Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of Moldova
CapitalChișinău
Population2.7 million
Area33,847 km² (13,068 sq mi)
LanguagesRomanian
CurrencyMoldovan leu (L)
TimezoneUTC+02:00
RegionEurope / Eastern Europe
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$18,615 (2024)
Inflation Rate4.7% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$452 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend27.5% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)6.6% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data

The cost of education in Moldova varies depending on the type of institution and the level of education, with public schools being generally free or subsidized, while private schools and international institutions can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.

Quick Facts

Education Spend (% GDP)6.6%
Literacy Rate99%
School System12 years of compulsory education
Academic Year9 months
CurrencyMDL

Education System Overview

Moldova's education system is divided into public and private institutions, with the public sector being the largest provider of education. The quality of public education is generally considered to be good, with a strong emphasis on Romanian language and literature, as well as mathematics and science. However, the quality of education can vary depending on the region and the specific school, with schools in urban areas tend to be better equipped and staffed than those in rural areas. Private schools, on the other hand, tend to offer a more international curriculum and may have better facilities and more experienced teachers, but can be expensive.

The language of instruction in Moldova is Romanian, but some schools may also offer Russian or English as a second language. Compulsory education in Moldova lasts for 12 years, from age 6 to 18, and is divided into primary, secondary, and high school. International schools are also available in Moldova, particularly in the capital city of Chisinau, and offer a range of curricula, including International Baccalaureate and British A-levels. These schools cater to the children of expats and diplomats, as well as to Moldovan students who wish to pursue an international education.

School Fees

School TypeAnnual Fee (USD)Notes
Public Primary$0 (free)High-quality education, but facilities may vary
Private Primary$500-$2,000Range of options, from basic to high-end
Public Secondary$0 (free)Emphasis on Romanian language and literature
Private Secondary$1,000-$4,000International curriculum, better facilities
International School$5,000-$10,000IB, British A-levels, and other international curricula

University Tuition

Institution TypeAnnual Tuition - Local (USD)Annual Tuition - International (USD)Notes
Public University$500-$1,000$1,000-$2,000Limited availability for international students
Private University$2,000-$4,000$3,000-$6,000Range of programs, including business and engineering
Top-Ranked University$1,500-$3,000$2,500-$5,000Technical University of Moldova, top-ranked in the country

Other Education Costs

ItemCost (USD)Notes
Preschool / Daycare (monthly)$50-$200Limited availability, especially outside Chisinau
Private Tutoring (per hour)$10-$30Popular for extra support in math and languages
Language Course (monthly)$100-$300Romanian, English, and Russian courses available
School Supplies (annual)$50-$100Basic supplies, including textbooks and stationery
School Uniform$20-$50Required for most public and private schools

Education Quality & Tips

  • The quality of education in Moldova is generally considered to be good, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and science.
  • International schools are available in Chisinau and offer a range of curricula, including International Baccalaureate and British A-levels.
  • Scholarships are available for students who wish to pursue higher education, particularly in fields such as engineering and medicine.
  • Online learning options are becoming increasingly popular in Moldova, particularly for students who wish to pursue distance learning or MOOCs.
  • Best schools for expats include the International School of Chisinau and the British International School, both of which offer a range of international curricula.
  • Language support is available for students who wish to learn Romanian or English, particularly in the capital city of Chisinau.
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