Study in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an increasingly popular destination for international students looking for high-quality education at affordable prices. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and modern universities, Bulgaria offers an ideal environment for both academic growth and personal exploration.
Why Study in Bulgaria?
Affordable Education
Bulgaria offers an excellent education at much lower tuition fees compared to many Western countries.
High-Quality Education
Bulgarian universities are recognized internationally, and many of them are ranked highly for their research and academic programs.
English-Taught Programs
Many universities offer programs in English, making it easier for international students to study without a language barrier.
Cultural Heritage
Bulgaria has a rich cultural history, with beautiful landscapes and historic sites that make it an interesting place to live and study.
EU Member
As part of the European Union, Bulgaria offers students opportunities to travel and work across Europe.
Safe Environment
Bulgaria is known for being a safe country with a low crime rate, offering international students a secure place to study and live.
Top Universities in Bulgaria
- Sofia University (University of Sofia St. Kliment Ohridski)
The oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in Bulgaria, offering a broad range of programs in science, humanities, engineering, business, and law. It is highly regarded for its academic excellence and research output. - Plovdiv University
Known for its excellent programs in social sciences, engineering, and business, Plovdiv University is a leading institution in Bulgaria with a growing international student body. - New Bulgarian University (NBU)
A private institution in Sofia that offers innovative programs in arts, humanities, business, and technology. It is well known for its research-focused approach and international collaborations. - Varna Free University
This private university offers specialized programs in business, economics, law, engineering, and tourism, providing students with strong academic and practical skills. - Medical University of Sofia
The leading medical university in Bulgaria, offering programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and healthcare. It attracts many international students, especially those pursuing degrees in medical sciences. - Technical University of Sofia
A top choice for students pursuing engineering and technology degrees. The university is known for its cutting-edge facilities and strong links to industry.
Popular Majors for Students in Bulgaria
With Bulgaria’s growing economy, business degrees, including international business, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, are highly sought after.
Programs in civil, electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering, as well as IT and telecommunications, are popular for those interested in technological advancements.
Bulgaria offers medical programs in English that are recognized worldwide, with degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing.
Bulgaria’s universities offer law programs that attract both local and international students, covering fields like international law, European law, and political science.
Bulgaria is an ideal location for students interested in sociology, psychology, anthropology, philosophy, and history, with many universities offering specialized programs.
With a growing tourism sector, Bulgaria offers programs in hotel management, tourism, and event management, catering to students interested in these fields
Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition fees in Bulgaria are much more affordable compared to Western Europe and other popular destinations. On average, international students can expect the following:
Note: Tuition fees vary depending on the university and program. Specialized fields like medicine, law, and business tend to have higher fees.
Note: Tuition fees vary based on the university and program. Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science are typically among the most expensive programs. Scholarships and financial aid may be available to reduce costs for students.
Intakes in Bulgaria
- Fall Intake (October): The primary intake for most universities, with application deadlines typically between May and July.
- Spring Intake (February): Available for certain programs, with deadlines usually in November to December.
Living Costs in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the most affordable European countries for international students, with a relatively low cost of living:
- Sofia: EUR 500 – EUR 800 per month
- Accommodation: EUR 250 – EUR 450 per month
- Food: EUR 150 – EUR 200 per month
- Transportation: EUR 20 – EUR 30 per month
- Plovdiv and Varna: EUR 400 – EUR 700 per month
- Accommodation: EUR 200 – EUR 350 per month
- Food: EUR 100 – EUR 150 per month
- Transportation: EUR 15 – EUR 25 per month
Key Requirements for International Student
- Application Form: Complete the university’s online application form.
- Academic Transcripts: Provide official academic transcripts from previous studies.
- Proof of English Proficiency: Many universities in Bulgaria offer English-taught programs. International students may need to submit proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
- Letter of Motivation: A personal statement explaining why you want to study in Bulgaria and your future career goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically required from academic or professional references.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence that you can financially support your studies and living expenses in Bulgaria.
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Bulgaria.
- Visa: Non-EU students need to apply for a student visa before arriving in Bulgaria.
Study Destination
