The overall legal framework for the organisation, administration and functioning of education in Romania is laid down in the Constitution, School Education Law (Law 198/2023, with its subsequent amendments and additions), Higher Education Law (Law 199/2023, with its subsequent amendments and additions) – which are organic laws –, ordinary laws and Government Orders. Specific procedures and regulations are laid down in Government Decisions and Orders of the education minister.

Public school education institutions (at ante-preschool, preschool, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary and non-tertiary post-secondary levels) are subordinated to the Ministry of Education through the County School Inspectorates. The inspectorates ensure compliance with the legislation and are responsible for the evaluation of the education system and the educational process, as well as for the implementation at county level of educational policies established at central level.

Universities and other higher education institutions are autonomous and the law grants them a right to define and implement their own development policies, in accordance with the legal provisions in force. The Ministry of Education coordinates the activity of universities and other higher education institutions while observing the principles of academic autonomy.

The legislation in force provides the necessary general framework for setting up private education establishments and institutions at any level. In order to be recognised as part of the national education system, private education establishments and institutions should be accredited in compliance with the procedures laid down by law. Diplomas and certificates issued by accredited private education establishments and institutions have the same value as those issued by public education establishments and institutions.