The "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMFCD) in Bucharest is the largest and most prestigious medical school in Romania. Founded in 1857, it is a state-funded institution that sets the standard for medical education and research in the country. It is particularly popular among international students due to its high global rankings and its comprehensive English and French-medium programs.
Established: 1857.
Location: 37 Dionisie Lupu Street, Bucharest, Romania.
Degree Conferred: Doctor of Medicine (MD) (equivalent to MBBS).
Duration: 6 Years (360 ECTS).
Languages: English, French, and Romanian.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by ARACIS, recognized by WHO (WDOMS), ECFMG (USA), and NMC (India). It consistently ranks in the 801–1000 band of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.
Legacy: As the oldest medical school in Romania, it boasts a massive academic staff of over 1,600 teachers and enrolls more than 12,000 students across its faculties (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing).
Digital Innovation: The university features high-end multidisciplinary research platforms, including centers for Urological Surgery, Gastroenterology, and Radiology.
International Outlook: Approximately 17% of the student body is international, fostering a cosmopolitan learning environment in the heart of Romania's capital.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
UMFCD offers the most extensive clinical network in Romania, utilizing over 30 university hospitals across Bucharest:
University Emergency Hospital Bucharest (SUUB): One of the largest and most advanced hospitals in the country.
Fundeni Clinical Institute: A premier center for gastroenterology, hematology, and organ transplantation.
Colțea Clinical Hospital: Historically the first hospital in Bucharest, now a center of excellence for oncology and ENT.
Hands-on Depth: Students begin clinical rotations in their 3rd year. Because Bucharest is the national referral center, students are exposed to the highest volume and most complex variety of medical cases in the region.
State University Affordability
Tuition fees at Carol Davila are slightly higher than in regional Romanian cities, reflecting its status as a top-tier capital city institution.
| Program | EU/EEA Students | Non-EU Students |
| Medicine (English/French) | €8,500 – €10,000 per year | €8,500 – €10,000 per year |
| Dentistry | €8,500 – €10,000 per year | €10,000 per year |
| Pharmacy | €6,000 – €8,000 per year | €8,000 per year |
Application Fee: Approx. €250 – €400.
English Test Fee: Approx. €150 (if an internal test is required).
Vibe: A massive, high-energy European capital with a mix of communist-era architecture and modern skyscrapers. It offers the best social life, internships, and networking opportunities in Romania.
Safety: Generally very safe, though standard "big city" precautions apply. The university is located in Sector 2/Sector 1, which are central and safe districts.
Travel: Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is the primary gateway to Romania, with direct flights to almost all major world capitals.
Accommodations: University dormitories are available but highly competitive. Most international students prefer private rentals.
University Dormitory: Approx. €100 – €180 per month (shared rooms).
Private Apartment: €350 – €600 per month (Bucharest is Romania's most expensive city).
Total Living Budget: Expect to spend €500 – €900 per month on food, transport, and utilities.
Connectivity: Bucharest has an excellent metro system; a monthly student pass costs only about €5.
Academic Threshold: High School Diploma with a strong background in Biology and Chemistry.
Admission Process:
Entrance Exam: Typically includes a Biology/Chemistry multiple-choice test (for EU students) or a Skype Interview (for some Non-EU tracks).
English Proficiency: Mandatory B2-level certificate (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL 80+) or passing the university’s internal language test.
NEET (For Indians): A qualifying NEET score is mandatory for the degree to be valid in India.
Indicative Timeline (2026):
Early Registration: April – June 2026.
Interviews/Tests: July 2026.
Final Results: Late July 2026.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus