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According to a study conducted by World Vision Romania in 2024, 80% of young people from rural areas aspire to pursue higher education. However, only 23% of them manage to enroll in university and complete their studies.

The main obstacles identified include a lack of financial resources, limited access to quality education, and inadequate infrastructure.

For example, one in three young people fears that their family will not have the necessary resources to support them throughout university, while over 10% of students face financial difficulties related to transportation and other basic needs.

At the national level, in Romania in 2023, only 23% of Romanians aged 25 to 34 had completed higher education, placing the country at nearly half the European average of 43%, according to a Eurostat report.

INFOGRAPHIC

Picture: © Eurostat

Support for first-generation university students at USAMV

The University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (USAMV) in Cluj-Napoca has secured funding for the project “Horizon – Advanced support and inclusion program for first-generation university students.” With a budget of nearly 8 million RON (1.6 million euro), financed through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the project will run for 30 months.

The project, under the coordination of Professor Dr. Ioana Roman, USAMV Cluj-Napoca, together with its partners – the Cluj County School Inspectorate and the “Napoca” College of Tourism Services –, aims to support 185 high school students and 170 university students at risk of educational exclusion. The program seeks to reduce university dropout rates and facilitate the social integration of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“Through this project, USAMV Cluj-Napoca actively contributes to developing an inclusive and equitable society by providing support to young people at risk of educational exclusion,” stated Professor Dr. Ioana Roman, the project director.

UBB offers admission benefits through high school competitions

Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB) supports high school students who aspire to become university students by organising 23 competitions for 11th and 12th-grade students. These competitions can provide an advantage in the admission process or, in some cases, even replace entrance exams, facilitating students’ access to higher education.

“UBB is one of the most sought-after universities among high school students, regardless of their field or specialization. Through these competitions, we not only give outstanding students a competitive edge, but we also encourage some of them to stay in Romania for their studies,” said UBB Rector, Professor Dr. Adrian Petrușel.

UBB’s competitions have already become a tradition and serve as an effective method to attract and retain talented students who might otherwise choose to study abroad.

Picture: BookLand

BookLand supports rural students

On a national level, BookLand offers an innovative solution for talented students from rural areas: long-term scholarships that cover transportation, accommodation, meals, and school supplies for both high school and university education.

After awarding three scholarships worth 35,000 euros each in 2024, the program will continue in 2025, identifying deserving students through teachers and parents. The selection process includes completing an application form and submitting a presentation video, followed by an interview with a jury for the finalists. The winners will be announced at the BookLand Gala, scheduled for June 2025.

A more accessible academic future

Through initiatives like these, Cluj-based universities and organizations dedicated to improving the quality of Romanian education are actively contributing to the creation of a more inclusive educational system, offering concrete opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Whether through financial support, admission benefits, or extensive scholarships, these efforts demonstrate a real commitment to the future of education and youth in Romania.

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