General legislation
Constitution of the Republic of Moldova adopted in 1994, serves as the fundamental legal framework of the country, establishing the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. It outlines the separation of powers, the rights and freedoms of citizens. The Constitution ensures the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova while emphasizing the country’s commitment to European integration. The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova guarantees the right to education for all citizens, ensuring compulsory general education through secondary and vocational education, higher education, as well as other forms of training and professional development. The public upper secondary, vocational and higher education is equally accessible to all, based on merit.
Education Code of the Republic of Moldova(No. 152/2014 with subsequent amendments and completions) is the main document that establishes the legal framework on the design, organisation, operation and development of the education system in the Republic of Moldova.
Science and Innovation Code (No. 259/2004 with subsequent amendments and completions) regulates activities in the fields of research and innovation, including the development and implementation of policies, the evaluation of organisations, and the recognition and certification of scientific and academic titles.
The "Education 2030" Development Strategy (approved by the Government Decision No. 114/2023) defines the Government's policies in the field of education, describes its content and implementation mechanism, and outlines its impact on the education system, society and the state, with the aim of optimising the intellectual, cultural, and professional development of citizens.
The Regulation on Adult Education (approved by the Government Decision No. 222/2024) establishes a unitary normative framework for general adult education and adult vocational training (initial and/or continuous) within the framework of lifelong learning.
The Methodology for External Quality Evaluation for the Provisional Authorisation and Accreditation of Study Programmes and Educational Institutions of Vocational, Higher, and Continuing Education (approved by the Government Decision No. 616/2016, annex 1, with subsequent amendments and completions).
The Regulation for Calculating Fees for Services Provided within the External Quality Evaluation of Study Programmes and Educational Institutions of Vocational, Higher, and Continuing Education (approved by the Government Decision No. 616/2016, annex 2, with subsequent amendments and completions).
Reference Framework of the National Curriculum (approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 432/2017) defines the conceptual, methodological and practical foundations of curricular policies for general education.
Instruction on the Automated Customization, Issuance, Record-Keeping, and Retention of Study Documents in General Education in the Republic of Moldova(approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 199/2024)
The National Qualifications Framework and Quality Assurance
The National Qualifications Framework (approved by the Government Decision No. 330/2023) regulates its objectives, principles, and functions; the structure and operational implementation; the development and inclusion of qualifications in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the National Qualifications Register; the recognition and validation of prior learning outcomes; the promotion of social inclusion; the European and international dimensions of the NQF, as well as coordination, administration, and the quality assurance of qualifications awarded within the national education system.
National Qualifications Register approved by the Government Decision No. 1199/2018 with subsequent amendments and completions.
Government Decision No. 201/2018 on the Organisation and Functioning of the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research (with subsequent amendments and completions).
External Quality Assurance Methodology for the provisional authorization of operation and accreditation of study programmes and of vocational, higher and continuing education institutions (approved by the Government Decision No. 616/2016 with subsequent amendments and completions).
Nomenclature of Vocational Training Fields and Occupations/Professions approved by the Government Decision No. 425/2015 with subsequent amendments and completions.
The Nomenclature of Vocational Training Fields, Specializations, and Qualifications for Post-Secondary and Post-Secondary Non-Tertiary Technical Vocational Education, approved by the Government Decision No. 853/2015 with subsequent amendments and completions.
Funding in education
Law on Public Finances and Budgetary-Fiscal Responsibility (No. 181/2014) – the organic law that determines the general legal framework in the field of public finances.
Budgetary Financing Methodology of Public Vocational Education Institutions, approved by the Government Decision No. 628/2023 with subsequent amendments and completions.
Nomenclature and Tariffs for Works and/or Services provided for a Fee by the authorities/institutions subordinate to the Ministry of Education, with the exception of higher education institutions operating under conditions of financial autonomy, approved by the Government Decision No. 872/2015 with subsequent amendments and completions.
Accommodation Fees in the Dormitories of the State Institutions of secondary vocational, post-secondary vocational, higher education and in the field of science and innovation, approved by the Government Decision No. 99/2007 with subsequent amendments and completions.
Government Decision No. 266/2006 regarding the Free Meals for Students from the Secondary Vocational Education System (with subsequent amendments and completions).
Government Decision No. 1009/2006 (with subsequent amendments and completions) regarding the Amounts of Scholarships, other forms of Social Aid for Students from higher education institutions, pupils from post-secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary technical vocational education institutions, secondary technical vocational education and people studying in postgraduate education.Budget Financing Methodology of Public Higher Education Institutions, approved by the Government Decision No. 343/2020 with subsequent amendments and completions.
Regulation on the Studies of Foreigners in Educational Institutions in the Republic of Moldova, approved by the Government Decision No. 504/2017 with subsequent amendments and completions.
Government Decision No. 1276/2018 for the approval of Procedures regarding Access to Employment Measures, with subsequent amendments and completions.
Government Decision No. 115/2023 regarding the approval of the National Programme for Studying the Romanian language by national minorities, including the adult population, for the years 2023-2025.
Government Decision No. 435/2007 (with subsequent amendments and completions) for the approval of the Regulation on Granting Guarantees and Compensations to Employees who Combine Work with Studies.
Standard Regulation for the Organisation and Functioning of Primary and Secondary Education Institutions, cycle I and II, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 235/2016.
Framework Regulation regarding the Operation of the Board of Directors of the general education institution, approved by Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 269/2020.
Personnel Standards (norms) for Public Primary and Secondary Education Institutions (cycle I and II), approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 514/2024.
Framework Regulation for the Organisation and Operation of Secondary Technical Vocational Education Institutions, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 824/2024.
Complementary Financing Regulation (approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 807/2020, annex 1) establishes the methodology for complementary financing of public vocational education institutions subordinated to the Ministry of Education and Research.
Regulation of Project-based Competitive Financing (approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 807/2020, annex 2) establishes the methodology for project-based competitive financing of public vocational education institutions subordinated to the Ministry of Education and Research.
Regulations of the Educational Institution "Kindergarten - Primary school", approved by the Ministry of Education and Research
Early childhood education
Standard Regulation of the Early Childhood Education Institution, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 254/2017.
Reference Framework for Early Childhood Education in the Republic of Moldova, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1592/2018.
Curriculum for Early Childhood Education, approved by the National Council for Curriculum by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research no. 1699/2018.
Standards for Child’s Learning and Development from Birth to 7 years, approved by the National Curriculum Council by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1592/2018.
Minimum Endowment Standards for early childhood education institutions, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 253/2017.
Methodology for Monitoring and Evaluating Child Development based on child learning and development standards (age 1.5 – 7 years), approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1939/2018.
Regulations of the Educational Institution "Kindergarten - Primary school", approved by the Ministry of Education and Research.
Primary education
Methodology for Enrolment of Children in 1st Grade, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 305/2016.
Standard Regulation for the Organisation and Functioning of Primary and Secondary Education Institutions, cycle I and II, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 235/2016.
Framework Plan for Primary, Gymnasium and Lyceum Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 200/2023.
Methodological Guidelines on the Organisation of the Educational Process in Primary Education, Ministry of Education and Research 2021.
Methodology for Organising and Conducting National Testing in Primary Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1572/2018.
The Regulation on the Assessment and Grading of Learning Outcomes, Promotion, and Graduation in Primary and Secondary Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 70/2020 with subsequent completions.
Lower secondary education (gymnasium)
Regulation on the Transportation of Pupils, approved by the Government Decision No. 903/2014 with subsequent amendments and completions.
Reference Framework of the National Curriculum, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 432/2017.
Framework Plan for Primary, Lower and Upper Secondary Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 200/2023 (is approved by the Ministry of Education on a yearly basis)
Instruction on Managing Homework in Primary, Lower and Upper Secondary Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1249/2018.
Instruction regarding the Selection Process and Organisation of Optional Subjects in General Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 635/2021.
The Regulation on the Assessment and Grading of Learning Outcomes, Promotion, and Graduation in Primary and Secondary Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 70/2020 with subsequent completions.
General upper secondary education (lyceum)
Admission Methodology for Pupils in General Upper Secondary Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 190/2024.
Standard Regulation for the Organisation and Functioning of Primary and Secondary Education Institutions, Cycle I and II, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 235/2016.
The Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 677/2023 regarding the approval of the Payments for Textbook Rentals and Payments for the Replacement of Damaged or Lost Textbooks (for the 2022-2023 academic year), intended for secondary education and technical vocational education with integrated post-secondary technical vocational training programmes where upper secondary education is provided.
Vocational education and training
Regulation for Organising and Conducting Admission to Technical Vocational Education and Training Programmes, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 648/2022.
Framework Plan for Secondary, Post-secondary and Post-secondary Non-tertiary Vocational Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1003/2023.
Regulation-framework for the Organisation and Functioning of the Technical Vocational Education Institutions, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 824/2024.
Regulation on Practical Training Placements in Production within Secondary Technical Vocational Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 233/2016.
The Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 818/2021 regarding the approval of the Study Document Supplements for Vocational Education and Training.
Framework Plan for General Upper Secondary Education within the Integrated Post-secondary Technical Vocational Education and Training Programmes, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 701/2020.
Regulation on the Organisation of Studies in Post-secondary and Post-secondary Non-tertiary Professional Technical Education based on the Transferable Study Credit System, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 234/2016.
The Regulation on the Assessment and Grading of Learning Outcomes, Promotion, and Graduation in Primary and Secondary Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 70/2020 with subsequent completions.
Higher Education
Nomenclature for Professional Training Fields and Specialties of Higher Education, approved by the Government Decision No. 412/2024.
Nomenclature of Scientific Specialties, approved by the Government Decision No. 199/2013.
Framework Regulation on the Organisation and Functioning of the Governing Bodies in Higher Education Institutions, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 10/2015.
Bachelor
Framework Regulation for the Organisation of Admission in Higher Education Bachelor and Integrated Studies, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 833/2024 (annual edition).
Framework Plan for Bachelor's (cycle I), Master's (cycle II) and Integrated Higher Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 120/2020.
Regulation for the Organisation of Bachelor’s (cycle I) and Integrated Studies, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1625/2019.
Framework Regulation for the Final Evaluation of Bachelor’s (cycle I) and Integrated Higher Education (cycles I and II), approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1175/2023.
Framework Regulation regarding Internships in Higher Education, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 203/2014.
Master
Regulation regarding the Organisation and Conduct of Master's Higher Education Studies - cycle II, approved by the Government Decision No. 80/2022.
Doctoral
Regulation regarding the Organisation of Doctoral Higher Education Studies, cycle III, approved by Government Decision No. 1007/2014.
Methodology for the Approval of Doctoral Supervisors, approved by Government Decision No. 23/2023.
Methodology for Conferring and Confirming Scientific Titles, approved by Government Decision No. 497/2019.
The Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1017/2018 regarding the Correlation of Bachelor – Master – Doctor/ Doctor habilitate titles, according to the Nomenclature of professional training fields and specialties in higher education (approved by Government Decision No. 482/2017) and the Nomenclature of scientific specialties (approved by Government Decision No. 199/2013).
Framework Plan for Doctoral Higher Education Studies, cycle III, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1036/2020.
Postdoctoral
Regulation regarding the Organisation and Conducting of Postdoctoral Programmes, approved by Government Decision No. 499/2018.
Adult education and training
Regulation on Adult Education, approved by Government Decision No. 222/2024.
National Programme for learning the Romanian language by national minorities, including the adult population, for the years 2023-2025, approved by Government Decision No. 115/2023.
Methodology for Developing Adult Education Programmes within Lifelong Learning, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 785/2024.
Regulation on the Certification of Professional Competences corresponding to Qualifications of Level 3, 4, and 5 from the National Qualifications Framework, acquired in non-formal and informal education contexts, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 885/2022.
Practical Guideline on the Certification of Professional Competences corresponding to Qualifications of Level 3, 4, and 5 from the National Qualifications Framework, acquired in non-formal and informal education contexts, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Education and Research No. 1066/2023.