Education

Yes - it's free and the academic standard is reasonable, particularly for mathematics and sciences (Romania has historically performed well in international olympiads). Instruction is entirely in Romanian. Children who arrive young (under 10) typically adapt within 6–12 months. Older children face a steeper language challenge. The state school system is a genuine option for families planning a multi-year commitment to Romania.

Arguably better than Bucharest. The large student population (50,000+ at Babeș-Bolyai alone) creates a young, cosmopolitan social atmosphere year-round. The tech community organises regular events. The old town has an excellent café and bar scene. The Untold Festival in August draws an international crowd. Housing is cheaper, the city is calmer, and the Carpathians are an hour away. Cluj is increasingly the city where tech expats who have tried Bucharest end up.

Romanian universities are not in the global top rankings but are well-regarded regionally. The technical universities (Politehnica Bucharest, Technical University Cluj) produce engineering graduates actively recruited by Western multinationals. Medical schools attract significant international student numbers due to low fees and English-medium programmes. For EU alignment, Romanian degrees are recognised across the EU.