacy in Europe in English] and compare tuition fees, admission requirements, and career opportunities across different countries.