Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad — Complete Overview (English)

Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad (AVU) is a fully accredited Romanian higher education institution located in Arad, Bulevardul Revoluției no. 77.
The university began in 1972 as the Arad Institute of Sub-Engineers and was officially accredited on May 18, 1990 to grant full university degrees.

Over the years, AVU has expanded significantly, adding new faculties and specializations aligned with modern academic standards.
During the 2009–2010 academic year, the university established the Faculty of Design and introduced new programs such as psychology, computer science, economics, marketing, and fashion design.

AVU currently offers:

• 9 academic departments
• 38 bachelor’s degree programs
• 19 master’s programs
• PhD studies in Philology (IOSUD)
• 12 specialized departments

Scientific research is a fundamental dimension of AVU.
In the 2008–2009 academic year, the university accelerated its research activity, participating in 9 international and 7 national research projects, winning 8 international and 5 national competitions.
The value of nationally funded research contracts reached 2,027,202 RON, while international projects totaled USD 52,350.

Faculties at Aurel Vlaicu University

AVU includes a diverse range of faculties:

• Faculty of Design
• Faculty of Economic Sciences
• Faculty of Exact Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Educational Sciences, Psychology and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Theology
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection
• Faculty of Physical Education and Sport

These faculties cover a wide spectrum of academic fields including engineering, economics, humanities, psychology, theology, environmental sciences, tourism, food engineering, and sports.

AVU Mission & Objectives

AVU’s mission is to generate and transfer knowledge to society in all accredited fields of study.
This mission is fulfilled through:

• Scientific research, development, innovation, and technological transfer
• Artistic creation and sports performance
• Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate education
• Continuous education and professional reconversion programs

The university develops professional competences in areas such as:

• Vehicle Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Food Engineering
• Rural and Agricultural Development
• Language and Literature
• Administrative Sciences
• Communication Sciences
• Theology
• Business Administration
• Finance
• Management
• IT & Mathematics
• Social Work
• Psychology
• Educational Sciences
• Physical Education and Sports
• Visual Arts
• Sociology

AVU also assumes a fundamental role as a regional development engine, contributing to cultural, civic, and socio-economic progress.

International Partners — Europe & First World Countries

AVU maintains a strong international presence through partnerships with universities and institutions across Europe and the world.
Below are the most important partners in Europe and first-world countries:

European Union & Western Europe

• European University Association (EUA) – Switzerland
• Université de Perpignan – France
• UPMC-CNRS – France
• Trendence Institut GMBH – Berlin, Germany
• Minho University – Portugal
• Polytechnic Institute of Bragança – Portugal
• University of Algarve – Portugal
• Budapest Metropolitan University – Hungary
• Kodolanyi Janos University – Hungary
• Obuda University – Hungary
• Szent Istvan University – Hungary
• University of Szeged – Hungary

First World Partners

• National Dong Hwa University – Taiwan
• Feng Chia University – Taiwan
• Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology – Tanzania

Additional Global Partners

AVU also collaborates with institutions in:

• Italy
• Poland
• Turkey
• Greece
• China
• India
• Pakistan
• Azerbaijan
• Georgia
• Algeria
• Morocco
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Cuba
• Moldova
• Serbia
• Ukraine

Identity & Legal Status

The name “AUREL VLAICU” UNIVERSITY OF ARAD refers to the legally registered higher education institution located in Arad County, Bulevardul Revoluției no. 77.

AVU obtained legal personality through:

• Romanian Government Ordinance no. 567/1990
• Ministry of National Education Order no. 7751/1990

The university name is a registered trademark (Certificate No. 54850) protected under Romanian Law no. 84/1998.
The trademark includes a shield-shaped logo representing medieval insignia with the letters AVU Arad.

AVU adheres to the Magna Charta of European Universities (Bologna, 1988) and aligns its educational standards with the Bologna Declaration (1999), Berlin Conference (2003), and Bergen Conference (2005).

Short History of AVU

Historical documents show a long-standing effort to establish higher education in Transylvania and Arad.
Institutions such as:

• The Preparandia (Teachers’ Training College) – 1812
• The Clerical Theological Institute – 1822
• The Music Conservatory – 1833

Along with academic initiatives by scholars like Ghenadie Raț, Ioan Popovici-Desseanu, Vasile Goldiș, Onisifor Ghibu, and Ion Montani,
all contributed to the foundation of higher education in the region.

Arad once hosted an Institute of Agriculture with two faculties (Zootechnics and Veterinary Medicine), but it was closed after nine years.
In 1972, the Institute of Sub-Engineers was founded, laying the groundwork for AVU.

After the events of December 1989, local efforts intensified, leading to Government Ordinance no. 567 (May 18, 1990),
which officially established the Institute of Higher Education in Arad — the foundation of today’s Aurel Vlaicu University.

Contact & Support

If you need assistance applying to AVU, choosing a program, or preparing your documents,
the Gate2Europe team is ready to support you.

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