Studying in the Republic of Moldova – useful information for international students

If you are a foreign student planning to study in Moldova, it is important to know the essential steps for admission and residence.

Admission to educational institutions in the Republic of Moldova is regulated by the Education Code and other legal acts, and enrollment is carried out with the approval of the Ministry of Education and Research. After being admitted, the next step is to obtain a temporary residence permit for study purposes from the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM), in accordance with Law No. 200/2010 on the regime of foreigners. The residence card is valid for the entire duration of the studies, regardless of whether you attend a public or private institution, provided that the institution is accredited.

To obtain the temporary right of residence and a residence card for study purposes, the following documents are required:

• Application and request submitted by the educational institution;
• National passport (original and copy) and long-stay visa, if applicable;
• Approval from the Ministry of Education and Research (where required);
• Document confirming enrollment in studies;
• Study contract;
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, extract from the Real Estate Register, or dormitory accommodation);
• Criminal record certificate legalized/apostilled;
• Valid medical insurance;
• Proof of financial means of support (except for scholarship holders of the Republic of Moldova);
• Color photograph 3×4 cm;
• Other documents, if applicable.

The complete list can be accessed at this link: https://old.igm.gov.md/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SP_studii.pdf

If the student has legally lived for at least two years in another country, a criminal record certificate issued by that country, together with proof of residence, is also required. Scholarship students of the Republic of Moldova benefit from an important exemption — they are not required to provide proof of financial means of support.

It is essential that students respect the purpose for which they entered the country. Any changes regarding the passport or residence address must be reported to the GIM within 15 days. The loss or theft of documents must also be reported immediately to the police.

Important: If you have already been admitted but have not yet arrived in Moldova, you can obtain the residence card only after the educational institution completes the official procedures and you have all the required documents prepared.

Admission to higher education institutions in the Republic of Moldova will begin on July 27, and for the third consecutive year, applications will be submitted exclusively online through the E-Admitere platform.

Currently, 3,179 foreign citizens residing in the Republic of Moldova hold residence permits/residence cards for study purposes. The largest number of beneficiaries come from India (1,418 people), Israel (875 people), and Tunisia (231 people).

During 2025, 981 residence permits for study purposes were issued, reflecting the continued interest of foreign citizens in accessing study programs offered by educational institutions in the Republic of Moldova.