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Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy

The oldest medical school in Transylvania and one of Romania's top medical universities, WFME-accredited (via IAAR) and teaching in English in Cluj-Napoca.

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Romania

Country

Cluj-Napoca

City

Est. 1919

Oldest medical school in Transylvania

English

Medium of instruction

Introduction

Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF Cluj) in Cluj-Napoca is one of Romania's top and oldest medical universities, with a Faculty of Medicine founded in 1919 — the oldest medical education institution in Transylvania. It is named after Iuliu Hațieganu, the celebrated internist who helped found the Cluj school of medicine. In July 2024 its Faculty of Medicine received international accreditation from the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR), an accreditation recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). The six-year Medicine programme is taught entirely in English and leads to the Romanian Doctor-Medic degree, equivalent to an MBBS, with about 200 English-programme places. Admission is by competitive evaluation of academic performance and personal achievements, not 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 and recognised by the NMC.

  • Study program:MBBS
  • Language:English
  • Duration:6 Years
  • Per semester fees:₹5.5 lakhs
  • Application deadline:26. July
  • Entrance examination:Individual Admission Process
  • International seats:200

An Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy teaching building in Cluj-Napoca
Medical facilities at Iuliu Hațieganu University, Cluj-Napoca
An Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy campus view in Cluj-Napoca

An Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy teaching building in Cluj-Napoca

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Recognition & Prestige

Rankings & Recognition

Iuliu Hațieganu University is one of Romania's top and oldest medical universities, 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.

  • QS Subject

    Ranked for Medicine (QS World University Rankings by Subject)

The medical degree is recognised internationally. Iuliu Hațieganu University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS); its Faculty of Medicine holds international accreditation on the standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), granted in July 2024 by the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR), a WFME-recognised agency, meeting the 2024 ECFMG requirement; the degree is recognised across the European Union; and it is recognised by the National Medical Commission of India, so eligible graduates can sit the Indian screening examination (FMGE/NExT) for licensing.

Accreditations and Recognition

  • National Medical Commission (NMC) of India emblem

    NMC (India)

    Recognised for Indian students: Iuliu Hațieganu 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

    The Faculty of Medicine holds international accreditation on WFME standards, granted in July 2024 by the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR), a WFME-recognised agency — meeting the 2024 ECFMG requirement for the US route.

  • 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 Iuliu Hațieganu University

Get complete information about Iuliu Hațieganu 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 Iuliu Hațieganu University

Iuliu Hațieganu pairs the oldest and one of the top medical schools in Romania with a WFME-accredited (via IAAR), EU-recognised degree, teaching hospitals across Cluj-Napoca and a lively, affordable university city.

The Oldest Medical School in Transylvania

Founded in 1919 and named after the great internist Iuliu Hațieganu, UMF Cluj is the oldest medical education institution in Transylvania and one of Romania's most respected medical universities.

A WFME-Accredited Degree (via IAAR)

Since July 2024 the Faculty of Medicine has held international accreditation from IAAR, recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education, meeting the ECFMG requirement now needed for the US route and increasingly worldwide.

Recognised Across the EU

As a Romanian degree it is recognised across the European Union and the European Higher Education Area, giving graduates strong options for licensing and practice in Romania and other EU member states.

Recognised by the NMC

Iuliu Hațieganu 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.

File-Based Admission (No Entrance Exam)

Admission to the English Medicine programme is by competitive evaluation of academic performance and personal achievements, not a separate Biology or Chemistry entrance exam, rewarding a strong school record.

A Strong International Network

UMF Cluj maintains academic collaborations with more than a hundred institutions worldwide and an active Erasmus+ programme, so students can spend a semester or clinical placement across Europe.

A Lively, Affordable Student City

Cluj-Napoca is Romania's leading student city, with a big young population, a vibrant cultural and tech scene and an affordable cost of living, with typical student budgets of about ₹38,000 to ₹65,000 a month.

Read all about MBBS abroad in our free brochure

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How to Apply

Admission Process for MBBS

Admission to Medicine in English at Iuliu Hațieganu University is by a competitive evaluation of academic performance and personal achievements, submitted as an online application file — there is no 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 Cluj offer itself is decided on the academic file, not on NEET rank.

Admission Timeline

  1. 1
    Spring 2026Applications Open

    International applicants submit the online application file, with academic records and supporting documents, plus a €300 non-refundable processing fee.

  2. 2
    On reviewCompetitive Evaluation

    Admission is decided by a competitive evaluation of academic performance and personal achievements; applicants are not ranked through a separate Biology or Chemistry entrance exam.

  3. 3
    After evaluationRanking & Offers

    Applicants are ranked on their file, and offers (including the Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education) are issued to selected candidates up to the number of available places.

  4. 4
    On acceptanceEnrolment & Fees

    Admitted students confirm their place by paying the tuition confirmation (about 50% of the first-year fee) 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 Cluj-Napoca.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification

Applicants must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with strong grades in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and Indian students must have qualified NEET for NMC eligibility. A strong academic record is central to the competitive file evaluation.

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 online application file with academic records and personal achievements; 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, plus supporting documents and evidence of English proficiency, evaluated competitively for the English Medicine programme.

  • 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 for the English Medicine programme; admission is by competitive evaluation of the academic file and personal achievements.

ComponentRequirement
Entrance examNone for the English programme. Admission is by competitive evaluation of academic performance and personal achievements (online application file).
Enrolment documentA Letter of Acceptance from the Romanian Ministry of Education is required, plus evidence of English proficiency. Confirm the exact 2026 methodology with the university.

Required Documents

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

  • Completed online application file and €300 processing 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 Cluj-Napoca'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 Iuliu Hațieganu 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 Cluj-Napoca'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 Cluj-Napoca'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 Cluj-Napoca 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 Cluj-Napoca 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

Iuliu Hațieganu University maintains academic collaborations with more than a hundred institutions worldwide and 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 office through its inter-institutional agreements.

CountryErasmus+ Partner Universities (Medicine)
FranceUniversité Paris Cité; Claude Bernard University Lyon 1; Université de Lorraine
GermanyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin; FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg; Dresden University of Technology (TUD)
GreeceAristotle University of Thessaloniki
HungarySemmelweis University, Budapest; University of Szeged
ItalyUniversity of Milan; University of Bologna; University of Rome Tor Vergata; University of Perugia
PolandJagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków; Medical University of Warsaw
PortugalUniversity of Porto; University of Coimbra
SpainUniversity of Barcelona; Complutense University of Madrid; University of Santiago de Compostela

Explore Your Erasmus+ Options

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

Legacy

Prominent Figures of Iuliu Hațieganu University

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

Iuliu Hațieganu (namesake, 1885–1959)

The university is named after Iuliu Hațieganu, a distinguished Romanian internist and professor who helped found the modern school of medicine in Cluj, served as rector of the university and is regarded as one of the most important figures in Romanian internal medicine.

Prof. Dr. Anca Dana Buzoianu (Rector)

Professor Anca Dana Buzoianu, a specialist in pharmacology, serves as Rector of Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, leading the university through its international IAAR/WFME accreditation in 2024.

Faculty

Iuliu Hațieganu University is led by its Rector, Professor Anca Dana Buzoianu, and teaching is delivered by physicians, surgeons and scientists across its faculties, research centres and Cluj-Napoca's teaching hospitals.

Academic Expertise

  • Led by Rector Professor Anca Dana Buzoianu

  • Oldest medical school in Transylvania

  • Experienced physicians, surgeons and researchers

  • International IAAR/WFME accreditation

Student Support & Mentorship

  • Clinical teaching across Cluj-Napoca hospitals

  • Personal mentorship

  • Modern simulation and skills facilities

  • An active Erasmus and international student network

About University

History Information

A historic Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy building in Cluj-Napoca

A historic Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy building in Cluj-Napoca

Founded in 1919

The Faculty of Medicine in Cluj was founded in 1919, within the new Romanian university established after the union of Transylvania with Romania, making it the oldest medical education institution in Transylvania.

Named After Iuliu Hațieganu

The university is named after Iuliu Hațieganu, a leading internist and professor who helped shape the Cluj school of medicine and served as rector, symbolising the institution's tradition of clinical excellence.

A Leading Romanian Medical University

Over more than a century the university has grown into one of Romania's top medical universities, teaching medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, with a strong research base and a large international student community.

International Accreditation (2024)

In July 2024 the Faculty of Medicine received international accreditation from the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating (IAAR), recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education — a mark of its quality on the world stage.

Get all information about Iuliu Hațieganu University in our free brochure

Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at Iuliu Hațieganu University.

Role in medicine

Role in medical education

A student at Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca

A student at Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca

The Cradle of Medicine in Transylvania

As the oldest medical school in Transylvania, founded in 1919, Iuliu Hațieganu University effectively launched modern medical education in the region and has trained a large share of its doctors, dentists and pharmacists ever since.

Internationally Accredited Quality

With IAAR/WFME international accreditation since 2024, the university has externally validated the quality of its medical education to the highest international standard, supporting graduates who wish to practise across Europe, in the US and in India.

An International Medical Community

The English- and French-taught programmes attract students from across the world, including a substantial Indian community, making Iuliu Hațieganu an established and prestigious choice for MBBS abroad in the European Union.

Get all information about Iuliu Hațieganu University in our free brochure

Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at Iuliu Hațieganu University.

Affordable education

MBBS Living Cost at Iuliu Hațieganu University, Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is Romania's leading student city, lively and affordable by European standards. 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)₹14,000 – ₹32,000
Food₹15,000 – ₹20,000
Transportation (student pass)₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Other Expenses (utilities, internet, leisure)₹6,000 – ₹12,000
Get Free MBBS Guide

Average monthly living cost

₹38,000 – ₹65,000

Illuminated fountains on a Cluj-Napoca square at night
The Art Nouveau university library building in Cluj-Napoca
St Michael's Church and Union Square, Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca rooftops with St Michael's Church
Cluj-Napoca and its stadium seen from the surrounding hills
The Romanian National Opera building in Cluj-Napoca

Illuminated fountains on a Cluj-Napoca square at night

Housing

Accommodation

Iuliu Hațieganu University offers places in its student dormitories, and many international students also rent private flats in Cluj-Napoca. Both options keep students within reach of the faculty and teaching hospitals.

University Dormitories

UMF Cluj 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 Cluj-Napoca's bus and tram network.

Affordable Monthly Cost

University dormitory places are among the most affordable options in Cluj-Napoca, 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. As a popular student city, Cluj rooms typically cost about €250 to €400 per month, before utilities.

Living Near the Faculty

The university's buildings and teaching hospitals are spread across Cluj-Napoca, and the city's public-transport 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 Cluj-Napoca.

Getting Around

Cluj-Napoca has an affordable bus and tram network with low-cost student passes, and Cluj International Airport connects the city to Europe and, via hubs, 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 Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is a lively, cosmopolitan student city with a large 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 Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Address

Strada Victor Babeș 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

  • Nearest Airport

    Cluj-Napoca 'Avram Iancu' International Airport (CLJ) is one of Romania's busiest airports, connecting the city to European hubs and, via them, to India.

  • Local Transport

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

Your Roadmap to Success

Career Pathways After MBBS at Iuliu Hațieganu University

On completing the programme, graduates earn the Iuliu Hațieganu 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 Iuliu Hațieganu 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 Iuliu Hațieganu University

Being an MBBS student in Cluj-Napoca is a mix of intensive academics and life in Romania's leading student city, with a huge young population, a vibrant cultural and tech scene and an international community.

Academics

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

Romania's Student City

Cluj-Napoca is Romania's leading student city and a major cultural and technology hub, with a lively centre, festivals such as Untold, parks and cafes, and easy access to the Transylvanian countryside.

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 easy reach.

Overall Experience

Studying MBBS at Iuliu Hațieganu is about growing as a professional and as a person, building lifelong friendships and gaining a WFME-accredited, EU-recognised medical education in one of Romania's most vibrant cities.

Scholarship & Financial

Scholarship & Financial Aid

Iuliu Hațieganu 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 Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

4.6

150 reviews

Academics4.7
Infrastructure4.6
Hostel4.4
Campus Life4.7
Value for Money4.6
  • Romania's oldest medical school in Transylvania

    Student — Medicine 2022

    Studying at the oldest and one of the top medical schools in Romania, now IAAR/WFME accredited, gives real confidence. Cluj is a wonderful student city with a great atmosphere.

  • Strong clinical training

    Student — Medicine 2021

    The clinical years across Cluj's teaching hospitals give real hands-on experience, and the EU-recognised degree opens doors across Europe. The international community here is large and welcoming.

Compare

Compare Colleges

Compare Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy with a leading Indian medical college.

Quick Comparison:

Iuliu Hațieganu University vs CMC Vellore

University
Iuliu Hațieganu UniversityCluj-Napoca, Romania
CMC VelloreTamil Nadu, India
University TypePublicPrivate (minority)
MediumEnglishEnglish
Course Duration6 years (Doctor-Medic, MBBS-equivalent)5.5 years (MBBS)
Tuition (per year)~₹10.4 lakh (€10,000)~₹3–4 lakh
AdmissionAcademic-file evaluation (NEET for NMC eligibility)NEET-UG
RecognitionWFME (via IAAR); WDOMS-listed; EU-recognised; NMC-recognisedNMC-recognised
RankingOldest medical school in Transylvania; IAAR/WFME accreditedAmong India's leading 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 Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy.