Key takeaways
Romanian students applying to universities abroad – and international learners considering study in Romania – face two distinct sets of requirements. Diploma recognition, language requirements, visa processes, and tuition structures differ significantly between Romanian universities, US institutions, and EU universities. This guide maps the key pathways and explains where a WASC-accredited diploma fits into each.
- Romanian higher education follows the Bologna system – three cycles, ECTS credits, internationally recognized degrees
- International students applying to Romanian universities need CNRED diploma recognition, certified document translation, and in most cases a student visa through the Romanian embassy
- AP scores from Legacy are accepted at 500+ universities in 75+ countries – including US, EU, and Romanian institutions
- Legacy's college guidance program supports pupils through the full application process
Contents
We are a US-accredited international online school that coexists with local schooling. Families are responsible for ensuring compliance with any local education requirements applicable to their situation.
Applying to Romanian Universities as an International Student
Romania has a structured admission process for international students. The application file typically includes the original diploma with a Hague apostille, certified translation into Romanian, proof of payment of the application fee, a medical certificate confirming the absence of contagious disease, and passport copies. Some universities also require proof of Romanian proficiency or completion of a preparatory year of Romanian language instruction.
CNRED – the National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas – handles diploma recognition for foreign secondary and higher education qualifications. Without CNRED recognition, a foreign diploma cannot be used for standard university admission in Romania. The process takes time. Start early.
EU citizens applying to Romanian universities generally face fewer documentation requirements than non-EU citizens. Non-EU nationals typically need a student visa obtained through the Romanian embassy or diplomatic mission in their country of origin before arrival. The visa application process requires a letter of acceptance from the chosen university, proof of financial means, and in some cases a residence permit application filed after arrival.
“CNRED issues certificates for the recognition abroad of the studies carried out in Romania on the structure of higher education and pre-university system, the status of educational institutions, academic and professional rights of a diploma, information regarding the grading system and confirming the authenticity of a diploma.”
— National Centre for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas
Tuition fees at the national universities are lower than Western European equivalents. Bachelor’s programs at state universities often run €2,000–€4,000 per year for non-EU international learners. Private institutions – including Romanian-American University in Bucharest, which offers programs in international business, international relations, and computer science for business – have their own tuition structures. Scholarships are available through the Romanian government for certain nationalities; verify through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Applying to US Universities from Romania
The US university application process is separate from the Romanian system entirely. No CNRED recognition required. No Romanian embassy visa until after admission.
What US universities assess: the applicant’s secondary school transcript, standardized test scores, AP – Advanced Placement – exam results, essays, and recommendations. A WASC-accredited diploma from Legacy carries the same institutional weight as a diploma from any accredited US private school. Admissions offices know what WASC means.
AP scores are the most portable academic credential for Romanian students targeting US universities. A student with four AP scores of 4 or 5 is competitive at selective US institutions regardless of whether their secondary diploma is Romanian or American. Externally scored by the College Board. Not influenced by the school’s own grading. That objectivity is what makes AP credible to admissions offices across the US and internationally.
Legacy offers 19 AP courses, all reviewed by the College Board. Pupils in Romanian high schools can add Legacy AP courses through part-time enrollment without transferring schools.
For structured university application support, Legacy’s college guidance program covers essay strategy, application timeline, school selection, and financial aid research.
“We pioneered programs like the SAT and AP to expand opportunities for students and help them develop the skills they need.”
Admissions to EU Universities from Bucharest and across Romania
EU university applications vary significantly by country. Germany, the Netherlands, France, and other EU countries each have their own admission processes, language requirements, and diploma recognition frameworks.
Most EU universities accept Romanian baccalaureate holders directly through national admission processes. For students with a foreign diploma – including a WASC-accredited US diploma – individual institutional assessment or national recognition through the receiving country’s equivalence body applies.
AP scores are recognized at EU universities with increasing frequency. The College Board’s international university acceptance list covers institutions across Europe. Learners should verify directly with their target university whether AP scores carry weight in their specific program and country.
Romanian language proficiency is not a requirement for EU university admission outside Romania. English or French language proficiency is often sufficient for programs taught in those languages. Verify language requirements with the specific institution – they vary by program and country.
Dual Enrollment: A Concrete Head Start
Legacy’s dual enrollment options through Arizona State University (ASU) and University of South Florida (USF) allow enrolled students to earn transferable university credits before graduation. See partnerships for details.
For Romanian students planning university studies in the US, arriving with transferable credits from an accredited US university is a meaningful advantage – both academically and financially. Credits earned through dual enrollment can reduce first-year tuition costs at the receiving university.
Romanian Students and US Universities: Two Real Cases
Maria, Bucharest
Maria, 17, was completing her final year at a theoretical high school in Bucharest with a humanities profile. Her goal: a Bachelor program in international relations at a US university.
Her Romanian transcript was strong. But US admissions offices had no standardized benchmark to assess it against. She enrolled in Legacy’s part-time courses in 11th grade and completed AP European History and AP English Language alongside her Romanian curriculum. Scores: 5 and 4.
She worked with Legacy’s college guidance team on her application strategy. By December of her final year, she had submitted applications to four US universities. Two offers came back by March – one with a merit scholarship. Her Romanian high school diploma went through a NACES credential evaluation; her AP scores went directly to admissions. The combination worked.
Stefan, Cluj-Napoca
Stefan, 16, was enrolled at a theoretical high school in Cluj-Napoca with a mathematics-sciences profile. His family – Romanian nationals – wanted him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in computer science at a US university. Strong local grades. No standardized external benchmark.
He enrolled in Legacy’s part-time courses in 10th grade, adding AP Computer Science A and AP Calculus BC alongside his Romanian curriculum. Both scores came back at 5. In 11th grade he added AP Statistics.
His college guidance sessions with Legacy started in 10th grade – application strategy, program shortlist, essay direction – not three weeks before deadlines. By senior year, he had three AP scores, a dual enrollment credit from USF through Legacy’s partnerships, and a completed application to four US universities. Two offers by April. One with a merit scholarship covering 40% of tuition. He never left his Romanian high school.
Top Tips from Our Expert
Maya Robinson, College Prep Advisor at Legacy Online School
- If you’re applying to a Romanian university with a foreign diploma, start the CNRED recognition process at least three months before your target university’s application deadline – it’s a formal process with real processing times
- AP scores travel independently of your diploma – a strong AP record supports applications to US, EU, and Romanian universities simultaneously without needing separate recognition processes for each country
- For non-EU learners applying to Romanian universities, the student visa process starts at the Romanian embassy in your country of origin – begin that process immediately after receiving your letter of acceptance
- Legacy’s summer school is useful for pupils who want to complete an additional AP course outside the regular academic year – one more score on the transcript before senior year applications go out
- Don’t wait until 12th grade to start university planning – Legacy’s college guidance program works best when started in 10th or 11th grade
This article is for general informational purposes only. Laws on compulsory education and home schooling in Romania may be interpreted differently depending on individual circumstances. Legacy Online School does not provide legal, immigration, or tax advice. Families are solely responsible for verifying compliance with applicable education laws in Romania.
