Higher Education Systems - Romania

Higher education in Romania is offered by research universities that are divided into two categories: traditional universities and technical universities. Degree programs are defined by faculties and must be approved by the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS) and must be periodically reviewed at every five years. Universities can be public (the majority in the country) or private, either have to be consistent with the ARACIS requirements.

Higher education in Romania is organized according to the Bologna agreement in three levels:

• Bachelor’s program (three years in traditional universities, four years in technical universities)
• Master’s program (two years)
• PhD program (three years).

Bachelor program

The “Bacalaureat” Diploma (certificate of graduating high-school education), granted after a national examination, is a prerequisite for admission to higher education. Universities and faculties may decide to organize additional admission exams and most faculties in Computer Science enrol students based on their own exams.

A Bachelor’s program consists of 180 ETCS (typically three years) or 240 ETCS (typically four years) and include a mandatory period on internship. Additional to the final examination (examen de licenţă), the presentation of a Bachelor’s dissertation, developed over the last 12 months of the studies, in parallel with courses, might be required. In Computer Science the degree granted is either Licentiat or Inginer.

Master program

The admission conditions for Master’s programs vary from one faculty to another, typically a Bachelor’s level degree is required. Master’s studies include 120 ETCS, and internships are optional. Students are expected to write and defend a Master’s thesis at the end of their studies.

PhD program

A candidate for PhD in Computer Science in Romania must have a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent subject, and is expected to attend some courses and develop yearly technical reports. The candidate will have a supervisor professor and an advisory board. In order to obtain the title, the candidate must write a doctor thesis, defend it in front of a committee, and also satisfy the publication criteria imposed by CNATDCU (National Council for University Titles, Diplomas and Certificates). The PhD program lasts typically three years, can be extended for a maximum of two years in case of interruption for medical reasons or maternity leave. Finally, there is also a “grace” period of two more years for finishing the thesis.