The Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (commonly abbreviated as UMFCD) is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious public health sciences university in Romania. Founded in 1857 by French-born physician Carol Davila and Nicolae Kretzulescu, the institution is located in the capital city of Bucharest. It is classified as an “advanced research and education university” by the Romanian Ministry of Education. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Academic Programs
The university is divided into three primary faculties and offers specialized degrees designed for both domestic and international students: [1, 2]
- Faculty of Medicine: Offers a 6-year MD program with complete tracks taught in English and Romanian.
- Faculty of Dentistry: Features a 6-year program taught primarily in Romanian.
- Faculty of Pharmacy: Features a 5-year program with components available in French and Romanian. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Admissions & Tuition
- Tuition Fees: Approximately €10,000 per year for international medical tracks taught in English.
- Entrance Testing: Applicants must pass an entrance exam evaluating English language proficiency and Biology knowledge.
- Eligibility: International applicants generally need a strong high school background in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). [1, 2, 3]
Institutional Highlights
- Global Recognition: The degree aligns with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), making it fully recognized across the EU, Europe, and globally (including validation by India’s National Medical Commission). [1, 2, 3]
- Historic Milestones: University professor Nicolae Paulescu famously co-isolated insulin for the first time. [1]
- Notable Alumni: George Emil Palade, a former student, won the 1974 Nobel Prize in Medicine. [1, 2]
- Clinical Network: Students complete practical clinical training across more than 25 affiliated emergency and specialty hospitals throughout Bucharest. [1, 2]