In Romania higher education is provided in education and research institutions, universities, institutes, academies, conservatories and university colleges. The state higher education sector in Romania has  more  than 49 state higher education institutions  324 faculties and other 8 private.

The higher education institutions has several faculties, university colleges, divisions, departments and small pilot units specialised in researches and micro-production.
The faculty represents the functional basic unit of the higher education institution and is organised by chairs or by departments. The teaching in a faculty is organised by specialities, years of study, student series and groups.
The faculty includes the teaching and research personnel, the students and the auxiliary and administrative personnel. The faculties are individualised by their study programmes and field of specialisation.

The department is a sub-unit governed by the University Senate or by the Council of a faculty. The department carries out teaching, research, design etc. The chair is the basic structural unit of the faculty and it includes the teaching research, design and auxiliary personnel working in a specific academic field

The Romanian higher education system is structured on 3 levels: Undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate education

Undergraduate Education

• Short-term university education (2-3 year programme provided by the university colleges) courses finalised with diploma certifying the completion of studies at a college and the passing of a relevant examination (diplomã de absolvire). According to the Education Law, graduates of these courses may continue their long-term university education, under the conditions established by each institution.
• Long-term university education (4-6 year programmes provided by the universities, academies and conservatories) courses finalised with university diploma, equivalent to a first degree (diplomã de licenþã)

Graduate Education

• Advanced studies (1-2 years) for university graduates; graduates are awarded a degree diploma;
• Master studies (1-2 years) for university graduates;
• Graduate academic studies (2-3 years) organised by graduate study schools attached to universities or functioning as autonomous units; the studies are based on inter-disciplinarity aiming at increased professional specialisation;

Doctoral studies

4-6 years  program, offered by universities and research institutes accredited as such; the doctoral courses are organised as day courses or evening courses.
The scientific title of doctor granted by the institution is validated by the National Council for the Attestation of Academic Titles, University Diplomas and Certificates.

Higher education in Romania has the following forms:

• regular studies,
• reduced frequency courses
• Open Distance Learning.

Continuing education university courses, lasting no more than one year, and addressed to certain categories of employment of those without a university diploma are also organized.