Education

Education in Moldova

Moldova's education system follows Eastern European traditions with public schools in Romanian and limited international school options.

Education System Structure

Mandatory Education: 11 years (ages 6-17)

Levels:

• Primary (Grades 1-4): Ages 6-10
• Gymnasium (Grades 5-9): Ages 10-15
• Lyceum (Grades 10-12): Ages 15-18

Grading System: 1-10 scale

• 10: Excellent
• 9-8: Very good
• 7-6: Good
• 5: Satisfactory (minimum passing)
• 4-1: Failing

Public Education

Language: Romanian (primary instruction)

• 2025-2026 pilot for multilingual education
• Russian-language schools decreasing

Cost: Free (public schools)

Quality: Variable

• Urban schools generally better
• Rural schools under-resourced
• Teacher salaries low
• Infrastructure aging

Curriculum: National standards set by Ministry of Education

International Schools

Heritage International School:

• Only Cambridge School in Moldova
• Curriculum: IPC Primary, Cambridge Gymnasium/Lyceum
• Language: English instruction
• Location: Chisinau
• Students: Mainly expat children
• Website: www.heritage.md

QSI International School Chisinau:

• Accreditation: MSA (Middle States Association)
• Curriculum: American system
• Grades: PreK-12
• Tuition: $4,200-17,400/year
• Language: English instruction
• Location: Chisinau
• Website: chisinau.qsi.org

Note: Very limited international school options—only these two major schools

Higher Education

Universities in Moldova:

• Moldova State University (largest)
• Technical University of Moldova
• Academy of Economic Studies
• State University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Language: Primarily Romanian, some programs in English

Tuition (2026):

Living Costs for Students: €200-400/month total

• Accommodation: €40-180/month
• Food: €150-300/month
• Transport: €20/quarter
• Total: One of Europe's cheapest study destinations

Degree Recognition: Moldovan degrees recognized in some countries through Bologna Process

Language Requirements:

• Romanian programs: Romanian proficiency
• English programs: B2 English level
• Preparatory year available for language learning

International Students

Student Visa: D4 visa required

Cost: €40 consular fee

Requirements:

• Acceptance letter
• Proof of funds (€920/month minimum)
• Health insurance
• Accommodation proof
• Academic transcripts

Work Rights: Limited during studies

Post-Study: Can apply for work permit or other visa types

Private Schools (Local)

Availability: Growing in Chisinau

Language: Usually Romanian, some with enhanced English

Cost: €1,000-5,000/year (much lower than international schools)

Quality: Variable but generally better than public

Homeschooling

Legal: Yes, with registration

Regulations: Must follow national curriculum

Exams: Required at certain levels

Community: Small but growing

For Expat Families

Challenges:

• Limited international school options (only 2 major schools)
• High cost relative to local economy
• QSI tuition can be $4,200-17,400/year
• No IB schools
• Limited extracurricular activities compared to Western standards

Solutions:

• Heritage or QSI for English-language education
• Online schooling options
• Private tutoring (very affordable)
• Homeschooling with online curricula

Education Quality

Strengths:

• Strong math and science foundation
• Classical education approach
• Low cost

Weaknesses:

• Rote learning emphasis
• Limited critical thinking development
• Outdated facilities
• Low teacher salaries affecting motivation
• Limited resources

Language Learning

Romanian Classes:

• Public language courses (some free)
• Private language schools (€150-300/month)
• University preparatory programs
• Private tutors (€10-20/hour)

For Children:

• Immersion in public schools effective for language learning
• International schools preserve English but limit Romanian acquisition

University for International Students

Advantages:

• Very affordable tuition
• Low living costs
• Some English-taught programs
• Medical programs popular
• European Bologna system

Disadvantages:

• Limited English programs
• Quality below Western European universities
• Degree recognition varies by country
• Infrastructure outdated

Popular Programs for International Students:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Engineering

Continuing Education

Adult Learning:

• Language courses
• Professional development programs
• Online courses (limited local options)
• University extension programs

Recommendations for Expat Families

1. Budget for international school if English education desired (can be expensive)
2. Consider Heritage or QSI - only reliable English-language options
3. Start early - Limited spaces at international schools
4. Romanian learning essential if using public school
5. Tutoring very affordable for supplemental education (€10-20/hour)
6. Online schooling option for some families
7. Homeschooling viable with affordable local tutors