Moldova offers several forms of language learning. Romanian courses are available for adults, children, employees, national minorities, people returning from the diaspora, refugees and displaced people. The National Program 2026–2028 plans more than 8,500 places, with courses starting from March 2026. Registration takes place online through invatam-limba-romana.mec.gov.md. Courses are offered in person or online, and successful participants receive a certificate linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, known as CEFR. The course levels include A1, A2 and B1. Printed manuals are available through affordable loan arrangements. The Ministry of Education and Research, called MEC, coordinates the national education policy. The National Agency for Curriculum and Evaluation, called ANCE, is responsible for relevant assessment and certification procedures. Romanian study is required in educational institutions at every level. The state also provides for communication in Romanian and, where applicable, in minority languages and at least two international communication languages. Where there is sufficient demand, learners may study a minority language or receive compulsory education in that language. Children can begin a foreign language in primary school, usually from grades 2 to 4 depending on the curriculum and institution. Schools may offer English, French, German, Spanish or other approved options. Curricula also exist for Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian and Găgăuză, and some institutions offer bilingual French programs. Romanian support courses are available for pupils who do not yet speak Romanian and are included among the target groups of the 2026–2028 program. Adults can study English, French and German through institutional or private providers. The 2026 MEC list includes ÎM LINGUATA SRL in Chișinău. Listed English courses range from 150 hours and 5 credits for A1 to 300 hours and 10 credits for B2 or C1. French courses at A1 to B2 use 180 hours and 6 credits, while German courses use 150 hours and 5 credits for A1 and 180 hours and 6 credits for A2 to B2. The list allows in-person and online formats but does not state the prices, so the provider must confirm fees, schedule and admission conditions. Romanian certification for adults and students in grades 10 to 12 can cover A1 to C2. The examination tests listening, reading, written expression and oral expression, with a maximum of 120 points. ANCE accepts online registrations, offers up to four examination sessions per year and issues a certificate within a maximum of 10 working days. The 2026 schedule includes sessions on 24 October and 21 November. For pupils in institutions using minority languages, a passed Romanian examination may support exemption from the Romanian language component of the Baccalaureate, subject to the applicable rules. Minority-language learning is available mainly through school curricula and regional or institutional programs rather than one uniform adult system. Universitatea de Stat din Comrat offers Limba și literatura găgăuză with 600 hours and 20 credits, and Istoria și cultura poporului găgăuz with 900 hours and 30 credits. This is a regional higher-education option, not a nationwide adult structure for every minority language. Romanian has the strongest practical relevance for public services, education, employment and wider social participation. The national program specifically includes employees in public service and other professional fields. Russian is frequently used as an additional everyday language. The 2024 census recorded that 64.5% of people aged three and over knew at least one and no more than three additional languages; the reported figures were 51.2% for Russian, 13.4% for English, 3.6% for French, 2.7% for Italian and 1.1% for German. The census separates the categories “Moldovan” and “Romanian”, so these figures provide learning-demand context rather than a complete measure of language ability. The national Romanian program already combines in-person and distance learning. Its 2026–2028 plans also include digital platforms, interactive applications, multimedia materials and distance-learning tools. A comparable state digital platform for all foreign languages has not been established in the available evidence. There is also no general state-funded foreign-language program equivalent to the national Romanian program; foreign-language access, fees and schedules depend on the school, university or provider.
Languages in Moldova
Language learning in Moldova includes Romanian courses, foreign-language study, minority-language education, examinations and practical use in everyday life and work. Romanian is the main language for public and educational participation, while Russian remains a common additional everyday language; the 2024 census recorded knowledge of Russian among 51.2% and English among 13.4% of people aged three and over outside their mother or everyday language. The state-funded National Program 2026–2028 provides Romanian courses, while schools, universities and private or institutional providers mainly offer foreign-language learning.
Tip
Treat Romanian as the priority when you need access to education, public services, employment or wider participation in Moldova. Use the state-funded Romanian program when A1 to B1 learning and flexible online or in-person study meet your needs; choose a private or institutional provider when you need another language, a higher level or a different schedule. Do not choose a course from its language label alone: compare its level, hours, format, certificate, admission conditions and total cost.