More than 7,800 school principal and deputy principal posts to be put up for competition, applications open September 14

More than 7,800 leadership positions in Romania’s state schools will be opened to competition, with candidates able to submit their files from September 14 to October 2, 2026. The Education Ministry says the administrative preparations have already begun.

Education Minister Mihai Dimian urged teachers who meet the requirements to apply, arguing that schools need greater stability in their leadership. “I urge all colleagues who have the experience, competence and desire needed to lead an educational institution to prepare and take part in the competition for the more than 7,800 vacant positions for principals and deputy principals,” he said.

Dimian said competitive appointments should replace temporary arrangements and give school leaders the authority and time to develop longer-term management projects. “I believe we must move beyond a culture of provisional arrangements. A stable education system needs stable principals, selected through competition, who have the authority and time needed to implement their projects for the institution they lead,” he said.

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I urge all colleagues who have the experience, competence and desire needed to lead an educational institution to prepare and take part in the competition for the more than 7,800 vacant positions for principals and deputy principals.

The competition is open to tenured teachers in state pre-university education who have at least five years of teaching experience. It covers ordinary state schools, special-education institutions and school centers for inclusive education, provided applicants meet all the conditions in the competition methodology.

The schedule lists a competency assessment on October 13, followed by a written test on October 20. Administrative assessments of management and action plans will take place from October 21 to November 4, while interviews are scheduled for November 12 to 27. Final results are due on December 9. Application documents will be uploaded through a dedicated online platform. The competition has three main parts: competency assessment, a written examination on school management and education legislation, and an interview.

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I believe we must move beyond a culture of provisional arrangements. A stable education system needs stable principals, selected through competition, who have the authority and time needed to implement their projects for the institution they lead.