The process of gaining admission to a Bulgarian medical university involves several stages. Below is an interactive timeline of steps from initial planning to enrollment, designed to guide students clearly and professionally:

1. Research and Choose a Program/University:
The first step is deciding what and where you want to study. Bulgaria offers a variety of English-taught programs, and most international students choose Medicine or Dentistry, although Pharmacy and other health fields are also available. Consider factors such as the program, city, living environment, and the university’s reputation. Our team also provides free academic consultations to help students select the most suitable option.

2. Check Entry Requirements:
Each university has its own admission criteria. Generally, medical programs require a high school diploma with strong grades in Biology and Chemistry and entrance exams in Biology and Chemistry (for Medicine and Dentistry), taken in English. Some universities require a minimum GPA or a minimum grade in Biology/Chemistry. English proficiency is usually demonstrated through the entrance exam or an accepted certificate. Requirements may differ for EU and non-EU applicants, so understanding the exact expectations of each university is essential. During our consultation, we explain all academic and administrative requirements in detail.

3. Prepare Application Documents:
Once you have chosen a university, the next step is collecting all required documents. Common application documents include:
• High school diploma and transcripts (notarized copies)
• An official eligibility certificate (proof you can continue to higher education)
• Passport copy (ID page)
• Birth certificate copy (sometimes required)
• Recent medical fitness certificate
• Passport-size photos
• Language proficiency proof (if required)
• Completed university-specific application form

Important: All documents must be translated into Bulgarian and legalized according to Bulgarian regulations. This process can be complicated, and our services include full translation, notarization, and legal submission on your behalf.

4. Submit Application & Entrance Exam:
Applications for the October intake are usually submitted during the summer (July–August). Some universities accept applications until early September. If an entrance exam is required, it will be scheduled by the university—often in mid- or late September. Exams typically include multiple-choice and short-answer questions in Biology and Chemistry (in English), based on high school material. Some universities also offer short preparatory courses. We provide full support, including study materials, sample tests, and tutoring, to help students excel.

5. Admission Results & Acceptance:
After reviewing exam results and documents, universities release their admission rankings. For the autumn intake, results are typically published in late August or September, and official acceptance letters follow immediately. If accepted, you will receive an official Acceptance Letter from the university. Pleven Medical University is an exception: its English-taught Medicine program starts in February, so applications are submitted in late autumn, results are issued in January, and enrollment takes place in February.

6. Student Visa (for non-EU applicants):
Once you receive your acceptance letter, non-EU students must apply for a Type “D” long-term student visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their home country. This visa allows legal entry and long-term residence for study. Required documents typically include the acceptance certificate, proof of paid tuition (often at least half of the first-year fee), proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, a police clearance certificate, proof of sufficient financial means, and valid health insurance. Visa processing may take several weeks, so it is important to apply early. We guide students through the visa paperwork to ensure everything is completed correctly.

7. Travel and Enrollment:
After receiving the visa, you can prepare to travel to Bulgaria. Our team assists students with airport pick-up upon arrival and helps them settle into their accommodation. You must enroll in person at the university by the specified deadline and present the original documents. The academic year for most universities begins on October 1 (or February for Pleven’s spring intake). During enrollment week, students also apply for a Bulgarian residence permit (local ID card), a process we also help manage. At this stage, you are officially a medical student in Bulgaria! 🎉