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Bulgarian government and universities are continuously trying their best to attract students from all over the world by improving their services. They are successful in it to some extent. If you are planning to study in Bulgaria, here is the complete guide.
Higher education in Bulgaria
The Bologna Process is followed in the higher education institutes in Bulgaria. This ensures similarities with the qualifications offered across European universities. The stages in higher education are of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate. The durations are:
- Bachelor’s degrees take up to 4 years to complete
- Master’s programs take 1 or 2 years.
- PhDs usually take 3 years to complete.
Why study in Bulgaria
More than 5000 international students migrate to Bulgaria every year for their higher education. Here are the main reasons for it:
- Studying in Bulgaria is very affordable. The tuition fee can be as minimum as 300 EURO. In terms of living costs, you should expect a budget of 300–500 EUR per month for a comfortable life.
- Almost all the course degrees obtained are recognized internationally. You will get the opportunity to secure very good jobs after graduation because of the high standard degrees.
- Being an international student, you can also grab the opportunity of studying in English in Bulgaria. Almost all the Institutions are preparing to open courses in the English Medium of Instruction.
- Entry procedures in the Bulgarian universities are simple and straightforward. There are Lower entry requirements which can be fulfilled easily.
- By studying in Bulgaria, you will get the opportunity to meet with thousands of international students from different cultures and different countries. It will boost your self-confidence and prepare you to face the world confidently.
- After completion of your degree, you get the opportunity to obtain Permanent Residence and settle permanently in one of the most popular countries in Europe.
How to study in Bulgaria
Studying abroad in Bulgaria is the dream of many. If you are among them, then you need to follow the process. Here are those 7 steps you need to follow:
- Explore the options and choose the university and course in Bulgaria.
- Check the eligibility criteria and also note the document requirements for admission in the Bulgarian universities.
- Fill the application form accurately and submit it with attached documents.
- If your application is selected, you will receive an offer letter.
- Once your admission is confirmed you need to prepare for the student visa.
- Apply with all the documents and get your study visa for Bulgaria.
- Fly to Bulgaria and start attending your classes.
Universities in Bulgaria
There are around 51 universities in Bulgaria, which are well-known globally. Some of the best universities in Bulgaria are mentioned below:
- Sofia University
- New Bulgarian University
- American University in Bulgaria
- Technical University Sofia
- Plovdiv University
- The University of National and World Economy
- Varna Free University
- University of Economics – Varna
- University of Veliko Tarnovo
- D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics
Best courses to study in Bulgaria
Bulgarian Universities are recognized internationally for the depth and quality of their courses. Bulgaria provides a broad range of courses in each field. Some of the popular courses are:
- Study Medicine in Bulgaria
- Study Law in Bulgaria
- Study Social Sciences in Bulgaria
- Study Dentistry in Bulgaria
- Study Computer Science in Bulgaria
- Study Business & Management in Bulgaria
- Study MBBS in Bulgaria
- Study Environmental Studies in Bulgaria
Requirements to study in Bulgaria for international students
Getting admission in the Bulgarian universities is easy. You just need to submit the required supporting documents along with the university application. The different institute has different requirements. You have to check the university’s website for it. However, the common documents required for a Bulgarian university application include:
- A completed application form
- A valid passport or ID,
- Evidence of successful completion of the previous stage of education.
- Transcripts of all the previous education.
- A medical certificate.
- A photocopy of the applicant’s passport/identity card
- Four recent photographs of the applicant
- Certificate of language proficiency(English, French or German), as per the medium of instruction in the university.
- Letter of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose.
- Portfolio
- C.V / Resume
The deadline for universities application in Bulgaria is usually 30 September in the year before the course commences for English-taught courses and 15 September for courses taught in Bulgarian. However, this may differ from one institute to another.
How much does it cost to study in Bulgaria?
The tuition fee in Bulgaria is affordable for international students. An undergraduate degree in Bulgaria costs around 2,900 – 3,900 Euro per year. The tuition fee for a postgraduate degree is around 3,000 – 3,900 euros per year. A doctorate’s degree in Bulgaria can have a tuition fee on average 4,000 - 8,000 € per year.
Living cost in Bulgaria
Along with the tuition fee, living costs are also cheap in Bulgaria when compared to other study destinations. You will need to budget around US$7,200 per year for your living costs, including accommodation, transport, food and other expenses. It can be higher or lower depending upon your lifestyle, spending habits, and city. Rent will be your major monthly expenditure if you choose to stay off-campus accommodation. This will cost at least €100 a month.
Study in Bulgaria free
To make your studies free, you need to take help of available scholarships. Bulgarian Government and universities provide plenty of scholarships to help international students to study in Bulgaria. Some of the scholarships are:
- Varna Free University scholarships
- Eastern European Study Abroad Scholarship
- OppU Achievers Scholarships
- Affidavit Full Science and Law Scholarship
- Bulgarian Government scholarship
- American University in Bulgaria Scholarships
- Fulbright Bulgaria
- Law School scholarships.
Student Visa for Bulgaria
For entering in Bulgaria, you will need to get approval by obtaining a student visa. You can apply for the visa at your nearest Bulgarian embassy. The documents you need for visa application may vary depending on the country. However, some of the common documents required are:
- Admission letter from a Bulgarian university.
- Photocopy of your passport, which should be valid for at least one year after your study period ends.
- Valid health insurance.
- Proof of financial ability to cover your study and living expenses of Bulgaria.
- Transcripts of the previous education.
- A recent passport-size photograph.
After arriving in Bulgaria, you must apply for a residency permit. The visa application fee would be around BGN 500. It is valid for one year and is renewable every year during your studies.
Study and work in Bulgaria
Yes, international students have the right to work during studies. Students from the European community do not require a work permit to secure any kind of employment in Bulgaria. Students coming from countries outside the EU require a work permit to work and earn money in Bulgaria.
Students can work part-time but only for a maximum of 20 hours a week provided that they fulfil 2 main conditions:
- They are studying a degree program in any of the Bulgarian university
- They are able to combine their duties without neglecting their studies.
Many students work part-time to cover their academic and living expenses at last to some extent. Part-time jobs in Bulgaria are not only rewarding, but they are also a good way to build a career portfolio.
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