Study In Bulgaria for International Students
Located in the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is a gorgeous small-sized country that has a lot to offer for foreign students and visitors. If you get the chance to study in Bulgaria, you’ll discover amazing natural landscapes and enjoy very affordable living. From warm, sandy beaches to high mountains and ski resorts, the wonders of Bulgaria are simply breathtaking!
Bulgaria is one of Europe’s oldest countries. Its rich history is evident by historical sites and legendary stories and tales. It was, however, a single-party communist state from 1946 until 1989, but once the iron curtain falls, the country turned into a democratic republic and became a member of the European Union in 2007. This brought new opportunities for European students who want to travel easily to and within the country.
Major cities, such as Sofia and Varna, are where most international students like to stay. Sofia and Varna are dynamic and have various exciting activities for students. Cafes, parks, and nightclubs are easily found in both cities.
Sofia University, the University of National and World Economy, and the New Bulgarian University are all reputed schools in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. Verna city also houses specialist schools such as Varna’s University of Economics. If you’re an international student who wants to pick the right study destination, Bulgaria might be the one you’re looking for!
Education & Living Costs for International Students
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in the European Union and, maybe the entire world. Bulgarians use a currency called “Lev” or BGN. One lev (BGN) is equal to 0.51 EUR. However, because Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, it is no surprise to be the most expensive city, which is why many students prefer to study in other cities, such as Plovdiv or Varna.
In Bulgaria, students can easily find accommodation as there are many real estate agents who sell and rent homes all the time. Be careful, however, about the false advertisements on the Internet. The tuition fees for universities in Bulgaria vary greatly. It all depends on the university and the major you choose. In Bulgaria, tuition fees are usually paid in two installments: one before the academic year begins and the second in the middle of the academic year. Bulgarian students, as well as other EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals must also pay tuition fees, but they are generally lower than those paid by students from elsewhere.
We can give you an idea about tuition fees as follows:
- As an undergraduate student, you may need to pay between 3000 EUR and 5900 EUR per year.
- Students who study medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy are expected to pay up to 8000 EUR each year.
- Postgraduate programs are often less expensive, ranging from 3000 EUR to 5000 EUR.
- PhDs are much less expensive, ranging from 1750 EUR to 3850 EUR each year.
Universities & Colleges for International Students
Because Bulgaria has so many universities, you can pick from a wide range of options. Students can study in English various majors, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, computer science, and engineering. In Bulgaria, there are at least 51 higher education institutions that fall into four categories: Universities, colleges, specialized higher education schools, and self-contained colleges. Here is a list that contains major Bulgarian cities and the most popular educational institutions they have:
Sofia
- Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
- Sofia Medical University
- Higher School of Civil Engineering “Lyuben Karavelov”
- Higher School of Telecommunications and Post
- Higher School of Transportation “Todor Kableshkov”
- National Academy of Art
- University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”
- University of National and World Economy
- University of Library Studies and Information Technologies
- University of Forestry
- National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts “Kr. Sarafov”
- University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy
- National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”
- Rakovski National Defense College
- Technical University of Sofia
- University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy
Plovdiv
- Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts
- Agricultural University
- Medical University of Plovdiv
- Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski”
- University of Food Technology
Pleven
- Medical University of Pleven
Varna
- Medical University “Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov”
- Naval Academy “N.Y. Vaptsarov”
- Technical University of Varna
- University of Economics
Veliko Tarnovo
- National Military University “Vasil Levski”
- Veliko Tarnovo University “St. Cyril and St. Methodius”
Stara Zagora
- Trakia University
Blagoevgrad
- South-West University “Neofit Rilski”
Entry Requirements for International Students
Each Bulgarian institution has its own set of admissions standards and criteria. Although you do not need to speak Bulgarian to study in Bulgaria, your university may offer you a basic Bulgarian language course to help you communicate better with the locals.
Submission of certain documents is one of the most crucial admission requirements for most universities. These documents should be translated and legalized. You may need to take an admission exam, especially if you’re a medical student. The admission criteria for Bulgarian medical universities (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) vary depending on the medical school and the chosen program. The basic admission criteria involve a high school diploma or equivalent, a health certificate, health insurance, sufficient funds, and a strong command of English or Bulgarian.
A high school diploma is a prerequisite for applying to medical universities in Bulgaria. In the United States, Canada, and other countries, medical students should finish 12th grade successfully. A similar thing happens also in Bulgaria.
Life of International Students in Bulgaria
As an international student, you can participate in many exciting activities in Bulgaria! If you like to exercise and physical sports, you can easily find sports facilities of all kinds in Bulgarian cities. In addition, each Bulgarian city has several parks, cafés, shopping malls, and restaurants where you can meet up with friends and have great conversations.
There are several student groups and clubs centered on shared hobbies, such as sports, arts, and maybe video games. So, you can easily meet new friends who share your interests! Traveling across Bulgaria is an exciting activity for many students, especially those who enjoy seeing the mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Students also frequently visit the beautiful Black Sea shoreline, where many wonderful activities take place.
