How can a person apply for dual apprenticeship in Moldova's vocational education system?

The applicant checks the annual programme and place plan, then applies through e-Admitere SIME ÎPT or through the institution's accepted online or in-person procedure. The application normally includes identity documents, an education certificate, photographs and any required medical-fitness or special-status evidence, and the applicant generally applies to only one institution.

What does a dual apprenticeship contract provide for an apprentice in Moldova?

The written, fixed-term contract de ucenicie sets the practical training relationship with the company and works alongside the institution-company cooperation agreement. It supports training duties, remuneration, the practical schedule, workplace safety and other applicable internal rules.

Which qualification document does a dual apprenticeship lead to in Moldova's vocational education system?

After passing the qualification examination, a level 3 graduate receives a Certificat de calificare. A graduate of a level 4 or level 5 programme receives a Diploma de studii profesionale, while employment still depends on employer demand and the individual's result.

What options does Moldova's vocational education system offer adults seeking a first occupational qualification?

Registered unemployed adults may qualify for ANOFM or STOFM measures such as voucher-funded courses, workplace training, professional internships or certification of non-formal and informal competences. The available occupation, provider, cost and duration depend on the annual list and local capacity.

Apprenticeship in Moldova

Q: How much can a dual apprentice receive during vocational education in Moldova?

The contract-based remuneration has a regulatory minimum of two-thirds of the guaranteed minimum wage in the real sector. The Ministry of Education and Research reported about MDL 6,300 per month in 2026, with the amount depending on practical training time; a scholarship, dormitory place or eligible meal support may also be available.

Apprenticeship in Moldova is mainly organised through technical vocational education and dual education. Dual education combines theory at a vocational institution with practical training at a company under a written apprenticeship contract. Programmes can lead to a first occupational qualification at levels 3, 4 or 5 of Moldova's national qualifications framework.

Tip

Choose dual education in Moldova when you want substantial company-based practice and can commit to the specific employer, contract and training schedule. Compare the occupation, qualification level, duration, language, location, costs, support and post-completion options before applying, because a qualification does not guarantee a job or further admission. Adults who are unemployed or already have relevant practical skills should also check ANOFM training or competence-validation routes before starting a full programme.

byAlina&Victor

Moldova's formal system is called Învățământ profesional tehnic (ÎPT), or technical vocational education. It includes professional schools, colleges and centres of excellence operated by public or private providers. In 2024/25, 81 institutions served about 47,788 learners: 32 professional schools, 35 colleges and 14 centres of excellence. Programmes cover about 190 qualifications, including information and communication technology, automotive and electrical work, construction, energy, agriculture, food production, health and services. The available occupations, teaching language and regional access depend on the institution and admission year. Dual education is the local functional equivalent of an apprenticeship. The ÎPT institution teaches theory, while a company or other economic unit provides most practical training. The institution and company sign a cooperation agreement, and the apprentice signs a written, fixed-term contract de ucenicie. The company participates in selection, the training plan, practical assessment and the qualification examination. A maistru-instructor în producție, or workplace instructor, supervises practical learning. The contract and internal rules can cover occupational safety, discipline, confidentiality and the training schedule. At level 3, dual programmes usually last 1 to 2 years. Other level 3 programmes commonly last 2 to 3 years after general secondary education. Level 4 and level 5 dual programmes usually last 2 to 3 years and generally require a lyceum qualification or equivalent, a related qualification or a baccalaureate, depending on the programme. A level 3 qualification can lead directly to work or, where the requirements are met, to further study in lyceum or post-secondary ÎPT. Completing an apprenticeship does not automatically create a right to a job or admission to university. Admission normally follows a competition based on knowledge and suitability. Applications can be submitted through the e-Admitere SIME ÎPT system or directly online or in person, depending on the procedure. An applicant generally applies to only one institution in the relevant admission process. Typical documents include proof of identity, an education certificate, photographs and, where required, medical fitness evidence or proof of special status. Annual plans determine budget-funded and fee-paying places. For 2026/27, 79 institutions offered 12,282 budget places, including 2,866 dual places; 47 institutions offered more than 70 dual programmes. The 2026 admission cycle used July and August deadlines. A 15% budget-place quota supports groups such as people with disabilities, people without parental care, applicants from families with four or more children and Roma applicants. A dual apprentice receives remuneration under the contract. The regulatory minimum is two-thirds of the guaranteed minimum wage in the real sector, and the Ministry of Education and Research reported about MDL 6,300 per month in 2026, depending on practical training time. Some learners may also receive a scholarship or dormitory place; secondary ÎPT may provide free meals in the situations covered by the applicable arrangements. State funding supports institutional training, while fee-paying programmes also exist. Companies may qualify for compensation of up to 50% of eligible costs, including apprentice remuneration, instructor pay, Chamber of Commerce and Industry services and at least 20 credits of pedagogical instructor training. The Ministry of Education and Research sets policy, admission rules, curricula and qualification examinations. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides advice, monitoring, employer support and instructor courses. ANACEC or an EQAR-registered quality agency handles external authorisation and accreditation. The qualification examination is organised with participation from the institution and the company. Passing it gives the occupational qualification. Level 3 graduates receive a Certificat de calificare, while level 4 and level 5 graduates receive a Diploma de studii profesionale. The Ministry reported employment for about 60% of dual graduates in 2026, but employment remains dependent on employer demand and the individual result. In 2023, 2024 and 2025, dual enrolment rose from 1,011 to 1,700 and then 2,139 learners. Adults seeking a first occupational qualification can also use labour-market measures through ANOFM and its local STOFM offices. These include voucher-funded courses, training at the workplace, professional internships and certification of non-formal or informal competences. Vouchers are aimed at registered unemployed people without an occupation or with an occupation that is not locally demanded. Providers must hold the required provisional authorisation or accreditation. Access commonly requires identity or residence documents, registered-unemployed status, a medical certificate and available education or qualification records. In 2025, 12 providers offered 37 occupations or programmes and enrolled 697 people. Validation centres can certify competences at levels 3 to 5 in areas such as construction, food, transport, information and communication technology, light industry, energy and medicine. The annual occupation list, provider capacity, region, teaching language, budget plan and dormitory or fee conditions determine which pathway is actually available.