Study in Bulgaria

Country Facts

Bulgaria is one of the few exotic nations of Europe, due to the fact that it boasts sublime beaches, lovely churches, winter sport opportunities and great hiking, to name a few. Although it has traditionally not been regularly visited by Westerners compared to other European nations, this is beginning to change. It is a beautiful place with a wide range of activities for a traveler to enlist.

Prospective International students are welcome to apply to study in Bulgaria. Bulgarian universities have culture of receiving international students from years. Although during the communist time most international students were attracted mainly by Bulgarian scholarships, to day, most international students appreciate to study in Bulgaria not only because good quality of education but also of safe and friendly environment, cheap tuition fees and cost of live, system of education centre on practice, English, Germany and French or Bulgarian programs, diploma recognized in all EU countries and beyond, etc.

Bulgaria is traditionally a Christian state since 865. But during the Ottoman rule, even the Sunni Muslims has taken roots in this country. Even though the country typically follows orthodox Christianity, being a part of Europe the country ensures that every single soul in the nation gets the right to exercise free religion,according to their wish.

Why Bulgaria

Higher Education System

The higher education system in Bulgaria was changed in 1995 following the passage of the Higher Education Law. Under this law, universities, specialized institutions and colleges are all considered part of the higher education system.

Currently, there are 51 higher education institutions in Bulgaria. This comprises 42 universities and higher education institutions, 41 colleges within the higher school system and 9 independent colleges.

The country’s higher education system acquired a new structure at the end of 1995, when the National Assembly passed the Higher Education Law. The following multiple-level structure of academic qualifications was introduced by this law:

Three-year education at institutes and colleges, after its completion graduates receive a higher-education certificate and a professional qualification;
Four-year education at university, after its completion graduates receive a Bachelor’s degree;
Five- or six-year course at a university, after its completion graduates receive a Master’s degree; and
Three-year post-university training leading to a Doctorate.
Under the Higher Education Law, universities, specialized institutes, and colleges are classified as higher educational institutions in Bulgaria. They offer educational programmes of various types, as well as degrees, thus offering students opportunities for higher education in different ways.

What are the documents required for admission ?

Required documents for Bulgarian student visa application:
Photocopy of Passport valid at least for one yea (the first page of the foreign travel document)

Acceptance letter (certificate stating that the applicant is admitted as a student in Bulgarian university plus the Certificate from the University stating that the applicant will be accommodated in the student hostel);

Medical insurance valid for the EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa.

Bank document issued on the name of the applicant to prove that tuition fee has been paid (in generally for half of annually tuition fee).

Colourful photograph 3,5 cm ? 4,5 cm against Wight background (the same holds for a child entered in the passport) - a full-face photo with clear, large enough face which takes up 70-80% of the photo; eyes must be red; the following is ineligible: photos with dark glasses; non-professional photos or cut out of amateur photos

Photocopy of the last Bulgarian and Schengen visas or visas for the UK and the US, if any.

What are the VISA Application requirements ?

Even if visas are not required by visitors from same countries for visit up to 90 days, all students from non-EU / EEA and Switzerland must have entry visa to study in Bulgaria. After the arrival in Bulgaria, the applicant with Bulgarian student visa must apply for a long-term stay (residency permit) in Bulgaria, valid for one year maxim and renewable every year for the whole period of the studies. Application for residency permit is only be submitted in Bulgaria after final registration at University. UK, Suisse and all EU/EEA students do not need visa to study in Bulgaria. However, after their arrival in Bulgaria, the must register with the police, after which they will be issued with a national identity card and temporary residence lasting up to five years

Scholarship

Foreign citizens are enrolled in higher educational institutions, providing they pay 100% of the tuition fees. Tuition fee payment is waived for students studying for a doctorate and for postgraduate students in various fields accepted for a course of studies by a resolution of the Bulgarian Council of Ministers or under relevant governmental agreements. If you are interested in studying in Bulgaria and if you are looking for financial support, we strongly recommend that you reach our counselor who would assist you to find all the information on available scholarships (section Study & Research in Bulagria). Our aim is to make it easier for those interested in studying in Bulgaria as well as those providing assistance and advice in ESC’s office to find details of existing grant programmes and to guarantee that the information about these programmes is always up to date.