Higher education in Bulgaria is highly regarded and valued, with Bologna-aligned degrees widely recognized across the EU and broadly accepted in the United States.

How is higher education structured in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria follows the Bologna model with Bachelor, Master, and Doctor (PhD) degrees, ECTS credits, and the Diploma Supplement. There are two first-cycle variants: Professional Bachelor (practice-oriented, typically ≥3 years / 180 ECTS) and the standard Bachelor (4 years / 240 ECTS). Quality assurance and programme authorization are handled by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) – see Eurydice, NEAA, and Informatics Europe.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) standardizes university credits across Europe, where 60 ECTS equals one full-time academic year of workload and learning outcomes.

What are typical study durations?

Professional Bachelor: ≥3 years (≥180 ECTS).
Bachelor: 4 years (≥240 ECTS).
Master’s: 1–2 years after a Bachelor’s (or integrated long-cycle in regulated fields).
Long-cycle programmes (regulated professions): Medicine 6+ years, Dentistry ~5–6 years, Pharmacy 5 years, Veterinary Medicine ~5.5 years, aligning with EU minimum-training rules.

Which universities and languages of instruction?

Public universities dominate, with Bulgarian-taught programmes across all fields. English-taught options are concentrated in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary, business/IT, and selected humanities/sciences. The American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) offers a US-style liberal arts program entirely in English and holds dual accreditation (NECHE + NEAA). Medical universities in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Pleven run complete English-track MD/DMD/Pharm programs. Sofia University — Medicine in English (6-year programme at the Faculty of Medicine). Entry typically involves Biology/Chemistry exams.

How do admissions work (Bulgarian vs English tracks)?

General rule: Completion of secondary education is eligible for university entry in the country of origin. Many HEIs accept state matriculation (DZI) results, sometimes instead of an entrance exam; others run their own tests/interviews.
English-taught Medicine/Dentistry/Pharmacy: usually entrance exams in Biology & Chemistry (in English) and proof of English proficiency. University pages publish exact formats and calendars.
Document recognition: foreign secondary diplomas are recognized by Regional Departments of Education (RDE) for access to HE; higher-education diplomas are handled by NACID or by the admitting HEI for continuation.

DZI = Държавни зрелостни изпити — Bulgaria’s state matriculation (school-leaving) exams taken after Grade 12. Passing DZI earns the Secondary education Diploma (Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie), and the results/grades are used for university admission in Bulgaria and abroad (some programs may also require their own entrance tests, such as Medicine).

Admissions Timeline – Example for a Bulgarian University

Oct-Jan: Research programmes; decide Bulgarian vs English track; prepare documents (legalization/translation), ECTS transcripts, and language proof.
Jan-Apr: Applications open for many non-medical programmes (rolling at some HEIs). EU/EEA/Swiss apply directly; non-EU check visa lead times.
Apr-Jul (Medicine/Dentistry/Pharmacy in English): Entrance exams (Biology & Chemistry) typically held late spring–summer; offers often issued on rolling basis.
May-Jul: Admission offers, tuition deposits, housing. Begin visa D prep (non-EU), health insurance, and secondary-diploma recognition if required.
Jun-Aug: Visa/residence processing (non-EU); finalize accommodation; enrolment documents.
Sep: Orientation & registration (some universities start mid–late September).
Sep-Oct: Official start for most public HEIs.
February starts (exception): A few programmes/universities run February intakes (e.g., certain Medicine cohorts); check the specific HEI’s calendar.

What does it cost to study in Bulgaria?

Fees vary by field, language, and status:

Public (non-medical) programmes: fees vary widely by university, programme, and citizenship. EU/EEA/Swiss students typically pay regulated fees comparable to Bulgarian students (often in BGN); non-EU fees for non-medical programmes commonly range from €2000 to €6000 or more per year. Always check the specific HEI.
English-taught Medicine/Dentistry/Pharmacy: commonly €8000 – €10000/year (rising in 2025 at several universities).

When does the academic year start?

Most public universities open the academic year around 1 October; some (e.g., AUBG) start earlier in September. Always check the HEI calendar.

Can I study in Bulgaria if I don’t speak Bulgarian?

Foreign applicants to Bulgarian-medium programmes can take 9–12-month preparatory courses (Bulgarian language + subject terminology). Many HEIs run their own foundation year.

Are Bulgarian diplomas recognized internationally?

Yes. Bulgaria’s Bologna alignment (ECTS, Diploma Supplement) supports recognition across Europe and administratively in the USA. Regulated professions (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary, etc.) follow the EU Directive 2005/36/EC minimum training, underpinning automatic recognition routes within the EU. For recognition of foreign HE in Bulgaria, NACID/ENIC-NARIC provides procedures.

What visas/residence do foreign students need?

EU/EEA/Swiss: no entry visa; after 3 months, host countries may require residence registration as students with proof of enrolment, insurance, and funds. Bulgaria issues uniform Schengen short-stay visas; long-stay (Type D) and residence permits remain national but permit visa-free short travel within Schengen during validity.
Non-EU: typically require a Long-stay “Type D” student visa, then apply for a residence permit at the Migration Directorate after arrival. University portals detail steps and documents.

Can students work while studying?

Yes, EU/EEA/Swiss students can work in Bulgaria without a work permit, under the same conditions as Bulgarian citizens; standard tax/residence rules apply.

Non-EU students may work up to 20 hours/week during the academic year without a work permit, and during official holidays, per the EU Immigration Portal guidance for Bulgaria. After graduation, a separate work authorization is required. (EU/EEA students work under free-movement rules) – more information at this EU Migration and Home Affairs resource.

How long does it take to finish, and what is the exit credential?

Professional Bachelor: ≥3 years (≥180 ECTS) → Professional Bachelor Diploma.
Bachelor: 4 years (≥240 ECTS) → Bachelor Diploma.
Master: 1–2 years post-Bachelor (or 5–6 years integrated) → Master Diploma.
Medicine: 6-year integrated Master’s (MD).
Law: 5-year integrated Master’s (LL.M.).” (Both follow EU-aligned minima for regulated degrees.)
Doctor (PhD): typically 3+ years → Doctoral Diploma.

Which English-taught choices are common?

Medicine/Dentistry/Pharmacy: Medical Universities in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Pleven.
Veterinary Medicine: long-cycle Master’s (~5.5 years).
Examples beyond medicine: VUM (Varna University of Management) runs all programmes in English with UK double-degrees; UE-Varna offers several BA/MA in English (e.g., Business & Management, MBA, CS).
Business/IT/Social Sciences: AUBG (liberal arts in English), plus selected programmes at public and private HEIs. Always verify the current language of instruction on the programme page.

Universities by city

Sofia

Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” — comprehensive (sciences, humanities, econ, IT). English-taught: multiple MAs and an MD in English at the Faculty of Medicine.
Medical University – Sofia — Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy; long-running English tracks (MD/DMD/Pharm), and Nursing in English.
Technical University – Sofia — engineering leader; English Language Faculty of Engineering (ELFE) plus programmes in German/French; several BSc/MSc in English.
University of National & World Economy (UNWE) — economics, management, IR; English-taught Bachelors/Masters (e.g., Economics; Finance & Accounting; MBA variants).
New Bulgarian University (NBU) — private, liberal-arts orientation; broad English-taught offer across BA/MA.
Sofia University of Mining & Geology (MGU) — geology, mining, energy; selected Master’s/PhD programs can be taught in English (see official catalogue).
University of Chemical Technology & Metallurgy (UCTM) — chemical/process engineering, materials; teaching in Bulgaria; selected English/German (incl. English-taught modules/masters).
University of Architecture, Civil Engineering & Geodesy (UACEG) — architecture/civil/geodesy; primary language BG; mobility courses in EN available.
University of Forestry (UF) — forestry, ecology, landscape, business; some subjects/programmes taught in English; (agencies also advertise Veterinary Medicine in English—confirm annually).
National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski” — sport science, physio, coaching; some programmes in English (esp. Master’s; Erasmus catalogue in EN).
University of Library Studies & IT (UniBIT/ULSIT) — LIS, info-security, ICT; primary language BG; international tracks/courses available.

Plovdiv

Medical University – Plovdiv — MD/DMD in English; intense prep and language support.
Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” — classical multi-faculty university; English-language offerings mainly at Master’s level and by departments.
Agricultural University – Plovdiv — agronomy, plant sciences; Erasmus courses in English; some tracks delivered in EN (check faculty pages).
University of Food Technologies (UFT) — food tech/biotech; programmes primarily BG with selected English collaborations (Masters/modules).

Varna

Medical University – Varna — Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy in English; prep courses in EN/BG.
University of Economics – Varna — business/econ/IT; Bachelors/Masters in English (e.g., Business & Management, MBA, Computer Science).
Technical University – Varna — engineering, naval architecture, IT; English-taught specialities listed; Russian-taught options too.
Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrab a r” (VFU) — architecture, security, biz/IT; programmes in English at BA/MA level.
Varna University of Management (VUM) — private; all programmes taught in English, double degrees with UK partners (BA: Intl Business/Software Eng; MBA, MSc IHTM).
Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy — maritime/naval engineering; English programmes/tracks available (incl. Ocean/Marine specialities).

Stara Zagora

Trakia University — Medicine, Medicine (EN) and Veterinary Medicine (EN); plus agriculture, engineering, and economics.

Pleven

Medical University – Pleven — long-established Medicine in English (Feb intake); structured 6-year pathway.

Ruse

University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” — transport, engineering, business, law; English-taught degrees/courses (FBM English tracks; Erasmus in EN/FR/DE).

Veliko Tarnovo

St. Cyril & St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo — humanities, law, education, IT; selected programmes in English (e.g., Tourism BA; MAs).

Blagoevgrad

American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) — US-style liberal arts; all programmes in English; dual US/EU accreditation.
South-West University “Neofit Rilski” — vast fields; English-taught options exist (programme-specific; Erasmus).

Burgas

University “Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov” – Burgas (Faculty of Medicine); medicine in English (6-year MD).
Burgas Free University — law, business, CS/engineering, humanities; primary language BG with some courses/programmes in English (esp. Master’s).

Gabrovo

Technical University – Gabrovo — mechanical/electrical/IT/industrial management; courses/programmes in English available (esp. mobility & selected degrees).

Svishtov

D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics — economics, finance, business; multiple Bachelor/Master programmes in English (e.g., International Business; Business Economics).

Shumen

Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen — humanities, education, IT; English-medium masters/tracks in selected fields; broad Erasmus in English.

Practical checklist (EU & non-EU)

Choose the track & language (Bulgarian vs English; professional goals; recognition needs).
Verify accreditation (NEAA) and programme status – NEAA
Prepare documents (secondary diploma + grades; legalized & translated). Secure RDE recognition for secondary documents when required; use NACID/HEI for higher-ed recognition. For example, q-entry.eu, and nacid.bg
Entrance testing (if applicable) and language proof. For medical programmes in English, plan for Biology/Chemistry exams. For example, mu-varna.bg
Budget (tuition + living) and apply for a visa/residence if non-EU. For instance, at Education.com

Why Study in Bulgaria?

EU-standard degrees, comparatively lower tuition (especially outside medicine), English-medium medical education, and an academic calendar that aligns with Europe. The country continues to attract international cohorts—particularly in medicine—with growing support services for foreign students. Financial Times

Rules, fees, and entrance formats change; always confirm details with the admitting university, NEAA, RDE/NACID, and (for visas) the Migration Directorate/consulate before you apply.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, admissions, or educational counselling. Always confirm details with the Ministry of Education, your municipality, and the school.

Universities in Bulgaria — FAQ for International Students