# Romania 2026-2027 school year reforms and logistics > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/romania-student-scholarship-reform-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-11T09:43:16.000Z. Sources: 156. Developments: 10. The 2026-2027 academic year in Romania, which began on September 7, continues to face a mix of systemic hurdles and modernization efforts. While regional projects like the classroom upgrades in Bujoreni proceed, national reports indicate that approximately 700 educational units are currently grappling with space or authorization issues. Ongoing challenges include teacher staffing stability and the delayed arrival of textbooks. These issues persist alongside the curricular reforms being piloted in Cluj, designed to grant high school students more autonomy in selecting disciplines aligned with their career paths. Regarding the academic calendar and student welfare, the Ministry of Education and Research has announced a three-day long weekend for Education Day, with no didactic activities scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026. Additionally, students in accredited pre-university education will continue to receive free public transport benefits. These subsidies cover local, metropolitan, county, and inter-county road transport, as well as metro, naval, and second-class rail travel. While rail benefits extend through holidays, road transport subsidies for commuting students are specifically designated for the school term. ## Claims - New national evaluation standards for grades I-VIII will be implemented this school year. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The commune of Românești in Iași built three smart homes for teachers using PNRR funds. (corroborated by 2 sources) - More than 22% of Romanian educational units lack security systems. (single source) - Reported crimes in schools decreased by 5.4% during the previous school year. (single source) - Romania faces teacher shortages in technical subjects, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. (single source) - In Vâlcea county, 64 school buildings are operating without fire safety authorization. (single source) - In Sălaj county, 44 school buildings are operating without fire safety authorization. (single source) - The Ministry of Education is implementing strict audits to address teacher absenteeism and indiscipline. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Romania school year 2026-2027: Education Day holiday and transport benefits Romanian students will enjoy a three-day weekend on October 5 for Education Day and will maintain access to free public transport, including rail and local transit, during the 2026-2027 school year. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-school-year-2026-2027-education-day-holiday-and-transport-benefits ### 2026-09-08: Education sectors in Romania and Serbia begin new school year The 2026–2027 school year begins with curricular reforms in Cluj, infrastructure upgrades in Bujoreni, and ongoing challenges regarding staffing and facilities across Romania and Serbia. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-begins-2026-2027-school-year-for-3-million-students ### 2026-09-08: Romania education system faces 9th-grade class cancellations and textbook shortages Romanian 9th-grade students face dual challenges: 16 classes were disbanded in Timiș County due to admission changes, and a nationwide shortage of new textbooks persists due to procurement delays. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-education-system-faces-9th-grade-class-cancellations-and-textbook-shortages ### 2026-09-07: Hunedoara County manages school program and infrastructure upgrades Hunedoara County Council will manage Romania's School Program through 2029, while EU-funded projects aim to modernize over 130 educational facilities across the West Region. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hunedoara-county-manages-school-program-and-infrastructure-upgrades ### 2026-09-06: Romania marks start of 2026-2027 school year Romania marks the start of the 2026-2027 school year with new curriculum changes, free student train travel, and increased police presence to ensure road safety near educational institutions. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-begins-new-school-year-with-focus-on-student-safety ### 2026-09-04: Romania begins 2026–2027 school year with new curricula and reforms Romania begins the 2026–2027 school year with new curricula for 9th graders, increased student scholarships, and heightened safety inspections regarding fire regulations and student security. 99 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-school-year-faces-textbook-shortages-and-teacher-vacancies ### 2026-09-02: Romania prepares for 2026-2027 school year with local infrastructure and support initiatives As the 2026-2027 school year begins in Romania, municipalities are rolling out infrastructure upgrades, student support programs, and safety measures, while Bucharest addresses public transport issues. 48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-education-reforms-face-scholarship-concerns-for-dual-students ### 2026-08-28: Mihai Dimian confirms no reduction in Romanian social scholarships Romanian Education Minister Mihai Dimian announced that annual social scholarship totals will not be reduced, despite previous controversy. Instead, eligibility thresholds will rise by 7% to help more students. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanias-education-minister-maintains-annual-social-scholarship-support ### 2026-08-23: Romania education sector faces scholarship cuts and salary debates Romania faces education and economic shifts as proposed cuts to social scholarships during holidays and salary adjustments spark political debate and highlight rising financial pressures on families. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-faces-political-disputes-over-judicial-conduct-and-education-funding ### 2026-08-19: Romania social scholarship proposal faces backlash Romanian NGOs and the Ombudsman are opposing a government proposal to stop paying social scholarships to vulnerable students during school holidays, warning of increased poverty and school dropout risks. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-ministry-of-education-debates-cutting-social-scholarships-during-holidays --- Cite as: Romania 2026-2027 school year reforms and logistics. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/romania-student-scholarship-reform-controversy