Romanian American University

About Romanian American University (RAU):

Romanian American University (RAU) is a private university located in Bucharest, Romania and is accredited by the Romanian Ministry of Education. The Romanian-American University was founded in 1991 with the support of the American Chamber of Commerce in Romania.

Prof. Dr. Ion Smedescu, the founding rector of the Romanian-American University, initiated its establishment. The university is independent and not affiliated with or sponsored by American University.

RAU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as Business Administration, International Relations, Law, Computer Science, Communication Sciences, and more. The university has faculties and departments that cater to various academic disciplines.

History of Romanian American University (RAU):

March 11, 1991: The Romanian-American University was established in Bucharest, approving its Operational Statute, outlining the creation of seven faculties, including Business, Tourism Economics, Law, and Medicine.

March 28, 1991: The Ministry of Education and Science officially approved the university’s establishment.

April 17, 1991: The Bucharest District Court granted legal status to the Romanian-American University, designating April 17 as “Romanian-American University Day.”

June 10, 1991: Prof. Dr. Ion Smedescu was elected Rector during the Senate’s constituent meeting, marking the official beginning of the university’s leadership.

July 1991: The first entrance exam welcomed 1,773 students.

October 1, 1991: The first academic year commenced with an opening ceremony at the Palatului Hall.

December 11, 1991: The Romanian-American Foundation for the Promotion of Education and Culture (FRAPEC) was established to support the university’s educational mission.

1992 – 1993: The university focused on quantitative and qualitative growth, establishing the Scientific Research Center and organizing the first Session of Student Scientific Communications.

1994 – 1995: The provisional authorization process aligned with Law 88/1993 commenced.

July 1995: The university received provisional operating authorization for faculties in Commerce, Management, Tourism Economics, Informatics, and Law.

October 1995: Full-time education duration changed from 5 to 4 years.

1996: The first batch of graduates took licensure exams at state institutions.

1997: All faculties operated from a single rented location.

December 1998: The university submitted “self-evaluation reports” for accreditation.

1999 – 2002: Extensive accreditation process for faculties and the university as a whole.

1999 – 2003: Construction of the Romanian-American University Campus.

April 1999: Draft law on the university’s establishment submitted to Parliament.

2000: The Faculty of European Economic Integration Studies (SIEE) was established.

May 2000: The Romanian Senate approved the law for the university’s establishment.

2001: The university participated in the Leonardo da Vinci European Mobility Project.

April 25, 2002: Law 274 officially established the Romanian-American University.

May 15, 2002: Accreditation of the university and its faculties was published in the Official Gazette.

September 2002: The first exams for undergraduate studies and master’s programs took place.

October 2003: Inauguration of the Romanian-American University Campus.

2004: The university joined the Erasmus Charter.

June 2004: Law 288/2004 reformed the structure of higher education.

September 2004: Provisional operating authorization for part-time education.

October 2005: Restructuring of educational programs in line with Law 288/2004.

2007-2010: Accreditation process under the provisions of Law 87/2006.

May 2007: Consecration of the Chapel and awarding of the first Doctor Honoris Causa title.

2007 – 2008: Periodic external evaluation of all accredited undergraduate programs.

February 2008: Accreditation of the Faculty of European Economic Integration Studies.

March 2008: Introduction of a new bachelor’s program – “Accounting and Management Informatics.”

July 2008: The first promotion of “Bologna system” graduates and attestation as a research-development unit.

September 2008: Accreditation for the first 10 Master’s degree programs.

October 1, 2008: Awarding of the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Professor Dr. Ronald E. Carrier.

October 5, 2008: Passing of the founding Rector, Prof. Dr. Ion Smedescu.

December 2008: Election of Prof. Dr. Ovidiu Folcuț as Rector.

July 2009: First promotion of “Bologna system” graduates from the Faculty of Law.

September 2009: Accreditation of all undergraduate programs in part-time education.

October 2009: Accreditation of the first 2 master’s degree programs in “Law.”

July 22, 2010: Awarding of the “High degree of trust” qualification by ARACIS Council.

September 2010: Accreditation of 2 more master’s degree programs.

January 2011: Introduction of Law 1/2011, bringing major changes to higher education.

February 2011: Diversification of educational programs with the first two programs taught in English.

April 2011: Awarding of Doctor Honoris Causa to Professor Dr. Iftekhar Hasan.

April – September 2011: Ranking evaluation process.

June 2011: Awarding of Doctor Honoris Causa to Academician Mugur Isărescu.

2012 – 2021: Resumption of the periodical evaluation process.

2013: First international institutional evaluation by EUA-IEP.

January 2014: Consecration of the Chapel painting and inauguration of “Lux Mundi” reading room.

February 2014: Acquisition of land and sports base.

October 2014: Launch of the first master’s degree programs taught in English.

February – August 2015: Periodic institutional evaluation and awarding of “High degree of trust” qualification.

May 2015: Inauguration of the RAU Sports Center.

July 2015: Accreditation of the “Accounting and Management Informatics” program.

October 2015: Launch of two more accredited master’s degree programs in English.

2017: Diversification of educational offer and establishment of the Faculty of Physical Education.

2019: Accreditation of the master’s field “Accounting.”

March 12, 2020: Transition to online learning due to the COVID-19 crisis.

September 2020: Adaptation of master’s degree programs to market requirements.

October 1, 2020: Opening of the academic year in an online format due to the COVID-19 crisis.

2021: Continuation of online activities due to the pandemic.

April 17, 2021: Celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Romanian-American University.

September 29, 2021: Renewed “High Confidence Degree” qualification from ARACIS.

2022: Resumption of on-campus activities with a hybrid system.

Why Romanian American University (RAU):

RAU has become an outstanding player in the European Union’s educational landscape, as a result of its strategic focus on internationalization.

• American standards of education in an affordable city.
• Establishing partnerships with an international dimension (both from academia and business)
• Creating a truly international atmosphere through international academic events, cultural exchanges, workshops
• English taught programs designed for the future professionals in a global economy
• International Summer Schools
• Guest courses with international professors (US, Europe, Asia)
• Exchange programs (over 200 international partners)
• Department of Asian Studies
• IATA Authorized Training Center
• Double degree study programs with USA and Italy
• Scientific events (international conferences, round tables, workshops)
• Cultural activities (Global Village, International Days etc)

Romanian American University (RAU) Faculties:

• International Business
• Computer Science for Busines Management
• Management-Marketing
• Hospitality Management and Tourism
• Finance and Accounting
• Law
• Physical education, Sports and
  Physiotherapy

Programs at Romanian American University (RAU):

Foundation Year for Bachelor and Master Programs:

• Learning Romanian language and connecting to Romanian culture
• Developing English language skills
• Preparing students for the academic journey and facilitating their smooth transition to university life

Bachelor Programs in English:

International Business:

• Focused on negotiating, contracting and carrying out international business
• All subjects taught from a global perspective
• Tailor-made tracks alongside subjects
• Company Internships at the end of the 2nd year
• The opportunity for a dual degree program with St. Francis College and Northwood University, USA

Computer Science for Economics:

• The most demanded educational field on the labor market
• Specialization in databases and network administration, programming, software and web design
• Curricula adapted to current IT market trends
• Free software for students and support provided by Microsoft Innovation Center
• Dual Degree opportunity with Northwood University, USA

Master Programs in English:

Finance:

• Top class faculty & real world finance practitioners
• Partnerships with important financial institutions
• International career
• One year at RAU and one year abroad (optional – grants of 5000 EUR available based on performance)
• Dual Degree opportunity with the University of Siena, Italy

International Business and Entrepreneurship:

• Designed by and for ENTREPRENEURS!
• Applied business simulation
• Focus on international strategy for both SMEs and corporations
• Building a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship
• Multicultural experience

Strategic Marketing:

• Developing successful practitioners in one of the most dynamic and popular careers
• Learning how to transfer between academic and business environments
• Developing expertise in cutting-edge marketing applications
• Striving for a customer-centered vision in all organizational endeavors
• Wide range of elective subjects with foreign professors

Computer Science for Business:

• Enhancing students’ professional and complementary abilities into global IT field
• Focused on practice more than theory
• Covers a wide range of subjects: computer networks, decision support systems, object-oriented software development, databases, enterprise resource planning, business intelligence, web design, mobile device programming, artificial intelligence and project planning.

Business Management in Tourism and Aviation:

• Training specialists for the fast and growing industries of travel, tourism and aviation
• Includes 2 IATA courses
• Includes 2 courses within the PPL flight license

International Economic Relations and Economic Diplomacy:

• A program that prepares highly skilled international trade and diplomatic policy professionals
• Designed for a career in international relations

Admission at Romanian American University (RAU):

Admission Requirements at Romanian American University (RAU): 

For Bachelor Programs:

• Birth certificate
• Travel Document – Passport/Travel Paper/National ID etc.
• Document showing complete home address
• Medical Certificate – stating students medical ability to undergo studies at the University and the fact
  that student is not a carrier for any known contagious diseases or other illnesses
• Authorized translation of final certificate of studies – High School Graduation Diploma stating your
  overall average grade that would allow you to pursue Higher Education in your own country.
• Authorized translation of transcript of records – the document that states the subjects learnt in high-school and the grades obtained.
• Note that the high school diploma should be authenticated as it follows:
  • Hague Apostille for countries part of the Hague Convention
  • Authentication from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Romanian Embassy in the issuing country.
• Proof of English skills:
  • Either an internationally recognized English qualification certificate
  • Either proof of undergoing your previous education fully taught in English
  • Either obtain a pass in the Romanian-American University English Test

For Master Programs:

• Birth certificate
• Travel Document – Passport/Travel Paper/National ID etc.
• Document showing complete home address
• Medical Certificate – stating students medical ability to undergo studies at the University and the fact that student
  is not a carrier for any known contagious diseases or other illnesses
• Authorized translation of final certificate of studies – High School Graduation Diploma stating your overall average
  grade that would allow you to pursue Higher Education in your own country.
• Authorized translation of Bachelor’s diploma stating the overall average grade.
• Authorized translation of the transcripts from all university years.
• Please note that the bachelor’s and high school diploma should be authenticated as it follows:
  • Hague Apostille for countries part of the Hague Convention
  • Authentication from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Romanian Embassy in the issuing country
• Personal Essay stating reasons for wanting to study the desired program at RAU
• Proof of English skills:
  • Either an internationally recognized English qualification certificate
  • Either proof of undergoing your previous education fully taught in English
  • Either obtain a pass in the Romanian-American University English Test

For Foundation Year:

• The required documents will be the same as those listed above depending on the level of study you are trying to pursue.
• Exception: Foundation year applicants do not need proof of English language proficiency.

Application Process at Romanian American University (RAU): 

• All required documents should be uploaded on the admission platform and the application
  fee should be paid (100 EUR)
  • the applicant should mention out agency as a reference
• Applicants’ files are evaluated by the International Office and each eligible applicant is scheduled for a Skype interview and an English test (if necessary)
• If the applicant is accepted by the university, his file will be forwarded to the Ministry of Education
• After receiving the Letter of Acceptance from the Ministry of Education, the applicant can make the payment of tuition fee in the university bank account and sign the Learning Agreement
• After receiving the payment of the tuition fee, the university sends the documents required for the visa application
• The prospective student applies for a student visa at the local Romanian Embassy or Consulate
• In the meanwhile, the student starts the online classes.
• After receiving the visa, the student prepares for his arrival in Romania

Tuition Fees at Romanian American University (RAU):

The application fee for all programs is $100 and it is non-refundable.

Foundation Year Tuition:

• 2900 EUR/year

Bachelor Programs Tuition:

• Regular tuition fee = 3,400 EUR/year
• Early registration for enrollment until July = 2,700 EUR/1st year
• Up to $1000 scholarship offered

Master Programs Tuition:

• Regular tuition fee = 3,600 EUR/year
• Early registration for enrollment until July = 2,900 EUR/1st year
• Up to $1000 scholarship offered

Business Management for Travel, Tourism and Aviation (Msc) Tuition:

• Regular tuition fee = 4,700 EUR/year
• Early registration for enrolment until July = 4,000 EUR/1st year

Living Expanses at Bucharest:

• Accommodation: 130-350 EUR/month
• Meals: 150-250 EUR/month
• Activities/Entertainment: 100 EUR/month
• Public transportation: 17-30 EUR/month

Facilities at Romanian American University (RAU):

RAU offers a wide range of facilities to support its students, faculty, and staff. Here are some notable facilities at RAU:

• Modern classrooms, laboratories, and auditoriums
• Computer libraries and reading rooms
• Accommodation in 11-floor dormitories (places secured for international students)
• Cafeteria
  • Places over 100 students
  • comfortable lounge
• Sports and Recreation Center
  • Football, tennis and basketball courts
  • Ping-Pong tables
  • 22000 m^2 outdoor facility
  • Fitness rooms
• Free WIFI throughout the campus
• Chapel
• Medical Office
• Bookstore
• Secured campus with 24/7 surveillance
• Scholarships based on academic performance – up to 1000 EUR for 10% of the students in each program!
• At least one international professor for courses included in the curriculum, in addition to numerous other guest courses with international professors, with free attendance from RAU students!
• Study trip – organized in the first year of studies (depending on the public health conditions), with the purpose to bring international students closer to the Romanian culture and help them better integrate in the RAU community!
• Internship in international companies – RAU gives students the possibility to have an internship in the 2nd year of studies (and whenever there are opportunities), in order to make sure students gain practical experience, besides the theoretical knowledge!
• Career counseling after graduation for all students interested to work in Romania!
• International exchange programs available all over the world!
• International activities on campus (conferences, round tables, workshops, festivals, job fair, etc.)
• For BMTA students – two IATA courses (e.g. IATA Foundation in Travel & Tourism; IATA Travel & Tourism Consultant) included
  with the possibility to obtain certificates directly from Canada!
  • For BMTA students – possibility to obtain other certificates such as Aviation Security Awareness, Airline Security, Amadeus,
    Galileo!
  • For BMTA students- two courses within the PPL flight license

Accommodation at RAU:

The Romanian-American University of Bucharest offers students a modern accommodation unit that ensures the best accommodation and study conditions.

The accommodation capacity is 140 rooms, distributed over 10 floors, which can accommodate between 1-3 people, depending on the option of each student.

The rooms have their own bathroom and are equipped with furniture (wardrobe, shelf, bedside table, desk and chairs).

In the academic year 2023 – 2024:

• Accommodation requests are submitted online, throughout the year, within the limit of available places
• Students of other universities can also submit accommodation requests
• The URA accommodation unit will provide a floor of mixed rooms
• DISCOUNT: in the conditions of payment of 11 months of accommodation , the 12th month is free
• We offer occasional accommodation for any person following a form of education, the rate is €15 / person / night

Our Services: 

We provide all admission services for the Romanian American University (RAU) completely free of charge, since we are official representatives of RAU.

We offer pre-evaluation of your documents including transcripts and English language proficiency results prior to applying to your program of choice.

Additionally, we offer assistance and provide guidance in constructing optimal resumes and personal statements if required for admission.

lastly, we provide a checklist of all the required documents for admission and assist you with applying for residency as well.