Moldova introduces flexible online education for diaspora students
Moldovans in the diaspora, foreign nationals, and working students will be able to pursue undergraduate and master's degrees remotely and with reduced attendance in higher education institutions in Moldova.
The government has approved a new regulation to this effect. They will have the flexibility to choose when and where they study, and the diploma awarded will be identical to that of students attending in person.
Students recognize that this reform benefits those who work or live far from Chișinău. However, many argue that the lack of direct contact with professors and peers could diminish the quality of the educational experience.
I had remote lessons during high school, both for my exams and for the baccalaureate preparations, and they weren't very successful, as the teacher wasn't very active with us.
It could be beneficial for students who work and are quite busy, making it hard to manage their time effectively. However, regarding the quality of learning, it could have a negative impact.
I believe that online learning would be easier for some students who cannot come to the dorms, and it would be more convenient for them to study remotely. On the other hand, the communication would not be the same. When you're physically with a group of people, you also interact and share experiences.
It will be much harder to create this socialization at a distance. I would prefer to come to the university, not be at a distance, and collaborate and work in teams.
The initiative is also appreciated by university professors. According to them, distance learning will not affect the quality of studies.
"Good students learn just as well remotely, physically, or with reduced attendance. Each student needs to define their goals and objectives and achieve them through any form of education offered by the university," said Sergiu Tronciu, Dean of the Faculty of Design at UTM.
"It would be a possibility and an opportunity to have our students here so we can show them that we offer the same value, both in providing courses, innovative and up-to-date content, and the expertise we find in the country," said professor Ludmila Peca.
Viorel Bostan, Rector of the Technical University of Moldova, stated that the institution is prepared to conduct online lessons.
"We need to identify which programs we will offer, review our regulations, determine how they will be conducted, what the criteria are, what standards we want to convey, as well as staff training. But I am convinced that we will succeed," said Rector Viorel Bostan.
According to the Ministry of Education, the new regulation could be implemented as of September 2025. Distance learning and reduced attendance learning will be organized for all fields of study, except those requiring physical presence in classes, workshops, or specialized laboratories for practical training.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
