Hi everyone, I'm a 2nd year student at the Cluj Napoca University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu" English Section. I am a citizen of USA, of Romanian background. I was also able to get my Romanian citizenship and national ID. I know Romanian well. I normally live in Houston Texas, and go to school in Cluj. I have seen much confusion around the forums regarding studies in Romania, specifically at UMF "Iuliu Hatieganu" in Cluj.
I can help clarify some of this info through my experience.
Small Q&A about myself:
Q: Why am I here to study in Romania?
A: The cost of Medical School in the USA is ridiculous (more than $30,000 per year tuition). Also I am Romanian born (left romania when i was 7). Additionally I have wonderful parents that are paying for my brother and me to go here.
Q: Have I done any schooling in USA?
A: I did 3rd grade to 5th grade at an elementary school. 6th grade - 8th grade at a Junior High School. 9th grade - 12th grade at a High School (graduation rank #52 out of ~620 students). I also did 2 years of a Biology degree at University of Houston (unfinished). University of Houston cost around $7000-$10,000 per year.
Q: Am I in the healthcare field in the USA?
A: Yes of course, I am a current Pharmacy Technician at Kingwood Medical Center. Much contact with American doctors. I work there on school vacations, summer (3 months) and winter (1 month). I have a great boss that keeps me hired there.
Q: Do I plan to move back to the USA and be a doctor there?
A: Definitely yes. I plan to do a residency in Ophthalmology, God willing.
If anyone has other questions, please ask.
Ok so now that you all know me a bit better, I'm going to explain all about Medical Schools in Romania, and how I applied to and attend the "Iuliu Hatieganu" school in Cluj.
To apply I needed:
-Passport of course (make about 10 copies of it),
-Some passport size photos of yourself (8 or so),
-A few notarized (legalized) copies of your birth certificate (and your original),
-Official sealed high school transcript (they didn't use mine, but its one of the requirements),
-Original high school diploma,
-Any kind of physical examination (sealed).. a paper saying you're healthy signed by a doctor is fine.. that's how mine was (simple physical: vitals, reflexes, declaration of diseases, medications you're on.. etc)
-Few copies of parents' birth certificates
I am of Romanian descent, so the Romanian Ministry of Education gives any proven Romanian descendant (even born abroad) 33% off the original price.
Medical School, Dentistry, and Pharmacy (only in Romanian in Cluj) each cost $3,600 per year.
If you are Romanian descent, you pay $2400 per year. I also don't have to pay a visa because I got my documents done.
***My school secretary submitted and took care of all my "Acceptance Letter" for going to school in Romania. ****This might have changed since there are very many people going to this school now.
I have attached the APPLICATION FORM.pdf to apply to the Romanian Ministry of Education for ALL SCHOOLS in Romania.
****ATTENTION! Knowing English is enough to learn, and live in Cluj. Knowledge of Romanian is NOT needed. You will learn Romanian by taking Romanian Language as part of the curriculum.
I have also included some info about studying in Romania (study_in_romania.pdf) with loads of good info on schools, prices, and procedures. Also included is info to schools and addresses to Romanian embassies of your country to where you can get info about acceptance.
Any questions, JUST ASK.
Good Luck!