Studying in Bulgaria gives international students access to 51 higher education institutions, including public and private universities, offering more than 300 English-taught programs. The country is particularly popular for degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, business, and tourism. While some universities require IELTS (6.0–6.5), many also accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter as proof of English proficiency.
The tuition fees generally range between €2,500 and €8,000 per year, with medicine and dentistry programs at the higher end. Living costs are budget-friendly at around €500–€700 per month. For the student visa (D-type long-term visa), applicants need to show proof of funds covering one year’s living expenses (approx. €6,000). The visa success rate stands at 95%, making Bulgaria one of the most accessible destinations in Europe for higher education.
Quick Facts About Studying in Bulgaria
This table provides a snapshot of studying in Bulgaria, highlighting entry requirements, costs, scholarships, work opportunities, and visa details, helping international students plan their academic journey effectively and affordably.
| Language of Instruction | English / Bulgarian / French |
| Location | Europe |
| Top Public Universities | Sofia University
Plovdiv Medical University University of National and World Economy, Technical University of Sofia American University in Bulgaria |
| Duration of Courses | Bachelor’s: 3–4 years
Master’s: 1–2 years PhD: 3–5 years |
| Minimum Education Required | Bachelor’s: 12 years
Master’s: 16 years |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, with a band of 6.5 some universities do not require IELTS |
| Available Scholarships | Government, University-specific, Erasmus+ |
| CGPA Requirement | 2.5+ (varies by program) |
| Part-time Work Hours | Up to 20 hours/week during term; full-time in summer |
| Average Monthly Expenses | €500–€700 |
| Total Annual Expenses | €8,000–€12,000 (including tuition) |
| Admission Processing Time | 4–8 weeks |
| Visa Processing Time | 2–4 weeks |
| Visa Success Rate | 95% |
Top Universities in Bulgaria for International Students
Bulgaria is home to distinguished universities that attract international students with affordable tuition, diverse English-taught programs, and globally recognized degrees, making it a growing hub for quality higher education in Europe. Here is the list of best universities to study in Bulgaria for international students.
| University | Popular Programs | Tuition (€/year) |
| Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” | Law, Humanities, Economics | €3,000 – €4,000 |
| Plovdiv Medical University | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy | €7,000 – €8,000 |
| Technical University of Sofia | Engineering, IT | €3,000 – €4,500 |
| University of National and World Economy | Business, Economics, Finance | €2,500 – €3,500 |
| Medical University – Varna | Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy | €7,000 – €8,000 |
| Varna Free University | Law, Architecture, Business | €2,500 – €3,500 |
Scholarships Available in Bulgaria for International Students
Bulgaria offers a variety of scholarships, including government-funded, university-specific, and EU-supported options to make education more accessible.
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Benefits | Eligibility |
| Bulgarian Government Scholarship | Ministry of Education | Partial or full tuition waiver | Non-EU students with academic merit |
| Erasmus+ Program | European Union | Fully funded semester/year exchange in Europe | Enrolled in participating institutions |
| University Merit Scholarships | Individual Universities | €1,000–€5,000 tuition reduction | High-achieving students |
| Eastern European Academic Awards | Regional Program | Tuition discounts + living allowance | Students from partner countries |
Tuition Fees and Living Costs in Bulgaria
Studying in Bulgaria is known for its low tuition fees and affordable living costs.
| Expense | Annual Cost (€) |
| Bachelor’s Tuition (Public) | €2,500 – €4,000 |
| Master’s Tuition (Public) | €3,000 – €5,000 |
| Medicine/Dentistry | €7,000 – €8,000 |
| Private Universities | €2,500 – €5,000 |
| Accommodation | €2,400 – €4,200 |
| Food & Utilities | €2,500 – €3,500 |
| Health Insurance | €100 – €300 |
| Total Annual Budget | €8,000 – €12,000 |
💡 Tip: Living in cities like Plovdiv or Varna tends to be more economical than residing in Sofia.
Step-by-Step Admission Process
Applying to study in Bulgaria is a straightforward process, especially with the assistance of experienced educational consultants who can help with university selection, document preparation, timely applications, and visa tracking.
Select a Program & University
Educational consultants can guide you in choosing the right university and program based on your academic background, budget, and career aspirations. Bulgaria offers English-taught programs in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and business.
Verify Requirements
Most programs require:
- Completion of high school (for Bachelor’s) or a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s)
- Minimum academic score of 50–60%
- IELTS 6.0 or accepted Medium of Instruction (MOI)
- Valid passport (with at least 1-year validity)
Prepare Required Documents
Before applying for university admission, gather the necessary documents:
- Academic transcripts & certificates
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- IELTS/MOI proof
- Recommendation letters (if required)
- Completed application form
Receive Offer Letter
Consultants will submit your application. After review, you will receive either a conditional or unconditional offer letter.
Pay Tuition Deposit
To confirm your seat, pay the initial tuition fee for the first year. Once confirmed, the university will issue an official offer letter, allowing you to proceed with the visa application process.
Requirements for a Bulgarian Student Visa
To apply for a Bulgarian student visa (D-type long-term visa), students must provide the following documents:
- Valid passport
- University admission letter
- Proof of tuition payment
- Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
- Bank statement demonstrating funds for one year’s living expenses (approximately €6,000)
- Health insurance coverage
- Completed visa application form & passport photos
Expert Admission Guidance by Euro Firm
Many students face issues during the admission process, such as incomplete application forms, missing academic documents, confusion over entry requirements, or delays in submitting supporting materials. Our expert admissions officers at Euro Firm can guide you through every step, from university selection and document preparation to application submission and follow‑up support, making the process smoother and helping you avoid mistakes.
FAQs
What are the tuition fees for studying in Bulgaria?
Tuition fees to study in Bulgaria generally range from €2,500 to €8,000 per year, depending on the program and university.
Is IELTS required for admission to Bulgarian universities?
Many universities require an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5, but some accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter as proof of English proficiency.
What are the living costs for international students in Bulgaria?
Living costs in Bulgaria are budget-friendly, averaging around €500–€700 per month.
How long does the admission process take?
The admission processing time typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks.
What is the visa success rate for international students in Bulgaria?
The visa success rate for international students applying for a Bulgarian student visa is approximately 95%.
Are there scholarships available for international students in Bulgaria?
Yes, Bulgaria offers various scholarships, including government-funded, university-specific, and EU-supported options.
Can international students work while studying in Bulgaria?
Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the term and full-time during the summer.
What documents are required for a Bulgarian student visa?
Required documents include a valid passport, university admission letter, proof of tuition payment, proof of accommodation, bank statement, health insurance, and a completed visa application form.
How long do courses typically last in Bulgaria?
Bachelor’s programs usually last 3–4 years, Master’s programs 1–2 years, and PhD programs 3–5 years.
Which universities are the top choices for international students in Bulgaria?
Top public universities include Sofia University, Plovdiv Medical University, Technical University of Sofia, and the University of National and World Economy.
