Thumbay International Pathway crestThumbayInternational Residency Pathway

Romania route

Medical residency in Romania, explained for international graduates

What non-EU medical graduates actually need to know about residency training in Romania — how selection works without a national entrance examination, what the language law requires, and where the training happens.

Târgu Mureș, Romania — the city where UMFST residency training takes place

The route at a glance

Entrance exam
None on the international (non-EU/EEA) route — selection is file-based.
Language of training
Romanian, by law. B2 certificate or accredited preparatory course.
Training duration
3–6 years depending on the specialty.
University
UMFST George Emil Palade, Târgu Mureș.
Specialties available
49 specialties across medical, surgical and paraclinical fields.
Final qualification
Romanian Ministry of Health specialist examination and certificate.

How to get a residency place in Romania, step by step

  1. 01

    Confirm eligibility

    A medical degree from a WHO-recognized school, internship/registration where applicable, and documents ready for recognition in Romania.

  2. 02

    Start Romanian language early

    Residency in Romania is conducted in Romanian. The language program runs in parallel with your application so the certificate is ready before enrollment.

  3. 03

    Build the file

    Degree, transcripts, CV, motivational essay, two specialty-relevant recommendation letters, and three ranked specialty choices.

  4. 04

    Pre-selection in the UAE

    Administrative screening, academic evaluation and a Multiple Mini Interview at Thumbay before your file is recommended to UMFST.

  5. 05

    UMFST committee evaluation

    One committee reviews every file holistically, ranks candidates, and allocates seats down the ranking to the highest available stated choice.

  6. 06

    Recognition, visa, relocation

    Degree recognition through the Romanian authorities, Ministry of Education Acceptance Letter, long-stay visa and housing in Târgu Mureș.

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Three things applicants get wrong

"I have to sit the Romanian residency exam."

The national contest applies to the Romanian/EU route. International candidates on this pathway are selected on file and interview instead.

"Training can be done in English."

It cannot. Clinical residency in Romanian hospitals is delivered in Romanian, which is why language preparation starts on day one.

"Any specialty is guaranteed."

Seats are allocated by ranking against the places available, which is why you rank three choices rather than naming one.

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