How to Apply for Student Visa in Bulgaria?
International students who wish to study in Bulgaria will enjoy diverse benefits as the country moves to the top spots in the list of most preferred destinations to study abroad. Bulgaria has become a highly sought-after educational destination for international students in recent years due to the high quality and affordability of its programs. However, the country still lacks a centralized application portal, so applications are sent directly to schools and universities. You should check and investigate the available programs before applying because requirements differ from school to school and from program to program.
After receiving an offer from a university, a student must proceed with their visa D application. The visa application would be straightforward and quick if the student carefully follows the step-by-step directions provided by the admissions staff. International students are classified into two groups based on their immigration status: EU nationals and non-EU nationalities. The visa requirements differ between these groups due to mutual agreements between Bulgaria and EU countries.
EU Citizens
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens are allowed to move to Bulgaria and stay for as long as they like but they should apply for a residency permit if they want to stay in the country. If you don’t come from one of these countries, you’ll almost certainly need to get a visa to visit Bulgaria. Students from the European Union do not need a visa to study in Bulgaria. They must, however, apply for a long-term EU residency visa within three months after arriving in Bulgaria. This permit is valid for one year and must be renewed at the beginning of each school year.
Non-EU Citizens
Students from outside the European Union must apply for a student visa “type D”. Part-time or short courses do not qualify for student visas. The student must leave Bulgaria at the end of the student visa period and is not authorized to convert to another visa route. Your documents must be presented in person at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate near you. Your papers must be presented in their original language as well as a certified Bulgarian translation. Students must prepare the following documents for a visa application after successfully completing the admissions process:
- Acceptance letter: This letter should state directly that the applicant has been accepted as a student in a Bulgarian educational institution in the forthcoming school year.
- Passport copy: Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Financial proof: You need to bring a bank statement to prove that you have the minimal financial requirements for study in Bulgaria, at least for one year, including program tuition and housing expenses. The amount will vary based on the applicant’s condition.
- Paid tuition proof: You need to bring a bank statement or a receipt that shows that you successfully have given your tuition fees to the university.
- Recent images: Employees in the embassy usually ask for a minimum of 1 or 2 recent images for the applicant.
- Health insurance: Health insurance covers health care costs during your stay in the country.
- Visa fees: You need to pay around 120 US dollars to get your visa done.
Procedure & Cost of Student Permit
Students are expected to get a student permit upon arriving in Bulgaria, which will allow them to legally stay and study in the country without facing deportation or legal issues. Your residency permit also allows you to work up to twenty hours a week.
You’ll need to apply for a temporary residence permit once you arrive in Bulgaria. You’ll need to submit documents, including proof of enrolment in the university. The cost of the permit is around 50-300 US dollars. You must submit your application in person at your local police station.
As a new student, you can ask for help from the university’s foreign student office to guide you through the procedure of the student permit. You will be given time to prepare your papers. Don’t forget, however, to bring enough money to complete your student permit as soon as you arrive in the country.
Extending Your Study Permit
Students must present their enrollment documentation on a yearly basis to renew their student permits. Some students may be able to extend their permit for more than a year. The cost of renewing a student residence permit is around 300 US dollars. Students can bring their parents to visit them in Bulgaria, and this is a very simple process indeed.
