Alexandru Ioan Cuza University

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași (UAIC) is the oldest and most prestigious university in Romania, founded on October 26, 1860. The university was established by decree of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza, who converted the former Academia Mihăileană into a university.

UAIC has a long tradition in higher education, dating back to the 17th century. The first institution of higher education on the territory of Romania was the Academia Vasiliană, founded in 1640 by the Moldavian Prince Vasile Lupu. This was followed by the Princely Academy of Iași in 1707.

In the early 19th century, the Academia Mihăileană was established in Iași. This institution offered a variety of courses, including law, medicine, and philosophy. In 1860, the Academia Mihăileană was converted into a university by Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

At the time of its founding, UAIC had three faculties: the Faculty of Letters and Philosophy, the Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Sciences. In the following years, new faculties were established, including the Faculty of Theology (1864), the Faculty of Medicine (1872), the Faculty of Natural Sciences (1879), and the Faculty of Engineering (1904).

In the early 20th century, UAIC became one of the leading universities in Romania. The university attracted some of the best scholars in the country, and its graduates went on to hold important positions in government, academia, and business.

During World War II, UAIC was closed for two years. After the war, the university was reopened and continued to develop. In the communist era, UAIC was subject to state control, but it remained a prestigious institution of higher education.

After the fall of communism in 1989, UAIC underwent a period of reform and modernization. The university introduced new academic programs, expanded its research activities, and strengthened its international ties.

Today, UAIC is a leading university in Romania and Eastern Europe.

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University is ranked as the #3 top university in Romania during 2025. This is the same rank as last year.