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🇲🇩 Moldova

Education

Moldova's education system includes free public schools (taught in Romanian), several international school options in Chisinau, and a growing number of universities with English-language programs. Education costs are very low by European standards, making it an option for expat families and those seeking affordable higher education..

Data verified June 15, 2026

Free

Public School

Romanian-language

$3,000–$8,000/yr

International School

Chisinau options

$1,500–$4,000/yr

University Tuition

English programs

99.6%

Literacy Rate

Among highest in region

Overview

Moldova's education system includes free public schools (taught in Romanian), several international school options in Chisinau, and a growing number of universities with English-language programs. Education costs are very low by European standards, making it an option for expat families and those seeking affordable higher education.

Key Takeaways

  • QSI International School of Chisinau: American curriculum, PreK–12
  • Moldova State University: largest university, some English-language programs
  • Romanian is closely related to Italian, French, and Spanish — easier for Romance language speakers
1

International Schools

Chisinau has a small but growing number of international schools catering to the diplomatic and expat community.

  • QSI International School of Chisinau: American curriculum, PreK–12
  • Heritage International School: British-style curriculum
  • Orizont International Lyceum: Turkish-Moldovan, multilingual programs
  • Tuition: $3,000–$8,000/year (far cheaper than Western European international schools)
  • Class sizes tend to be small (10–20 students), offering personalized attention
  • Most international schools offer English-language instruction with additional Romanian
2

Higher Education

Moldova has several universities offering programs in Romanian, Russian, and increasingly English. Tuition is very affordable by European standards.

  • Moldova State University: largest university, some English-language programs
  • Technical University of Moldova: engineering and IT programs
  • ASEM (Academy of Economic Studies): business and economics
  • Medical University: attracts international students for affordable medical degrees
  • Tuition for international students: $1,500–$4,000/year
  • Living costs for students: $400–$600/month including shared housing
3

Language Learning

Learning Romanian (and optionally Russian) is highly recommended for expats planning an extended stay in Moldova.

  • Romanian is closely related to Italian, French, and Spanish — easier for Romance language speakers
  • Private Romanian tutors: $5–$15/hour in Chisinau
  • Language schools: Chisinau has several offering group courses for $100–$200/month
  • Online resources: Duolingo (Romanian), italki tutors, local Telegram groups
  • Russian is widely spoken and useful — especially in Balti and among older Moldovans
  • Many expats learn both Romanian and basic Russian for maximum integration
FAQs

Common Questions — Education in Moldova

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