Moldovan enrollment in Romanian high schools hits record low
More than 300 pupils from the Republic of Moldova have been admitted to Romanian high schools for the upcoming academic year, marking a sharp five-year decline in cross-border enrollment.
The Romanian state allocated over 2,000 tuition-free seats for diaspora communities, offering free housing and monthly stipends of €60 (approx. 1,180 MDL). Despite these incentives, admissions fell from 711 applicants in 2022 to 328 in 2026.
Geographic proximity drives choices
One-third of the admitted students chose institutions in eastern Romania's historic Moldavia region to remain closer to home.
The Iași County School Inspectorate reported that more than 130 Moldovan pupils were assigned to local institutions alone. Spokesperson Antonina Bliorț noted that the placement process was completed entirely through an automated digital admissions platform based on student options and available school capacities.
Classes for the new school year in Romania are scheduled to begin on September 7.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
