UUniversity Reviews

Best Universities in Bulgaria for International Students | Ranking

Bulgaria is a fascinating country where one can pursue a career degree. It has some of the best universities in the world.

However, relax and read through if you wish to study in Bulgaria as an international student. We have compiled a list of the best universities in Bulgaria for international students where you can study any course of your choice.

Quickly glance at some information in this article in the table of contents below.

Bulgaria has a captivating history; students love to study in Bulgaria as there are many things to do. The beaches and resorts there are breathtaking, they are also known for their mountains where you can do snow sports.

Bulgaria is fast becoming a destination for international students, especially from its neighbors such as Greece and Turkey. Other countries like Germany, Nigeria, and India, are not exempted.

Table of contents

Why Study in Bulgaria?

Living in Bulgaria is far cheaper than in other European countries in the same region. This means you can enjoy much of your student life doing other things you might want like travelling and socializing without breaking the rules.

It is a perfect place for those living away from their home like you.

Furthermore, universities in Bulgaria also offer affordable tuition fees. Pay a part of the price you pay for more expensive higher education institutions, with the same well-developed education system and world-class facilities or equipment for research. And once you graduate, you will have a degree employers accept worldwide.

Studying in Bulgaria is beneficial as it is a country with enormous opportunities despite its small size. Bulgaria is filled with young minds who are creative and innovative.

However, universities in Bulgaria are continually stepping up their game to improve its facilities and service, hoping to attract more international students.

What is the Average Cost of Studying in Bulgaria?

The cost of Studying and Living in Bulgaria on average, expect to pay between BGN 5,600 and BGN 16,000 annually for a degree.

However, if you wish to do a one-year foundation style course, it will cost around BGN 5,000. Also, if you are from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you are eligible for the Bulgarian tuition fee loan.

What are Universities in Bulgaria that teach in English?

Bulgaria gives various programs taught in English, French or German, which are popular among foreign students.

English-taught courses are common at the master’s level and becoming increasingly common for medical degrees. Here are some universities in Bulgaria that teach in English:

  • Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
  • American University in Bulgaria
  • St. Cyril and St. Methodius University
  • Plovdiv University
  • Higher School of Management, Varna
  •  The University of Sheffield.

What are the Medical Universities in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria’s medicine universities are one of the cheapest and best medical universities in Europe. Here is a list of some of these universities:

  • Plovdiv Medical University.
  • Sofia Medical University.
  • Varna Medical University.
  • Pleven Medical University.
  • Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski,
  • Trakia University Stara Zagora.

What Grades Do You Need to Study Medicine in Bulgaria?

The main entry requirement for medical specialities in Bulgaria is to have Biology and Chemistry grades in the high school diploma which are above 62%. In addition, all candidates must pass an entry exam in Biology and Chemistry (sometimes English as well).

How Much Does it Cost to Study Medicine in Bulgaria?

Medical University tuition fees in Bulgaria or medical university fees in Bulgaria vary from 7500 to 8000 Euro/year for an extended program of medical study in English (general medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) and also 3100 to 4000 Euro/year for a short program of medical research depending on universities.

Best Universities In Peru For International Students

What are the Ranking Factors for the Best Universities in Bulgaria?

For the ranking system, the World Scholarship Forum ranked these 15 Best Bulgarian Universities meeting the following criteria:

The ranking factor of the universities in Bulgaria

This ranking system depends on the following factors which include;

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate Bulgarian higher education-related organization
  • offering at least four-year undergraduate degrees (bachelor degrees) or postgraduate degrees (master or doctoral degrees)
  • delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, face-to-face, non-distance education format

Research facilities and contribution

The universities in Bulgaria have more than one research facility dedicated to conducting research in the field of study. Also, they must be making immense contributions to the advancement of international students through their research output.

Accreditation

All the universities listed here have been accredited by nationally recognized educational bodies. therefore every certificate from any of these universities remains valid for now.

List of the Best Universities in Bulgaria

However, from our ranking, here is a list of the 15 best universities in Bulgaria.

  • Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
  • New Bulgarian University
  • Technical University of Sofia
  • Angel Kanchev University of Ruse
  • The University of National and World Economy
  • Medical University Varna
  • Varna Free University
  • SouthWest University
  • Trakia University
  • American University in Bulgaria
  • University of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy
  • Burgas Free University
  • University of Economics Varna
  • D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics
  • University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy

#1. Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski was founded in 1888. It is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of Sofia.

Officially accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria. Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski (SU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Moreso, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski (SU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study.

Tuition Fee:

For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (postgraduate)

For international students, the yearly tuition is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro(undergraduate) 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (postgraduate).

Visit School

#2. New Bulgarian University

Established in 1991, New Bulgarian University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large city of Sofia. (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

This institution also has branch campuses in the following location(s): Dobrich. Formally accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria. New Bulgarian University (NBU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Also, New Bulgarian University (NBU) offers courses and programs leading to formally recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in different areas of study.

Tuition Fee:

For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 1,000-2,500 US$ or 750-1,800 Euro(undergraduate),1,000-2,500 US$ or 750-1,800 Euro(postgraduate).

International students’ yearly tuition is 1,000-2,500 US$ or 750-1,800 Euro(undergraduate),1,000-2,500 US$ or 750-1,800 Euro (postgraduate).

Visit School

#3. Technical University of Sofia

Established in 1945, the Technical University of Sofia is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the municipal setting of the large city of Sofia. (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Sofia City.

This institution also has branch campuses in the following location(s): Plovdiv, Sliven, and Stara Zagora. Officially approved and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria. The Technical University of Sofia (TU-Sofia) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Moreso, the Technical University of Sofia (TU-Sofia) offers courses and programs leading to properly-recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in different areas of study.

Tuition Fee:

For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750Euro(postgraduate)

International students’ yearly tuition is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro(undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro(postgraduate).

Visit School

#4. Angel Kanchev University of Ruse

Founded in 1945, Angel Kanchev University of Ruse is a non-profit public higher education institution in the municipal setting of Ruse. (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants).

This institution has also branched campuses in the following location(s): Razgrad Silistra. Formally approved and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria. Angel Kanchev University of Ruse (RU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Furthermore, Angel Kanchev University of Ruse (RU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.

Tuition Fee:

For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), not reported(postgraduate)

International students’ yearly tuition is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro(undergraduate), not reported (postgraduate).

Visit School

#5. The University of National and World Economy

Founded in 1920, the University of National and World Economy is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the municipal setting of the large city of Sofia (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Sofia City. 

This institution also has branch campuses in the following location(s): Plovdiv, Haskovo. Formally accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria, the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

The University of National and World Economy (UNWE) offers courses and programs leading to formally recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. 

Tuition fee:

For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro(postgraduate).

International students’ yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro(undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$, or 0-750 Euro(postgraduate).

Visit School

#6. Medical University-Varna

Founded in 1961, Medical University-Varna is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the average-sized city of Varna (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants). This institution also has branch campuses in the following location(s): Veliko Tarnovo, Sliven, and Shumen.

Formally accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria, Medical University-Varna (MU-Varna) is a tiny (uniRank enrollment range: under-250 students) coeducational higher education institution.

In addition, Medical University-Varna (MU-Varna) also award courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

Tuition Fee: For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), not reported(postgraduate), while for international students, the annual tuition is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro(undergraduate), not reported (postgraduate).

Visit School

#7. Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”

Established in 1991, Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the average-sized city of Varna (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants). This institution also has branch campuses in the following location(s): Smolyan.

Formally accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria, Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” (VFU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Furthermore, Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” (VFU) awards courses and programs leading to formally recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study.

Tuition Fee: For local students, the yearly tuition rate is not reported (undergraduate), not reported(postgraduate), while for international students, the annual tuition is not registered (undergraduate), not reported (postgraduate).

Visit School

#8. South-West University “Neofit Rilski”

Instituted in 1975, South-West University “Neofit Rilski” is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the municipal setting of the large town of Blagoevgrad (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants).

Formally approved and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria. South-West University “Neofit Rilski” (SWU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

However, the South-West University “Neofit Rilski” (SWU) also offers courses and programs beginning to formally recognize higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

Tuition Fee: For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 1,000-2,500 US$ or 750-1,800 Euro(postgraduate) while for international students, the yearly tuition is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 2,500-5,000 US$ or 1,800-3,700 Euro (postgraduate).

Visit School

#9. Trakia University

Established in 1995, Trakia University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Stara Zagora (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants). This institution also has branch campuses in the following location(s): Yambol, Haskovo.

Adequately accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria. Trakia University (Tru) is an average-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 7,000-7,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Trakia University (Tru) however, offers courses and programs leading to officially approved higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in different areas of study.

Tuition Fee: For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro(postgraduate), while for international students, the yearly tuition is 2,500-5,000 US$ or 1,800-3,700 Euro(undergraduate), 2,500-5,000 US$ or 1,800-3,700 Euro (postgraduate).

Visit School

#10. American University in Bulgaria

Established in 1991, American University in Bulgaria is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the civil setting of the large town of Blagoevgrad (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants). This institution also has branch campuses in the following location(s): Sofia.

Formally accredited and approved by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria. American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) is a tiny (uniRank enrollment range: 1,000-1,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Moreso, American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) offers courses and programs leading to formally recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees in several areas of study.

Tuition Fee: For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 10,000-12,500 US$ or 7,400-9,200 Euro (undergraduate), 17,500-20,000 US$ or 12,900-14,700 Euro (postgraduate), while for international students, the yearly tuition is 10,000-12,500 US$ or 7,400-9,200(undergraduate),17,500-20,000 US$ or 12,900-14,700 Euro (postgraduate).

Visit School

#11. University of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy

Founded in 1942, the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the civil setting of the large city of Sofia (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Sofia City.

Formally approved and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG) is a small (uniRank enrollment range: 3,000-3,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Notably, the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy (UACEG) offer courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in different areas of study.

Tuition Fee: For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro(postgraduate), while for international students, the yearly tuition is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro(undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (postgraduate).

Visit School

Best Engineering Graduate School In The World

#12. Burgas Free University

Instituted in 1991, Burgas Free University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Burgas (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants).

Officially accredited or acknowledged by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria, Burgas Free University (BFU) is a small (uniRank enrollment range: 4,000-4,999 students) coeducational higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Orthodox religion.

Burgas Free University (BFU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. 

Tuition Fee: For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 1,000-2,500 US$ or
750-1,800 Euro (undergraduate), 1,000-2,500 US$ or 750-1,800 Euro (postgraduate), while for international students, the yearly tuition is 2,500-5,000 US$ or 1,800-3,700 Euro (undergraduate), 2,500-5,000 US$ or 1,800-3,700 Euro (postgraduate).

Visit School

#13. University of Economics – Varna

Founded in 1920, the University of Economics – Varna is a non-profit public higher education institution positioned in the urban setting of the medium-sized city of Varna (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants).

Formally accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria, the University of Economics – Varna (UE-Varna) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

The University of Economics – Varna (UE-Varna) offers courses and programs beginning to officially recognize higher education degrees in different areas of study.

Tuition Fee: For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (postgraduate), while for international students, the yearly tuition is 2,500-5,000 US$ or 1,800-3,700 Euro (undergraduate), 2,500-5,000 US$ or 1,800-3,700 Euro (postgraduate).

Visit School

#14. D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics

Established in 1936, D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics is a non-profit public higher education institution settled in the suburban setting of the medium-sized town of Svishtov (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Veliko Tarnovo.

Formally approved and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria, D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in different areas.

Tuition Fee: For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (postgraduate) while for international students, the yearly tuition is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (postgraduate).

Visit School

#15. The University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy

Established in 1953, the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy is a non-profit public higher education institution settled in the suburban setting of the large city of Sofia (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Sofia City.

Formally accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (UCTM) is a small (uniRank enrollment range: 3,000-3,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (UCTM) offers courses and programs leading to officially acknowledged higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

Tuition Fee: For local students, the yearly tuition rate is 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (undergraduate), 0-1,000 US$ or 0-750 Euro (postgraduate), while for international students, the yearly tuition is 2,500-5,000 US$ or 1,800-3,700 Euro (undergraduate), 2,500-5,000 US$ or 1,800-3,700 Euro (postgraduate).

Visit School

Best Universities In Bulgaria FAQs

Can I work why going to school?

If you have a work permit – YES. You might need to get consent by your university. As an International Student outside of the European Union you need to check your visa Status. In most cases, yes a student can work but a maximum of 20hours a week and no more.

Is Plovdiv Medical University one of the best in Bulgaria?

Yes, Plovdiv Medical University is also one of the best medical universities in Bulgaria. The study programme is six years and students graduate with a Master’s degree that allows them to work all around the world after they graduate. Medical students from Plovdiv Medical University must pay 8000 Euro per academic year.

Cost of living in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is 92 out of 105 countries in terms of cost of living. But, to counter that, the minimum wage is roughly 260 euros per month, which is amongst the lowest of the EU member states. Households in Bulgaria have only about half of the purchasing power of other EU countries.

Who is in charge of education in Bulgaria?

Education in Bulgaria is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Science. Education is compulsory until the age of 16. Education at state-owned schools is free of charge, except for the higher education schools, colleges and universities.

Is Bulgaria safe for international students?

Bulgaria is a secured country. However, like in any other touristic country, unfair individuals want to take an advantage of distracted tourists, thence the most common crimes are pick-pocketing, bag snatching and other financially driven offences.

Conclusion

Putting you through the universities in Bulgaria, I believe you can see the one that best suits you, especially the international students.

References

Recommendations

Does this article meet your immediate needs? If yes, leave us a 5-star rating in the Review Box below. However, if no, leave a comment in the comment box to express your concern or ask a question, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Ajah Excel is a team growth and performance expert with over nine years of experience in blogging and personal development. He leads a team of 36 crazy, restless innovators with an enviable work culture at Silicon Africa Technologies Limited – a fast-rising tech firm from the SouthEast. Excel is the founder of Kiiky.com and WriterGig. He is also the co-organizer of TEDx Ikenegbu and convener of Social Media Fest. He is a vibrant learner who yearns to share his knowledge to educate and inspire young Africans. He has a B.Tech in Information Management Technology with certifications in growth hacking, effective communication, leadership, team, and personal development, to mention a few. Ajah Anayochukwu Excel is a passionate public speaker, creative writer, and brand storyteller.

— Previous article

Best Universities in the Bahamas | Ranking

Next article —

Top 15 Food Science Ph.D. Scholarships

You May Also Like