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Study in Bulgaria: A Guide for International Students

Want to study abroad? Looking for an exciting destination? Then studying abroad in Bulgaria might just be for you. Located in South-Eastern Europe, Bulgaria is becoming a more popular study abroad destination. Bulgaria borders Romania to the north, Greece to the south, Turkey to the south-east, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west and the Black Sea to the east.

Dec 2, 2009
  • Study Abroad in Europe
  • Study Abroad in Bulgaria

Want to study abroad? Looking for an exciting destination? Then studying abroad in Bulgaria might just be for you.  

Located in South-Eastern Europe, Bulgaria is becoming a more popular study abroad destination. Bulgaria borders Romania to the north, Greece to the south, Turkey to the south-east, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west and the Black Sea to the east. With all of this on your doorstep, it’s no wonder that some international students want to study in Bulgaria.

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Bulgaria is a place where Slavic and Hellenic cultures merge. Added to this is the fact that the Bulgarian economy is the third-largest in the Balkans, making for great potential for internships.

Bulgaria - Quick Facts & Figures

CapitalSofia
LanguageBulgarian
Population6.9 million
Area Size110,993 km²
International students11,000 +
Academic YearSeptember - June
CurrencyBulgarian Lev (BGN)
Calling Code+359
Time zoneGMT+2

Most international students generally find themselves in either Sofia or Varna, the two major cities. Both are vibrant places with great student scenes. Cafes and nightclubs are plentiful in both. On sunny days, you can even head to one of the numerous parks to study.

Bulgaria is home to good schools like Sofia University, the University of National and World Economy and the New Bulgarian University, all in the capital. It’s also home to specialized schools like the University of Economics in Varna and the National Sports Academy in Sofia. 

lake bulgaria

Beyond education, Bulgaria is also a beautiful country. From the plains in the west, to the rocky hills of the south, to the Black Sea coastline, Bulgaria has a lot to offer nature lovers. Many Bulgarians travel to the coastal city of Varna for weekends away. Your Bulgarian visa also means you can travel to neighboring Romania for longer trips away. 

Bulgaria is a great place for international students. From educational opportunities to its nature, Bulgaria has something to offer you.

Education in Bulgaria

Want to learn about how the higher education system works in Bulgaria? Ireland is an evermore popular destination for a variety of students, given its reasonable fees and good student scene. Take a minute to find out more about the structure of the education system in Bulgaria!

Student Visas

Do you need a visa to enter Bulgaria to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizenship. 

Housing & Living Costs

No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Bulgaria.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Tuition fees for degree programs in Bulgaria can vary. Both international and domestic students are expected to pay tuition fees in Bulgaria, but these fees can vary a lot. We've put together information on how this works, and on scholarships, in this section.

Language & Culture

Bulgaria is a country with a unique culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more! We also talk about how to stay safe in Bulgaria in this section.

Application Process

Learn more about how to apply to Bulgarian schools in this section. You can find out what to do for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Programs

Ready to look at education in Europe? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Europe today!