Education in Romania: Between Alarming Statistics and the Need for Real Change
Education remains one of the weakest areas with regard to quality of life in Romania
Ion Puican, 22.04.2026, 11:47
Education remains one of the weakest areas with regard to quality of life in Romania, according to the latest “Well-Being Barometer,” conducted by MIR Research at the request of UNSAR (the National Union of Insurance and Reinsurance Companies in Romania) for the ABS platform—the Alliance for Well-Being. Romania scores 6.85 out of 10 in the education category: above Bulgaria (6.74), but below all other countries analysed in the region—Poland (8.3), the Czech Republic (7.97), Hungary (7.38), and Slovakia (6.87). Beyond the numbers, the report shows that problems persist in educational inclusion, basic skills, and preparation for the labour market. One of the most concerning figures relates to early school dropout. According to the latest Eurostat statistics, Romania has the highest rate in the European Union: 16.8% of young people aged 18 to 24 leave education early and do not pursue any training program, while the European average is 9.3%. This means that nearly one in six young Romanians enters adulthood without sufficient qualifications, which directly affects their employment prospects and long-term economic stability.
Psychologist Oana Puican analyses the study’s findings from the perspective of the development of new generations of adults:
“From a psychological perspective, the data from the ‘Well-Being Barometer’ study, which highlights the fragility of education in Romania, do not merely reflect academic performance or statistical indicators. The results tell us about how a child’s relationship with themselves, with others in the community, and, ultimately, with the world they live in is formed. Education is the first social space where a child learns trust, belonging, cooperation, and the sense that they have a place in a community. When access to education is fragmented, unequal, or unstable, the effects extend far beyond the academic realm. For the child or young person, confidence in their own abilities diminishes, a sense of helplessness emerges, and the ability to adapt to new situations develops more slowly. A child who repeatedly experiences this gap—whether due to a lack of resources, learning difficulties, or a lack of educational support—may internalize the idea that they are not capable enough or that opportunities are not meant for them.”
The disparities highlighted by the “Well-Being Barometer” are also evident in terms of digital skills. In Romania, only 27.7% of citizens possess basic digital skills—less than half the European average, which exceeds 55%. In an economy where more and more activities depend on technology, this gap is becoming a major problem, especially for young people and those in rural areas. At the same time, only 12% of Romanians have above-average financial literacy, which means they struggle to understand decisions related to saving, borrowing, or financial protection.
