1. Why Study Medicine in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria has become a major hub for international medical students from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Asia.

Key advantages:

• EU-recognised medical degrees – graduates can later train and work in many European countries (subject to local regulations).
• Full English-taught programmes in:
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Pharmacy
• Lower tuition fees than in Western Europe, while maintaining strong academic standards.
• Affordable living costs, making the total annual budget (tuition + living) more manageable than in many other EU countries.

2. Main Medical Universities in Bulgaria

Some of the most popular choices for international students are:

Medical University of Sofia (MU–Sofia)

• Programmes: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy (Bulgarian and English)
• Approximate tuition fees (English track):
  • Medicine: ~9,950 EUR per year
  • Dentistry: ~10,000 EUR per year
  • Pharmacy: ~10,340 EUR per year

Medical University of Plovdiv (MU–Plovdiv)

• Programmes: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy (in English)
• Approximate tuition fees (English track):
  • Medicine: ~10,000 EUR per year
  • Dentistry: ~9,000 EUR per year
  • Pharmacy: ~8,200 EUR per year

Medical University of Varna (MU–Varna)

• Modern campus on the Black Sea coast
• Programmes in Medicine and Dentistry in English
• Approximate tuition fees: about 8,000–9,000 EUR per year

Medical University of Pleven (MU–Pleven)

• Medicine in English
• Approximate tuition fees: about 7,000–7,500 EUR per year
• A popular option for students seeking slightly lower fees

Trakia University (Stara Zagora)

• Medicine in English
• Approximate tuition fees: around 7,000–8,500 EUR per year, depending on programme and year of study

Note: All tuition amounts are approximate and may change from year to year. Always confirm the latest fees directly with the university or your consultant.

3. Programme Structure

• Length: 6 years (leading to a Master’s degree in Medicine)
• Language of instruction: English or Bulgarian, depending on the track

Typical structure:

• Years 1–2 – Basic Sciences
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Histology
  • Medical Biology
• Years 3–5 – Clinical Subjects
  • Internal Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Paediatrics
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Other clinical disciplines and rotations
• Year 6 – Clinical Practice / Internship
  • Practical training in affiliated hospitals
  • Supervised rotations across main clinical departments

4. Admission Requirements

Although each university has its own rules, typical requirements include:

• High-school diploma with good grades, especially in:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
• Entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry
  • Often multiple-choice format
  • Held on fixed dates (some universities offer separate sessions for EU and non-EU applicants)
• Proof of English proficiency (usually at least B2 level), for example:
  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • Or an internal English test at the university
• Medical certificate and health documents confirming fitness to study Medicine
• Official translation and legalisation of:
  • High-school diploma
  • Transcript of records

Some universities publish specific exam dates, application deadlines and document requirements every year, so it is important to follow the official admission calendar.

5. Tuition Fees & Overall Budget

Based on recent data:

• Medicine (English): ~7,000–10,000 EUR per year
• Dentistry (English): ~8,000–10,000 EUR per year
• Pharmacy (English): ~6,000–10,000 EUR per year

In addition to tuition, students must consider living costs.
From real examples, some students in Plovdiv report a total yearly budget of around 17,000 EUR, including:

• Tuition fees
• Rent and utilities
• Food and daily expenses
• Transport, insurance and other personal costs

Actual costs will vary depending on the city, accommodation type and lifestyle.

6. Recognition & Career Prospects

• Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, and degrees from accredited Bulgarian medical universities are recognised across the EU, subject to each country’s national regulations.
• Graduates must usually pass:
  • Language exams in the country where they plan to work
  • National licensing exams or registration procedures

Thousands of Bulgarian medical graduates now work in:

• The UK
• Germany
• Other EU countries
• The Middle East and beyond

Many students complete their 6-year medical degree in Bulgaria, then return to their home country or move to another EU state for further specialisation and practice.

7. Is Studying Medicine in Bulgaria Right for You?

Studying Medicine in Bulgaria can be an excellent choice if you:

• Want an EU-recognised medical degree
• Prefer a fully English-taught programme
• Are ready for a demanding 6-year course with intensive study
• Need a more affordable alternative to Western Europe
• Would like to study in a multicultural environment with many international students

If these points match your goals, Bulgaria may be a very strong and realistic pathway to becoming a doctor.

8. How Our Service Helps You

We support future medical students by:

• Helping you choose the right medical university in Bulgaria
  • Comparing cities, fees and entry requirements
• Explaining fees, costs and timelines clearly
  • Tuition, living costs, payment schedules and deadlines
• Guiding you step by step through the entire process
  • Choosing a university and programme
  • Preparing and translating documents
  • Application submission and entrance exam registration
  • Visa support (where needed)
  • Airport pick-up and first-days assistance (if applicable)

📩 Contact us for a free initial consultation
We can prepare a personalised study plan for Medicine in Bulgaria, tailored to your academic background, budget and career goals.