In Cluj, enrollment in nursery (0–3) and kindergarten (3–6) follows the same calendar, but on two channels: the nursery through the municipal network (creseclujnapoca.ro), the kindergarten through ISJ Cluj. The order is: re-enrollment → stage I → stage II → adjustment. If you want a Hungarian group, apply early and list several options. Below you’ll find the whole journey, step by step.
1. Know the calendar
For 2026–2027 in Cluj: re-enrollment 18–22 May, stage I 25 May – 18 June, stage II 22 June – 9 July, adjustment 17–27 August. Confirm the exact dates on ISJ Cluj — see the enrollment calendar.
2. Choose the channel
- Nursery (0–3): the file is submitted at Creșa pentru Educație Timpurie Cluj-Napoca — creseclujnapoca.ro. See enrolling in a state nursery.
- Kindergarten (3–6): at the desired unit / through the ISJ Cluj system. See enrolling in a state kindergarten.
3. Prepare the documents
Usually: the parents’ ID documents, the child’s birth certificate, the “clinically healthy” certificate and the epidemiological clearance, employer certificates (for the criteria). The exact list is in our guides to the enrollment documents and the medical certificate; for the request, see the request template.
4. Choose a Hungarian group (if relevant)
If you want a Hungarian-teaching group, list several kindergartens with a Hungarian group as options — see Hungarian-language kindergartens, bilingual kindergartens and faith-based kindergartens. Hungarian places are in demand — see free places at Hungarian kindergartens.
5. Understand the tiebreak
When there are more applications than places, places are allocated by the tiebreak criteria — see the tiebreak criteria. Free places are published after each stage — see free places.
6. If you don’t get a place
There’s the adjustment stage, the private and faith-based institutions, plus a transfer during the year if a place frees up.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I enroll in nursery and kindergarten in Cluj? For nursery, at Creșa pentru Educație Timpurie Cluj-Napoca (creseclujnapoca.ro); for kindergarten, at the desired unit / through ISJ Cluj.
What’s the order of stages? Re-enrollment → stage I → stage II → adjustment stage. Unplaced children are reprocessed in the next stage.
What documents do I need? ID documents, birth certificate, the “clinically healthy” certificate and the epidemiological clearance, plus the certificates for the criteria. See the enrollment-documents guide.
How do I enroll in a Hungarian group? List several kindergartens with a Hungarian group as options and apply early, because places are in demand.
What do I do if I don’t get a place? There’s the adjustment stage, the private/faith-based institutions and a transfer during the year.
Sources
- Order ME no. 4018/2024 and Orders 3706/2026, 3707/2026 (the 2026–2027 calendar)
- ISJ Cluj and Creșa pentru Educație Timpurie Cluj-Napoca
See all our sources on the data sources page.
Conclusion
Enrollment in Cluj is on two channels (nursery: creseclujnapoca.ro, kindergarten: ISJ Cluj), in the fixed order of stages. Know the calendar, prepare the documents, list several options, and see every institution on the interactive piticluj.ro map.