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Craiova, Romania

University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova

An EU-recognised Romanian medical university in Craiova, teaching medicine in English with direct, file-based admission.

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Romania

Country

Craiova

City

Since 1970

Medical education in Craiova

English

Medium of instruction

Introduction

University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova

The University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova (UMF Craiova) is a public medical university in Craiova, the largest city of the Oltenia region in south-west Romania. Medical education in Craiova dates back to 1970, when the Faculty of Medicine was founded within the University of Craiova, and in 1998 the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova was established as an independent institution. It teaches across faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing, with clinical training in the city's teaching hospitals. 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 the application file, without a separate 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 and recognised by the NMC of India.

  • Study program:Medicine (MD / Doctor-Medic), equivalent to MBBS
  • Language:English
  • Duration:6 Years (360 ECTS)
  • University type:Public university
  • Per academic year fees:€8,500 · ₹8,84,000 (approx.)
  • Admission:Direct admission by application file (no entrance exam)
  • English Medicine seats:About 50 for international students
  • Recognition:NMC-recognised; WDOMS-listed; EU-recognised
A University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova teaching building
Medical facilities at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova
A campus view at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova
A teaching and learning space at UMF Craiova
Students and facilities at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova

A University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova teaching building

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Recognition & Prestige

Rankings & Recognition

UMF Craiova is an established Romanian public medical university, ARACIS-accredited nationally, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, recognised across the European Union and by the National Medical Commission of India.

  • EU

    recognised medical degree

The medical degree is recognised internationally. UMF Craiova is accredited nationally by the Romanian agency ARACIS, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), recognised across the European Union, and 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: UMF Craiova 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.

  • 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 UMF Craiova

Get complete information about the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 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 UMF Craiova

UMF Craiova offers an EU-recognised medical degree, direct file-based admission, teaching hospitals across the city and one of Romania's more affordable student cities.

An EU-Recognised Medical Degree

As a Romanian public university, UMF Craiova awards a Doctor-Medic degree recognised across the European Union and the European Higher Education Area, opening registration and practice options across the EU.

Recognised by the NMC

UMF Craiova is recognised by the National Medical Commission of India and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, 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 the application file, without a separate Biology or Chemistry entrance exam, rewarding a strong school record.

Over 50 Years of Medical Teaching

Medical education in Craiova dates back to 1970, and the university has more than fifty years of experience training doctors, dentists and pharmacists for Romania and abroad.

Teaching Hospitals and Research Centres

Clinical training takes place in Craiova's teaching hospitals, and the university runs research centres in gastroenterology, morphology, medical simulation, imaging and more, giving students exposure to research alongside clinical work.

An Affordable Student City

Craiova is one of Romania's more affordable cities, with typical student living costs of about ₹32,000 to ₹52,000 a month, well below Western Europe, in a lively regional capital.

An International Erasmus+ Network

UMF Craiova takes part in the Erasmus+ programme with partner universities in Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece and more, so students can spend a study period or clinical placement elsewhere in Europe.

Read all about MBBS abroad in our free brochure

Know exactly what options exist for your MBBS-abroad success.

How to Apply

Admission Process for MBBS

Admission to Medicine in English at UMF Craiova is direct, by evaluation of the application file, 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 Craiova offer itself is decided on the academic file, not on NEET rank.

Admission Timeline

  1. 1
    June – July 2026Applications Open

    International applicants submit the online application with academic records, English proficiency evidence, passport and supporting documents to the UMF Craiova international admissions office during the summer window.

  2. 2
    On reviewFile Evaluation

    Admission is decided by evaluation of 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. Around 50 English Medicine seats are offered.

  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 Craiova.

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 file-based selection.

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

  • Application File

    A strong Class 12 record with Biology, Chemistry and Physics, 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 application file and English proficiency.

ComponentRequirement
Entrance examNone. Direct admission by evaluation of the application file (academic records) 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 Craiova'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 UMF Craiova

  • 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 Craiova'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 Craiova'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 Craiova 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 Craiova 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

UMF Craiova holds an Erasmus Charter (2021–2027) and takes part in the Erasmus+ programme, with inter-institutional agreements (2022–2028) allowing medical students to study or complete clinical placements at partner universities across Europe. The confirmed partner countries are shown below; the named partner universities are listed in the faculty's official Inter-Institutional Agreements.

CountryErasmus+ Partnership (Medicine & Health Sciences)
PolandJagiellonian University
SpainUniversity of Barcelona
ItalyUniversity of Parma
SpainComplutense University of Madrid
TürkiyeIstanbul Aydın University

Explore Your Erasmus+ Options

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

Legacy

Faculty and Leadership of UMF Craiova

UMF Craiova is led by senior Romanian clinician-academics and teaches through experienced physicians, surgeons and scientists across its faculties and Craiova's teaching hospitals.

Prof. Dr. Dan-Ionuț Gheonea (Rector)

Professor Dan-Ionuț Gheonea, a specialist in internal medicine and gastroenterology, serves as Rector of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, leading the university and its research centres, including the Centre for Research in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Faculty

UMF Craiova is led by its Rector, Professor Dan-Ionuț Gheonea, and teaching is delivered by physicians, surgeons and scientists across its faculties, research centres and Craiova's teaching hospitals.

Academic Expertise

  • Led by Rector Professor Dan-Ionuț Gheonea (gastroenterology)

  • Experienced physicians and surgeons

  • Multiple research centres

  • More than 50 years of medical teaching

Student Support & Mentorship

  • Clinical teaching across Craiova hospitals

  • Personal mentorship

  • Counselling and Career Guidance Centre

  • An active Erasmus and international student network

About University

History Information

A University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova building

A University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova building

Medical Education Since 1970

Medical education in Craiova began in 1970, when the Faculty of Medicine was founded within the University of Craiova to train doctors for the Oltenia region of south-west Romania.

An Independent University (1998)

In 1998 the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova was established as an independent institution, by detachment from the University of Craiova, bringing together its faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing.

A University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova facade

A University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova facade

A Growing Research University

Over the decades the university has developed research centres in gastroenterology and hepatology, microscopic morphology, medical simulation, imaging and other fields, alongside its teaching mission.

UMF Craiova Today

Today the university teaches medicine, dentistry and pharmacy in Romanian and English, trains a growing international student community, and is an established EU-recognised medical university in south-west Romania.

Get all information about UMF Craiova in our free brochure

Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at UMF Craiova.

Role in medicine

Role in medical education

Medical Education for South-West Romania

Founded in 1970, UMF Craiova has been the principal medical school of the Oltenia region for more than fifty years, training a large share of the doctors, dentists and pharmacists of south-west Romania.

A Research and Clinical Hub

The university combines teaching with research through centres in gastroenterology, morphology, medical simulation and imaging, and with clinical work across Craiova's teaching hospitals.

An International Medical Community

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

Get all information about UMF Craiova in our free brochure

Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at UMF Craiova.

Affordable education

MBBS Living Cost at UMF Craiova

Craiova is one of Romania's more affordable 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)₹10,000 – ₹26,000
Food₹13,000 – ₹18,000
Transportation (student pass)₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Other Expenses (utilities, internet, leisure)₹6,000 – ₹11,000
Get Free MBBS Guide

Average monthly living cost

₹32,000 – ₹52,000

Housing

Accommodation

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

University Dormitories

UMF Craiova 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 Craiova's tram and bus network.

Affordable Monthly Cost

University dormitory places are among the most affordable options in Craiova, 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 Craiova typically costs about €150 to €280 per month, before utilities.

Living Near the Faculty

The university's buildings and teaching hospitals are spread across Craiova, 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 Craiova.

Getting Around

Craiova has an affordable tram and bus network with low-cost student passes, and Craiova 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 Craiova

Craiova is a regional capital with a growing international community, so Indian and vegetarian food is available alongside affordable canteens, grocery stores and easy self-catering.

The UMF Craiova canteen (restaurant/cantina) 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 the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova

Address

Strada Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania

  • Nearest Airport

    Craiova International Airport (CRA) serves the city with connections to European hubs; Bucharest's Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is a larger option about three hours away, both connecting to India via Europe.

  • Local Transport

    Craiova 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 UMF Craiova

On completing the programme, graduates earn the UMF Craiova Doctor-Medic (MD) degree, equivalent to an MBBS, from an 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 UMF Craiova, 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 UMF Craiova

Being an MBBS student in Craiova is a mix of intensive academics and life in an affordable Romanian regional capital, with a growing student population and a relaxed, walkable city centre.

Academics

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

City Life

Craiova is a historic regional capital in south-west Romania, with a lively pedestrian centre, parks, the King Michael I Park, museums and an affordable cost of living, making everyday life comfortable for students.

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 growing Indian and international community makes social life welcoming, with the rest of Europe within reach.

Overall Experience

Studying MBBS at UMF Craiova is about growing as a professional and as a person, building lifelong friendships and gaining an EU-recognised medical education at an affordable cost.

Scholarship & Financial

Scholarship & Financial Aid

UMF Craiova 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 the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova.

4.4

120 reviews

Academics4.5
Infrastructure4.3
Hostel4.2
Campus Life4.4
Value for Money4.6
  • Affordable EU medical degree

    Student — Medicine 2022

    Craiova is one of the most affordable places to study medicine in the EU, and the direct file-based admission made applying straightforward. The clinical exposure in the city's hospitals is solid.

  • Straightforward admission, good teaching

    Student — Medicine 2021

    No entrance exam and a clear application process helped a lot. The EU-recognised degree and the low cost of living make Craiova a practical choice for MBBS abroad.

Compare

Compare Colleges

Compare the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova with a leading Indian medical college.

Quick Comparison:

UMF Craiova vs CMC Vellore

University
UMF CraiovaCraiova, Romania
CMC VelloreTamil Nadu, India
University TypePublicPrivate (minority)
MediumEnglishEnglish
Course Duration6 years (Doctor-Medic, MBBS-equivalent)5.5 years (MBBS)
Tuition (per year)~₹8.8 lakh (€8,500)~₹3–4 lakh
AdmissionDirect, application-file evaluation (NEET for NMC eligibility)NEET-UG
RecognitionNMC-recognised; WDOMS-listed; EU-recognised (WFME not verified)NMC-recognised
RankingEstablished Romanian public medical university (est. 1970/1998)Among India's leading medical colleges

Compare Top MBBS Universities for Me

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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 the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova.