Romania Student Visa

What is the Romania Student Visa and Who Can Apply?

The Romanian student visa is a legal entry permit required for non-EU/EEA citizens wishing to pursue full-time academic studies (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD), take part in international student exchange programs (such as Erasmus+), or attend language courses at an accredited educational institution in Romania. For studies exceeding 90 days, applicants must obtain a Romanian long-stay visa designated for study purposes (Type D/SS). For short-term academic modules, seminars, or courses not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period, a Schengen Type C visa is generally applicable.

Eligible applicants must hold a Letter of Acceptance to Studies (Scrisoare de Acceptare la Studii) issued by the Romanian Ministry of Education, have sufficient financial resources to sustain their living and tuition expenses, and secure adequate accommodation. Minor applicants under 18 years of age are additionally required to provide notarized parental consent.

Application Process and Appointment Steps

Applications for a Romanian study visa are initiated online through the official portal of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (eVisa). Applicants submit their personal details, academic program information, and electronic copies of required documents. Following preliminary validation, an in-person appointment is scheduled at the responsible consular mission for biometrics and document verification.

The procedural steps are as follows:

1. Securing admission to an accredited institution and receiving the official Ministry of Education acceptance letter.
2. Registering on the official eVisa platform, filling out the application form, and uploading all required documentation.
3. Receiving online preliminary approval and scheduling an appointment slot at the relevant consular office.
4. Attending the appointment in person to submit original documents, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph), and settle consular fees.
5. Monitoring the file status and collecting the passport once processing is concluded.

Required Documents and Specifics by Profile

All supporting documents must be valid, complete, and—where applicable—apostilled and translated into Romanian or English by an authorized translator.

Students (Primary Applicants)

Key applicant documents include: the official Letter of Acceptance to Studies from the Ministry of Education, apostilled diplomas and transcripts along with certified translations, proof of paid tuition fees for at least the first semester/year, proof of accommodation (dormitory certificate or notarized lease contract), a clear criminal record certificate bearing an apostille, and comprehensive travel medical insurance valid in Romania.

Employed Sponsors

If financial support is provided by an employed parent: an employment confirmation letter specifying position and hire date, salary statements for the last 3 months, social security registration records, and bank account statements for the last 3 months showing an adequate balance. A notarized sponsorship affidavit must accompany these records.

Business Owners and Partners as Sponsors

For self-employed sponsors or company partners: current tax registration, trade registry gazette entry, recent certificate of activity, and authorized signatory lists. In addition, company and personal bank statements covering the past 3 months must be submitted alongside the formal financial guarantee.

Retired Sponsors

When funding is provided by retired parents: official pension entitlement certificates, bank account statements documenting pension payouts for the last 3 months, and proof of secondary income or assets (such as real estate titles) should be enclosed.

Homemaker Parents or Dependent Sponsors

Non-earning parents cannot serve as sole financial guarantors. In such cases, other working family members, verifiable rental income, or liquid savings held in designated accounts supported by formal declarations must be utilized to demonstrate sufficient subsistence funds.

Processing Times and Consular Jurisdictions

Long-stay study visa applications (Type D) are subject to scrutiny by both the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While short-stay study files (Type C) are typically decided within 15 to 30 calendar days, long-stay study visas often require 30 to 60 days. Timelines can fluctuate depending on seasonal volume; candidates are strongly advised to apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before the academic term starts.

Applications must strictly adhere to territorial consular jurisdiction based on the applicant's official residence, submitted through the Embassy in Ankara or the Consulates General in Istanbul or Izmir. Submissions outside the assigned district are not processed.

General Information on Fees

Visa processing fees are regulated administratively and collected in Euros directly by the diplomatic mission. Fees differ between Type C short-stay and Type D long-stay categories and may change periodically. Beyond consular charges, candidates must budget for translation, notarization, apostille legalization, and medical insurance coverage. Consular processing fees remain non-refundable in the event of an application refusal.

Common Mistakes and Critical Considerations

Frequent errors that can lead to delays or negative decisions include:

• Submitting an informal university offer letter rather than the mandatory Ministry of Education Acceptance Letter.
• Presenting bank statements with unverified, sudden lump-sum deposits that do not reflect legitimate financial history.
• Omitting apostille endorsements or certified translations on educational degrees and police clearance certificates.
• Failing to provide verifiable proof of accommodation matching the entire study period.
• Inconsistencies between information declared online and the physical documents handed in.
• Scheduling the appointment too close to orientation or course commencement dates.

Hermes Vize ile Romanya Öğrenci Vizesi Başvurunuz

Hermes Vize supports your Romanian student visa application by reviewing your academic acceptance documentation, verifying compliance with current consular regulations, and preparing a well-structured file. Through detailed guidance on translation procedures, online portal submissions, and appointment coordination, we assist in streamlining your application journey.