How to study in Bulgaria?

Despite its size, Bulgaria is a country with big opportunities and much to explore. Institutions and universities are constantly improving to attract more international students. Bulgaria’s capital and largest city, Sofia is a historically well-preserved city and home to the biggest universities in Bulgaria - including Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski.

Bulgaria’s Higher Education System in International Comparison

In this section, we highlight the overall performance of Bulgarian universities on the institutional level per U-Multirank dimension. The table below shows the national breakdown of Bulgarian universities and how they stand across the spectrum of above average (receiving a score of ‘A’ (very good) or ‘B’ (good)), versus below average (receiving a score of ‘D’ (below average) or ‘E’ (weak)). In doing so, U-Multirank offers a clear picture on the country’s strengths and areas for improvement.

It becomes apparent that in general Bulgaria's higher education institutions perform strongest in U-Multirank’s teaching & learning and regional engagement dimensions.

How much does it cost to study in Bulgaria?

A bachelor’s degree in Bulgaria costs 2,900 – 3,900 € per year, the tuition fee for a master’s degree is 3,000 – 3,900 € per year and for a doctorate’s degree 4,000 -  8,000 € per year.

Tuition fee for European students:
European students can choose to study in Bulgaria in national language (Bulgarian) or in international language (English, French, and German) depending of the available programs. The European Union students who wish to make economy can choose to study in Bulgarian language and take benefit from Bulgarian scholarship.

So, EU students in Bulgaria have 2 options on point of view of financing their university study:
Apply and study as every Bulgarian citizen, this mean the candidate will have to study in Bulgarian language, but to get place he/she has to go for competition entrance exams (ex. in Biology and Chemistry for medical study, maths for technical study, etc.) with all other candidates from Bulgaria and EU for the Government scholarship;

Apply and study as all foreign citizens (non EU) as a self-paid student: then you must pay the full tuition fee.
Tuition fee for no-EU students:
Non European Union student can apply to study in Bulgaria only as self-paid student. You must pay the full annually tuition fee, which is actually paid in 2 times per year: half before applying for visa and the remaining at beginning of second semester. Note that it is slightly cheaper to study in Bulgarian language than in international language!

What are the entry requirements for Ukrainian universities?

Diploma or high school certificate:

The first requirement or condition to study in institute of higher education in Bulgaria is a Diploma or Certificate proving successful completion of the previous stage of education. The applicant student should have secured at least 62 % especially in the profile subjects. As a practice the particular university authorities have the right and obligation to choose their students among the best candidates.

To study in Bulgaria, university admission requirements can vary from university to another, but the main requirements to get into high education institution remain the same.  So, before applying, international students must be sure that they have appropriate qualification, finance support, valid passport and are in good health.

Do I need a Student Visa for Bulgaria?

Students who are not EU/EEA residents must apply for a Bulgarian Student Visa (D-type Visa) which is valid for three to six months. To apply for a student visa, you are obligated to meet the following requirements: photocopy of your passport (passport must be valid for at least a year), acceptance letter from the University, medical insurance, colored photo ID,  ticket booking confirmation and proof that the tuition fees have been paid.