Bucharest University of Economic Studies - Bucharest Business School

The Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE) stands as the leading public institution for higher economic education in Romania. Founded on April 6, 1913, by King Carol I, its original title was the Academy of Higher Commercial and Industrial Studies. Today, ASE is recognized as a research university with a student body of 22,684 across 11 faculties, focusing on economics, business, public administration, and related fields. The university boasts a long tradition of promoting Romanian economic values and fostering growth through multidisciplinary research and international collaboration.

ASE's strategic location in central Bucharest, particularly at Piata Romana, provides students with unique opportunities for real-time exposure to business and cultural hubs. The university prides itself on its Business Information Technology department, merging economics with software development to adapt to the rapidly changing Information Age. Integral to its prestige are 13 research centers endorsed by the National Council of Scientific Research, highlighting ASE's commitment to advanced learning and innovation.

Ranked as the top Romanian university in Social Sciences by Times Higher Education, ASE's significant legacy contributes to Romania's economic expertise. With comprehensive facilities including auditoriums, lecture halls, and a prominent main building, ASE offers a supportive and vibrant academic atmosphere. This setting underpins its role in molding proficient professionals, fueling economic education and growth within Romania and beyond for over a century.

ASE's career network provides graduates a robust support system through an influential alumni association and extensive corporate connections, which enhances their employment opportunities across finance, business, and public sectors. The Center for Financial and Monetary Research (CEFIMO), since 2000, drives industry engagement and research in fields like financial markets and corporate finance, funded by major entities such as the EU and World Bank. This underscores ASE’s role in redefining economic paradigms and encourages hands-on learning aligned with market demands.

Internship programs are integral to ASE, offering students essential practical experiences through collaborations with national and international partners in economic planning and innovation. This comprehensive approach is supported by 13 research centers, encouraging participation in significant projects, which markedly boost employability prospects. Graduates frequently find their paths in multinational companies, administrative roles, and tech-focused careers, further assisted by career counseling, job placements, and dynamic exchange programs.

Beyond academics, ASE promotes a vibrant community through its active participation in sports and cultural activities. Team events in basketball, football, and chess not only course through national avenues but extend into international competitions, strengthening social and professional networks. Faced with a dynamic business landscape, ASE alumni are well equipped to pursue roles from Romanian policymaking to influential positions within international organizations, reflecting ASE’s notable prestige and commitment to excellence.

Prospective students should consider Bucharest Business School at ASE for its unparalleled integration of tradition, innovation, and opportunity in economic education. Established as Romania's first economic university over a century ago, ASE consistently ranks as the national leader in Social Sciences. The Bologna Process alignment ensures a systematized education path, offering flexible bachelor, master, and PhD programs across its 11 faculties, which cater to evolving career demands in the digital economy.

ASE's strategic location in Bucharest provides students with unmatched access to corporate hubs, cultural sites, and libraries, enhancing practical learning and industry engagement. The university's research centers, including CEFIMO, offer direct access to advanced EU and World Bank-funded projects, ensuring cutting-edge academic exposure. Financial accessibility is a key feature, with affordable dormitories, free sports facilities, and the availability of scholarships, making quality education attainable.

International collaborations through global exchange programs foster cross-border learning and career opportunities. Comprehensive support services such as career counseling, placement assistance, and vibrant student organizations position ASE students for high employability in finance, administration, and technology sectors. Its unique emphasis on research-intensive learning and Southeastern European leadership equips students to meet the challenges of globalized economies, both in Romania and globally.

ASE's influence is profound, marked by its commitment to research and innovation. Hosting 13 research centers, which are endorsed by Romania's National Council of Scientific Research, ASE focuses on crucial fields including economics, finance, and technology. The Center for Financial and Monetary Research (CEFIMO) is at the forefront, pioneering studies in financial markets and public finance, backed by funding from the EU, World Bank, and CERGE-EI, paving the way for transformative projects.

Innovation thrives at ASE, particularly through its Business Information Technology department, which skillfully manages the intersection of economics and software development. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for training experts who can navigate the complexities of the digital and information age. Since the 1990s restructuring, ASE has placed a strong emphasis on entrepreneurial development, highlighting its dedication to interdisciplinary innovation and significant community engagement.

ASE’s initiatives have historically included alignment with post-1989 European standards and the Bologna Process, reinforcing its leading role in Southeastern Europe. Its strategic priorities on enhancing research and international connections make a visible societal impact, evident in its policy-influencing studies and groundbreaking projects in cibernetics and informatics. These efforts ensure ASE’s role as a catalyst in Romania’s economic modernization, blending a century-long legacy with forward-thinking approaches to meet global challenges.

Q1: What programs does ASE offer, and how long are they?
A: ASE offers a diverse range of programs including bachelor's degrees, which are 3 years long, accounting for 180 credits under the Bologna Process. Master's programs extend to 2 years with 120 credits, along with MBA and PhD programs, typically requiring a minimum of 3 years.

Q2: How affordable is student housing?
A: Student housing is notably affordable, with dormitories offering accommodations ranging from 200 to 300 lei per month for rooms with 2-4 beds. This cost covers necessary amenities and proximity to sports and study facilities, making living manageable and convenient.

Q3: Are there sports facilities available for students?
A: Yes, ASE provides access to 14 sports facilities at no additional cost for the first two years. These facilities feature basketball courts, tennis courts, chess areas, and various fitness activities, which are integrated into the curriculum to promote health and wellness.

Q4: Is ASE supportive of international students?
A: ASE has a highly international outlook, providing diverse programs and exchange partnerships globally. English-taught options and collaborations enhance cross-border learning opportunities, welcoming a varied student body that benefits from a multicultural campus experience.

Q5: What career supports are available to students and graduates?
A: ASE offers robust career services, including counseling, job placement assistance, and numerous internship opportunities. Strong industry ties and corporate partnerships facilitate pathways into various sectors such as finance, public administration, and technology, fostering future career success.

Admissions at ASE follow a merit-based system, requiring EU/EEA applicants to provide educational transcripts, CVs, motivation letters, and proof of English proficiency. Non-EU applicants must also submit visa-related documents. The primary intake occurs in the fall, with deadlines running from July to September for most programs. Tuition costs vary, typically around 2,000 to 4,000 EUR per year for international students, with locals benefiting from lower rates, alongside numerous scholarship opportunities to assist with tuition and living expenses.

ASE is centrally located at Piata Romana 6 in Bucharest, offering accessible student accommodation with 12 dorms. These dorms cost between 200 and 300 lei per month, providing a reasonable living option close to all necessary amenities. Excellent public transport connections, including the nearby Grozăveşti metro line, ensure ease of movement around the city, with free Wi-Fi and library access available to enrich the academic experience.

Students can choose from on-campus housing with shared rooms or explore private rental accommodations suited to their preferences. For those undertaking PhD studies, a detailed research proposal is required. New internationals benefit from orientation weeks that help them integrate into the university life, with guidance provided by the international office ensuring a smooth transition into ASE's vibrant educational community.