Moldova is a small European country bordered by Ukraine and Romania, and Chisinau is its capital. The official language is Romanian, and the national currency is the Moldovan Leu (MDL). Study in Moldova for international students offers an opportunity to gain a European-quality education at highly affordable rates. The tuition fees range from €2,000 to €5,000 per year. IELTS is not mandatory but some universities require IELTS 6.0. Programs are available in both English and Romanian, with popular programs including IT, economics, marketing, computer science, management, tourism, and medicine.
The living cost is lowest in Moldova, averaging just €300–€500 per month, making it ideal for budget-conscious students. Students must show a bank statement of €4,000–€5,000 for visa purposes. With a visa acceptance rate of 98% for international students.
Quick Facts of study in Moldova for International Students
| Teaching Language | English & Romanian |
| Top Universities | University of European Studies of MoldovaMoldova State University Academy of Sciences of Moldova Free International University of MoldovaTechnical University of Moldova Comrat State University Alecu Russo State University Ion Creanga State Pedagogical UniversityUniversity of the Academy of Science of MoldovaSlavic University |
| Popular Programs | Medicine DentistryITEngineeringBusinessTourism EconomicsMarketingManagement |
| Top Scholarships | Moldova Government ScholarshipWhite Mountain Foundation ScholarshipAmerican Council for International Education Scholarship |
| Program Duration | Bachelor’s: 4 years Master’s: 1–2 years PhD: 3–4 years |
| Minimum Education Required | Bachelor’s: 12 years of schooling Master’s: Bachelor’s degree in relevant subjectPhD: Master’s degree in relevant subject |
| Average Tuition Fees | USD 1,200 – 5,000/year |
| Post-Study Work (PSW) | Yes, allowed |
| English Requirement | Optional – IELTS 6.0 required by some universities MOI (Medium of Instruction) accepted |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | 50% for Bachelor’s 3 CGPA for Master’s & PhD |
| Part-Time Work Rights | Yes – up to 20 hours/week during term |
| Average Monthly Living Costs | €300 – €500 |
| Bank Statement Requirement | €4,000 – €5,000 |
| Admission Processing Time | 1–2 months |
| Visa Processing Time | 20–30 days |
| Visa Approval Rate | 95–98% |
Top Universities in Moldova for International Students
Moldova is home to several reputable universities offering affordable and internationally recognized degrees. Many institutions offer English-taught programs, making them ideal for foreign students.
| University | Popular Programs | Tuition (€ / year) |
| Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine & Pharmacy | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy | 3,000–4,500 |
| Moldova State University | Law, IT, Economics | 800–1,500 |
| Technical University of Moldova | Engineering, Architecture | 900–1,500 |
| Alecu Russo Balti State University | Education, Languages | 600–1,200 |
| Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova | Business, Finance, Management | 1,000–1,500 |
| University of European Studies of Moldova | Law, International Relations, Business | 1,000–1,500 |
| Academy of Sciences ofMoldova | Research, Science, Technology | 1,200–2,000 |
| Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) | International Law, Tourism, Business | 1,000–1,500 |
| Comrat State University | Economics, Management, Philology | 800–1,200 |
| Ion Creanga State Pedagogical University | Education, Psychology, Philology | 700–1,200 |
| University of the Academy of Science of Moldova | Research, Innovation | 1,200–1,800 |
| Slavic University | Philology, History, Cultural Studies | 800–1,200 |
Tip: For the most affordable options, consider Moldova State University and Alecu Russo Balti State University, where tuition starts from just €500–600/year for certain programs.
Scholarships in Moldova for International Students
Study in Moldova for international students is already affordable, but scholarships make it even more budget-friendly for deserving students. Both the Moldovan government and universities offer financial aid, tuition waivers, and stipends to attract talented foreign students. These scholarships can cover full or partial tuition, provide monthly living allowances, or fund study-abroad opportunities through exchange programs.
| Moldovan Government Scholarships | Tuition waiver + stipend | Bachelor/Master, merit-based |
| Nicolae Testemitanu University Grants | Fee discounts for top students | Medicine/Dentistry programs |
| Erasmus+ Mobility Grants | Study abroad semester funding | Exchange students |
| University Merit Awards | €500–€1,000 | Excellent academic records |
Note: We do not provide any scholarships. Our role is to provide assistance regarding scholarships that are offered by universities, governments, or international organizations.
Moldova Tuition Fees & Living Costs
Moldova offers some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe while maintaining quality education standards. Combined with its affordable living costs, it is an excellent choice for international students seeking a budget-friendly study destination without compromising on academic quality.
| Bachelor’s Tuition | 500 – 3,000 |
| Master’s Tuition | 800 – 3,500 |
| Student Accommodation | 1,000 – 2,400 |
| Food & Utilities | 2,000 – 2,400 |
| Health Insurance | 200 – 300 |
| Total Annual Budget | 4,000 – 8,000 |
Part-time work (up to 20 hrs/week) can help cover living expenses, especially for students in major cities like Chisinau.
Step-by-Step Admission Process to Study in Moldova
Applying to universities in Moldova is straightforward, but following the right steps ensures a smooth journey from application to arrival. Many international students rely on trusted support like Right Turn. Our study abroad student services cover everything from:
With expert help, you can choose the right program, prepare accurate documents, and secure both admission and a student visa without delays.
The following right steps are given below:
1. Choose a Program & University
Start by identifying the field you want to study. Medicine and Dentistry remain the most sought-after programs among international students, followed by Engineering, Business, IT, and Tourism. Research universities that offer your program in English if you’re not fluent in Romanian. Compare tuition fees, rankings, facilities, and city living costs before making a choice.
2. Check Entry Requirements
Ensure you meet the academic and language criteria before applying:
- Minimum 60% marks in your previous academic qualifications (higher grades may be required for competitive programs like Medicine).
- IELTS 6.0 is accepted by some universities, but many allow a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter instead.
- Prepare a valid passport, updated CV/Resume, a Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your study goals, and two academic recommendation letters.
3. Apply & Submit Documents
Once you’ve shortlisted your preferred university or right turn have helped you pick the one that best suits your career goals and academic record. Below are the following documents that required for university applications:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Passport copy (valid for the duration of your studies)
- SOP and recommendation letters
- IELTS score or MOI letter
- Updated CV/Resume
4. Receive Admission Letter & Pay Tuition
If your application is accepted, you’ll receive an official admission letter from the university. To confirm your seat, pay at least the first semester’s tuition fee. Keep the payment receipt, as it will be required for your visa application.
5. Apply for Moldova Student Visa
Once you get a final confirmation letter from the university, our admission officers help you to apply for a long-term student visa (Type D visa) at the embassy by filling the visa application on your behalf. Here are the following documents required for visa application process:
- Admission letter from a Moldovan university
- Proof of tuition payment
- Proof of accommodation in Moldova
- Financial proof of €4,000–€5,000 in a bank account
- Valid health insurance
- Completed visa application form & passport-size photos
- Processing Time: 4–8 weeks. It’s recommended to apply at least 3 months before your intake to avoid delays.
Faqs
Can I work in Moldova during my studies?
Yes. Students can work up to 20 hrs/week during semesters.
Is a Moldovan degree recognized internationally?
Yes. Moldova’s degrees are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, the European Union (EU), and for medical graduates, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
How do I find accommodation in Moldova?
Universities provide on-campus dormitories starting at €50–€100/month. Off-campus apartments are also available, costing around €150–€300/month depending on the city.
Can I bring my family while studying in Moldova?
Generally, student visas are issued for the applicant only. Family members may need to apply separately for a visitor or dependent visa if eligible.
Can I bring my family while studying in Moldova?
Generally, student visas are issued for the applicant only. Family members may need to apply separately for a visitor or dependent visa if eligible.
Can I apply to Moldovan universities without an entrance exam?
Yes. Most programs do not require an entrance exam, except for some competitive medical and technical courses.