Complete guide to studying in Bulgaria
Everything you need to know about becoming an international student in Bulgaria
Five top reasons to study in Bulgaria
- Affordable living and tuition costs – Bulgaria offers some of the lowest costs of living in the European Union, along with comparatively low tuition fees for international students.
- Programmes taught in English – Many universities offer English-taught programmes, particularly in medicine, engineering, business and international relations.
- Diverse and welcoming student community – Students from across Europe, Asia and Africa choose Bulgaria, creating a multicultural and friendly study environment.
- Rich cultural heritage and natural beauty – From ancient cities and historic fortresses to mountains, beaches and national parks, Bulgaria offers a wealth of cultural and outdoor experiences.
- EU-recognised qualifications – Degrees follow the Bologna system and use ECTS credits, making them widely recognised across Europe and beyond.
A quick introduction to Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a Southeast European country located on the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey, with a long eastern coastline running along the Black Sea.
It is a country of varied landscapes, from sandy beaches to mountain ranges such as the Balkan, Rila and Rhodope mountains.
Visitors to Bulgaria can enjoy a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with historic towns, ancient archaeological sites and national parks to explore.
The country’s position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has helped to shape its rich traditions and unique identity.
Students choosing to study in Bulgaria will benefit from a low cost of living compared to most other EU countries, while still enjoying the advantages of studying in a European Union member state.
Tuition fees are relatively affordable and many universities offer programmes taught in English, particularly in medicine, engineering and business.
As an international student, you will find a warm and welcoming environment, with growing numbers of students arriving from across Europe, Asia and Africa. The international student community in Bulgaria is diverse, with large groups from Greece, Turkey, the UK, Germany and India.
Bulgaria is governed by a national parliamentary system, and its universities are overseen by the Ministry of Education and Science. While the quality of higher education is broadly consistent across the country, your lifestyle may vary depending on whether you choose the bustling capital city of Sofia, a historic centre such as Plovdiv, or a coastal city like Varna.
Bulgaria’s higher education system
Universities
Bulgaria has over 50higher education institutions, including universities, specialised higher schools and academies.
These are overseen by the Ministry of Education and Science, which is responsible for maintaining quality standards and aligning the system with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) framework.
Most universities are public, which means funded by the state and located in major cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Veliko Tarnovo. Notable examples include Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, the Technical University of Sofia and the Medical University of Varna.
There are also several private institutions, many of which specialise in areas such as business, management and international relations.
Study timetable
The academic year in Bulgaria generally begins in October and ends in June, and is divided into two semesters.
The first semester runs from October to February, with a short winter break over the Christmas and New Year period.
The second semester runs from February to June, followed by an examination period.
The summer months of July to September are usually a break from study, although some universities may offer summer schools or additional language preparation courses during this period.
Study levels
Bulgaria follows the Bologna three-cycle system, which ensures compatibility with higher education qualifications across Europe:
- Cycle 1 – Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees which typically take 4 years of full-time study to complete.
- Cycle 2 – Graduate: Master’s degrees that usually take 1–2 years of full-time study, depending on the field and whether the student holds a related undergraduate degree.
- Cycle 3 – Post-graduate: Doctoral programmes normally require at least 3 years of full-time research and study.
All qualifications are issued in accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), making them easily recognised in other EU and EHEA countries.
University rankings
To help choose your university, you may want to consult world university ranking tables to assist with your decision.
These rankings generally take into account factors that will have a direct effect on your studies, such as the staff to student ratio, and factors that may have a direct effect on your future, such as employability of university graduates.
Our table below shows the top 7 Bulgarian universities according to 3 well-known world university rankings:
| University | Times Higher Education World University Ranking | Best Global Universities | QS World University Ranking |
| Medical University of Sofia | 1201-1500 | 1,144 | |
| Sofia University | 1500+ | 1,266 | 731-740 |
| Technical University of Sofia | 1500+ | ||
| Trakia University | 1500+ | ||
| University of Economics – Varna | |||
| University of National and World Economy | |||
| Varna University of Management |
Lifestyle and welfare
Healthcare
Bulgaria’s healthcare system is accessible for international students, but the process and costs will depend on your citizenship.
If you are a non-EU citizen
Non-EU international students are required to take out private health insurance that is valid in Bulgaria.
This can be arranged before arrival or purchased from Bulgarian insurance companies upon arrival, and must cover the full duration of your stay.
Costs are generally affordable compared to Western Europe, but it is important to choose a policy that provides adequate coverage for emergencies, hospital treatment, and specialist care.
If you are an EU citizen
If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your home country, you can access Bulgaria’s public healthcare system under the same conditions as Bulgarian citizens. You will be able to visit general practitioners (GPs), receive hospital treatment and access other public healthcare services without additional costs. Always carry your EHIC with you when seeking treatment.
Food
Food in Bulgaria reflects a mix of Balkan, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Meals often feature fresh vegetables, dairy, grilled meat and pastries. Seasonal produce is widely used and markets are a popular place to shop for fresh ingredients.
Breakfast might include banitsa (a pastry filled with cheese) or yoghurt with honey. Lunch is typically the main meal of the day, often starting from 12:30 onwards, while dinner is usually lighter and served from around 7-8PM.
If you enjoy eating out, restaurants and cafés are affordable compared to most EU countries and you will find both traditional Bulgarian dishes and international cuisine.
Leisure
Bulgaria offers plenty of leisure opportunities for students.
In cities, you will find cafés, bars, theatres, cinemas and shopping centres. Cultural life is vibrant, with museums, galleries, music festivals and folk celebrations throughout the year.
For outdoor activities, Bulgaria’s varied geography provides excellent options for hiking, skiing, mountain biking and water sports along the Black Sea coast. Football and volleyball are popular sports and many universities have student sports clubs.
Transport
Public transport in Bulgaria is generally inexpensive and reliable. In larger cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna, you can travel by bus, tram, trolleybus or metro.
Tickets can be bought from local kiosks, vending machines or directly from drivers, but always validate your ticket to avoid fines. Intercity travel is served by buses and trains, with bus travel often being faster and more frequent.
Cycling is possible in some cities, though infrastructure varies.
Safety
Bulgaria is generally safe for international students, with low levels of violent crime.
As in most countries, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in busy public places or tourist areas, so sensible precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and avoiding unlit areas late at night, are advisable.
The country is a member of the European Union and NATO, and enjoys a stable political environment. Bulgarian cities are generally safe to explore and you will find locals welcoming towards international visitors and students.
Language
The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. It is a Slavic language that uses the Cyrillic alphabet. In some regions, particularly those with ethnic minority communities, other languages such as Turkish and Romani are also spoken.
English is increasingly taught in schools and is widely understood among younger Bulgarians, especially in larger cities and university settings. Other common second languages include Russian and German.
Most university courses in Bulgaria are taught in Bulgarian. However, it is becoming more common to find programmes offered in English, particularly in fields such as medicine, engineering, business and international relations.
English-taught programmes are more widely available at the master’s level, though a growing number of undergraduate options exist.
Regardless of the language of tuition for your chosen course, learning at least basic Bulgarian before or during your studies will make your day-to-day life much easier.
You do not need to be fluent to begin with, but being able to read basic signs, ask simple questions or order food and groceries will help you settle in and connect with the local community.
University cities
Bulgaria offers a variety of vibrant university cities, each with its own character, history and attractions. Whether you prefer a bustling capital, a coastal town, or a historic cultural hub, there is a Bulgarian city that will fit your lifestyle as an international student.
Here is a selection of some of the cities that international students really enjoy studying in:
Sofia
The capital and largest city of Bulgaria, Sofia is located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain in the west of the country. With a population of over 1.2 million, it is the political, cultural and economic centre of Bulgaria.
Sofia offers a lively student atmosphere, with numerous universities, cafés, cultural events and nightlife options. The city is also rich in history, with Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques and Orthodox churches dotted around its streets.
The most prestigious university in Sofia is Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, founded in 1888, alongside other institutions such as the Technical University of Sofia and the University of National and World Economy.
Plovdiv
Plovdiv, located in the south-central part of Bulgaria, is the country’s second largest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Known for its charming Old Town, Roman amphitheatre and vibrant arts scene, Plovdiv was named European Capital of Culture in 2019.
It has a welcoming atmosphere for students, with several universities including Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” and the Medical University of Plovdiv attracting both Bulgarian and international students. The cost of living here is generally lower than in Sofia and the city offers a more relaxed pace of life.
Varna
Situated on the Black Sea coast, Varna is Bulgaria’s third largest city and a major seaside destination. In summer, the city comes alive with beachgoers, festivals and open-air events, making it a great choice for students who enjoy a coastal lifestyle.
Varna is home to the University of Economics – Varna, the Technical University of Varna, and the Medical University of Varna. The combination of academic opportunities and seaside leisure makes it a popular choice for international students.
Veliko Tarnovo
Known as the “City of the Tsars” due to its medieval history, Veliko Tarnovo is located in the central part of Bulgaria. Its picturesque hills, winding cobbled streets and historic Tsarevets Fortress create a unique study environment.
Veliko Tarnovo University “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” is the main higher education institution here, attracting students interested in humanities, education and the arts. The city is smaller than Sofia or Plovdiv, but its strong student community and lower living costs make it appealing to many.
Burgas
Another key Black Sea city, Burgas is known for its long beaches, maritime festivals and relaxed coastal lifestyle. The city is modern and well-organised, with good public transport and plenty of green spaces.
Burgas hosts institutions such as the University “Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov” and offers a quieter alternative to Varna while still providing access to the seaside and a friendly student environment.
Student visas
International students who want to study in Bulgaria will need to obtain a valid long-stay student visa. This is called a Type D visa and is required if your degree programme lasts more than three months.
If you are a student moving to Bulgaria from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland for your studies, you do not require a student visa.
All non-EU/EEA students will also need to apply for a residence permit after arriving in Bulgaria in order to stay for the duration of their studies.
Costs of studying
Course fees
Tuition fees at Bulgarian universities are generally low compared to many other EU countries, but they vary depending on the institution, programme and whether the course is taught in Bulgarian or English.
For most programmes taught in Bulgarian, international students can expect to pay between €1,500 and €3,000 per year for a bachelor’s degree and between €2,000 and €3,500 per year for a master’s degree.
Programs taught in English, particularly in high-demand fields such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, have higher tuition fees. Medical degrees typically range from €7,000 to €8,000 per year.
EU/EEA students usually pay the same tuition fees as Bulgarian students, which are lower than those for non-EU students.
Living costs
Bulgaria is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe. Living costs vary by city, but you should budget between €600 and €900 per month to cover accommodation, utilities, groceries and transport.
Accommodation costs are lower than in most Western European countries. A privately rented apartment in Sofia might cost between €300 and €500 per month, while in smaller cities such as Plovdiv or Veliko Tarnovo, monthly rent can be as low as €200-€350.
Student dormitories, where available, are even more affordable, with rents starting from around €50-€100 per month, though places are limited.
Groceries are inexpensive, with a monthly budget of €100-€150 being sufficient for most students. Public transport is also cheap, with monthly passes costing between €10 and €25 depending on the city.
Scholarships
Several Bulgarian universities offer scholarships and tuition fee reductions for high-achieving international students, particularly in later years of study.
In addition, international students from certain countries may be eligible for Bulgarian government scholarships and EU students can apply for Erasmus+ mobility grants to study in Bulgaria.
How to apply to university
To apply to university in Bulgaria, most universities handle applications directly through their own admissions offices. You will need to follow the application procedure outlined by your chosen institution, which will detail the required documents, language requirements, and application deadlines.
Some universities also accept applications via the online platform of the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science for certain programmes, particularly for students applying to medical or technical fields.
The Bulgarian academic year is divided into two semesters, autumn and spring. To allow enough time for processing, you should submit your application as early as possible, and aim to complete it at least one month before the official application deadline.
Job prospects for international graduates
Your future job prospects in Bulgaria as a graduate will depend on your field of study and chosen career path, but there are opportunities in sectors such as IT, engineering, tourism and healthcare.
Bulgaria’s regulations allow non-EU international students to remain in the country for up to 9 months after graduation to look for work related to their qualifications.
If you secure employment, you may be able to extend your stay by applying for a work and residence permit. After a set period of legal employment, you can then apply for long-term residence in Bulgaria.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to study in Bulgaria?
No, tuition fees apply at all Bulgarian universities for international students. Fees are generally lower than in many other EU countries, and vary depending on the programme and whether it is taught in Bulgarian or English.
Am I allowed to work while I study?
If you are studying in Bulgaria with a student visa, you are permitted to work part-time during term time and full-time during official university holidays, provided you meet the conditions of your residence permit.