International students from outside the EU will need a Type D long-stay visa to study in Bulgaria. Here are the key points to understand about this visa:

• Purpose & Validity:
The Type D visa is a national visa that allows long-term stay for education. It is usually issued for 6 to 12 months (often 1 year initially) and is multiple-entry, meaning you can travel in and out of Bulgaria freely. Once in Bulgaria, this visa allows you to apply for a residence permit, which is renewed annually for the duration of your studies. The visa essentially confirms that you are approved to enter Bulgaria as a student.

• Work Rights:
Students holding a Type D visa and a Bulgarian residence permit may work part-time up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. This enables students to gain experience or earn extra income. During university holidays, students may work full-time. After graduation, students are permitted to remain in Bulgaria for 9 months to seek employment, provided they register with the Employment Agency—a recent improvement aimed at supporting graduates who wish to begin their careers in Bulgaria.

• Key Requirements:
To qualify for a student visa, you must have a confirmed university admission in Bulgaria (shown through the acceptance letter and the Ministry-issued certificate). Additional required documents include:
– A valid passport with at least 12 months of remaining validity.
– Proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living expenses (usually a bank statement or sponsorship letter showing at least ~4,000 BGN/year — about €2,000 — plus tuition).
– Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria (such as a dormitory reservation or rental contract).
– Health insurance covering the full duration of your stay.
– A background police clearance from your home country (required by many embassies).
– A medical fitness certificate confirming you have no contagious diseases (sometimes required).
– Completed visa application forms and passport-sized photos.
– Payment of the visa fee.

• Process:
Visa applications must be submitted in person at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country (or the consulate responsible for your region). You generally cannot apply from within Bulgaria. Students should book an appointment as early as possible once all documents are ready.
Processing time ranges from 15 to 60 days, depending on the case; earlier submission is always better. Most students receive the visa within 3–4 weeks. After receiving the visa, you can travel to Bulgaria and must apply for your Bulgarian ID card (residence permit) within 90 days of arrival. The Type D visa grants entry; the residence permit allows you to legally stay for the year.