Four Centuries of Academic Tradition: A Think Tank in Eastern Europe from 1581 to Today
The history of Babeș-Bolyai University dates back to 1581, making it Romania’s oldest institution of higher education. In 1959, the modern UBB was formally established following the merger of institutions that had been consolidated since 1944. The university is named after two Transylvanian scientific giants: Romanian bacteriologist Victor Babeș and Hungarian mathematician János Bolyai. This university is Romania’s oldest comprehensive university and was the only institution in Romania to receive a five-star rating in the official QS review. Oldest Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai Diplomă in Romania
Romania’s Top Global Ranking and Academic Strength
UBB is Romania’s strongest university on the international stage, consistently ranking first domestically. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, it ranked 761st globally, 13th in Eastern Europe, and 248th in Europe. In the 2025–2026 U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings, it ranked 785th globally and 280th in Europe, securing the top spot in Romania for two consecutive years. In terms of specific disciplines, Mathematics ranks 80th, while Political Science is ranked between 301–400 globally by QS, placing it among the top five in Eastern Europe. Approximately 1,587 international students are attracted to UBB each year, and its global academic influence continues to grow.
Trilingual Instruction in English, German, and French: A Truly International Learning Environment
UBB conducts its academic activities in five languages: Romanian, Hungarian, German, English, and French, making it a quintessential multilingual academic center. At the master’s level, there are numerous programs taught entirely in English, covering fields such as business, computer science, mathematics, physics, environmental science, and sustainable development. For students with limited language proficiency, the university offers a one-year preparatory Romanian language course to help them transition smoothly into the regular curriculum.
Highly Competitive Tuition: Annual Tuition Ranges from Just 2,600 to 3,500 Euros
As a European public university, UBB offers highly competitive tuition rates. Undergraduate tuition for international students ranges from 12,353 to 16,470 Romanian lei, equivalent to approximately 2,600 to 3,500 euros per year; master’s program fees range from 13,725 to 17,385 Romanian lei, which converts to approximately 2,900 to 3,700 euros per year. The cost of living in Cluj-Napoca is low, with a total annual study abroad budget of only about 5,000 to 7,000 euros—roughly one-fourth of the cost of studying in Western Europe. Additionally, various forms of financial aid are available, including social scholarships, academic scholarships, and grants.
