Study in Bulgaria for International Students

To pursue study in Bulgaria for international students offers access to 51 higher education institutions, including public and private universities, and offers more than 300 English-taught programs. It is gaining popularity among international students for fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, business, and tourism. Leading public universities like Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” Plovdiv Medical University, and the University of National and World Economy, along with private institutions such as Varna Free University, provide globally recognized degrees at affordable tuition rates compared to Western Europe. However, international students also get admission without IELTS but some universities require IELTS with a minimum 6-6.5 score.

Moreover, tuition fees range from €2,500 to €8,000 per year, with medical programs at the higher end. Living costs are budget-friendly, averaging €500–€700 per month. Scholarships such as the Bulgarian Government Scholarship, Erasmus+, and university-specific grants help reduce expenses. For a student visa, applicants must usually show proof of funds covering one year’s living costs (around €6,000), and the visa approval rate is approximately 95%.

Quick Facts of  Study in Bulgaria for International Students 

Teaching Language	English / Bulgarian / French
Country	Europe
Top Public Universities	Sofia UniversityPlovdiv Medical UniversityUniversity of National and World EconomyTechnical University of SofiaAmerican university in bulgaria
Course Duration	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
Is IELTS Required?	Yes with the band of 6.5 and some university Do not require IELTS
Scholarships Available	GovernmentUniversity-specificErasmus+
CGPA Requirement	2.5+ (varies by program)
Part-time Work Hours	Up to 20 hrs/week during term; full-time in summer
Average Monthly Expense	€500–€700
Total Annual Expense	€8,000–€12,000 (including tuition)
Admission Processing Time	4–8 weeks
Visa Processing Time	2–4 weeks
Visa Success Rate	94%

Top Universities in Bulgaria for International Students 

Bulgaria is home to reputable and affordable universities that offer high-quality education with degrees recognized across Europe and beyond. 

University	Popular Programs	Tuition (€/year)
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”	LawHumanitiesEconomics	€3,000 – €4,000
Plovdiv Medical University	MedicineDentistryPharmacy	€7,000 – €8,000
Technical University of Sofia	EngineeringIT	€3,000 – €4,500
University of National and World Economy	BusinessEconomicsFinance	€2,500 – €3,500
Medical University – Varna	MedicineNursingPharmacy	€7,000 – €8,000
Varna Free University	LawArchitectureBusiness	€2,500 – €3,500

Scholarships in Bulgaria for International Students 

Bulgaria offers government-funded, university-specific, and EU-supported scholarships to make education more affordable. 

Scholarship Name	Provider	Benefits	Eligibility
Bulgarian Government Scholarship	Ministry of Education	Partial or full tuition waiver	Non-EU students with academic merit
Erasmus+ Program	EuropeanUnion	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

Bulgaria Tuition Fees & Living Costs 

Studying in Bulgaria offers some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe, combined with 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 is cheaper than living in Sofia. 

 Admission Process (Step-by-Step) 

Applying to study in Bulgaria is straightforward, especially with the help of experienced european educational consultants who can assist in shortlisting universities, preparing documents, applying on time, and tracking visa approvals. 

Choose a Program & University 

The best educational consultants help you choose the right university and program based on academic background, budget, and career goals. Bulgaria offers English-taught programs in medicine, engineering, business, and more. 

Check Requirements 

Most programs require: 

• High school completion (for Bachelor’s) or Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s)
• Minimum 50–60% academic score
• IELTS 6.0 or MOI accepted
• Valid passport (at least 1-year validity)

Prepare Documents

Before applying for university admission, it is best to prepare the required documents listed below.

• Academic transcripts & certificates
• Passport copy
• CV/Resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• IELTS/MOI proof
• Recommendation letters (if required)
• Completed application form

Get Offer Letter

Consultants submit your application. After review, you’ll receive a conditional or unconditional offer letter.

Pay Tuition Deposit

Pay the first year’s initial tuition fee to confirm your seat. After confirmation, the university provides you with an official offer letter, and then the student is ready for the visa filing process.

Bulgaria Student Visa Requirements

To apply for a Bulgarian student visa (D-type long-term visa), a student needs the following documents:

• Valid passport
• University admission letter
• Proof of tuition payment
• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
• Bank statement covering 1-year living expenses (~€6,000)
• Health insurance coverage
• Completed visa application form & passport photos
• Visa Processing Time: 2–4 weeks
• Visa Success Rate: 95%

FAQs