The academic year starts between mid September and mid October, subject to the decision of each University Senate. Based on their institutional autonomy, universities may also decide on the academic schedule. Each year is divided into two semesters. Each semester lasts fourteen weeks. Students have a summer holiday, a Christmas holiday, an Easter holiday and a holiday at the end of the first semester.
Examination take place at the end of each semester. They may be oral or written. A re-examination period is scheduled before the beginning of the new academic year.
Acording to the national standards, the number of hours per week is 22-28, with a decreasing tendency. Classes are held from Monday to Friday.
The Romanian higher education system provides full time courses, evening courses, part time courses and distance learning. The part time and distance learning courses may be provided only by higher education institutions that organize full time courses. The programs of such courses are usually one academic year longer than the full time courses programs.
Undergraduate Education
Undergraduate education provides two types of programmes:
Short-term university education (2-3 year programme provided by the university colleges) courses finalised with diplomã de absolvire (diploma certifying the completion of studies at a college and the passing of a relevant examination). According to the Education Law, graduates of these courses may continue their long-term university education, under the conditions established by each institution.
Long-term university education (4-6 year programmes provided by the universities, academies and conservatories) courses finalised with diplomã de licenţã (university diploma, equivalent to a first degree).
Duration of studies
The duration of the long term studies varies according to the field :
• 6 semesters ( 3 years) for sciences, humanities, economic and social sciences,
law, political sciences, art and sports.
• 10 semesters (5 years) for engineering, pharmacy, agriculture and forestry.
• 12 semesters (6 years) for general medicine, dental medicine, veterinary
medicine and architecture.
Graduate Education
Graduate education offers specialisation or an extension of the education provided in universities. Graduate study programmes include:
Advanced studies (1-2 years) for university graduates; graduates are awarded a degree diploma; Master studies (1-2 years) for university graduates; Graduate academic studies (2-3 years) organised by graduate study schools attached to universities or functioning as autonomous units; the studies are based on inter-disciplinarity aiming at increased professional specialisation; Doctoral studies (4-6 years) offered by universities and research institutes accredited as such; the doctoral courses are organised as day courses or night courses. The scientific title of doctor granted by the institution is validated by the National Council for the Attestation of Academic Titles, University Diplomas and Certificates; Continuing education university courses, lasting no more than one year, and addressed to certain categories of employment of those without a university diploma.
Higher education in Romania has the following forms: regular studies, reduced frequency courses and Open Distance Learning.
