Yes, homeschooling is legal in Romania under strict conditions. The 2023 Education Law (Law no. 199/2023) explicitly permits it, but only for students with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those temporarily abroad. The Ministry of Education (Ministerul Educației) oversees compliance, requiring annual approvals and standardized assessments. Local inspectorates (ISJ/ISMB) monitor implementation, with penalties for non-compliance.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Romania
- Eligibility Criteria: Only students with medical certificates (for disabilities/illnesses) or those enrolled in international programs abroad qualify. General homeschooling for convenience is prohibited.
- Approval Process: Parents must submit a formal request to the local inspectorate (ISJ/ISMB) with documentation from a licensed physician or foreign school. Approval is valid for one academic year.
- Assessment Requirements: Annual evaluations by the inspectorate or a designated school are mandatory. Students must demonstrate progress equivalent to national curriculum standards or risk revocation of approval.
Recent amendments (2026 draft regulations) propose stricter oversight, including mandatory digital platforms for tracking attendance and progress. Non-compliance may result in re-enrollment in traditional schools. Foreign-educated students must align with Romanian equivalence standards.