MEC launches 'Study in Moldova' 2.0 to showcase competitive domestic higher education
The Ministry of Education and Research (MEC) has launched the second edition of the "Study in Moldova" national campaign. This initiative aims to position domestic universities as competitive alternatives to Western institutions.
State Secretary Adriana Cazacu announced that the primary goal is to convince high-performing graduates—frequently courted by elite global universities—to pursue their degrees at home.
Record growth in enrollment
Following last year’s successful pilot, Moldova saw an 11% increase in Bachelor’s degree enrollment and a 13% rise in Master’s programs. The government now aims for seven out of ten graduates to choose local universities by 2030.
"We set ambitious goals and achieved them," Cazacu stated during an interview on Moldova 1. "Our modern laboratories and high-tech multimedia hubs now mirror the standards of European research institutes."
Infrastructure and student life
The modernization effort extends beyond the classroom. The state is currently overhauling several student residential facilities to improve living standards across the country’s university campuses.
The campaign includes guided tours for over 12,000 high school and college students. These interactive visits allow prospective students to experience the updated facilities and educational offerings firsthand.
Reversing the brain drain
A key pillar of the strategy is retaining international Olympiad winners. The Ministry is highlighting success stories of scholars who returned to Moldova after studying at top-tier U.S. institutions.
One notable example includes a professor at the Technical University of Moldova who returned from the United States to train the national Informatics Olympic team, directly contributing to the local talent pipeline.
Upcoming milestones
The 2026 campaign, which began on February 3, will feature various university fairs and high school outreach programs. It will conclude on May 24 with a festive University Fair at Arena Chisinau.
More than 4,000 graduates are expected to attend the grand finale, where the nation’s academic elite will be honored at the Olympic Gala.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
