How to Get a Romanian Student Visa: Step-by-Step Guide for Arab Students
Romania's student visa process changed meaningfully in January 2025 when Romania became a full member of the Schengen Area. The core steps are the same, but the degree awarded with a Romanian student residence permit — freedom of movement across 27 Schengen countries — is now fully in effect. Here is the complete 2025 step-by-step guide for Arab students applying for a Romanian student visa.
Step 1: Secure Your University Admission and Letter of Acceptance
You cannot apply for a Romanian student visa without a Letter of Acceptance issued by the Romanian Ministry of Education. This letter is not issued by the university directly — the university submits your application file to the Ministry, and the Ministry approves and issues the letter.
The timeline: apply to your chosen Romanian university in March–July, receive the university's conditional acceptance, pay the first year of tuition in full (the university requires this before sending your file to the Ministry), and wait for the official Ministry letter. This process typically takes 4–8 weeks after payment.
Step 2: Authenticate Your Documents
Document authentication is the step that trips up most Arab students. The method depends on your country:
Saudi Arabia, UAE (joined Hague Convention 2025), Morocco, Tunisia, Bahrain, Oman: Get an Apostille stamp on your original high school diploma and criminal record certificate from your local Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait: Super-legalization is required. This means stamps from: (1) your Ministry of Education, (2) your Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (3) the Romanian Embassy in your country.
All countries: Documents must be translated into Romanian by an authorized sworn translator.
Plan at least 3–4 weeks for this step. Apostille is faster; super-legalization can take longer depending on embassy appointments.
Step 3: Apply Online Through the e-Visa Portal
Once you have your original Letter of Acceptance and authenticated documents, register at evisa.mae.ro and select the Long-Stay Visa for Studies (Type D/SD). Upload digital copies of your passport, Letter of Acceptance, and tuition payment proof.
Step 4: Prepare Your Document Checklist for the Embassy Appointment
After your online application is validated, you must attend a physical appointment at the Romanian Embassy or Consulate in your country. Bring:
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay
Original Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education
Proof of tuition payment (bank transfer receipt for the first year)
Financial proof: at least €3,000 in a personal bank account (2025 requirement)
Criminal record certificate from your home country, legalized per Step 2
Medical insurance covering at least €30,000, valid for the Schengen Area
Proof of accommodation (university dormitory contract or rental agreement)
Visa fee: €120
Step 5: Attend the Embassy Interview
Romanian visa interviews for students are straightforward. Expect questions about why you chose Romania, what you will study, and your plans after graduation. Be direct and prepared. Processing takes 2–8 weeks after the interview. Apply at least 2–3 months before your program starts in October to avoid any delays.
Step 6: Arrive and Register Within 30 Days
Your D/SD visa is valid for 90 days. Within 30 days of arriving in Romania, visit the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) in your city. Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit valid for the duration of your studies. This permit grants you full Schengen Area travel rights — 90 days in any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen member states.
Common Mistakes Arab Students Make
Paying tuition before confirming the university is on the Ministry of Education's approved list for your nationality
Getting Apostille for countries that still require super-legalization (or vice versa — check your country's status)
Applying too late — the October intake requires starting the process in April or May at the latest
Showing insufficient bank funds — the €3,000 requirement is checked at the embassy
Forgetting to register at IGI within 30 days of arrival — this creates legal issues for your residence permit
Education Track Handles the Visa Dossier
The European Medical Pathway package ($1,600) includes full visa dossier assembly — Education Track's team organizes your financial compliance documents, verifies your legalization requirements by nationality, and prepares the complete file for submission. This is the part of the process where mistakes are most costly, and where expert guidance pays for itself.
Start the process early. Book a free consultation at education-track.com or take the eligibility quiz to see which Romanian programs match your profile before committing to any applications.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided to the best of our knowledge and is based on information available as of August 2025. Visa requirements, document legalization processes, and financial thresholds are subject to change by Romanian immigration authorities. Education Track does not accept liability for any outdated or inaccurate information. Always verify current requirements with the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and your nearest Romanian Embassy.
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