Study in Bulgaria

Bulgaria might not be the first place that comes to mind for studying abroad, but it offers a solid education. There's a growing number of connections between Bulgarian universities and schools across Europe, which means you can get a variety of experiences and a good start for your career.

If you're thinking about studying in Bulgaria, you'll find that tuition is affordable and there are plenty of options. The country has a rich cultural history and a friendly atmosphere. The higher education system here was revamped in the mid-1990s after communism ended. Between 1995 and 2002, the number of university grads jumped from 33,000 to 50,000. By 2002, there were 42 universities with around 215,700 students. Since Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007, degrees from Bulgarian universities are recognized across Europe.

Today, there are various types of higher education institutions, including universities, colleges, and specialized schools. All schools have the freedom to design their own programs and maintain quality. Most universities in Bulgaria have local accreditation, and some are also accredited by foreign institutions.

Why study in Bulgaria?

1. Low tuition and living costs 

Studying and living in Bulgaria is pretty cheap, especially compared to places like the UK, US, Canada, or Australia. At public universities, international students pay between 300 and 3,850 EUR a year for tuition. Medicine and Pharmacy programs are a bit pricier, going up to 7,000 EUR per year. For living expenses, a budget of 300–500 EUR a month should be enough.

2. Good spot for entrepreneurs 

Bulgaria is ideal for students who want to start their own businesses. You can get a start-up off the ground quickly and at a low cost. There are various funding options available, and the purchasing power is decent here.

3. Beautiful country 

Bulgaria is full of stunning sights, from beautiful beaches to historic buildings. Some must-see spots include Sunny Beach, Rila Monastery, Saint Aleksandar Cathedral, Seven Rila Lakes, Vitosha, Tsarevets Fortress, and Cape Kaliakra. There's plenty to explore while you're studying here.

Which universities and colleges to attend in Bulgaria?

Check out these Bulgarian universities we think are worth a look:

• American University in Bulgaria
• Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
• Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music
• Varna University of Management
• New Bulgarian University

Cost of Study in Bulgaria

Studying in Bulgaria won't break the bank compared to a lot of Western countries. Here’s a quick look at what international students can expect to pay:

• Tuition Fees:
  • EU students: €300 to €1,500 a year 
  • Non-EU students: €2,000 to €4,000 a year 
  • Medicine: €6,000 to €8,000 a year 
• Living Costs: €350 to €800 a month (this includes rent, food, transportation, and more)
• Other Costs:
  • Visa for non-EU: about €100 
  • Insurance: €50 to €100 a year 
  • Books and supplies: around €50 per semester

Interested in scholarships for Bulgaria? Check out our scholarship search page.