Studying in Bulgaria

Tuition fees

General ranges are

• Bachelor's programmes: €562 - €5,360 per year
• Master's programmes: €1,945 - €5,360 per year

Consult universities' profiles for more fee details

Living costs

Students typically spend €500 - €900 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

Housing costs approximately €200 - €400 per month.

EU/EEA & Switzerland: No visa required.

Non-EU/EEA students: Must apply for

• Visa Type D
• Residence permit (from the Migration Directorate)

You must register your address within 5 days of arrival in Bulgaria.

More details on visa requirements

Bulgaria follows a structured three-cycle degree system.

Degree structure

• Bachelor's degree: 3-4 years (full-time)
• Master's degree: 1-5 years depending on the programme
• PhD

Bulgaria follows the Bologna system and uses the ECTS credit system:

• Bachelor’s degree: 180 ECTS (3 years)
• Master’s degree: 120 ECTS (2 years)
• PhD: 3 - 4 years

Types of institutions

• Universities (research-based)
• Specialised higher education institutions
• Colleges (often within universities)

Register of higher education institutions in Bulgaria

1. Check admission specifications. Depending on your background, you may apply:
   1. under EU citizen rules (for EU nationals)
   2. through bilateral agreements
   3. as an international non-EU student
2. Prepare your documents, which are typically:
   1. secondary school diploma
   2. transcript of grades
   3. proof of English or Bulgarian proficiency
   4. medical certificate
   5. passport copy
   6. application form

Availability of scholarships depends on

• bilateral agreements
• exchange programmes (check Erasmus+ or CEEPUS)
• state-funded scholarships
• institutional scholarships

Bulgaria offers a balance of academic study, culture and nature. Students enjoy:

• affordable living costs
• active campus communities and student clubs
• proximity to mountains, beaches, and cultural heritage sites

Are programmes taught in English?

Yes, there are programmes exclusively taught in English for foreign students at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Database of higher education institutions and their offerings

Can I work while studying in Bulgaria?

Rules regarding working in Bulgaria may differ depending on nationality, residence permit type, and employer requirements. In general, EU students can work without a a work permit and non-EU students can work without a work permit for 20 hours per week during the academic year as well as during official holidays.

More information about studying in Bulgaria as a non-EU citizen

Is health insurance required?

Yes, all students must have valid health insurance for their entire stay in Bulgaria. EU/EEA students can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU/EEA must have health insurance that meets Bulgarian legal requirements. Please check with your host institution for more information about health insurance in Bulgaria.

How can I find housing in Bulgaria?

Most Bulgarian universities offer affordable student dormitories. Dorms usually include basic facilities and access to student canteens. Students can also choose private accommodation, which is widely available in cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Veliko Tarnovo. Universities and student services teams typically help students find suitable housing.