Studying in Bulgaria
After Bulgaria joined the European Union, the country has become a popular study destination for Iranians. Low tuition and living costs, the ability to study medicine and dentistry in English, and an easy visa process are some of the most important advantages of studying in Bulgaria.
Growth of foreign students in Bulgarian universities
In the academic year 2024/2025, the number of foreign students studying at Bulgarian universities reached 16,995 , an increase of approximately 4.8% compared to the previous year.
The countries with the most students in Bulgaria are: Greece, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Germany and Italy.
Popular fields of study for foreign students include medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health and veterinary medicine.
Programs in English
Bulgarian universities and higher education institutions have expanded their English-language education programs, especially in medicine, pharmacy, information technology, and economics, to make access easier for international students.
Improving student welfare and life
The Bulgarian Ministry of Education is working to improve the living environment for international students, including renovating dormitories and digitizing educational processes.
Why Bulgaria? Advantages and Challenges
Bulgaria is a popular destination for study abroad for a variety of reasons, but there are definitely some disadvantages to studying in this country, so you can make an informed decision and enter the country. Below, we have listed the advantages and disadvantages of studying in Bulgaria .
Challenges
Benefits
Bulgarian education system
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctorate
Schools
Application period: September to June (Shahrivar to Tir) and for international schools in January to May (May to Khordad)
Studying in Bulgarian schools
Since Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007, its capital, Sofia, has seen an increase in foreign immigration. These people usually come for study orThey migrate to Bulgaria to work . There are also good schools in Bulgaria that students can apply to study in . Below, we will introduce some of these schools to you.
Vocational education in Bulgaria includes a set of technical, vocational and specialized programs aimed at preparing students and adults for the labor market. This education is provided in the form of vocational schools, technical training centers, apprenticeships and the master-apprenticeship system. The main focus of this system is on acquiring practical and applied skills in areas such as technology, industry, arts and services.
Bachelor's degree in Bulgaria
Diploma
Passing entrance exams (if required)
Note that Bulgarian universities announce admission requirements before March each year.
Master's degree in Bulgaria
Bachelor's degree
Passing entrance exams (if necessary)
Bachelor's degrees are usually taught in Bulgarian, but there are certain majors offered in foreign languages such as English, French, or German.
Studying in Bulgaria at a PhD level
The first requirement for admission to a doctoral program is a master's degree. The next stage is the admission of students to full-time and part-time doctoral programs, which is completely competitive. Applicants for admission to this program must submit a draft of their dissertation, along with a list of relevant references and books, to the relevant department or institution. The faculty council or the scientific council of the higher education institution or academic organization, after reviewing these matters, decides on the admission of the student.
Cost of studying in Bulgaria
More than 5,000 international students come to Bulgaria for higher education every year. One of the reasons for this is the affordable tuition fees at the country’s universities. Below, we have compiled the tuition fees for various levels of study in Bulgaria for you.
- Undergraduate tuition fees: between 2,900 and 3,900 euros per year
- Master’s degree tuition fees: between 3,000 and 3,900 euros per year
- PhD tuition fees: between 4,000 and 8,000 euros per year
Scholarships in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian government and universities offer scholarships to international students . These scholarships cover all or part of the tuition fees. Students can use these scholarships to cover their tuition and living expenses. Below we will introduce you to some of the scholarships in Bulgaria .
Top Universities in Bulgaria
| University name | Annual tuition | Approved by the Ministry of Health | Approved by the Ministry of Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski | 3,300 to 6,500 euros | Yes | Yes |
| New Bulgarian University | 8,200 Bulgarian leva (4,192 euros) | Yes | No |
| American University in Bulgaria | 6,450 euros | Yes | Yes |
| Technical University Sofia | 3 thousand euros | Yes | Yes |
| Plovdiv University | 3 thousand to 9 thousand euros | Yes | No |
| The University of National and World Economy | 231 to 800 Bulgarian leva (118 to 409 euros) | No | No |
| Varna Free University | 1,250 to 1,800 euros per semester | No | No |
| University of Economics – Varna | 1,350 to 1,600 euros per semester 3,700 euros per year for a PhD | No | Yes |
Steps for academic immigration to the United States
Requirements and documents required to study in Bulgaria
Below is a list of common documents required for international students to study in Bulgaria . Please note that these documents may vary depending on the university, field of study, and level of study, and it is always best to check the website of the destination university.
- A valid passport with sufficient validity for the period of study.
- Previous educational qualification (high school diploma for undergraduate, or bachelor’s degree for master’s) along with official transcripts.
- Officially translated documents with legalisation/apostille for documents issued in other languages.
- Proof of acceptance from a reputable Bulgarian university; i.e. an official acceptance letter issued by a reputable higher education institution.
- Proof of knowledge of the language of the course (English or Bulgarian) depending on the language of instruction; for English-language courses, a certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL may be required; and for Bulgarian courses, a preliminary language course may also be required.
- Financial documents or a certificate of financial ability showing that the applicant is able to cover the costs of living and studying in Bulgaria.
- In some cases, health insurance, a certificate of no previous convictions , and documents related to housing or residence are also required.
Entrance exam
Test name Minimum passing score
Standard Test of Bulgarian as a Foreign Language (STBFL) B2
IELTS test 6
TOEFL test 550
Age requirement
Grade point average requirement
Student visa
Original acceptance certificate from a university or educational institution
True copy of the original of previous academic qualifications
True copy of the original academic transcripts
Health insurance
Certificate of no criminal record
Proof of financial means (at least 4,000 euros)
Visa fee payment receipt (200 euros)
A Bulgarian student visa is processed in approximately 10-15 business days. However, this time may vary depending on specific circumstances and the requirements of the Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
Student dormitories and residences in Bulgaria
There are usually two accommodation options for students in Bulgaria. Student dormitories and private rented accommodation. The table below shows the cost of each.
| Type of accommodation | Monthly fee |
|---|---|
| Student dormitories | 50 euros |
| Private apartment for rent in the city center | 348 euros |
| Rent a private apartment on the outskirts of the city | 258 euros |
Cities suitable for studying in Bulgaria
Despite its relatively small size, Bulgaria has several active university cities, each of which provides a suitable environment for international students to study, live, and experience culture. Here are the best student cities in Bulgaria, based on reputable sources including Study in Bulgaria (studyinbulgaria.bg) , TopUniversities , and Erudera.com :
- Sofia: The largest and most populous city in Bulgaria and home to the largest number of prestigious universities in the country, including Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” , Technical University of Sofia and Medical University of Sofia . In addition to the high quality of education, the city offers a wide range of job and internship opportunities and is a popular destination for international students due to its relatively low cost of living (compared to other European capitals).
- Plovdiv: The second largest city in Bulgaria, it has a more relaxed and cultural atmosphere than Sofia. Universities such as the Medical University of Plovdiv and the University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski” are located in the city and are particularly popular with students studying medicine and dentistry. The cost of living in Plovdiv is relatively low and the student atmosphere is friendly and multicultural.
- Varna: With its privileged geographical location on the Black Sea, it offers a combination of student life and leisure. Universities such as Varna University of Management , Medical University of Varna and Technical University of Varna are among the most prestigious higher education centers in the city. Moderate cost of living, mild climate and international environment are the prominent features of Varna.
- Burgas: The fourth largest city in Bulgaria and one of the country’s developing educational centers. Burgas Free University and Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov University are important universities in the city. The cost of living in Burgas is lower than in Sofia and Varna, and it provides a quiet and safe environment for studying.
- Veliko Tarnovo: With its famous university, Veliko Tarnovo University “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” , this city is known as one of the oldest centers of higher education in Bulgaria. The combination of historic architecture, a relaxed atmosphere and a low cost of living makes it an ideal choice for students looking for a traditional and cultural environment.
Student work in Bulgaria
International students have the right to work in Bulgaria while studying. Students coming from countries outside the European Union need a work permit to work and earn money in Bulgaria.
Students can work part-time, up to 20 hours per week. Part-time jobs in Bulgaria make it easier to manage your study and living expenses, and also gain work experience.
Conditions for residence in Bulgaria through study
After immigrating to Bulgaria for study and receiving a residence permit in the country, you can apply for permanent residence in Bulgaria if you have physically resided in the country for 30 months in five years.
After receiving permanent residency in Bulgaria and if you meet the following conditions, you can apply for citizenship of this country.
- 10 years of residence in Bulgaria
- Fluency in Bulgarian
Comparing Bulgaria with other countries
Studying in Bulgaria offers a combination of low costs, high-quality education and a relaxed student life compared to many European countries. The country is a member of the European Union and its university degrees are recognized throughout Europe and many countries around the world. Compared to countries such as Germany, France or the Netherlands , the admission process to Bulgarian universities is simpler and there is no need for heavy competition or strict entry requirements. The cost of studying in Bulgaria is also significantly lower; annual tuition fees for most subjects range from 2,500 to 8,000 euros , while in Western European countries this figure can be up to three times higher.
On the other hand, Bulgaria still lags behind countries like the Netherlands, Sweden or Canada in terms of research facilities, university technology level and post-graduate job opportunities. Many international students choose the country as a gateway to a cheaper European education, then migrate to other EU countries to continue their studies or work. Overall, Bulgaria is a good option for those looking for affordable education, a safe environment and a valid European qualification, but it may lag behind more developed countries in terms of research opportunities and internationalisation of universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education compulsory in Bulgaria?
What are the best universities to study in Bulgaria?
Is it possible to study in Bulgaria in English?
How much does it cost to study at universities in Bulgaria?
Cost of studying in Russia
Scholarships in Russia
Despite the fact that Russia has low tuition fees compared to other countries, it also provides applicants with the opportunity to receive scholarships . Russian scholarships are offered by organizations, governments, and universities. With a suitable resume or a suitable academic process, it is possible for individuals to receive scholarships.
Scholarships offered in Russia can cover all or part of a person’s education costs.
One of the most important scholarships in Italy is the DSU scholarship and the Milan Provincial Scholarship, and many students immigrate to Italy every year to receive these scholarships.
Italian universities have a good academic reputation worldwide, and hence studying at these universities helps in finding a suitable job in many countries of the world. There are a total of 30 universities in Italy. Out of the total 30 universities in Italy, 14 universities are in the list of the top 500 universities in the world .
The reputation of Italian universities is not limited to just a few fields. In the country’s universities, a variety of fields are offered with appropriate quality and up-to-date international standards. It should be noted that many of these fields are taught in English at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.
The following are the names of the top universities in Italy, along with their academic rankings in 2024, according to the prestigious QS ranking :
Cost of studying in Russia
Scholarships in Russia
Despite the fact that Russia has low tuition fees compared to other countries, it also provides applicants with the opportunity to receive scholarships . Russian scholarships are offered by organizations, governments, and universities. With a suitable resume or a suitable academic process, it is possible for individuals to receive scholarships.
Scholarships offered in Russia can cover all or part of a person’s education costs.
One of the most important scholarships in Italy is the DSU scholarship and the Milan Provincial Scholarship, and many students immigrate to Italy every year to receive these scholarships.
Italian universities have a good academic reputation worldwide, and hence studying at these universities helps in finding a suitable job in many countries of the world. There are a total of 30 universities in Italy. Out of the total 30 universities in Italy, 14 universities are in the list of the top 500 universities in the world .
The reputation of Italian universities is not limited to just a few fields. In the country’s universities, a variety of fields are offered with appropriate quality and up-to-date international standards. It should be noted that many of these fields are taught in English at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.
The following are the names of the top universities in Italy, along with their academic rankings in 2024, according to the prestigious QS ranking :
