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Iași, Romania

Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy

A historic Romanian medical university in Iași — WFME-accredited (via IAAR) and teaching medicine in English, with degrees recognised for the US and Canada.

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Romania

Country

Iași

City

Est. 1879

145+ years of medical education

English

Medium of instruction

Introduction

Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF Iași) is a historic Romanian medical university in Iași, the largest city of eastern Romania, with medical education dating back to 1879 — more than 145 years. It is named after Grigore T. Popa, the Romanian anatomist internationally known for discovering the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal circulation. It was reported as the first medical university in Romania to gain international accreditation on WFME standards through the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR). The six-year Medicine programme is taught entirely in English and leads to the Romanian Doctor-Medic degree, equivalent to an MBBS. Admission is direct, by evaluation of academic records and English proficiency, without a separate Biology or Chemistry entrance exam, though Indian students still need to qualify NEET to obtain the eligibility certificate the National Medical Commission (NMC) requires for studying MBBS abroad and for licensing later. The degree is recognised across the European Union, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, WFME-accredited via IAAR (supporting the US/Canada ECFMG route) and recognised by the NMC.

  • Study program:Medicine (MD / Doctor-Medic), equivalent to MBBS
  • Language:English
  • Duration:6 Years (360 ECTS)
  • University type:Public university
  • Per academic year fees:€9,000 · ₹9,40,000 (approx.)
  • Admission:Direct admission by academic file (no entrance exam)
  • Established:1879 (named after anatomist Grigore T. Popa)
  • Accreditation:WFME-accredited (via IAAR); WDOMS-listed; EU-recognised; NMC-recognised; ECFMG/US route
A Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy teaching building in Iași
Medical facilities at Grigore T. Popa University, Iași
A Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy campus view in Iași
A teaching and learning space at Grigore T. Popa University, Iași
Students and facilities at Grigore T. Popa University, Iași

A Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy teaching building in Iași

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Recognition & Prestige

Rankings & Recognition

Grigore T. Popa University is a historic Romanian medical university, internationally accredited on WFME standards via IAAR, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, recognised across the EU and by the National Medical Commission of India, with degrees recognised for the US and Canada.

Accreditations and Recognition

  • National Medical Commission (NMC) of India emblem

    NMC (India)

    Recognised for Indian students: Grigore T. Popa University is recognised by the National Medical Commission, so eligible graduates who have qualified NEET can sit the FMGE/NExT screening examination and pursue licensing in India.

  • World Directory of Medical Schools emblem

    WDOMS

    Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), the global directory of medical schools recognised by the WHO and ECFMG.

  • World Federation for Medical Education emblem

    WFME

    Grigore T. Popa University holds international accreditation on WFME standards through the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR), a WFME-recognised agency — first achieved in 2020 and meeting the 2024 ECFMG requirement for the US and Canada.

  • European Union emblem

    European Union (EHEA)

    As a Romanian degree, the qualification is recognised across the European Union and the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Process), supporting registration and practice across the EU.

Complete Information About Grigore T. Popa University

Get complete information about Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, including tuition, living costs, admission and the licensing route for Indian students.

Success stories

Student Success Stories

Hear directly from students who are studying medicine in Europe with futureMBBS.

Academic Excellence

Why Study MBBS at Grigore T. Popa University

Grigore T. Popa pairs a historic Romanian medical university with a WFME-accredited (via IAAR), EU-recognised degree, an early ECFMG/US route, teaching hospitals across Iași and an affordable student city.

A Historic Medical University

With medical education dating back to 1879 and more than 145 years of history, UMF Iași is one of Romania's oldest and most established medical universities, named after the internationally renowned anatomist Grigore T. Popa.

WFME-Accredited (via IAAR)

UMF Iași was reported as the first Romanian medical university to gain international accreditation on WFME standards through IAAR, meeting the ECFMG requirement now needed for the US route and increasingly worldwide.

A Route to the US and Canada

Because it meets the WFME/ECFMG standard, UMF Iași was highlighted as a Romanian medical school whose diplomas support the US and Canada licensing route, in addition to Europe and India.

Recognised by the NMC

Grigore T. Popa University is recognised by the National Medical Commission of India, so eligible graduates can appear for the FMGE, transitioning to the NExT, and go on to practise medicine in India.

Direct Admission (No Entrance Exam)

Admission to the English Medicine programme is direct, by evaluation of academic records and English proficiency, without a separate Biology or Chemistry entrance exam, rewarding a strong school record.

Teaching Hospitals Across Iași

Clinical training takes place in Iași's network of teaching hospitals, giving students broad, hands-on clinical exposure across the major specialties from the middle years onwards.

Affordable Historic Student City

Iași is one of Romania's great university cities and among its more affordable, with typical student budgets of about ₹33,000 to ₹55,000 a month, a rich cultural life and a large student population.

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How to Apply

Admission Process for MBBS

Admission to Medicine in English at Grigore T. Popa University is direct, by evaluation of academic records and English proficiency, without a separate Biology or Chemistry entrance exam. Indian students must also qualify NEET to obtain the NMC eligibility certificate required to study MBBS abroad, but the UMF Iași offer itself is decided on the academic file, not on NEET rank.

Admission Timeline

  1. 1
    Spring–summer 2026Applications Open

    International applicants submit the online application with academic records, English proficiency evidence, passport and supporting documents to the UMF Iași international office.

  2. 2
    About 7 working daysFile Review

    The admission committee reviews the application file; there is no separate Biology or Chemistry entrance exam. A strong record in Physics, Chemistry and Biology is expected.

  3. 3
    On selectionOffer & Letter of Acceptance

    Selected applicants receive an offer and the Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education, required for enrolment and the visa.

  4. 4
    On acceptanceEnrolment & Fees

    Admitted students confirm their place and pay the first-year tuition to secure their seat.

  5. 5
    Summer 2026Visa & Residence

    Students complete the Romanian student visa and residence-permit steps using the Ministry Letter of Acceptance and university documents.

  6. 6
    October 2026Classes Begin

    The academic year begins for the new intake in Iași.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification

Applicants must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with strong grades in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (typically an aggregate above 80% in PCB), and Indian students must have qualified NEET for NMC eligibility.

Subjects:

BiologyChemistryPhysicsEnglish

Age Requirement

Candidates should be at least 17 years old in the year of admission, in line with standard MBBS-abroad and NMC requirements.

  • Minimum 17 yearsRequired age in the year of admission

Requirements

Applicants submit an academic file with certificates, English-proficiency evidence and a passport; a Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education is required for enrolment.

  • Academic File

    A strong Class 12 record with Biology, Chemistry and Physics (aggregate above 80% in PCB), plus evidence of English proficiency, evaluated directly without an entrance exam.

  • NEET (for Indian students)

    Indian students must qualify NEET to obtain the NMC eligibility certificate required for studying MBBS abroad and for the screening examination on return.

Entrance Examination

There is no separate Biology or Chemistry entrance examination; admission is direct, by evaluation of the academic file and English proficiency.

ComponentRequirement
Entrance examNone. Direct admission by evaluation of academic records (aggregate above 80% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and English proficiency.
Enrolment documentA Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education is required, plus a valid passport and English-proficiency evidence. Confirm the exact 2026 requirements with the university.

Required Documents

To apply, students need to submit essential academic and identification documents:

  • Completed online application and application fee
  • Class 12 / secondary-school certificate and mark sheets (legalised/apostilled)
  • NEET result (for Indian students, for NMC eligibility)
  • Valid passport and evidence of English proficiency
  • + More

Admission Guidance & Document Checklist

Get the complete document checklist or admission guidance from our experts.

Program Structure

MBBS Curriculum & Internship Structure

Students follow a structured six-year, 360-ECTS curriculum: the first three years cover theoretical and pre-clinical science, and the fourth to sixth years bring diverse clinical experience across Iași's teaching hospitals, taught entirely in English.

Medicine Course

  • Total Duration:

    6 Years (360 ECTS)

  • Degree:

    Doctor-Medic (MD), equivalent to MBBS

Curriculum Phases at Grigore T. Popa University

  • Years 1–2

    Theoretical (Pre-Clinical Foundations)

    Basic medical sciences focused on the structure and function of the healthy human body, taught through lectures, laboratories and practical classes:

    AnatomyHistology & EmbryologyBiochemistryBiophysics
    PhysiologyCellular & Molecular Biology
  • Years 3–4

    Pre-Clinical to Clinical Transition

    Paraclinical sciences and the first clinical experience in Iași's teaching hospitals, bridging laboratory science and bedside medicine:

    PathologyPathophysiologyPharmacologyMicrobiology
    ImmunologyInternal Medicine propaedeuticsSurgery propaedeutics
  • Years 5–6

    Clinical Training & Final Year

    Diverse clinical rotations across the specialties in Iași's teaching hospitals, leading to the graduation licensing examination and the Doctor-Medic degree:

    Internal MedicineSurgeryPaediatricsObstetrics & Gynaecology
    NeurologyPsychiatryClinical rotations

Clinical Rotations

Clinical training takes place across the university's network of Iași teaching hospitals from the third and fourth years onwards, building to full clinical rotations and a final year.

PhaseFocus
Years 1–3Theoretical and pre-clinical lectures, laboratories and practical classes.
Years 4–5Diverse clinical experience across the specialties in Iași teaching hospitals.
Year 6A final clinical year and the graduation licensing examination for the Doctor-Medic degree.

Get the full curriculum

Download a free brochure to see detailed subjects, the course structure and everything you need to plan your studies.

Global Exchange

Erasmus+ Partner Universities

Grigore T. Popa University takes part in the Erasmus+ programme, so medical students can spend a study period or clinical placement at partner universities and hospitals across Europe. Exchanges are managed by the university's international relations office through its inter-institutional agreements.

CountryErasmus+ Partner Universities (Medicine)
AustriaFH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Graz
BelgiumUCLouvain; Ghent University; Université de Liège; Karel de Grote University College, Antwerp
BulgariaMedical University of Sofia
CroatiaUniversity of Rijeka
Czech RepublicCharles University, Prague; Masaryk University, Brno; Palacký University Olomouc; Czech Technical University, Prague (Medical Bioengineering)
FranceUniversité Paris Cité; Université Paris-Saclay; University of Rennes; Université Côte d'Azur; Université de Bourgogne, Dijon; Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest; Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne
GermanyUniversity of Freiburg; Goethe University Frankfurt; Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg; University of Lübeck; University of Rostock; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
GreeceUniversity of Patras; University of West Attica

Explore Your Erasmus+ Options

Grigore T. Popa students can spend a semester at partner universities across Europe. Get the latest details and guidance from our experts.

Legacy

Prominent Figures of Grigore T. Popa University

The university carries the name of one of the great figures of Romanian anatomy and is led today by senior Romanian clinician-academics.

Grigore T. Popa (namesake, 1892–1948)

The university is named after Grigore T. Popa, a Romanian anatomist internationally renowned for discovering, with Una Fielding, the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal circulation — a landmark finding in understanding how the brain controls the pituitary gland and the endocrine system.

Prof. Dr. Viorel Scripcariu (Rector)

Professor Viorel Scripcariu, a surgeon and oncology specialist, serves as Rector of Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, leading one of Romania's historic medical universities and its internationally accredited programmes.

Faculty

Grigore T. Popa University is led by its Rector, Professor Viorel Scripcariu, and teaching is delivered by physicians, surgeons and scientists across its faculties, research centres and Iași's teaching hospitals.

Academic Expertise

  • Led by Rector Professor Viorel Scripcariu

  • 145+ years of medical education

  • Experienced physicians, surgeons and researchers

  • International IAAR/WFME accreditation

Student Support & Mentorship

  • Clinical teaching across Iași hospitals

  • Personal mentorship

  • Modern simulation and skills facilities

  • An active Erasmus and international student network

About University

History Information

A historic Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy building in Iași

A historic Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy building in Iași

Medical Education Since 1879

Medical education in Iași dates back to 1879, when the Faculty of Medicine was established, giving the university more than 145 years of history and making it one of the oldest medical schools in Romania.

Named After Grigore T. Popa

The university is named after Grigore T. Popa, the Iași anatomist who, with Una Fielding, discovered the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal circulation, one of the most important contributions of Romanian science to world medicine.

A Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy facade in Iași

A Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy facade in Iași

A Leader in International Recognition

UMF Iași was reported as the first medical university in Romania to gain international accreditation on WFME standards through IAAR, and as the Romanian school whose diplomas meet the requirements to practise in the USA and Canada.

Grigore T. Popa Today

Today the university teaches medicine, dentistry and pharmacy in Romanian and English, trains a large international student community, and remains one of Romania's leading medical universities in the historic city of Iași.

Get all information about Grigore T. Popa University in our free brochure

Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at Grigore T. Popa University.

Role in medicine

Role in medical education

A student at Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași

A student at Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași

Medical Education for Eastern Romania

Founded in 1879, Grigore T. Popa University has been the principal medical school of eastern Romania (Moldavia) for over 145 years, training a large share of the doctors, dentists and pharmacists of the region and beyond.

A Pioneer of International Recognition

As the first Romanian medical university reported to gain IAAR/WFME accreditation, UMF Iași led the way in meeting the standard now required for the US ECFMG route, benefiting graduates who wish to practise worldwide.

An International Medical Community

The English-taught programme attracts students from across the world, including a substantial Indian community, making Grigore T. Popa an established and welcoming choice for MBBS abroad in the European Union.

Get all information about Grigore T. Popa University in our free brochure

Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at Grigore T. Popa University.

Affordable education

MBBS Living Cost at Grigore T. Popa University, Iași

Iași is one of Romania's more affordable university cities. Here is the approximate monthly breakdown for an international student, quoted in Indian rupees.

Monthly Living Cost

Cost ComponentApproximate Amount
Accommodation (dormitory or shared flat)₹11,000 – ₹27,000
Food₹14,000 – ₹19,000
Transportation (student pass)₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Other Expenses (utilities, internet, leisure)₹6,000 – ₹11,000
Get Free MBBS Guide

Average monthly living cost

₹33,000 – ₹55,000

Housing

Accommodation

Grigore T. Popa University offers places in its student dormitories, and many international students also rent private flats in Iași. Both options are affordable by European standards and keep students within reach of the faculty and teaching hospitals.

University Dormitories

UMF Iași operates student dormitories (camine) that provide affordable accommodation for Romanian and international students, a popular base for first-year students.

Rooms and Facilities

Dormitory rooms are typically shared, with communal kitchens, study areas and laundry, and are connected to the faculty and hospitals by Iași's tram and bus network.

Affordable Monthly Cost

University dormitory places are among the most affordable options in Iași, well below private rents, making them popular with new students.

How to Apply

Dormitory places are requested through the university after admission and are limited, so students should apply early once they receive an offer.

Private Shared Flats

Many students rent private flats, often shared with classmates. A room in a shared flat in Iași typically costs about €180 to €320 per month, before utilities.

Living Near the Faculty

The university's buildings and teaching hospitals are spread across Iași, and the city's tram and bus network makes it easy to reach the campus and clinical sites.

Support for New Students

The university's international office and Erasmus Student Network help new arrivals find housing and settle into Iași.

Getting Around

Iași has an affordable tram and bus network with low-cost student passes, and Iași International Airport connects the city to European hubs and, via them, to India.

Need accommodation details?

Get a full overview of housing options with our university guide, or reach out to an expert.

Food & Dining

Vegetarian Options and Indian Food in Iași

Iași is a large university city with a growing international community, so Indian and vegetarian food is available alongside affordable canteens, grocery stores and easy self-catering.

University canteens (cantine) and nearby cafes serve affordable daily meals near the faculty and hospitals, with vegetarian options available for students who prefer them.

Location

How to Reach Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Address

Strada Universității 16, 700115 Iași, Romania

  • Nearest Airport

    Iași International Airport (IAS) is one of Romania's busiest regional airports, connecting the city to European hubs and, via them, to India.

  • Local Transport

    Iași has an affordable tram and bus network with low-cost student passes, connecting the university's buildings, dormitories and teaching hospitals.

Your Roadmap to Success

Career Pathways After MBBS at Grigore T. Popa University

On completing the programme, graduates earn the Grigore T. Popa Doctor-Medic (MD) degree, equivalent to an MBBS, from a WFME-accredited (via IAAR), EU-recognised university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

Understand the Medical Licensing Pathway

A clear overview of the exams and requirements after graduation.

Practising in India

FMGE & NExT Details

To practise medicine in India after graduating from Grigore T. Popa University, Indian students follow a clear pathway set by the National Medical Commission. NEET qualification is required from the start to obtain the NMC eligibility certificate.

  1. Step 1

    Screening Examination (FMGE / NExT)

    Graduates must clear the qualifying examination that licenses foreign medical graduates to practise in India. This is currently the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which is transitioning to the National Exit Test (NExT).

  2. Step 2

    Clinical Internship (CRRI)

    After qualifying, students complete a one-year Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) in India, gaining supervised clinical experience across the major departments.

  3. Step 3

    Medical Registration

    The final step is registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the relevant State Medical Council, after which the graduate can practise as a doctor in India.

Student Life Style

Student life at Grigore T. Popa University

Being an MBBS student in Iași is a mix of intensive academics and life in one of Romania's great historic university cities, with a big student population, a rich cultural scene and an affordable cost of living.

Academics

The curriculum is intensive, well structured and aligned with European standards. Students learn from experienced clinical teachers and gain hands-on exposure across Iași's teaching hospitals from the middle years.

A Historic University City

Iași is one of Romania's most important cultural and academic centres, home to the country's oldest university, with grand historic buildings, parks, theatres and a lively student scene, at an affordable cost of living.

Challenges and Growth

The course is demanding, but it builds important skills like time management, resilience and independence, and living abroad helps students grow personally as well as academically.

Social Life

Student associations and the Erasmus Student Network run events, trips and a buddy system, and a large Indian and international community makes social life welcoming, with the rest of Europe within reach.

Overall Experience

Studying MBBS at Grigore T. Popa is about growing as a professional and as a person, building lifelong friendships and gaining a WFME-accredited, EU-recognised medical education in a historic Romanian city.

Scholarship & Financial

Scholarship & Financial Aid

Grigore T. Popa students can explore government and university scholarship routes, though most international students in the English-taught programme self-fund their studies.

The Romanian state offers a limited number of scholarships for international students through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education programmes; eligibility and quotas vary by year and country.

Ratings

Reviews & Ratings

Hear from students and alumni about their experience at Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

4.6

150 reviews

Academics4.7
Infrastructure4.5
Hostel4.4
Campus Life4.7
Value for Money4.7
  • Historic university, recognised worldwide

    Student — Medicine 2022

    UMF Iași has a long history and was one of the first Romanian schools with WFME accreditation, which gives real confidence about practising abroad. Iași is affordable and full of student life.

  • Strong clinical training

    Student — Medicine 2021

    The clinical years across Iași's teaching hospitals give real hands-on experience, and the WFME/ECFMG route opens doors to the US as well as Europe. The international community is welcoming.

Compare

Compare Colleges

Compare Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy with a leading Indian medical college.

Quick Comparison:

Grigore T. Popa University vs CMC Vellore

University
Grigore T. Popa UniversityIași, Romania
CMC VelloreTamil Nadu, India
University TypePublicPrivate (minority)
MediumEnglishEnglish
Course Duration6 years (Doctor-Medic, MBBS-equivalent)5.5 years (MBBS)
Tuition (per year)≈ ₹9.4 lakh (≈ €9,000)~₹3–4 lakh
AdmissionDirect, academic-file evaluation (NEET for NMC eligibility)NEET-UG
RecognitionWFME-accredited (via IAAR); WDOMS-listed; EU-recognised; NMC-recognised; ECFMG/US routeNMC-recognised
RankingHistoric Romanian medical university (est. 1879); IAAR/WFME accreditedAmong India's leading medical colleges

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Our blog

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to the questions students and parents ask most often about MBBS at Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy.