Romania is a beautiful country that is quickly gaining popularity as a study destination for international students. Whether you are interested in pursuing undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate studies, Romania has much to offer. To study in Romania, third-state nationals need to obtain a long-stay visa for studies (D/SD visa). This type of visa is granted to foreign nationals who intend to study in Romania for a prolonged period, either as a pre-graduate, graduate or postgraduate student, or to obtain academic degrees in state or accredited private institutions. Let's take a closer look at the Romania long-stay visa for studies.

The long-stay visa for studies, marked D/SD, is available to third-state nationals who intend to travel to Romania for pre-graduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies, as well as for obtaining academic degrees within state or accredited private institutions. This includes third-state nationals accepted for full-time course of studies by a state or private higher education institution that is accredited or temporarily authorized according to law, including for participation in a Bachelor's degree program, Master's degree program, PhD or postdoctoral studies program.

In addition to this, the long-stay visa for studies is also available to third-state nationals who apply for such a visa as students, trainees, pupils or for other forms of study or educational activities, such as internships, language courses, professional development programs or other types of educational activities.

According to the Romanian legislation, the term "school pupil" refers to a third-country national who has been admitted for a pupil exchange scheme or educational project by a state or private, accredited or temporarily authorized secondary education establishment. The term also includes third-country nationals of Romanian origin, Romanian state scholarship holders or individuals who are exempted from school fees payment, and are enrolled in a full-time course of study at a state pre-university educational institution, with high school level education.

Furthermore, it's important to note that third-country nationals who partake in a pupil exchange scheme or educational project must be between the ages of 13 and 19. This means that individuals who are outside of this age range may not be eligible for this category of long-stay visa.

To apply for a long-stay visa for studies as a school pupil, the applicant must submit a visa application to the Romanian diplomatic mission or consular office in their home country or country of residence

According to the Romanian legislation, the term "trainee" refers to a third-country national who holds a degree of higher education or is pursuing a course of study that leads to a higher education degree and who is admitted for a training program for the purpose of gaining knowledge, practice, and experience in a professional environment.

To be eligible for a long-stay visa for studies as a trainee, the applicant must be accepted for a training program by a state or private institution in Romania, which is accredited or temporarily authorized according to law. The training program should be related to the applicant's field of study or profession and should be designed to provide them with practical experience and knowledge.

To apply for a long-stay visa for studies as a trainee, the applicant must submit a visa application to the Romanian diplomatic mission or consular office in their home country or country of residence.

Eligibility Requirements for a Long-Stay Visa for Studies in Romania

Here's some information on the eligibility requirements for a long-stay visa for studies in Romania:

• Acceptance into an accredited institution: To be eligible for a long-stay visa for studies in Romania, you must first be accepted into an accredited institution in Romania. This could be a state or private higher education institution, or a pre-university educational institution for school pupils.
• Proof of financial means: You must be able to provide proof that you have enough financial means to support yourself during your stay in Romania. This could include proof of scholarships, personal savings, or a sponsor's financial support.
• Valid travel document: You must hold a valid travel document, such as a passport, that will remain valid for at least three months after the expiration date of your visa.
• No threat to public health, order, or national security: You must not be considered a threat to public health, public order, or national security in Romania.
• No previous visa violations: You must not have a history of visa violations in Romania or other Schengen countries.
• Health insurance: You must have health insurance that is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Romania.
• Language proficiency: Depending on the course of study, you may be required to provide proof of language proficiency in either Romanian or English.

Overall, to be eligible for a long-stay visa for studies in Romania, you must be able to demonstrate that you are a genuine student and that you have a valid reason for seeking to study in Romania. The visa application process may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

Different Types of Studies Covered Under Romania Long-Stay Visa

Here are the different types of studies that are covered under the Romania Long-Stay Visa for Studies (Marked D/SD):

• Pre-graduate studies: This type of study includes all courses that lead to a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent diploma at an accredited higher education institution in Romania. This program typically takes three to four years to complete.
• Graduate studies: This type of study includes all courses that lead to a Master's degree or an equivalent diploma at an accredited higher education institution in Romania. This program typically takes one to two years to complete.
• Postgraduate studies: This type of study includes all courses that lead to a PhD or an equivalent diploma at an accredited higher education institution in Romania. This program typically takes three to four years to complete.
• Postdoctoral studies: This type of study includes all research activities undertaken by a person who already holds a PhD or an equivalent diploma, with the aim of acquiring further knowledge and research experience.
• School pupil exchange scheme or educational project: This type of study includes third-country nationals who are admitted for a pupil exchange scheme or educational project by an accredited or temporarily authorized secondary education establishment in Romania.
• Traineeships: This type of study includes third-country nationals who hold a degree of higher education or are pursuing a course of study that leads to a higher education degree and who are admitted for a training program for the purpose of gaining knowledge, practice, and experience in a professional environment.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and application process for each type of study may differ, so it is recommended that applicants thoroughly review the requirements and consult with the Romanian embassy or consulate in their home country.

How to Apply for a Long-Stay Visa for Studies in Romania

The process for applying for a Long-Stay Visa for Studies (Marked D/SD) in Romania involves submitting an application to the Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country. However, if you are a national of a country that is eligible for an eVisa, you may be able to apply for a Studies eVisa instead.

Here are the steps to apply for a Studies eVisa in Romania:

• Check your eligibility: Visit the website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to check whether your country is eligible for an eVisa.
• Gather the required documents: The documents required for a Studies eVisa are similar to those required for a Long-Stay Visa for Studies, including a passport, proof of acceptance or enrollment in a Romanian educational institution, proof of financial means, health insurance, criminal record certificate, medical certificate, and passport photos.
• Apply online: Visit the website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and complete the online application form for the Studies eVisa. Upload the required documents and pay the application fee.
• Wait for processing: The processing time for a Studies eVisa is typically 10 business days. Once your eVisa is approved, it will be sent to you via email.
• Travel to Romania: Print out a copy of your Studies eVisa and bring it with you to the airport. You may be asked to present it to the border authorities upon arrival in Romania, along with your passport and other supporting documents.

It is important to note that the Studies eVisa is only valid for a single entry and for a maximum stay of 90 days. If you plan to stay in Romania for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Long-Stay Visa for Studies instead.

Documents Required for a Long-Stay Visa for Studies in Romania

The following documents are typically required for a Long-Stay Visa for Studies (Marked D/SD) in Romania:

• Passport: A valid passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended period of stay in Romania.
• Acceptance letter: Proof of acceptance or enrollment in a Romanian educational institution, which should include the type and duration of the study program.
• Proof of financial means: Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the cost of living during the stay in Romania. This may include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship letters.
• Health insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage that is valid in Romania for the entire period of stay.
• Criminal record certificate: A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities in your home country or the country where you have resided for the past three months, translated into Romanian and certified.
• Medical certificate: A medical certificate indicating that the applicant is in good health and free of any contagious diseases.
• Passport photos: Two recent passport-size photographs, taken within the past six months.
• Accommodation information: Proof of accommodation in Romania, such as a lease agreement or a letter from the educational institution confirming housing arrangements.

It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on the type of study program you wish to pursue and your home country.

Processing Time and Fees for Romania Long-Stay Visa for Studies

The processing time and fees for a Romania Long-Stay Visa for Studies (Marked D/SD) can vary depending on your nationality and the specific circumstances of your application. Here is some general information on the processing time and fees:

Processing Time:

The processing time for a Romania Long-Stay Visa for Studies can take up to 30 days from the date of submission of the application. However, it is recommended that you apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for any unforeseen delays.

Fees:

The visa fee for a Romania Long-Stay Visa for Studies is currently €120. However, this fee can vary depending on your nationality and the specific circumstances of your application. In addition to the visa fee, you may also need to pay additional fees for other services related to your application, such as the fee for submitting your biometric data.

Expedited processing:

If you need your visa application to be processed faster than the standard processing time, you may be able to request expedited processing for an additional fee.

It is important to note that the visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied. It is therefore important to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and have all the required documents before submitting your visa application.

Rights and Obligations of Holders of Romania Long-Stay Visa for Studies

As a holder of a Romania Long-Stay Visa for Studies (Marked D/SD), you have certain rights and obligations. Here are some of the most important ones:

Rights:

• Stay in Romania for the duration of your studies: With a long-stay visa for studies, you are allowed to stay in Romania for the duration of your studies.
• Work part-time: You are allowed to work part-time while studying in Romania, subject to certain conditions. For example, you may be required to obtain a work permit and not exceed a certain number of working hours per week.
• Access healthcare services: You are entitled to access healthcare services in Romania, including emergency care and medical treatment.
• Travel within the Schengen Area: With a Romanian long-stay visa for studies, you can also travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Renewal of visa: You have the right to renew your long-stay visa for studies in Romania if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Obligations:

• Enroll in a course of study: You must enroll in a course of study at an accredited institution in Romania within a certain period of time after entering the country.
• Maintain valid visa and registration: You must ensure that your visa remains valid throughout your stay in Romania and that you are registered with the relevant authorities.
• Comply with Romanian laws: You must comply with all Romanian laws and regulations while studying in the country.
• Report changes in circumstances: You must report any changes in your circumstances, such as a change of address or change of institution, to the relevant authorities.
• Leave the country after completing studies: You are required to leave Romania after completing your studies, unless you are eligible for a different type of visa or have obtained a work permit.

It is important to note that failure to comply with these obligations can result in the revocation of your visa and other penalties.

Renewing or Extending a Long-Stay Visa for Studies in Romania

If you are already in Romania with a Long-Stay Visa for Studies (Marked D/SD) and wish to stay for a longer period, you may be able to renew or extend your visa.

To renew your long-stay visa for studies in Romania, you will need to submit an application at least 30 days before your current visa expires. The application must include updated documents demonstrating that you are still enrolled in a course of study at an accredited institution in Romania and that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your extended stay.

If you wish to extend your stay in Romania beyond the validity of your visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit for study purposes. You must apply for the residence permit at least 30 days before your long-stay visa expires. The application will be reviewed by the Romanian Immigration Office and you will be required to provide additional documents, such as proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Romania.

It is important to note that you cannot extend your long-stay visa for studies in Romania more than twice. Therefore, if you have already extended your stay in Romania twice, you will not be eligible for another extension and will need to apply for a different type of visa or permit if you wish to remain in the country.

Additionally, the renewal or extension of your long-stay visa or residence permit for study purposes is not guaranteed, and the decision will be made by the Romanian authorities based on your individual circumstances. It is important to carefully review the requirements and ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria before submitting your application.

Frequently asked questions about the Romanian eVisa