education system romania

Evaluation of foreign degrees and qualifications in the Netherlands

Country module

Romania

Country Module - Romania © Nuffic | 2nd edition March 2011 | version 2, August 2012 -1-

Information about the structure of the education system of Romania and the evaluation of degrees obtained in Romania.

International Recognition Department 2012 Nuffic, The Hague


Evaluation chart In the following chart, the left part lists foreign qualifications with corresponding levels in the EHEA and European qualification frameworks. The right part lists the Dutch comparisons, with corresponding levels in the Netherlands and European qualification frameworks. Degree or qualification and EHEA-QF level

EQF level

Dutch equivalent and NLQF level

EQF level

Diploma de absolvire a scolii profesionale/ Diploma de absolvire a scoli de ucenici

MBO diploma (qualification level 1 or 2)

1/2 1/2

Certificat de absolvire a scolii post-liceale

MBO diploma (qualification level 3 or 4)

3/4 3/4

Certificat de absolvire a liceului

at least 4 years of HAVO

Diploma de Bacalaureat (obtained before 2005)

HAVO diploma 4 4

Diploma de Bacalaureat (obtained since 2005)

VWO diploma* 4+ 4

Diploma de absolvire (University college)

3 years of HBO 6 6

Diploma de Licenţă (5 to 6 years)

(at least) a WO bachelor’s degree

6 6

Diploma de Licenţă (4 years)

HBO bachelor’s degree or 2 years of WO

6 6

Diploma de Licenţă (Ciclul I) (3 years, obtained after 2005)

1st 6 HBO or WO bachelor’s degree 6 6

Diploma de Licenţă (5 to 6 years, obtained after 2005 in the field of medicine)

1st 6 WO or HBO master’s degree 7 7

Diploma de Studii aprofundate (1 to 3 semesters)

1st 6 WO or HBO master’s degree 7 7

Diploma de studii academice postuniversitare (2 to 4 semesters)

2nd 7 WO or HBO master’s degree 7 7

Diploma de Master (1 to 2 years)


Diploma de Master (Ciclul II) (1 to 2 years, obtained after 2005)


Diploma de studii postuniversitare de



specializare (at least 1 year) Certificat de Absolvire (cursuri de perfectionare postuniversitare)


NB * The evaluation of this degree has been changed compared to version 2, October 2011.

- The information provided in the table is a general recommendation from which no rights may be derived.

- NLQF = Netherlands Qualifications Framework. EQF = European Qualifications Framework - The information provided in the table is a general recommendation from which no rights may

be derived. - Information on the Dutch equivalent qualifications is available in our Netherlands Country

Module. See: www.nuffic.nl/international-organizations/docs/diploma-recognition/country-modules/country-module-netherlands.pdf

- The information regarding international study programmes at VMBO and MBO level is issued by SBB, the foundation for Cooperation on Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market.

http://www.nuffic.nl/international-organizations/docs/diploma-recognition/country-modules/country-module-netherlands.pdf�

http://www.nuffic.nl/international-organizations/docs/diploma-recognition/country-modules/country-module-netherlands.pdf�


Introduction Since 1990, Romania has been a parliamentary republic, with a president as head of state. From 1965 until late 1989, Romania was a socialist state under the rule of Nicolae Ceauşescu. After the fall of Ceauşescu, the country entered a transition period whose goals included the realization of a free market economy, membership of the European Union and educational reforms. In the 1990s, the education system was reformed and many educational laws were created. First of all, in 1990 there was the Interim Education Decree, a transitional law that set the period of compulsory education at 7 years, once again allowed the existence of private institutions and urged a new accreditation system. In 1993, the Law on the Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions and the Recognition of Diploma no. 88/1993 was passed, followed by the Law on Education no. 84/1995, including amendments that were implemented during this period. In 2004, the Lege nr. 288/2004 Privind Organizarea Studiilor Universitare was passed, which reformed higher education and adapted it to the Bologna Process by dividing it into the three stages of Bachelor, Master and Doctor. Political responsibility for the education system is in the hands of the Ministry of Education, whose name has changed regularly over the course of time. In the 1980s, the ministry was called the Ministerul Educatiei si Invatamintului (Ministry of Education and Training); in the 1990s, Ministerul Invatamintului si Stiintei (Ministry of Education and Science), subsequently the Ministerul Invatamantului (Ministry of Education), then the Ministerul Educatiei Nationale (Ministry of National Education), Ministerul Educatiei, Cercetarii si Tineretului (Ministry of Education, Research and Youth) and Ministerul Educatiei, Cercetarii şi Inovării (Ministry of Education, Research and Inovation). The current name is the Ministerul Educatiei, Cercetarii, Tineretului şi Sportului (Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sports). Romania has a unitary system of higher education, in which the same institution can provide both academic and professional programmes. During the communist period, the education system was centrally organized. In order to further develop the economy, emphasis was placed on technical programmes. The curricula also contained a component of subjects that educated students about communist philosophy. Institutes were highly specialized, and private education was forbidden. Education institutions were given greater autonomy in the early 1990s, and distance was created from the communist period by means of new legislation, adjusted curricula, a decrease in the number of technical programmes, and the allowance of private education institutions. Until 2005, the Romanian higher education system had three types of education programmes, namely: short-term programmes, long-term programmes, and postgraduate programmes. The bachelor’s-master’s degree structure was introduced in the 2005/2006 academic year. In March 2011, the Romanian Minister of Education, Research, Youth and Sports has announced a radical reform in higher education. The European University Association (EUA) has been asked to assist in this matter. The reform, which will affect the whole higher education field, implies that all universities will be categorized in three categories: 1) research intensive, (2) teaching and research oriented en (3) mainly teaching institutions. During the first phase all higher education institutions will be asked to self-evaluate and to propose the category they feel they should be placed in. The official language of education is Romanian, although programmes are also provided in Hungarian and German (for small minorities that speak these languages), and sometimes also in French and English. Since 2003, compulsory education has been set at 10 years (Forms I-X), for pupils up to 18 years of age. Compulsory education is free. Senior secondary and higher education are subsidized by public funding, although some institutions are able to pass on some costs to students, such as examination or school fees. The academic year runs from September/October until June, covers 34 to 36 weeks and is divided into semesters of 17 to 18 weeks.


Primary and secondary education Primary education Primary education (invatamantul primar) lasts 4 years in Romania (Forms I-IV), and is intended for pupils aged 6/7 to 10/11. This type of education is provided at a scoala primara. Secondary education Junior secondary education (invatatamantul gimnazial, secundar inferior, often translated as ‘middle education’) also lasts 4 years (Forms V-VIII) and is provided at a gimnaziu for pupils aged 11-15 years. Until 2004, pupils who completed Form VIII were awarded the Certificat de Capacitate, issued upon completion of a national final examination (called the examen de capacitate), from 2004 onwards known as the Test National de Cunostinte. Until 1999, this certificate was known as the Certificat de absolvire a invatamintului de 8 ani (certificate of completion of 8 years of education). Following completion of an entrance examination, pupils can choose to continue on to senior secondary education in either the general track or the vocational track. Those who do not pass the national final examination automatically go on to the vocational track. Admission to senior secondary education is granted based on the mark (nota) for the national Form VIII thesis (Tezele nationale unice), and on a yearly average across Forms V-VIII. Senior general secondary education (Forms IX-XII) has two levels: invatamantul liceal (middle secondary) and secundar superior (senior secondary). If the programme is taken as evening classes, it lasts for 1 additional year (Form XIII). The programme is divided into: - theoretical secondary education with a nominal duration of 4 years, in which pupils can choose

between the two subject clusters of umanist (humanities) and real (sciences), with the following specialization options: matematica-fizica (mathematics – physics), filologie (literature), istorie-stiinte sociale (history-social sciences), informatica (computer technology), and limbi straine (foreign languages). Every cluster offers the opportunity for further specialization.

- technical secondary education, which also lasts 4 years and has the following subject clusters: technology, the service industry, environmental protection, and management of natural resources.

- secondary vocational education with a nominal duration of 4 to 5 years, with the following subject clusters: military, theology, sport, art and education.

Pupils who have completed these programmes can take a national final examination (examenul de bacalaureat) in order to obtain their Diploma de Bacalaureat, which grants admission to the entrance examinations of higher education institutions. To pass the examenul de bacalaureat, pupils must obtain a total average mark of at least 6, with no mark lower than 5 for any subject. In 2004, the higher education system has been changed and the bachelor’s-master’s degree structure has been introduced the following academic year. .Romania’s entry into the European Union in 2007 has lead to a reform of the secondary education system which, as far as possible, has been equalized to the surrounding European countries. As a consequence the evaluation of this diploma has been changed. In terms of level, the Diploma de Bacalaureat, obtained before 2005, is comparable to a HAVO diploma in the Netherlands. In terms of level, the Diploma de Bacalaureat, obtained since 2005, is comparable to a VWO diploma in the Netherlands. Pupils who do not sit or pass the Diploma de Bacalaureat exam can apply for the Certificat de absolvire a liceului (Certificate of secondary school completion). Although this certificate does not grant access to higher education, it does provide entry to post-secondary education and the labour market. Pupils of technical and secondary vocational programmes can also sit the examen de certificare, and be awarded the Certificat de competente profesionale. In terms of level, the Certificat de absolvire a liceului is comparable to at least 4 years of HAVO in the Netherlands.


Secondary vocational education Situation until 2003 Until 2003, secondary vocational education (invatamantul profesional) was provided by scoli profesionale (secondary vocational schools) in programmes lasting 2 to 3 years intended for pupils aged 15-18, and at scoli de ucenici (apprenticeship schools) offering 2-year programmes. Admission to scoli profesionale was granted based on a Certificat de Capacitate, low grades and a test. After completion of the Scoli profesionale programmes, pupils were awarded the Diploma de absolvire a scolii profesionale (Diploma of completion of vocational school). Scoli de ucenici did require an entrance examination, yet a Certificat de Capacitate was not required. Upon completion of a scoli de ucenici programme, pupils received a Certificat de absolvire a scolii de ucenici. In terms of level, the Diploma de absolvire a scolii profesionale/Diploma de absolvire a scoli de ucenici is comparable in the Netherlands to an MBO diploma at qualification level 1 or 2, depending on the duration and the specialization of the programme. Completion of a 3-year secondary vocational programme and a Diploma de absolvire a scolii profesionale gave pupils access to the an complementar: a 1-year continuation of upper secondary education, and therefore the opportunity to obtain their Diploma de Bacalaureat. Neither the Diploma de absolvire a scolii profesionale nor the Diploma de absolvire a scolii de ucenici grant access to the entrance examinations for higher education. Situation from 2003 onwards Since 2003, secondary vocational education has been provided by Scoala de arte si meserii (craft and trade schools), and qualification levels have been applied. An overview of the Scoala de arte si meserii is available on the Ministry of Education website. See under Addresses. These are 2-year vocational programmes with a major practical focus. At the end of the programme, students are awarded the Certificat de absolvire. Students can also obtain a Certificat de calificare profesionala nivel I once they have passed their examen de certificare. Further junior secondary education study is possible upon completion of an additional year (an de completare), at the end of which pupils are awarded a Certificat de absolvire. Students can also sit an examen de certificare to obtain their Certificat de calificare profesionala nivel II. After completion of senior secondary education (Forms XI and XII), pupils are eligible to take the national examen de bacalaureat and the examen de certificare a competentelor profesionale. Students who pass both examinations are awarded both the Diploma de Bacalaureat and the Certificat de calificare profesionala de nivel III. Admission to the Scoala de arte si meserii is granted based on the general mark (nota) obtained in the Test nationale cunostinte, and the annual average of the marks obtained during Form V-VIII. Post-secondary education In Romania, post-secondary education (invatamant postliceal) is categorized as pre-university education. Post-secondary programmes have a nominal duration of 1 to 3 years, and are provided at Scoli de specializare postliceala (specialized postsecondary schools) and Scoli de Maistri. At the end of the programme, the Certificat de absolvire a scolii post-liceale (de specialitate) is awarded. Lyceum graduates are eligible for admission upon completion of an entrance test (concurs); a Diploma de Bacalaureat is not mandatory. The programmes are intended as final courses of study, preparing pupils for the labour market. The Certificat de absolvire a scolii postliceale does not grant access to higher education. In terms of level, the Certificat de absolvire a scolii post-liceale is comparable in the Netherlands to an MBO diploma at qualification level 3 or 4, depending on the duration and the specialization of the programme.


Admission to higher education Admission to higher education institutions is based on “Concurs de dosare”, the evaluation of the Diploma de Bacalaureat with an average mark of at least 6. In addition to a Diploma de Bacalaureat with an average mark of at least 6, an university can require students to take a competitive entrance examination, the Examen de Admitere. This examination must be passed in at least two, sometimes in three subjects, depending on the student’s chosen specialization. An interview may also be part of the admission process. The final decision is made by the institution.


Higher education Higher education has undergone many changes since 1990. Many private institutions have opened their doors, especially in the capital city of Bucharest, due to the state-run education system not being able to cope with the increased demand for education once admission quotas were increased. State institutions also opened additional locations in other cities. All institutions for junior engineers (institutul de subingineri) that had provided 3-year technical (teacher-training) programmes leading to the Diploma de Subinginer, were awarded university status by the government. These institutions include the Universitatea din Bacau, Universitatea Eftimie Murgu din Resita, Universitatea din Oradea, Universitatea din Pitesti, Universitatea Stefan cel Mare, din Suceava and the Universitatea Tehnica din Tirgu Mures. Technical specializations, which were considered so important during the communist regime to create an industrialized society, became less popular and a wider range of new specializations appeared, including programmes in economics, sociology and philology. Decentralization of education with greater autonomy for institutions was also a focus in the new legislation, as were improvements to the quality of education. As a result, a new accreditation body was established and new quality standards were applied. When the private institutions opened their doors in the early 1990s, legislation had not yet caught up. With the establishment of the new quality assurance criteria in 2002, 14 private institutions were forced to cease their activities, given that they were unable to comply with the accreditation requirements. Before the start of the Bologna Process in Romania, higher education was provided at universities, institutes, academies and university colleges. Previously education had always been strongly centralized, with standard curricula that placed a large emphasis on memorization of facts. Creativity and problem-solving were considered to be less relevant. Nowadays, the principle of university autonomy is widespread and every university has its own University Chart. The law states that everybody must have access to higher education, that politics or ideology must have no influence on education and that institutions need more autonomy and must be able to choose their own programmes, research activities, curricula and staff. In 2009 higher education was provided by 56 state institutions and by 28 recognized and accredited private institutions. The private institutions provide one third of all available higher education, and focus particularly on professionally-oriented programmes in the fields of economy, management, philology, theology and law. Private institutions are financed primarily through tuition fees and funding by sponsors. Higher education is unitary in character – one institution can provide both academic and professional programmes. Programmes can be taken in various ways: full-time (invatamant de zi), part-time (invatamant cu frecventa redusa), through daytime or evening classes (invatamant seral) or via distance education (invatamant la distanta). Study programmes taken as evening classes or distance education can take an extra year to complete. Romanian higher education has four types of programmes: - short-term programmes (invatamant universitar de scurta durata) that take 3 years to complete,

provided by university colleges; - long-term programmes, lasting 4 to 6 years (invatamant universitar de lunga durata);

various types of postgraduate programmes, with short programmes varying in length from 1 to 2 years;

- a 3- to - 5-year doctorate programme. As of the 2005/2006 academic year, higher education has been divided into the three stages of Licenţă (180-240 ECTS), Master (60-120 ECTS) and Doctor (3 to 5 years). The unitary studies leading to the profession of farmacist (pharmacist), doctor medic (physician), doctor-medic dentist (dental surgeon) and doctor medic veterinar (veterinary surgeon) take, respectively, 5,6,6 and 6 years to complete and lead to the Diploma de Licenţă.


University education University education in Romania is divided into three study ‘cycles’. In Romania, an institution can provide both academic and professional programmes which explains why a study programme may also be compared to an HBO degree. Situation until 2005 Short-term programmes (invatamant universitar de scurta durata) Short-term programmes lasted for 3 years and were provided by university colleges. At the end of the programme, students completed an examen de absolvire (final examination) and wrote a final paper or conducted a (final examination) project. Successful candidates were awarded the Diploma de absolvire, and only then could they continue on to long-term programmes or enter the labour market. Students who did not pass the examen de absolvire were awarded a Certificat (de studii universitare de scurta durata). In terms of level, the Diploma de absolvire from a university college is comparable to 3 years of higher professional education (HBO) in the Netherlands. Long-term programmes (invatamant universitar de lunga durata) Long-term programmes lasted 4 to 6 years, and concluded with what is known as an examen de Licenţă. The Licenţă examination consisted of two parts: fundamental and specialist knowledge of the subject area, and a final paper or a project. After defending the final paper, successful candidates were awarded the qualification of Licentiat along with the name of a specific specialization, as well as the Diploma de Licenţă. Technical and agricultural specializations took 5 years, and graduates were awarded the Diploma de Inginer. Programmes in medicine, veterinary science and architecture were 6 years long, and graduates were awarded the Diploma de Doctor-Medic, Diploma de Doctor Veterinar or the Diploma de Arcitect. These programmes permitted students to retake examinations three times within 5 years. Students who did not pass the Licenţă examination were awarded a Certificat de studii universitare de lunga durata. The Diploma de Licenţă grants access to the first stage, the preparatory stage of the doctorate. In terms of level, the 5 or 6-year Diploma de Licenţă obtained at a university is (at least) comparable to a WO bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands. In terms of level, the 4-year Diploma de Licenţă obtained at a university is comparable to an HBO bachelor’s degree or to 2 years of university education (WO) in the Netherlands,depending on the specialization and type of study. N.B: A 4-year Diploma de Licenţă may be compared to a WO bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands when the study programme resembles the study programme of a Licenţă awarded after the educational reforms in 2005 (a specialist study programme with an emphasis on research methods). Postgraduate education (invatamant postuniversitar) Postgraduate education included various programme types: - advanced studies (studii aprofundate), with a nominal duration of 1 to 3 semesters and concluding

with a final paper (disertatie). The programme included further specialization in the field studied during the lunga durata programme. Graduates were awarded the Diploma de Studii aprofundate.

- postgraduate academic studies (studii academice postuniversitare), with a nominal duration of 2 to 4 semesters. Successful candidates were awarded the Diploma de studii academice postuniversitare.

- the masterat, with a nominal duration of 2 to 4 semesters, represented more in-depth study in a certain subject area, as well as extended competences. Graduates with a lunga durata diploma (obtained at university), regardless of the specialization, were eligible to participate in this study programme. The programme concluded with a final paper (disertatie) which must be defended. Graduates were awarded the Diploma de Master.


- specialization studies (studii postuniversitare de specializare) took at least 2 semesters and were accessible to graduates of long-term programmes. Upon completion, students received a Diploma de studii postuniversitare de specializare.

- continuing education (cursure de perfectionare postuniversitare) was accessible to graduates of either short or long-term programmes. The duration of the programme was determined by the board of the institution, and the programme was intended for professional training, such as for the professions of teacher, doctor or lawyer. Successful candidates were awarded the Certificat de Absolvire.

In terms of level, the postgraduate certificate following a programme lasting at least 1 year is comparable to a WO or HBO master’s degree, depending on the specialization and type of study. Doctorate A doctorate took 3 to 5 years, and could be taken as either daytime classes or distance education. There were two types of doctorates: academic doctorates and professional doctorates. The programme was divided in two periods, a stadiu de pregatire or stagiu de doctorat (educational stage) and the dissertation stage. The first stage consisted of examinations, the writing of academic reports and conducting research (2 to 3 semesters) and would lead to the second stage, the writing of a dissertation that had to be publicly defended (3 to 4 semesters). In the first stage, a candidate also had to demonstrate the knowledge of second language besides the Romanian language. When a candidate successfully completed the first period, he or she would submit a research proposal which was reviewed by a committee of professors. When the proposal was accepted the candidate was allowed to continue writing the thesis. These programmes were provided exclusively by universities and research institutes (IOD Institutii organizatoare de doctorat) that were authorized by the Ministry. The admission requirements included an entrance examination (concurs) and a Diploma de Master or Diploma de Licenţă, as obtained prior to the introduction of the Bologna Process (Law no. 288/2004). A Diploma de Doctor was issued by the institutions with the permission of the National Council for the Recognition of Academic Titles, Diplomas and Certificates. A 3- to 5-year doctorate was comparable to a WO doctorate in the Netherlands. Situation after 2005 In the 2005/2006 academic year, the higher education system in Romania was set up as follows: Studii universitare de Licenţă The first cycle within higher education lasts for 3 years (4 years for technical programmes). Practical work experience is a compulsory element for technical specializations. The programmes culminate in the Diploma de Licenţă, which allows the student in question to enter the labour market or to continue on to the master’s programme (Hotărârea Guvernului nr.88/2005). In terms of level, the 3-year Diploma de Licenţă obtained at a university (EHEA-QF 1st cycle / EQF level 6) is comparable to an HBO or WO bachelor’s degree, depending on the specialization and type of study. Full description of learning outcomes relevant to this level: http://ec.europa.eu/education/pub/pdf/general/eqf/leaflet_en.pdf Studii universitare de masterat The second cycle within higher education lasts for 1 to 2 years. It is also possible to complete the Diploma de Licenţă and Diploma de Master programmes as a single study programme, in which case the programme lasts 5 to 6 years (programmes in medicine, veterinary science and architecture take 6 years). These unitary cycle study programmes lead to the Diploma de Licenţă. The Diploma de Licenţă grants access to the studii universitare de masterat. The masterat programme is geared towards more detailed study of the subject area in which students obtained their Diploma de Licenţă (Hotărârea Guvernului nr.404.2006). Graduates are awarded the Diploma de Master.

http://ec.europa.eu/education/pub/pdf/general/eqf/leaflet_en.pdf�


In terms of level, the 1 or 2-year Diploma de Master obtained at a university (EHEA-QF 2nd cycle / EQF level 7) is comparable to a WO or HBO master’s degree in the Netherlands, depending on the specialization and type of study. Full description of learning outcomes relevant to this level: http://ec.europa.eu/education/pub/pdf/general/eqf/leaflet_en.pdf Studii universitare de doctorat The third cycle within higher education lasts for 3 years and may be extended by 1 or 2 years. New legislation relating to this stage was passed in Romania in 2005 (Hotărârea Guvernului, nr 567/2005). The new system draws a distinction between two programme types: - an academic/scientific programme, consisting of practical training and advanced university studies (programul de pregatire) lasting 2 to 3 semesters. The programme also involves advanced research (programul de cercetare stiintifica) and the writing of a final paper, which takes 3 to 4 semesters. - a professional programme that can be taken in the fields of Sport, Music or the Arts. Candidates for this programme must sit an entrance examination and submit a Diploma de Masterat. A Diploma de Licenţă obtained prior to implementation of the Bologna Process is sufficient for admission to the entrance examination. The Diploma de Doctor is awarded following completion of either programme. A Diploma de Doctor awarded after a nominally 3-year programme at a university is comparable to the degree of Doctor in the Netherlands. Post-doctoral programmes Two-year post-doctoral programmes were introduced in the 2005/2006 academic year. These programmes are financed by the Ministry of Education and Research through subsidies proposed by the National Council of Higher Education Scientific Research.

http://ec.europa.eu/education/pub/pdf/general/eqf/leaflet_en.pdf�


Assessment systems A 10-point system is used in both secondary and higher education, with 5 being the minimum pass mark. Numerical grade Description Romanian description Meaning

10 Zece Excellent Excellent 9 Noua Excellent Excellent 8 Opt Bun Good 7 Sapte Bun Good 6 Sase Suficient Sufficient 5 Cinci Suficient Sufficient 4 Patru Fail 3 Trei Fail 2 Doi Fail 1 Unu Fail The ECTS was recommended in 1998, and has now been made compulsory. More information on the ECTS system is available in the ECTS User’s Guide issued by the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc/ects/guide_en.pdf. See the following link for grade conversion: http://www.nuffic.nl/diplomawaardering/diplomawaardering/cijfersystemen.

http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc/ects/guide_en.pdf�

http://www.nuffic.nl/diplomawaardering/diplomawaardering/cijfersystemen


Bologna process With the new law (Lege nr. 288 of June 2004) relating to the organization of university programmes, Romanian higher education has conformed to the Bologna Process. In doing so, higher education has been given a three-tiered structure: Studii universitare de Licenţă with a nominal duration of 3 to 4 years (180-240 ECTS); Studii universitare de masterat with a nominal duration of 1 to 2 years (60-120 ECTS) and Studii universitare de doctorat with a nominal duration of 3 years. The Diploma Supplement (Suplimentul la Diploma) must be issued by institutions for free in a foreign language, and the use of ECTS is obligatory. Information on the current situation can be found on the official European Higher Education Area (EHEA) website: www.ehea.info/country-details.aspx?countryId=38.

http://www.ehea.info/country-details.aspx?countryId=38


Qualification frameworks In 2005, the Bologna Framework (overarching framework for qualifications of the European higher education area) was adopted. Development of a complete national qualifications framework, including non higher education qualifications, is still under way.

The National Agency for Qualifications in Higher Education (ACPART) was founded in 2005, with the purpose of developing and implementing a national qualifications framework for higher education. The National Qualifications Framework in Higher Education will include three qualification levels, namely: level 6 – Licenţă, level 7 – Masterat and level 8 – Doctorat. Each level is linked to a number of descriptors, such as knowledge level, competencies and skills. The expected implementation date is 2012. The categories of titles and qualifications awarded by higher education institutions have already been identified and included in the National Qualifications Register for Higher Education. More detailed information on the methodology for the development of the National Qualifications Framework in Higher Education can be found on the website of the Agentia Nationala Pentru Calificarile din Invatamantul Superior si Parteneriat cu Mediul Economic si Social. See under Addresses.


Quality assurance and accreditation In the early 1990s, the need for quality assurance in higher education increased due to the establishment of many new institutions and study programmes, including private institutions. In 1993 the National Council for Academic Evaluation and Accreditation (NCAEA) was established, with the purpose of accrediting higher education institutions. Until that time, study programmes and institutions were approved by the ministry. All state institutions in existence and operation in late 1989 were automatically recognized by the government by means of the new accreditation law. This law, titled ‘Law on the Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions and Diploma Recognition (Law no. 88/1993) names two stages in the accreditation process: provisional authorization, and accreditation. The first stage lasts a minimum of 3 years, during which the institution is not permitted to arrange any final examinations, award any degrees or issue any diplomas. These tasks must be carried out by a recognized higher education institution at the conclusion of the programme. During provisional authorization, institutions are permitted to organize entrance examinations and take on students, draw up curricula, develop research activities and provide educational programmes. During this stage, the institution draws up a self-assessment report and submits an application to the NCAEA. They must satisfy five criteria: programme content, qualifications and competences of the teaching staff, academic research activities, material facilities, and finances. Following the official accreditation, an assessment is conducted every 5 years. In cases in which the NCAEA did not approve the request for official accreditation, institutions were given 1 additional year to satisfy the criteria. Law no. 87/2006, approved by the Emergency Government Act no.75/2005 regarding quality assurance in education, takes a cross-sector approach to quality assurance made possible by involving all providers of education in Romania in the quality assurance process. The following topics were addressed: - the methodology of quality assurance in education - quality assurance at institution level - external assessment of ‘quality education’ - institutional organization involved in quality assurance

The quality of the education system is safeguarded by the following processes: - production of a concrete schedule and expected learning outcomes - monitoring of results - internal and external assessment of results - ongoing improvement of educational outcomes Internal quality assurance Every higher education institution is legally obliged to set up a quality assurance committee, whose members must represent the most important stakeholders and student bodies. External assessment of quality assurance External assessment of quality assurance includes the following elements: institutional capacity assessment of the educational institution; assessment of the effectiveness of the educational institution; assessment of quality management at institutional level; quality assessment of study programmes; assessment of the balance between an internal assessment and the actual situation; comparison with study programmes of the same type at various education institutions. The Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Preuniversity Education (Agentia Romana pentru Asigurarea Calitatii in Invatamantul Preuniversitar – ARACIP) and the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (Agentia Romana pentru Asigurarea Calitatii in Invatamantul Superior – ARACIS) are autonomous and independent public institutions that serve the national interest. Both organizations have competences in the field of accreditation and external quality assessment. The website of the Romanian Minstery of Education contains lists of accredited institution. For more information see: www.edu.ro/index.php/base/frontpage

http://www.edu.ro/index.php/base/frontpage�


International treaties Romania signed the Lisbon Convention in 1997, and ratified it in the law 172/1998. Romania has bilateral mutual recognition agreements in the field of education with Cyprus, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine and the Russian Federation. More information on these treaties can be found on the website of the Centrul National de Recunoaştere şi Echivalare a Diplomelor (CNRED), de Roemeense ENIC/NARIC (zie onder Adressen).


Addresses www.cnred.edu.ro Website of the Centrul National de Recunoaştere şi Echivalare a Diplomelor (CNRED), the Romanian ENIC/NARIC. www.cnred.edu.ro/#cadru-legal-specific-pentru-recunoasterea-studiilor. Website of the Centrul National de Recunoaştere şi Echivalare a Diplomelor (CNRED), the Romanian ENIC/NARIC with information on the bilateral mutual recognition agreements in the field of education. www.edu.ro Website of the Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sports (mostly in Romanian). www.edu.ro/index.php/articles/c105 Website of the Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sports, with detailed information and an overview of the Scoala de arte si meserii. www.edu.ro/index.php/articles/c108/ Website of the Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sports, with the list of all accredited state and private Higher Education Institutions www.edu.ro/index.php/articles/6603 Website of the Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sports, with information on the Diploma Supplement. www.aracis.ro Website of the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. www.cdep.ro/pls/legis Website of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies, with information on legislation in higher education. www.rncis.ro/portal/page?_pageid=54&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL Website of the National Higher Education Qualifications Registry. http://bacalaureat.edu.ro/ Website of the Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sports, with an online verification tool of the results of the Bacalaureat. www.s-bb.nl Website of SBB, the foundation for Co-operation on Vocational Education, Training and the Labour Market.

http://www.cnred.edu.ro/�

http://www.cnred.edu.ro/#cadru-legal-specific-pentru-recunoasterea-studiilor�

http://www.edu.ro/�

http://www.edu.ro/index.php/articles/c105�

http://www.edu.ro/index.php/articles/c108/�

http://www.edu.ro/index.php/articles/6603�

http://www.aracis.ro/�

http://www.cdep.ro/pls/legis�

http://www.rncis.ro/portal/page?_pageid=54&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL�

http://bacalaureat.edu.ro/�

http://www.s-bb.nl/�


Diploma Supplement In the 2005/2006 academic year, all Romanian higher education institutions became legally obliged to provide a Diploma Supplement free of charge in a major foreign language. More information is available on the Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sports website. See under Addresses. More information on the Diploma Supplement is available on the website of the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc1239_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/doc1239_en.htm�


Composition of file A complete file must include a certificate and a grade list in Romanian, accompanied by a sworn translation in Dutch, English, German or French.


List of higher education institutions www.edu.ro/index.php/articles/c108. Website of the Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sports with an overview of all accredited public and private higher education institutions and all domains, specializations and subject clusters for Licenţă programmes, as set out in the Government Decision (Hotărârea Guvernului) no. 676/2007 and modified according to the Government Decision no. 981/2007 (modificata prin Hotărârea Guvernului nr. 981/2007).

http://www.edu.ro/index.php/articles/c108�


Diplomă de Bacalaureat – diploma secondary education

- CLICK ON THE DIPLOMA TO RETURN TO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM -

Diplomă de Bacalaureat - transcript


Certificat de absolvire a liceului – certificate secondary education

- CLICK ON THE DIPLOMA TO RETURN TO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM –


Diplomă de absolvire a scolii profesional – diploma secondary vocational education



Diplomă de absolvire a scolii profesional - transcript secondary vocational education


Diplomă de licentă



Diplomă de licentă - transcript


Diplomă de Master



Diplomă de master - transcript


Qualification - Romania

Diploma de Bacalaureat (obtained since 2005)

___________________________________________________________________ general secondary education diploma

grants access to all higher education programmes in Romania, upon completion of entrance examinations

__________________________________________________________________ This qualification is comparable to a VWO diploma in the Netherlands. NB this information is a general recommendation from which no rights may be derived



Diploma de Absolvire

___________________________________________________________________ first cycle higher education diploma (EHEA – Qualifications Framework)

grants access to the labour market and to master’s programmes in Romania

has a nominal duration of 3 years ___________________________________________________________________ This qualification is comparable to 3 years of higher professional education (HBO) in the Netherlands. NB this information is a general recommendation from which no rights may be derived



Diploma de Licenta (obtained after 2005)

___________________________________________________________________ first cycle higher education diploma (EHEA – Qualifications Framework)

grants access to master’s programmes in Romania

has a nominal duration of 3 years ___________________________________________________________________ This qualification (EHEA-QF 1) is comparable to an HBO or WO bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands, depending on the specialization and type of study. NB this information is a general recommendation from which no rights may be derived



Diploma de Master

___________________________________________________________________ second cycle higher education diploma (EHEA – Qualifications Framework)

grants access to PhD programmes in Romania

has a nominal duration of 1 to 2 years ___________________________________________________________________ This qualification (EHEA-QF 2) is comparable to a WO or HBO master’s degree in the Netherlands, depending on the specialization or type of study. NB this information is a general recommendation from which no rights may be derived

education system romania

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