Universities in Moldova

Universities in Moldova are concentrated in the capital, Chișinău, with a few state universities in regional cities such as Bălți, Cahul and Comrat. The Ministry of Education and Research's list of higher education institutions names 12 public institutions, including Moldova State University, the Technical University of Moldova, the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, and four private universities, such as the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM).

Moldova attracts a growing but still modest number of international students. According to the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM), 3,179 foreign citizens held residence permits for study purposes in 2026, most of them from India, Israel and Tunisia. Our directory lists one active university in Moldova: the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM) in Chișinău, which specialises in economics, business and law.

How Moldovan universities work

Higher education follows the three cycles of the European Higher Education Area:

• Cycle I: bachelor's degree (licență), usually three or four years
• Cycle II: master's degree
• Cycle III: doctorate

Study programmes are measured in ECTS credits. At ASEM, for example, the bachelor's degree in Business Management and Administration takes three years (six semesters) and the bachelor's degree in Law four years (eight semesters). The academic year runs from September to June in two terms. The ministry also promotes dual bachelor's programmes that combine university study with work in a company.

Programmes must be accredited. Quality assurance is the task of the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research (ANACEC), and the Ministry of Education and Research accredits bachelor's and master's programmes by ministerial order. Accreditation also matters for residence: the GIM issues study residence cards for students of public and private institutions, provided that the institution is accredited.

Most programmes are taught in Romanian, and many also in Russian. Some are taught in English or French: at ASEM, Business Management and Administration is offered in Romanian, Russian and English, and Hotel, Tourism and Leisure Services in Romanian, English and a Romanian-French track.

Admission for international students

Admission is regulated by the Education Code, and the enrolment of foreign students needs the approval of the Ministry of Education and Research. Applications go through the national E-Admitere platform; in 2026 the admission campaign started on 27 July.

At ASEM, foreign applicants send their documents electronically to the International Relations Office, including a passport valid for at least 18 months, an apostilled copy of their last diploma and proof of payment of the €150 registration fee. The university then obtains a letter of acceptance from the ministry and an invitation to study, after which the student applies for a visa if needed. ASEM's deadlines for the 2025-26 academic year were 15 August and 1 February for bachelor's and master's programmes, and it recommends a language certificate at level B2 or higher.

After arrival, students apply to the GIM for a temporary residence permit for study purposes, valid for the whole duration of their studies. Requirements include proof of enrolment, accommodation, medical insurance, a criminal record certificate and proof of financial means. Foreign diplomas and periods of study abroad are recognised by the Ministry of Education and Research, whose recognition services are free of charge.

Costs and funding

Each university sets its own fees for foreign students. At ASEM, foreign citizens paid the following in the 2025-26 academic year:

• Registration fee: €150
• Bachelor's level: €2,300 per year
• Master's level: €2,500 per year
• Doctoral level: €2,800 per year

For the residence permit, ASEM asks for a bank certificate showing at least €3,500. Dormitory places for international students start at €75 per month. Holders of Moldovan state scholarships do not have to prove financial means for the residence permit, according to the GIM. ASEM also takes part in Erasmus+ exchanges.

How to choose a university

• Field of study: Moldova has specialised universities for economics, medicine and pharmacy, technology, education and the arts
• Language of instruction: check whether your programme is taught in Romanian, Russian, English or French, and whether you need a language certificate
• Accreditation: make sure the programme is accredited, as this affects both recognition of the degree and your residence permit
• Recognition at home: check how a Moldovan degree is recognised in your own country, especially for regulated professions
• Housing and city: Chișinău offers the widest choice; regional universities are in smaller cities

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to study at a university in Moldova?

Fees depend on the institution. At ASEM, foreign citizens paid €2,300 a year for a bachelor's degree and €2,500 for a master's degree in 2025-26, plus a €150 registration fee.

Can I study in English in Moldova?

Some programmes are taught in English, such as ASEM's bachelor's degree in Business Management and Administration. Most programmes are taught in Romanian, and many also in Russian.

How do I apply to a Moldovan university?

Applications go through the national E-Admitere platform and the university's international office, which obtains the ministry's approval and the invitation to study needed for the visa.

Do I need a residence permit to study in Moldova?

Yes. After admission, foreign students apply to the General Inspectorate for Migration for a temporary residence permit for study purposes, valid for the whole duration of their studies.