Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Photo credits
Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy — Emil Isac Street building. Photo: Ana Maria Catalina. Resized and compressed. Image source · CC BY-SA 3.0.
At a glance
- City
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Tuition (1st year)
- Ask counsellor
- Institution type
- University
Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, often called UMF Cluj, is one of Romania's leading medical universities. It is based in Cluj-Napoca, a lively student city in Transylvania, and offers Medicine in English and French to international students. Here is what Indian students should know for 2027-28.
Key facts for 2027-28
| Location | Cluj-Napoca, Romania |
|---|---|
| Type | Public medical university |
| Programme | Medicine in English (French also offered) |
| Duration | 6 years (360 ECTS) |
| Admission | Competitive selection based on the applicant's file |
| Intake | October 2027 |
Always check fees, dates and rules for your intake on the official university website before you apply or pay.
About UMF Cluj
The university's medical faculty dates back to the founding of the Romanian university in Cluj in 1919. It later became an independent medical university and took the name of Iuliu Hațieganu, a well-known Romanian physician and professor of internal medicine. Today it has faculties of medicine, dental medicine and pharmacy, and its teachers work in the large hospitals of Cluj-Napoca.
UMF Cluj has a strong international profile, with many students from Europe and other continents studying in its English and French programmes.
The Medicine programme
According to the university's 2026 admission methodology for international candidates, Medicine is offered in English and French, lasts six years and carries 360 ECTS credits. It is open to EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and to citizens of other (non-EU) countries.
The course follows the European model: basic sciences in the first years, pre-clinical subjects next, and clinical rotations in the hospitals of Cluj-Napoca in the later years. Romanian language classes help you talk to patients during clinical training.
Why students choose UMF Cluj
- A leading Romanian medical university with a strong reputation.
- Cluj-Napoca is a safe, young and international university city.
- A six-year EU medical degree.
- Living costs lower than in Bucharest.
Things to think about
- Places for non-EU students are limited and selection is competitive.
- Admission is based heavily on your school marks, so your Class 12 results matter.
- You will need Romanian for patient contact in clinical years.
How admission works
UMF Cluj selects international candidates through a competitive evaluation of the applicant's file, as set out in its yearly methodology. Each year it publishes lists of accepted European and non-European applicants for Medicine and Dental Medicine. After selection, non-EU students need the Letter of Acceptance to Studies from Romania's Ministry of Education, then pay tuition and apply for the visa. Read the 2027-28 methodology for the exact documents, language proof and deadlines.
Fees and costs
The university publishes a tuition fee annex for each academic year. Get the 2027-28 fee for Medicine in English in writing. Also plan for accommodation, food, insurance, residence permit, translations and travel.
Life in Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is Romania's second-largest city and its main student centre, with several universities, a busy cultural scene and festivals. It has an international airport with connections across Europe. The city is known for being safe and friendly to students. Winters are cold with snow, and summers are warm.
UMF Cluj or Carol Davila?
Both are leading public medical universities in Romania with six-year programmes. Choose UMF Cluj if you prefer a student-focused city with lower living costs and an English or French track. Choose Carol Davila if you want the capital, the largest hospitals and more international flights. Apply to both if you can, because places for non-EU students are limited at each.
Before you apply to Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy
To practise in India later, you need a qualifying NEET-UG result before you join, and the course must meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021: at least 54 months of study, a 12-month internship at the same university, teaching in English and eligibility for a medical licence in Romania. NMC does not approve or list foreign universities, so ask Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy to confirm these points in writing and read the latest notices on nmc.org.in. After graduating you will need to clear the licensing exam (currently FMGE) and a 12-month internship in India. Our MBBS abroad guide covers eligibility, documents, FMGE preparation and careers in detail.
2027-28 intake timeline
- October 2026 – January 2027: shortlist Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy and other options, read the official 2027-28 admission rules and check that the course meets the NMC conditions.
- February – April 2027: register for NEET-UG 2027 and get your passport and documents ready.
- May 2027: appear for NEET-UG 2027 (NTA will announce the date; recent exams were on the first Sunday of May).
- April – July 2027 (online registration): apply to Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy through its official international admissions channel.
- July – October 2027: admission letter, visa, travel and joining.
After selection, the Ministry of Education issues a Letter of Acceptance to Studies, and you pay the first year's tuition before applying for the visa. The Romanian academic year starts in October.
Related guides
For the bigger picture beyond Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, read these guides:
- MBBS in Romania: living costs, visa, climate, student life and the full admission process in Romania.
- MBBS abroad guide: eligibility, recognition in India, costs and choosing a country.
- Compare other universities by country, course and city.
How PSP Education can help
PSP Education has guided Indian students since 1992 and can help you decide whether Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy suits you and apply before the 2027-28 deadlines. Book a free counselling session using the form on this page.
Summary and official sources
Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy lists Medicine in English and French for international applicants, including non-EU citizens. The course takes six years and carries 360 ECTS. Check the current document assessment, language evidence and clinical communication requirements.
Courses and official information
- Medicine — 6 years, 360 ECTS; language: English and French admission tracks. Official programme information. Explore this course.
Visit the official university website for current admission rules, fees and application dates.
Indian medical applicants should check the current NMC requirements, NEET bulletin, internship structure and local licensing conditions before applying. Admission alone does not give permission to practise medicine in India.
FAQs
Does UMF Cluj teach medicine in English?
Yes. Medicine is offered in English and French for international candidates, over six years and 360 ECTS.
Is there an entrance exam at UMF Cluj?
For international candidates, the 2026 methodology describes a competitive selection based on the applicant's file. Check the 2027-28 methodology for any changes.
Is Cluj-Napoca a good city for students?
Yes. It is Romania's main student city, with several universities and lower living costs than Bucharest.
Can I apply to Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy for the 2027-28 intake?
Yes, if you meet the entry rules. Start now: check the official 2027-28 admission rules, qualify NEET-UG (needed to practise in India) and apply in the university's official window. PSP Education can help you plan each step.
Is Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy approved by NMC?
NMC does not approve or list foreign universities. Your course must meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021. Ask Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy to confirm each condition in writing and check nmc.org.in for the latest notices.
What is the total cost of studying at Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy?
Ask the university for its official fee list for each year of the 2027-28 batch, in writing. Add accommodation, food, insurance, visa or residence permit, books and travel, and keep 10–15% extra for exchange-rate changes.
Timeline
Admission Process Timeline
From shortlist to visa, here is the order and buffer you should plan for.
Profile & shortlist
1–2 daysShare NEET score, budget, and destination preference. Get 3–5 best-fit universities.
Documents ready
3–7 daysCollect transcripts, passport, photos, and notarised affidavits. Prepare SOP/experience letters if needed.
Apply to university
Offer in 7–21 daysSubmit application and pay fees. Track offer/LOA status and respond to any clarifications.
Fee payment & invitation
Within 7 days of offerPay first-year/semester fee as instructed to secure invitation for visa.
Visa & medical
4–6 weeks before intakeBook biometrics/medical, arrange bank proofs and insurance. Keep 4–6 week buffer before intake.
Travel & arrival
1–2 weeks before classesBook flights, airport pickup, hostel allocation. Keep photocopies of all documents.
Admissions help
Need clarity on eligibility, scholarships, or paperwork? PSP mentors reply within 24 hours.
Request counsellingHave documents ready?
Share your transcripts and preferences so we can introduce you to the right university representative.
Email PSP teamSuggested universities
Universities similar to Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy.
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Bucharest, Romania
Altai State Medical University
Barnaul, Russia
Ulyanovsk State University
Ulyanovsk, Russia
Yaroslavl State Medical University
Yaroslavl, Russia
Kirov State Medical University
Kirov, Russia
Chita State Medical Academy
Chita, Russia
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