Spiru Haret University
Spiru Haret University is a private higher education institution in Bucharest, Romania. Established in 1991, it is the country’s largest private university, with 16 faculties and multiple campuses. Its facilities and campus life combine academic activity with cultural events, student initiatives, and collaborations with businesses and the media.
The main campus is described as centrally located and within walking distance of the National Museum of Romanian History, University Square, and the Old Town. It includes lecture halls, landscaped gardens, and an on-campus Cine Studio.
History and significance
The university was founded during Romania’s post-communist era to meet growing demand for diverse higher education. It is named in tribute to Spiru Haret, the Romanian mathematician and educational reformer who revolutionized Romanian education in the early 20th century.
Fully accredited under Romanian law (Act nr. 443/2002), the university emphasizes academic rigor, autonomy, and student-centered learning. It takes part in international partnerships, including Erasmus exchange programs, belongs to several global academic organizations, and supports research aligned with European and national priorities. Its work to promote Romanian culture and values contributes to Bucharest’s cultural and social life.
What to see and experience
Guided visits, available by prior arrangement, can include the university’s historical halls, architectural features, gardens, and information about Spiru Haret’s life and legacy. Campus facilities also include seminar rooms, libraries, green areas, free Wi-Fi, and student lounges.
Open days, exhibitions, academic conferences, and other events are periodically open to the public. The university also hosts cultural events and has an on-campus cinema. Virtual tours and photo galleries are available through the university website, with further updates on social media.
Practical visiting information
Addresses, hours, and admission
The university information lists two addresses:
- Main Address Strada General Berthelot 23-25, Bucharest, Romania
- Campus Address 13 Ion Ghica Street, Sector 3, Bucharest (International Students Department)
Visiting hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Weekends are by appointment. General entry to public areas is free; guided tours require advance arrangement, and some events may require booking or have an entrance fee. Self-guided visits are welcome during business hours; register at the main reception for a badge and campus map.
Wheelchair access and assistance are available. The campus and public transport are also described as wheelchair-friendly.
Tours and visitor support
Arrange a guided tour in advance through the International Students Department at [email protected] or +40 21 455 10 70 (International Students Department News). The department also provides multilingual support and campus tours.
Services are primarily in Romanian, but English and French assistance is available through the International Students Department. English is widely spoken among staff and students, and multilingual signage is present.
Transport
The campus is served by public transport, including the Universitate and Piața Unirii metro stations, as well as multiple bus and tram lines. A separate listing gives Aparatorii Patriei as the nearest metro station and notes that multiple bus lines also serve the area. Taxis serve the campus as well.
Henri Coandă International Airport is 18 km away; express bus 783 and taxis connect the airport to the city center.
Accommodation and dining
- On-campus hostel from ~100 EUR/month (Accommodation Info)
- Nearby options hotels, hostels, and apartments, with prices of 300–350 EUR/month in nearby neighborhoods such as Universitate and Lipscani.
- Dining cafes and restaurants are available in the area, along with nearby essential services.
Tips
The university’s academic calendar runs from October–June. Admissions are open from April 1st–August 10th (Admissions Info).
EU/EEA citizens and citizens of select countries have visa-free access; others must apply in advance. The currency is the Romanian Leu (RON), and credit cards are widely accepted. Bucharest has a continental climate, with warm summers and winters that can be cold. Politeness and hospitality are valued locally. Bucharest is generally safe, and the emergency number is 112.
Spring and early autumn are listed as comfortable seasons for sightseeing. The campus area offers photography opportunities, particularly in its gardens and courtyards. Parking is limited, so public transport is recommended.
Nearby places
Nearby attractions include the Old Town (Lipscani), the National Museum of Romanian History, University Square, and Cismigiu Gardens. Other easily accessible sites listed include the Cotroceni Neighborhood, National Museum of Art of Romania, Romanian Athenaeum, National Theatre, Herăstrău Park, and Carol Park.
The Palace of the Parliament is another key Bucharest attraction and one of the world’s largest administrative buildings, symbolizing Romania’s modern history.
- Hours Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; last entry 3:30 PM. Closed Mondays and holidays.
- Tickets Adults 30 RON; students and seniors 15 RON; children under 7 free (Official Palace of the Parliament Website).
- Tours Guided tours are recommended.
- Transport Metro (Piața Unirii), buses, and trams.
- Accessibility Wheelchair access and assistance are provided.
- Nearby attractions Romanian Athenaeum, Revolution Square, and the Old Town.
- Multimedia Virtual tours and audio guides are available.
Photography is generally permitted at the Palace; professional equipment requires approval. Parking is limited, with public transport advised. Dining options are available nearby, and visits are suitable for children with supervision. Further details are available from the official Palace of the Parliament website and information on other Bucharest historical sites.
For cultural event updates, see the Romania Tourism Events Calendar.
FAQ
Spiru Haret University
- Is there an entry fee? No. Public access is free; some tours and events may require booking.
- Are guided tours available? Yes, by appointment or on request. Contact the International Students Department or visitor center.
- Can I visit without an appointment? Yes, but registering at reception is recommended.
- Are special events open to visitors? Yes. Open days, exhibitions, academic conferences, and other public events take place periodically; check the event calendar or contact the university for details.
- Is the campus accessible? Yes. Wheelchair access, assistance, and facilities for visitors with disabilities are available.
- What are the transport options? Metro, buses, trams, and taxis serve the campus.
- Is on-campus accommodation available? Yes.
- What languages are supported? Romanian and English, with French assistance also available through the International Students Department.
Palace of the Parliament
- Can visitors take photographs? Photography is generally permitted; professional equipment requires approval.
- Is parking available? Parking is limited; public transport is advised.
- Are dining options nearby? Yes.
- Is the visit suitable for children? Yes, with supervision.