Higher education in Bulgaria for international students
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from 5000.00 β¬ / year -
from 12300.00 $ / year -
from 1500.00 β¬ / year -
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ranked 7th worldwide (first in Switzerland)
SwitzerlandZΓΌrich -
Every year, hundreds of students from different countries come to Bulgaria for high-quality education and to study a profession that is in demand in the world labor market. Higher education in Bulgaria offers international students diplomas that are recognized in most countries around the world. The country's universities create unique conditions for attracting talented young people: flexible programs, an individual curriculum, internships in local large companies and organizations in Europe, which help to develop practical skills and strong knowledge. For students from abroad, universities offer a wide range of programs in English, free tuition and annual scholarships (for admission to state-funded state universities, for programs taught in Bulgarian).
Universities in Bulgaria receive strong financial support from the state, which ensures the successful development and improvement of their infrastructure, the creation of new campuses and laboratories. The best universities in Bulgaria have agreements with a large number of partner universities from all over the world, offering training and student exchange under the Erasmus program.
Prices for education in higher educational institutions in Bulgaria, affordable accommodation and meals, travel on vacation, low requirements for admission to colleges and universities - all this distinguishes the country from other European countries. The excellent location between Europe and Asia attracts students with its open, vibrant and multicultural diversity. The country is attractive for the presence of mountains, beautiful beaches, historical sights, the opportunity to travel to local iconic places, European cities that border Bulgaria. There are a large number of cultural and sports events that are regularly held for young people.
Alternative destinations
Higher education in Bulgaria: what you need to know
Most Bulgarian universities attended by international students are located in major cities: Sofia, Varna, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv. Higher education in Bulgaria is offered in the following fields:
- Science,
- Law,
- Sports,
- Medicine,
- Economics,
- Engineering,
- Dentistry,
- Pharmacy,
- Foreign languages,
- Veterinary medicine,
- Information technology.
Studying at universities in Bulgaria is available to international students at more than 50 higher education institutions:
- State universities — universities, specialized schools, and colleges,
- Private institutions — universities, specialized higher education institutions, independent colleges.
The academic year consists of 2 semesters, winter and summer, and includes 32 academic weeks. Each university sets its own exact start date.
Higher education institutions in the country follow a 3-tier system in accordance with the Bologna Process:
- Bachelor's degree — consists of 2 levels, with a study duration of 3-4 years,
- Master's degree — study duration averages 1-2 years, medical fields — 5-6 years,
- Doctorate — from 3 years.
Higher education in Bulgaria at the master's level offers popular fields:
- Architecture,
- Accounting,
- Business economics,
- Computer engineering,
- Technology risk management,
- Earthquake research,
- International hospitality and tourism,
- Automation and computer engineering,
- Information technology engineer,
- Business and marketing management,
- Information systems management,
- Chemical technologies in nuclear energy,
- Web technologies and software development.
Other, slightly less popular fields of study:
- Life sciences,
- Healthcare,
- Natural sciences,
- Business studies,
- Transport and logistics,
- Engineering studies,
- Environmental studies,
- Architectural studies,
- Marketing studies,
- Economic studies,
- Energy studies,
- Technology studies,
- Management studies.
Studying in Bulgaria for Russian applicants begins with obtaining a permit for long-term stay in the country (D visa). Documents for processing are reviewed at any Bulgarian embassy located in the territory of the Russian Federation. After arrival, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit within a month at the country's migration department of the National Bulgarian Migration Directorate. This document is renewed at the end of each year of study at the university.
Cost of university education in Bulgaria
Tuition fees at higher education institutions in Bulgaria are significantly lower than in other European countries. The final cost depends on the university and field of study. On average, these are the following figures:
- Bachelor's degree — from €3,000/year,
- Master's degree — from €2,500–3,000/year,
- Doctorate — from €4,000/year.
Higher education in Bulgaria in medical fields is usually more expensive — from €4,000/semester. Tuition fees are paid in 2 installments: when submitting documents and at the end of the 2nd semester. A wide range of scholarships is available to international students, partially covering the cost of educational services.
Additional expenses will be needed for:
- Food,
- Transportation,
- Accommodation,
- Stationery,
- Entertainment,
- Visa processing.
Requirements for admission to Bulgarian universities
Applications to higher education institutions in Bulgaria are submitted directly to the chosen institutions; there is no centralized portal for applications from foreign students. Studying in Bulgaria for Russian applicants is available depending on the requirements of the specific university, program, and initial preparation. For admission, the following set of documents must be prepared:
- Resume,
- Photographs,
- Completed application form,
- Motivation letter,
- International passport and its copy,
- Letters of recommendation,
- Medical certificates and records,
- Transcript of grades from the previous place of study,
- Bank statement showing sufficient funds in the account,
- Certificate of foreign language proficiency (Bulgarian, English — depending on the university and major).
Learning programs-summary information
| Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCSE | General certificate of secondary education | secondary education (non-accomplished) | 14 | 1–2 | A-Levels | 15,000 USD+ |
| A-Levels | Advanced level | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
| BTEC | Business and Technology Education Board | secondary special education | 14 | 2–3 | University/ work | 15,000 USD+ |
| Oxbridge Preparation | Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge | secondary education (accomplished) | 17 | 1 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
| International Baccalaureate | International baccalaureate | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 18,000 USD+ |
| Foundation/ Pathway Year | Preparatory year | admission to the 1st year of university | 17 | 1 | University | 14,000 USD+ |
| NCUK | The Northern consortium | 2 year university | 17,5 | 1 | 2 year University of NCUK | 13,000 USD+ |
| Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) | Specialized training | - | 14 | optional | optional | 4,000 USD+ |
| Academic English | Academic English | Language school | 8 + | 6–12 months | School or University | 8,000 USD+ |
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