The general legal framework to organise, administrate and provide education in Romania is established through the Constitution, the Law of National Education (Law 1/2011) – organic law, ordinary laws and governmental ordinances. Specific procedures and regulations are established through Government Decisions and Orders of the Ministry of National Education.

Institutions belonging to State Pre-tertiary education (pre-primary, primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education) are subordinated to the Ministry of National Education through County School Inspectorates. These inspectorates ensure observance of the legislation and evaluation of the education system and process, as well as the implementation at county level of education policies, established at central level.

Universities and other higher education institutions are autonomous and are guaranteed by the law the right to establish and implement their own development policies, within the general provisions of the in-force legislation. The Ministry of National Education coordinates the activity of the universities and other higher education institutions, complying with the principles of university autonomy.

Current legislation provides the general framework for the establishment of private education institutions at all levels. In order to be recognised as part of the national education system, private education institutions have to be accredited through specific procedures established by the law. Diplomas and certificates emitted by the accredited private education institutions produce the same effects as the ones emitted by the public education institutions.