Study in the Republic of Moldova

General information
Moldova lies in the southeastern part of the European continent. The country occupies the area of 33,76 thousand square kilometers and borders on Romania in the west and Ukraine in the east. Maximal distance from east to vest in Moldova is 150 km, maximal distance from south to north is 350 km. The largest river is Nistru.

Time zone - GMT +02.00
Population - 4 320 000 people
Capital – Chisinau, 800 000 inhabitants
Form of government - parliamentary republic
Official language - Moldavian. As a mean of international communication, Russian is used widely. Employees of service and entertainment industry (hotels, restaurants, casinos, clubs) in large cities of Moldova master English, as well.
The foreign languages most frequently spoken in the country are English, French and German.

Climate
Climate of Moldova is temperate continental. Temperature span of January is –3C to –9C; that of July is +19C to +30C. Precipitation is 400-560 mm/year, mainly in spring and autumn. The best time for a visit is September and October. The period from May to August is quite pleasant, either, but autumn is the harvest time, so, in addition to fine weather, you can enjoy the natural abundance of Moldova.

Visa regulations
Visa is necessary for all the foreign visitors except the citizens of CIS (but Turkmenia), Cuba, Northern Korea, Mongolia, Romania and Vietnam.

Requirements For Foreign Citizens To Enter Moldova

• Passport must be valid 3 months beyond intended stay
• Tickets and Documents for return or onward travel
• Visa is required
• Vaccination - none required

1. Valid signed passport
2. Application form, fully completed and signed
3. Passport-type photograph

• For Tourists: Copy of hotel confirmation or letter of confirmation from tour operator
• For Business: Letter of invitation from Company or Organization in Moldova
• For Private Visit: Your friend or relative in Moldova should obtain an official invitation from the local visa office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Price of a visa depends on the purpose of the visit (business, tourism, transit) and its duration. In the holidays time (e.g. Wine fest in October) visa regulations may be tempered.

All the foreign citizens arriving in Moldova should be registered in police within 3 days after the arrival.

Customs
Import of foreign currency is not limited. Export is permitted within the limits of imported amount. National currency may be imported and exported without any restrictions. Though, sums exceeding 5 000 USD limit are subject to compulsory declaring.

Money
Monetary unit of Moldova is Moldavian leu (plural - lei). 1 leu equals to 100 bans. There are banknotes of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 leu. Coins in circulation are 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 ban.
Exchange value of Moldavian lei against the US dollar is about 12-13 lei for a dollar and 16 lei for an euro.
American dollars and euro are in use too; you can pay with it, for example, in a restaurant or a taxi.
All the malls, supermarkets and shops accept the national currency only. However, most of them accept "Visa" and "Europay/Mastercard". As a rule, there are currency exchange offices and ATMs in large trade centers.

Transportation
Within Chisinau, transportation is performed by urban public transport: buses, trolley buses, jitneys or taxis. Fare in public transport makes up to 2 lei (for going in a jitney).

GENERAL DATA ABOUT THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN MOLDOVA

In Moldova education is considered to be a national priority, the entire educational system being protected by the Constitution, by the Law of Education, by governmental decisions and orders of the Ministry of Education.

These legislative acts laid the foundation for the reform of the Moldovan system of education, focused mainly on the issues of reconstruction and modernization of the higher education system in compliance with principles and requirements of the Bologna Declaration.

The activity of the Ministry of Education is focused on the adjustment of higher education to the European standards.

Higher education in Moldova is provided by universities, academies, institutes.

The network of higher education institutions comprises 41 institutions, including 16 public, subordinated to the Ministry of Education and some other sector ministries and 25 private higher education institutions.

According to year 2004 official data there are about 104,000 students in Moldova, including 81,000 in public and 23.000 in private HEIs.

2/3 of the whole number of students study in Romanian language, Russian is the language of instruction of 31.000 students and for 3% of the whole number of students the languages of instruction are: Ukranian, Bulgarian and Gagauzian.

The specialists for the national economy are prepared in 137 specialties in universities. HEIs comprise a highly qualified academic-scientific potential of about 4,700 academic staff. Among the academic staff of universities there are about 2,000 with scientific degrees.

The period of studies is 4-6 years. The duration of the academic year is 34 weeks, divided into two semesters. The duration of the study week lasts for 5-6 days with 28-32 compulsory hours.

The activity of the higher education institutions is regulated by the Law of Education and by Government Decisions in the educational sphere. To ensure the compatibility of curriculum, to create conditions for students' mobility inside and outside the country, to ensure transparency and compatibility of educational system with similar systems in other countries the Frame-Plan for higher education has been developed.

Organization of the year of study
The academic year starts on the 1st of September.
Each year is divided into two semesters. Each semester lasts fourteen weeks. Students have a summer holiday, a Christmas holiday, an Easter holiday and a holiday at the end of the first semester.
Examination take place at the end of each semester. They may be oral or written. A re-examination period is scheduled before the beginning of the new academic year.
Classes are held from Monday to Friday.
The Moldovan higher education system provides full time courses, part time courses and distance learning. The part time and distance learning courses may be provided only by higher education institutions that organize full time courses. The programs of such courses are usually one academic year longer than the full time courses programs.

Duration of studies
The duration of the long term studies varies according to the field:

• 8 semesters ( 4 years) for sciences, humanities, economic and social sciences, law, political sciences, art and sports.
• 10 semesters (5 – 5,5 years) for pharmacy and architecture.
• 12 semesters (6 years) for general medicine, dental medicine.

Graduate Education
Graduate education offers specialisation or an extension of the education provided in universities. Graduate study programmes include Master studies (1-2 years) for university graduates;
Doctoral studies (3 years) offered by universities and research institutes accredited as such; the doctoral courses are organised as full courses or part-time courses. The scientific title of doctor granted by the institution is validated by the Superior National Council for the Attestation of Academic Titles, University Diplomas and Certificates.

Types of Diploma
Concerning certificates, there is a wide range of academic graduate and post-graduate diplomas and distinctions that one can obtain after studying in Moldova:
Certificat de studii - A certificate awarded to students who have completed their studies in higher education, but have failed to get their degree.
Types of Diploma

• Concerning certificates, there is a wide range of academic graduate and post-graduate diplomas and distinctions that one can obtain after studying in Moldova:
• Certificat de studii - A certificate awarded to students who have completed their studies in higher education, but have failed to get their degree.
• Diplomă de licenţă - University diploma equivalent degree.
• Diplomă de magister/master - Master Diploma.
• Diplomă de doctor - Doctoral Diploma (Ph.D.). This is the high academic degree awarded in all domains after 3 years of study and original research. It follows the first academic degree (or master's degree) and requires the passing of examinations and the submission of an original thesis. The holder of a doctoral diploma is granted the Ph.D. title in the respective field of science or arts.
• Doctor habilitat – the highest scientific degree awarded by higher education institutions to Moldovan and foreign prominent figures in science, technology and culture.

Admission to higher education is for graduates from general secondary schools, lyceums, colleges and graduates from the higher education institutions. The studies may be of full-time or part-time attendance.
In the Republic of Moldova all citizens, irrespective of their nationality, gender, social origin, religion, places of residence, are guaranteed equal access to higher education of an adequate quality. Admission to the higher education institutions is based on competition.
The admission is provided according to the Regulation of Admission approved by the Ministry of Education. The process of admission is not centralized. Each institution appoints an admission Committee consisting of representatives of the teaching staff and the officials.

The admission period is July-August for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova and September-November for foreigners.

There are some ways of enrolling foreigners in higher education institutions of the Republic of Moldova:

• exchange students (according to the Agreements between our republic and the respective countries);
• according to international Conventions;
• according to interuniversity Agreements;
• students who pay tuition fees.

ADMISSION REQUIERMENTS

International students willing to study in Moldova can apply either to the Ministry of Education or to the chosen university, in order to receive the Letter of Acceptance.
The following application papers are requested:

1. Application form;
2. Certified copy of the Baccalaureate Diploma or equivalent - for undergraduate studies;
3. Certified copy of the graduation certificate - for graduate applicants or PhD;
4. Academic record translated into Romanian, English or French;
5. Language certificate;
6. Certified copy of the Birth Certificate;
7. Certified copy of the passport;
8. Medical certificate.

The application papers, only in certified copies, have to be mailed to the Ministry of Education or to the chosen university, in order to receive the approval statement.

The Ministry of Education or the institutions may issue the Letter of Acceptance in at least 2 months from the date of receiving the complete files. The official documents have to be submitted personally, in original, when applying in Moldova.

Before coming to Moldova, the international students should have their documents endorsed within the Moldovan embassies in their own countries; then, they should obtain a valid visa for studying in Moldova.

The application file must be sent to Moldova by 1st of September (for undergraduate and graduate studies), but there is no deadline for PhD applicants.

MATRICULATION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to higher education institutions is based on the selection of application files. For applying to study architecture, arts, and sports, international students are required to present their portfolio.

International students have to prove good knowledge of the teaching language (Romanian, English or French).

Usually, international students learn Romanian during the preparatory year. The candidates who speak Romanian can skip the preparatory year after having passed a test of Romanian language. The candidates, who can formally prove that they have studied Romanian, do not need to pass the test.

The foreigners can apply for continuing their studies at the following state and private universities:

STATE UNIVERSITIES

1. Moldova State University
   Universitatea de Stat din Moldova
   Foundation year: 1946;
   Status:State Institution, accredited;
   Address: 60, A. Mateevici str., MD-2009 Chişinău;
   Phone: (37322) 57-77-57;
   Fax: (37322) 24-42-48;
   E-mail: gaugash@usm.md;
   Web-site:www.usm.md
   Rector: Rusnac Gheorghe;
   Phone: 373 22 57-74-20.
2. State Medical and Pharmaceutical University "NicolaeTestemiţeanu" Universitatea de Stat de Medicină şi Farmacie "Nicolae Testemiţeanu"
   Fondation year: 1945;
   Status: State Institution, accredited;
   Address: Ştefan cel Mare şi Sfînt av., 165, MD 2004, Chişinău;
   Phone: (37322) 24-34-08, 24-24-11;
   Fax: (3732) 24-23-44;
   E-mail:nicole@mededu.moldline.net;
   Web-site: --
   Rector: Ababii Ion;
   Phone: 373 22 24-24-11.
3. Academy of Economic Studies
   Academia de Studii Economice
   Foundation year: 1991;
   Status: State Institution, accredited;
   Address: 61,Mitropolit Bănulescu-Bodoni str., MD-2005, Chişinău;
   Phone: (37322) 224128;
   Fax: (37322) 221968;
   E-mail: anticamera@ase.md;
   Web-site: www.ase.md
   Rector: Belostecinic Grigorii,
   Phone: 373 22 22-41-28.
4. Technical University of Moldova
   Universitatea Tehnică din Moldova
   Foundation year: 1964;
   Status: State Institution, accredited ;
   Address: Stefan cel Mare av., 168, Chisinau, MD2004;
   Phone: (37322) 23-78-61;
   Fax: (37322) 23-22-52;
   E-mail: extrel@adm.utm.md Web site: www.utm.md
   Rector: Bostan Ion;
   Phone: 373 22 23-78-61.
5. "Ion Creangă " Pedagogical State University
   Universitatea Pedagogică de Stat "Ion Creangă"
   Fondation year: 1940;
   Status: State Institution, accredited ;
   Address: 1, I.Creangă str, Chişinău, MD – 2069;
   Phone: (+373)22-74-54-14, 74-33-36, 74-33-03;
   Fax: (+373)22-74-99-14, 74-33-36;
   E-mail: ups @ upm.moldnet.md;
   Web site: www.upm.moldnet.md;
   Rector: Guţu Ion ;
   Phone: 373 22 74-33-36.
6. State Agrarian University of Moldova
   Universitatea Agrară din Moldova
   Foundation year:1933;
   Status: State Institution, accredited ;
   Address: 44, Mirceşti street, MD-20049,Chişinău;
   Phone:(37322) 29-49.73/43-24-90;
   Fax: (37322) 29-49-87;
   E-mail: cimpoies@uasm.md;
   Web-site: www.uasm.md;
   Rector: Cimpoieş Gheorghe;
   Phone: 373 22 29-49-73.
7. Academy "Ştefan cel Mare"
   Academia "Ştefan cel Mare"
   Foundation year:;
   Status: State Institution;
   Address: 21, Gh.Asachi street, MD2008, Chişinău;
   Phone: 373 22 73 59 03, 25 57 98, 46 69 13;
   Fax: 373 22 73-89-94;
   Rector: Bîrgău Mihai;
   Phone: 373 22 22-97-27.
8. Academy of Music, Theatre and Fines Arts of Republic of Moldova
   Academia de Mizică, Teatru şi Arte Plastice
   Foundation year: 1940;
   Status: State Institution;
   Address: 111, Mateevici Street, Chisinau, MD 2004
   Phone: /373 (2)/ 23-87-01, 24-15-29;
   Fax: /373 (2)/ 22-19-49;
   E-mail: amtap@mdl.net; amtap2003@yahoo.com ;
   Web site: www.amtap.mdl.net; www.ournet.md/~amtap;
   Rector: V, Melnic
   Phone: 373 22 24 15 29; 23 87 01
   Fax: 373 22 2219 49
9. State University "A. Russo " Bălţi
   Universitatea de Stat "A. Russo" din Bălţi
   Foundation year:
   Status: State Institution, accredited;
   Address: 38, Puşkin str., Bălţi;
   Phone: (231) 2-30-66, 2-35-70, 2-44-88;
   E-mail: - mp@usb.moldnet.md
   Web-site: -
   Rector: Filip Nicolae;
   Phone: 2-44-88.
10. Comrat State University
    Universitatea de Stat din Comrat
    Foundation year: 1991;
    Status: State Institution, accredited;
    Address: 17, A. Galaţan str, MD-3800, Comrat;
    Phone: (373) 298 2-43-45;
    Fax: (373) 298 2-40-91;
    E-mail: kdu@moldnet.md;
    Rector: Varban Semion,
    Phone: 2-43-45.
11. State University “ Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu” from Cahul
    Universitatea de stat "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" din Cahul
    Foundation year: 1999;
    Status: State Institution;
    Address: Str Piaţa Independenţei, 1, MD-3901, Cahul;
    Phone: (239) 2-24-81/ 2 24
    E-mail: -
    Web-site: -
    Rector: Şişcanu Ion;
    Phone: 2-24-81.
12. Tiraspol State University
    Universitatea de Stat din Tiraspol
    Foundation year: 1930;
    Status: State Institution, accredited;
    Address: 5, Ghenadie Iablocichin str., MD 2069, Chişinău;
    E-mail: scs_ust@moldova.cc;
    Phone: 75-49-24;
    Fax: 75-49-24;
    E-mail: scs_ust@moldova.cc;
    Rector: Mitrofan Cioban;
    Phone: 373 22 75-49-24.
13. International Relation Institute of Moldova
    Institutul de Relaţii Internaţionale din Moldova
    Foundation year: 2003;
    Status: State Institution;
    Address: 28/2, Gh.Gaşu street, Chişinău;
    Phone: 73-59-43, 73-87-12;
    Fax: (373-2) 73-59-42;
    E-mail: infoirim@mail.ru;
    Rector: Constantin Marin;
    Phone: 373 22 73- 87-12.
14. Institutul Naţional de Educaţie Fizică şi Sport
    Fondation year:
    Status: State Institution, accredited;
    Address: 24/1, A. Doga str., MD-20424, Chişinău;
    Phone: 373 22 49-40-81;
    Fax: 373 22 49-76-71;
    Rector: Manolache
    Phone: 373 22 49-41-82.
15. Institutul Militar "Alexandru cel Bun" al Forţelor Armate
    Fondation year: 2002;
    Status: State Institution;
    Address: 23, Haltei, str., Chişinău;
    Phone: 373 22 54-51-54, 54-51-53;
    Fax: 373 22 54-51-60;
    Rector: Popa Gherghe;
    Phone: 373 22 54-51-60.

PRIVATE INSTITUTION

1. Free International University of Moldova
   Universitatea Liberă Internaţională din Moldova
   Foundation year: 1992;
   Status: Private Institution, accredited;
   Address: 52, Vlaicu Parcalab str., Chisinau, MD-2012;
   Tel: (37322) 220029;
   Fax: (37322) 220028;
   E-mail: office@ulim.md, www.ulim.md;
   Rector: Galben Andrei;
   Phone: 373 22 23-78-61.
2. Slavonic University
   Universitatea Slavonă
   Foundation year: 1997;
   Status: Private Institution, accredited;
   Address: 28/1, Florilor Str., MD-2068,Chişinău,
   Phone: 373 22 43-03-81; 43-03-82; 44-97-88;
   Fax: 373 22 43-03-81;
   E-mail: surm@meganet.md; http//: surm.meganet.md;
   Rector: V. Kosteţki;
   Phone: 373 22 43-03-81.
3. Academy of Law of Moldova (L.A.M.).
   Academia de Drept din Moldova
   Foundation year: 1992;
   Status private institution, accredited;
   Address: MD-2009, Chisinau, 60, A.Mateevici str.;
   Phone: +373 (22) 24 50 40;
   Fax: +373 (22) 21 21 99;
   E-mail: sedletski@moldova.cc;
   Rector: Sedleţchi Iurii;
   Phone: 373 22 24 50 40.
4. International Institute of Management
   Institutul Internaţional de Management
   Foundation year: 1995 ;
   Status private institution, accredited;
   Address: Chisinau, MD-2043, 9/1 Hristo Botev str.;
   Phone: (3732) 568536; 568303; 568467; 568487;
   Fax: (3732) 568209;
   E-mail: valentin_imi@moldova.cc;
   Web-site: www.iatp.md/iim/;
   Rector: Railean Valentin;
   Phone: 373 22 56-84-87.