If you’re dreaming about becoming a pharmacist with a recognizable European degree and without paying high fees, you should consider studying pharmacy in Bulgaria right now! 

After graduating from high school, you can begin studying pharmacy in Bulgaria without any intricacies. The high social status, employment stability, and stable income are all contributing to the reputation of this career path. It also offers chances for lifelong learning and professional development. Working as a pharmacist is not just about writing prescriptions; it’s also about raising health awareness and helping to improve other people’s lives.

Once you get a Master of Science in Pharmacy from Bulgaria you will be qualified enough to establish and operate a pharmacy on your own or work as a pharmacist in other countries of the European Union (EU), as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein. 

Reasons To Study Pharmacy in Bulgaria 

Some of the most important reasons that convince foreign students to study pharmacy in Bulgaria are the following:

• Quick admission into pharmacological studies, without many whistles and hassles!
• A degree earned within the EU, and which can be easily approved without difficulty in other countries.
• A far-reaching aviation connectivity exists between Bulgaria and other European countries. 
• Modern teachings are suited to the demands of international students.
• Medical schools use English as the language of study. 
• Quick and seamless study structure and rapid professional advancement.
• Low study fees in comparison to other EU member states.
• Low living costs with enormous opportunities to form professional relationships. 
• An opportunity to live in an amazing European country that has marvelous ancient sites and cultural wonders. 

Language and Living Expenses

Many Bulgarian universities offer Pharmacy programs in English and most of these universities are state-accredited, which makes their diploma recognizable in other EU countries. The study duration lasts usually for five years and all universities include an entrance test as part of their entry requirements.

Despite the fact that all courses are taught in English and your textbooks will be in English, universities also provide Bulgarian language courses for students. Learning a new language has many advantages, including making your resume stand out among other applicants after graduation. 

When it comes to living expenses and tuition fees, living costs in Bulgaria are minimal and affordable for most students, so you won’t have to spend much money while studying in this country.

In Bulgaria, students who study pharmacy in English usually pay around 5000–6000 EUR a year. Tuition is paid in two installments and is considered less expensive compared to other European universities. Students in Bulgaria can also work part-time to support themselves while studying.

Best Bulgarian Universities to Study Pharmacy in English

Four Bulgarian universities come to mind when a student asks to study Pharmacy in English in Bulgaria. These universities are:

Sofia Medical University: This university is located in the capital city (Sofia) and is one of Bulgaria’s most prestigious medical schools. It offers various medical specialties in English, including medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry.  As a pharmacy student, you would need to pay 6000 EUR as a tuition fee each year. Sofia is home to Bulgaria’s largest airport, which is important to remember if you plan a return to your home country frequently. The pharmacy faculty is the oldest in Bulgaria and it has six departments, including pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, chemistry, pharmaceutical technology and bio-pharmacy, pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical botany, and social pharmacy.

Plovdiv Medical University: This one is located in Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria. If you chose this university, you would enjoy a multicultural environment and high-quality education, besides the artistic and aesthetic nature of the old town of Plovdiv. The number of students reaches 7,500 and they are enrolled in different programs in the university. Students in the faculty of pharmacy enjoy very good practical training in the university’s laboratories, and eventually, they will get the degree of Master of Science.

Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski: If you’re interested in studying Pharmacy in English, here is another alternative you might consider. Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski is one of Bulgaria’s top-ranked universities, with a wide range of medical specialties. Sofia University is also located in the capital city, providing a fantastic chance for international students who want to indulge in culture and entertainment!

Varna Medical University: Varna is home to many Bulgarian universities, one of which is Varna Medical University, which has been a winner of numerous awards and honors since its establishment in the sixties. The faculty of Pharmacy was founded in 2008 and contains 8 different departments. Living expenses in Varna are indeed cheaper in comparison to Sofia, which makes Varna Medical University a great choice for those on a budget. 

Living As a Pharmacy Student in Bulgaria

Bulgarian universities provide a very important place for practice-based learning, especially for pharmacy students. This can be felt among students as they participate more in internships and lab lessons. Bulgarian universities split the academic year into two semesters: winter and summer. 

At the end of each semester, students are required to enter an exam session. In addition, students are frequently required to write scientific papers and prepare presentations. The university professors provide syllabuses and information on the textbooks and exams at the start of each semester.

Finally, it is important to remember that the healthcare system in Bulgaria is rapidly improving and it is not completely free, even for medical and pharmacy students. People who work in Bulgaria pay taxes to help fund the healthcare system. This implies you’ll have to rely on your medical insurance to get medical services. 

Working in Bulgaria for Students

Some students pursue part-time jobs because they can work while studying. However, be warned that finding a job without a decent level of Bulgarian language can be challenging. It can be difficult to obtain a job outside of Sofia and Varna if you rely only on your English skills. You might be able to obtain work with tourists if you know a common language like German, Russian, or Mandarin, especially during the summer months.