The "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF Cluj-Napoca) is the most prestigious medical school in Romania and one of the oldest in South-Eastern Europe. Located in Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, it is the only university in Romania to hold the "Label CIDMEF," a certificate of quality for medical education.
Established: 1919.
Location: 8 Victor Babeș Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Degree Conferred: Doctor of Medicine (MD) (equivalent to MBBS).
Duration: 6 Years (360 ECTS).
Languages: English, French, and Romanian.
Accreditation: Recognized by WHO, GMC (UK), NMC (India), and ECFMG (USA). It is a state-funded public university consistently ranked #1 in Romania for medical research.
Prestige: Known as the "Ivy League of Romania," it maintains the highest admission standards in the country.
International Diversity: It hosts students from over 70 countries, particularly from France, Germany, and the UK.
Facilities: The faculty features a Virtual Reality Simulation Center and an extensive medical library with over 300,000 volumes.
Research Focus: It is classified as an "advanced research and education university," involving students in international projects via Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Cluj-Napoca is a national medical hub with some of the most specialized clinics in the region:
Cluj County Emergency Clinical Hospital: The primary teaching site with dozens of specialized pavilions.
Clinical Institute of Oncology: One of the leading cancer treatment and research centers in Eastern Europe.
Rehabilitation Hospital: A massive facility for physical therapy and neurological recovery.
Clinical Immersion: Practical rotations are intensive and start from the 3rd year, ensuring students meet the high clinical hour requirements (min. 5,500 hours) needed for international licensing.
State University Affordability
UMF Cluj-Napoca has recently standardized its fees for the international programs.
| Program | Annual Tuition (EU & Non-EU) | Processing Fee (One-time) |
| Medicine (English/French) | €10,000 per year | €300 |
| Dentistry (English/French) | €10,000 per year | €300 |
| Pharmacy (English/French) | €10,000 per year | €300 |
Confirmation Fee: 50% of the tuition fee is required upon acceptance to secure your spot (non-refundable).
Visa Note: Non-EU students must pay the full first-year tuition in advance to obtain the Study Visa (D-type).
Vibe: Known as the "Heart of Transylvania," it is a tech hub and cultural center. It hosts major festivals like Untold and the Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF).
Safety: Exceptionally high. It is consistently ranked among the safest cities in Europe.
Connectivity: Cluj International Airport (CLJ) is very well-connected with direct flights to over 50 European destinations.
Accommodation: University dorms are modern but limited. Most international students rent private flats.
University Hostel: €150 – €300 per month.
Private Apartment: €400 – €600 per month (Cluj is Romania's most expensive rental market).
Total Living Budget: Expect to spend €500 – €800 per month on food, transport, and utilities.
Student Life: Cluj is a vibrant "Student City" with a massive student population, ensuring a lively nightlife and cultural scene.
Academic Criteria: Very competitive. Admission is based on File Evaluation (Academic merit + Personal achievements).
High school scores in Biology and Chemistry (and Physics/Math) are heavily weighted.
Extracurriculars (volunteering, hospital shadowing) and letters of recommendation are critical.
No Entrance Exam: There is no written entrance exam for international students; however, there is a Skype/Online Interview for early admission rounds.
Language Proficiency: Mandatory B2-level English certificate (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL 80+) or a diploma from an English-taught high school.
Timeline (2026):
Early Session: March – April 2026.
Main Session: May – July 2026.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus