Why Romania lacks teachers for Math, Physics, and Chemistry

Romania is experiencing a severe shortage of teachers in exact sciences, with subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry facing a critical deficit. Recent results from the 2026 Titularizare (permanent appointment) exam show that while over half of the candidates passed with scores above 7, the issue of filling positions in STEM fields remains acute.

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The main reason is the starting salary of 3,770 lei net, which is insufficient compared to offers in the private sector, where graduates in Mathematics, Chemistry, or Physics can earn between 4,500 and 8,000 lei net.

The primary reason cited for this shortage is the uncompetitive starting salary for teachers. New graduates in Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry can earn a net salary of 3,770 lei, which is significantly lower than the net salaries offered in the private sector, typically ranging from 4,500 to 8,000 lei. HR experts warn that the education system cannot compete with private companies for these specialists.

This problem is not new. A 2024 OECD report identified Romania as one of 18 countries with an acute shortage of qualified secondary school teachers, especially in Mathematics and Natural Sciences (including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). The national teacher deficit was estimated at approximately 3,800 at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.

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The education system can no longer compete with the private sector for these specialists.

The situation is particularly dire for Physics. According to 2025 statistics, no teacher has been permanently appointed to a national Physics position in the last ten years. Even in the previous year's national appointment competition, around 200 candidates applied for approximately 700 vacant Physics positions. This year, about 340 full-time Physics positions are available.

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Romania is among the countries with an acute shortage of teachers in STEM fields.

While the 2026 Titularizare exam saw 51.04% of candidates achieve scores above the minimum requirement for permanent employment, the overall number of available positions, especially in STEM, far exceeds the number of qualified and willing applicants. The discrepancy highlights a systemic issue where the teaching profession, particularly in high-demand scientific fields, struggles to attract and retain talent due to financial incentives offered elsewhere.

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In the last ten years, there has been no teacher appointed nationally for Physics.