The journey
Eight stations, from Ajman to your specialist certificate
Two arcs. The first happens here in the UAE, with the Pathway office beside you. The second happens in Romania, under the framework of the Romanian Ministry of Health.
Arc One — In the UAE
- 01
Inquiry & Counseling
Talk to a Pathway advisor. We assess your eligibility, walk you through the specialties, and give you an honest picture of timelines, costs, and the language commitment — before you spend a dirham.
Supported by Thumbay
- 02
Application & Documents
Guided preparation of your full file: degree, transcripts, CV, motivational essay, two specialty-relevant recommendation letters, and your three ranked specialty choices.
Supported by Thumbay
- 03
Thumbay Pre-Selection
Administrative screening, academic evaluation, and a Multiple Mini Interview. Candidates who clear pre-selection are recommended to UMFST.
Conducted by Thumbay
- 04
Romanian Language Preparation
Residency in Romania is conducted in Romanian — by law, not preference. Your structured language program starts here in the UAE, targeting the B2 certificate or accredited preparatory course completion required before enrollment.
Supported by Thumbay
Arc Two — To Romania
- 05
UMFST Committee Evaluation
A single admission committee reviews your complete file — grades, letters, CV, and interview — as a whole, ranks all candidates, and allocates places down the ranking to the highest of your three stated choices still available.
Conducted by UMFST
- 06
Recognition, Acceptance & Relocation
Degree recognition through the Romanian authorities, the Ministry of Education Acceptance Letter, long-stay visa, housing — handled with you, step by step.
Thumbay + UMFST
- 07
Residency Training
Three to six years in university-affiliated teaching hospitals, under experienced faculty and clinical mentors, to European clinical standards.
Conducted by UMFST
- 08
Specialist Examination & Beyond
The Ministry of Health specialist examination leads to your specialist doctor certificate — and the start of your career as a European-trained specialist.
Ministry of Health
Timeline at a glance
Indicative rhythm, first consultation to residency start
The confirmed admission calendar will be published here as dates are finalized with UMFST.
- Months 0–1
- Eligibility consultation, document collection begins, language program starts.
- Months 1–3
- File completion — CV, essay, letters, three choices; pre-selection phases 1–2.
- Months 3–4
- MMI; recommendation to UMFST; committee evaluation and allocation.
- Months 4–8
- Recognition, Acceptance Letter, visa; language milestones toward B2.
- Final months
- Pre-departure briefing, travel, enrollment, residency start.