Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Romania, a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, has seen its education system undergo numerous transformations over the years to meet contemporary demands and growing socio-economic needs.
In this context, international schools play a crucial role, providing quality, often bilingual education that attracts both expatriates and Romanians eager to give their children a future-oriented education.
These schools complement a national school system undergoing modernization, where the focus is on pedagogical innovation and expanded access to digital resources.
Exploring the different facets of education in Romania is strategically important for understanding how this country prepares its youth for a globalized and competitive world.
International Schools in Romania
International schools in Romania play a key role in opening the national education system to global standards and cultural diversity. They are particularly present in major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, meeting the needs of expatriate families, as well as a local population increasingly oriented toward internationalism.
Main Cities Hosting These Schools
- Bucharest
- Cluj-Napoca
- Timișoara
Main International Educational Programs Offered
| Program | Key Features |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | Holistic approach, critical thinking, international outlook |
| Cambridge International | Flexibility, global recognition, emphasis on sciences |
| British A-Levels | Early specialization, facilitated access to UK universities |
Examples of Reputable Schools and Their Specifics
- British School of Bucharest
- British curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels)
- International teaching staff
- Goal: academic excellence and personal development
- International School of Bucharest
- IB Primary Years & Cambridge Secondary programs
- Multicultural environment with students from over 40 nationalities
- Goal: fostering intercultural understanding
- Transylvania College (Cluj-Napoca)
- Dual accreditation: Romanian curriculum + Cambridge International
- Pedagogical innovations focused on student well-being
Impact on the Expatriate and Local Community
For the Expatriate Community
- Offers a smooth transition for children coming from other educational systems.
- A privileged place to maintain linguistic and cultural continuity.
For the Local Population
- Access to innovative teaching methods.
- Exposure to internationalization from a young age.
Accessibility & Tuition Fees
Opportunities Offered
- Frequent cultural exchanges thanks to a highly diverse student population.
Challenges Faced by These Schools in Romania
- Limited accessibility for a majority of local students due to high cost.
- Need to adapt to national regulatory requirements while maintaining international standards.
- Difficulty recruiting qualified teachers with international experience.
Contribution to the Development of the Romanian Education System
- Gradual introduction of innovative pedagogical practices that sometimes influence the local public or private sector.
- Strengthening the international positioning of major Romanian university cities among globally mobile families.
In Summary
International schools constitute an important lever for modernizing the national educational offering while fostering intercultural dialogue; however, they remain confronted with the major challenge of financial accessibility for the broader Romanian public.
Good to Know:
International schools in Romania, mainly located in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, offer programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and A-Levels, attracting both the expatriate community and local families who value an education aligned with global standards. Tuition fees, often high, can be a barrier for some, although these institutions enhance cultural diversity and contribute to enriching the Romanian education system.
Understanding the Romanian Education System
Brief History and Recent Evolution
The Romanian education system traces its roots back to the 19th century, with the enactment of the first law on education in 1864, which introduced compulsory primary education under state control. After World War II, education was heavily influenced by the Soviet model, marked by centralization, uniformity, and politicization, but also by a policy of mass literacy, especially in rural areas. After the fall of the communist regime in 1989, Romania initiated a series of reforms to modernize its education system, aligning with European standards, notably starting in 1995 with a systemic reform of the curriculum, teacher training, and assessment.
Levels of Education
| Level | Typical Age | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | 3-6 years | Nursery, middle, and kindergarten |
| Primary | 6-10 years | Includes preparatory cycle (CP) |
| Lower Secondary | 11-14 years | Middle school (gimnaziu) |
| Upper Secondary | 15-18/19 years | High school, general and technological tracks |
| Post-Secondary | 18/19+ | Post-high school, technical qualification |
| University | 18/19+ | Bachelor’s (3 years), Master’s, Doctorate |
Instruction is primarily delivered in Romanian, but also in the languages of national minorities (Hungarian, German, Serbian, Romani, etc.).
Recent Reforms and Current Challenges
- Introduction of new competency-based curricula.
- Partial decentralization of school management.
- Modernization of initial and ongoing teacher training.
- Harmonization with European Union standards.
Persistent challenges:
- Regional and rural/urban disparities in access to quality education.
- Chronic underfunding compared to the European average.
- School dropout, especially in disadvantaged areas.
- Migration of teachers and graduates to other EU countries.
Role of the Ministry and Governing Agencies
The Ministry of Education defines educational policy, develops curricula, and oversees national exams.
Other agencies are involved in quality assurance, assessment, and diploma recognition.
School Calendar and National Exams
The school year typically lasts 36 weeks, organized into 2 semesters: September-December and January-June.
Two main holidays: Christmas and Easter (about 2 weeks each).
Key exams:
- National Assessment at the end of middle school (age 14), determines access to high school.
- Baccalaureate at the end of high school, essential for university access.
- Specific entrance exams for certain universities and programs.
Cultural and Historical Influences
Byzantine, Ottoman, and later Western heritage, with a strong period of Sovietization after 1948.
Education has been a major instrument of nation-building and minority integration.
Since 1989, a marked orientation toward democratization and Europeanization of the system.
Recent Statistics and Particularities
- Primary enrollment rate: over 95%.
- Secondary completion rate: around 80%.
- Baccalaureate pass rate: fluctuates between 60% and 70% depending on the year.
- Romania stands out for its linguistic diversity in education and a significant number of students enrolled in minority institutions.
The Romanian education system is characterized by strong historical resilience, a desire for European openness, while still facing persistent socio-economic and structural challenges.
Good to Know:
The Romanian education system, influenced by the communist period, has undergone many reforms in recent years to align with European standards, with a secondary school enrollment rate of 95%; national exams like the Baccalaureate play a crucial role in access to higher education.
Tips for Expatriate Families
Administrative Steps to Enroll a Child in an International School in Romania
Prepare a file including:
- Enrollment form (often in duplicate)
- Certified copy of the child’s diploma or report card (translated if necessary)
- Language proficiency certificate (English, French, German, depending on the school)
- Certified copy of the birth certificate
- Copy of the passport
- Medical certificate
- For non-Europeans: acceptance letter issued by the Romanian Ministry of Education, study visa, proof of funds (approximately €4,000 in a bank account), proof of residence (rental contract)
Some international schools may require admission tests or an interview.
Enrollment typically takes place between April and July for the following school year.
Budget for application and registration fees (€100 to €500 depending on the institution).
Criteria for Choosing Between International Schools and the Local Public School System
| Criteria | International Schools | Romanian Public School System |
|---|---|---|
| Language of Instruction | English, French, German, etc. | Primarily Romanian |
| School Curriculum | IB, Cambridge, or other foreign systems | Romanian national curriculum |
| Cost | High tuition fees | Free or low cost |
| Linguistic Adaptation | Easier for non-Romanian speaking children | Full immersion in Romanian |
| Student Population | Majority expatriate students, cultural diversity | Majority local students |
| Diploma Recognition | Internationally recognized diplomas | National diplomas, variable international recognition |
| Local Integration | Strong international community | Better immersion in Romanian society |
Importance of Integration into the School Community for Children’s Adaptation
- Facilitate adaptation by encouraging participation in extracurricular activities, school parties, and community events.
- Foster exchanges with other families (expatriate and local) to build a support network.
- Involve parents in the parent-teacher association, which can serve as a liaison for understanding local educational expectations and practices.
Practical Tips for Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers
- Enroll the child in language courses before and after arrival, especially Romanian if integrating into the public system.
- Use online resources, apps, and multilingual educational games to familiarize the child with the language.
- Encourage intercultural exchanges by organizing meetings with other expatriate or local families.
- Do not hesitate to seek help from a cultural mediator or a designated teacher to support the first months of integration.
Testimonials from Expatriate Families
“From the start of the school year, the international school team connected us with families from our home country, which really helped our daughter feel comfortable.”
“The parent-teacher association was invaluable for understanding how the school works and organizing activities outside of school.”
“We chose the public system so our children would learn Romanian quickly; the beginning was difficult, but the teachers were very understanding.”
Useful Resources for Expatriate Families
- International parent-teacher associations (often attached to each school, offering personalized support)
- Expat forums in Romania (Expat.com, Internations, dedicated Facebook groups)
- International school welcome services (administrative support, housing search, daily life advice)
- Cultural mediators or educational advisors present in some institutions
For any procedure, it is advisable to contact the chosen institution as soon as possible and join a parent association or an expat forum to benefit from personalized support and exchange with other families who have had a similar experience.
Good to Know:
To enroll your child in an international school in Romania, plan for early submission of applications and consider immersion in the community to facilitate adaptation; parent-teacher associations or expat forums can offer valuable support.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
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Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
