Programme Overview
What to Expect?
USAMVCN is a fully accredited Romanian public university. Six distinctive pillars that set GNDA DUAL apart from any other master's programme in Romania.
Real Industry Experience
50% of your degree is spent inside a real food industry partner during the academic year, guided by a dedicated company mentor.
Employability First
Graduate with 2 years of verified industry experience on your CV, a full professional network, and the skills employers in the food sector actually demand.
Graduate debt-free. Earn while you learn. Launch your career.
Leading industry partner covers your tuition while you spend 4 hours a day gaining real-world experience and building a pathway to a full-time career. Get an EU degree and earn at the same time.
International Environment
All courses, seminars, exams and communication are in English. No Romanian required. Open to students from all countries β EU and non-EU alike. Your master's diploma is recognised across all 27 EU countries and validated internationally
Innovation & Technology
Develop an entrepreneurial mindset while mastering Gastronomy Innovation, Applied Quality Management for Food Services, Smart Packaging, Digital Traceability, Sustainable Food Systems, and AI-powered skills for smarter learning and service innovation.
ORANGE Academy partnership
From the summer after Year 1, you can join a 3βmonth Erasmus+ internship in the Netherlands with The Orange Academy, followed by the opportunity to secure a fullβtime position starting from 2,100 EUR/month after completing Year 2 of the masterβs program
ECTS
ECTS
Equal balance between academic theory and applied industry practice
The Dual Model Explained
Study. Work.
Graduate β All at Once.
The GNDA DUAL programme is the only dual master's in Gastronomy, Nutrition & Food Dietetics in Romania. Built from day one with industry partners, every module connects to real professional challenges.
- 50% ECTS β Theoretical courses, seminars and labs at USAMVCN Faculty of Food Science and Technology
- 50% ECTS β Work-based learning at a partner company: HoReCa, food production, nutrition, catering, food tech startups
- 4 hours per day at your company partner throughout the academic year
- A structured career path, built with industry leaders β with the opportunity to secure a full-time position
- Dedicated company tutor (master's-level professional) who guides and evaluates you
- Tuition covered by economic partner
- Final dissertation co-evaluated by university faculty AND a company representative
- Duration: 2 years Β· 120 ECTS total
Academic Content
Key Curriculum Modules
17 specialised modules organised across two thematic groups β from molecular gastronomy to digital food traceability.
- Molecular Gastronomy
- Traditional Food Products
- Gastronomic & Culinary Techniques
- Catering Technologies & Systems
- Confectionery
- Personalised Nutrition & Dietetics
- Allergies & Food Intolerances
- Menu Engineering
- Experimental Design & Statistical Analysis
- Legislation & Regulations in Hospitality
- Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry
- Food Safety Management in Gastronomy
- Sensory Analysis in Gastronomy
- Innovative Culinary Product Design
- Entrepreneurship in Hospitality
- Smart Packaging
- Digital Identification, Labelling & Traceability
Programme Structure
Two Years, Four Semesters
A progressive journey that blends academic depth with real-world professional immersion.
Foundation & Matching
Core theoretical modules at USAMVCN. Company tutor assigned. Stipend begins immediately.
30 ECTSApplied Learning
Advanced modules + integrated company work: HACCP, product development, menu optimisation.
30 ECTSInnovation & Specialisation
Emerging tech, sustainability, entrepreneurship. Deep industry project with your company tutor.
30 ECTSDissertation
Master's thesis co-supervised by faculty and your industry partner. Defended before a mixed committee.
30 ECTS
Life in Cluj-Napoca
Your EU Adventure Starts Here
Cluj-Napoca is Romania's most dynamic student city β an ancient Roman city in the heart of Transylvania, combining rich historical heritage with a vibrant academic and cultural life. Well-connected across Europe with direct flights to London, Paris, Rome, Munich, Vienna and more.
Getting to Cluj-Napoca
- βοΈ Cluj Avram Iancu Airport offers accesible non-stop passenger flights to 55 destinations in 21 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africaβ 8 km from centre. Taxi: ~8β10 EUR. Bus no. 8 or trolleybus no. 5: ~0.7 EUR with card /sms in bus.
- π Railway Station β connections to Bucharest, Vienna, Budapest (via Oradea).
- π By car: ~6 h from Budapest, ~9 h from Vienna via E60.
- π« USAMVCN Campus: 20 min walk / <10 min by bus (lines 9, 24, 25, 28) from city centre.
Practical Guide
Everything You Need to Know
Essential information for international students arriving in Cluj-Napoca.
Accommodation
- Student rooms and shared apartments close to the USAMV campus.
- Partner hotels and guesthouses.
- Private studios and flats, often shared with other international students.
Student rooms: 150β300 EUR/month. University provides guidance for housing search.
Money & Banking
Local currency: RON (1 EUR β 5 RON). All major credit cards accepted in most shops. ATMs widely available. Banks open 9:00β17:00. Exchange offices available (some 24h).
Climate
Continental climate: hot summers (20β30Β°C), cold winters (β5 to 5Β°C). Autumn/spring are mild and pleasant. Pack layers for academic year start (September) β warm, clear days with cool evenings.
Connectivity
International code: +40. EU roaming applies for EU students. Main operators: Orange & Vodafone. 220V / 50Hz electricity. Standard 2-pin European plugs. Excellent broadband and 5G coverage.
Visas & Residence
EU/EEA students: no visa required. Non-EU students: long-stay student visa (D/SD type). USAMVCN International Office provides full documentation support and guidance throughout the process.
Local Transport
Local bus/trolleybus ticket: 3.5 RON (~0.7 EUR). Monthly pass available at student price. Ranked 5th in Europe for the number of electric public transport vehicles per capita. USAMVCN campus reachable from centre in <10 minutes.
After GNDA DUAL
Your Career After Graduation
Graduate job-ready with 2 years of real industry experience and an EU-recognised master's degree.
Food Product Development Manager
Lead innovation in food product creation from ideation to market launch.
Nutritionist / Clinical Dietitian
Design personalised nutrition strategies and dietary interventions.
Food Safety & Quality Manager
Implement HACCP systems and manage food safety across the value chain.
Gastronomy Entrepreneur
Launch and manage restaurants, catering businesses or food startups or service oriented for HORECA.
Sustainability & Circular Economy Specialist
Drive sustainable transformation in food production and hospitality systems.
Food Traceability & Digital Innovation Specialist
Implement smart processing and labelling, traceability, tech and digital food systems.
Our Industry Partner Sectors
How to Apply
Ready to Apply?
Five simple steps from application to acceptance β straightforward and fully supported.
Visit the Website
For admission process
https://admission.usamvcluj.ro
For additional information
https://ingineriealimentara.usamvcluj.ro/international-students/
Check Eligibility
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field + English B2+ proficiency
Register Online
Online registration open: 18 may 2026 Applications open; 16 iuly 2026 (16:00) Deadline for Non UE to send documents and 30.07.2026 for UE citizen
Interview
Attend the interview: 17.07.2026 at 12:00 for non UE and 31.07.2026 for UE citizen
Get Matched
Receive acceptance letter and be matched with your industry partner company
Frequently Asked Questions
International Students' Guide
The 8 questions we hear most often from prospective students around the world.
Yes. All courses, seminars, exams and administrative communication are in English. No Romanian language is required to enrol or complete the programme.
Yes. Student rooms typically cost 150β300 EUR/month. The university provides guidance and contacts for student housing options. Cost of living is significantly lower than Western Europe.
Most non-EU students need a long-stay student visa (D/SD type). The university's international office provides full support and documentation assistance throughout the process.
Students typically manage on 500β600 EUR/month total (housing, food, transport, personal expenses) β significantly lower than Western European cities. Cluj offers excellent value for money.
Yes. Tuition covered by economic partner (~3000 EUR) throughout the entire 2-year programme, starting from day one.
Yes. USAMVCN is a fully accredited Romanian public university. Romania is an EU member state, meaning your diploma is recognised across all 27 EU countries and can be validated internationally.
Registration open on 18.05.2026. Deadline-16.07.2026 for non UE and 30.07.2026 for UE citizen. Submit academic transcripts, English proficiency proof, and a motivation statement. Attend the interview on 17.07.2026 at 12:00 for nonUE and 30.07.2026 for UE citizen.
Partners include HoReCa businesses, food manufacturers, nutrition clinics, food safety labs, food tech startups, and food NGOs. You will be matched based on your interests and professional background.
Get in Touch
Contact & Next Steps
Contact Us
- π ingineriealimentara.usamvcluj.ro
- βοΈ [email protected]
- βοΈ [email protected]
- π¬ WA +40 740 166 493
- π Calea MΔnΔΘtur nr. 35, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
- π€ Contact person: Lecturer Dr. Andrei Borsa
USAMV Cluj-Napoca
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
As a leading public academic institution, USAMVCN has been providing excellence in education and research for over 155 years. The Faculty of Food Science and Technology is the academic home of the GNDA DUAL programme β combining tradition with innovation in one of Romaniaβs most dynamic university cities.
