Foreign universities are lining up to "hunt" for Romanian students. In addition to classic destinations like the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, more offers are appearing from Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and Spain. Young people say they want to study abroad but intend to return home to their families and friends.

Shifting Trends in 2026

Foreign universities are actively scouting Romanian students, and an increasing number of countries are presenting attractive offers. While representatives from the Netherlands and the UK previously topped the list, 2026 has seen a surge in offers from universities in Greece and Cyprus.

Young people claim that the trend of studying abroad and settling there permanently has faded. Many now wish to study something unique and then return home to be near their loved ones.

"I was drawn to universities in France; I’m very interested in business. We were looking more at something in the Netherlands, like IT or Computer Science. I looked at business in Germany specifically; I liked a faculty here," students told Observator.

Top Study Fields and Emerging Destinations

While the Netherlands remains the dominant destination, followed by the UK, this year’s recruitment efforts included universities from Italy, Spain, France, Cyprus, and Greece.

Popular Fields of Study:

• Top Tier: Computer Science and Business Management (alternating yearly).

• Rising Stars: Architecture has entered the top five, replacing Medicine.

"This shows us that students are leaning toward practical subjects with real-world applicability so they won't be replaced by AI," stated Alexandra Bădescu, Deputy Director of IntegralEdu.

Design and Arts in High Demand

Crowds also gathered at the European Institute of Design, where students can choose from 11 universities across Italy, Spain, and Brazil.

"The interior design profession has transformed significantly in recent years. Our professors are industry specialists teaching students not just interior design, but also product, service, and furniture design," said John Marco of the European Institute of Design.

Students expressed interest in specialized paths: "I was thinking about the University of Milan or Sapienza in Rome for theater and film acting... I’d like to go into Game Art and CGI for movies. I came to inquire specifically about Italy. I’d actually like to live there."

Costs and Scholarships: Where is Tuition Free?

The cost of living remains a primary criterion for choosing a study destination, with scholarships being a significant advantage.

• Germany: Offers zero tuition fees, but students must study in the German language. Otherwise, fees typically range from €1,000 to €3,000.

• Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships even if the standard tuition is as high as €20,000.

• Croatia: One university offers an attractive meal package, and accommodation costs in Croatia are reportedly lower than in Romania.

A New Era of Academic Mobility

The landscape of international education for Romanian students in 2026 reflects a sophisticated shift in priorities. No longer is studying abroad seen solely as a "one-way ticket" out of the country; instead, it has evolved into a strategic pursuit of specialized knowledge and practical skills—particularly in fields like Architecture, Design, and AI-resilient sectors.

With the diversification of destinations—from the cost-effective shores of Croatia to the prestigious design hubs of Italy—students are balancing their global ambitions with a strong desire to maintain their roots. This trend suggests that while Romanian youth are eager to "hunt" for the best education the world can offer, their ultimate goal is to bring that expertise back home, enriching the local landscape with international perspectives and modern innovation.