Study Dentistry in Bulgaria: A Complete Guide for Future Dentists

1. Why Choose Bulgaria for Dentistry?

Bulgaria is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for international dentistry students from the EU, the UK, the Middle East and Asia.

Key advantages:

• Internationally recognised dental degrees – accredited and recognised across the European Union (subject to each country’s registration rules).
• English-taught Dentistry programmes at several established medical universities.
• Affordable tuition fees – average annual fees for Dentistry in English are around 9,000 EUR per year.
• Lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries, making the total yearly budget more manageable.

Bulgaria offers a combination of European-quality education, English instruction, and a reasonable cost structure, which makes it a very attractive route to becoming a dentist.

2. Main Universities for Dentistry in Bulgaria

Based on recent years (2023/2024 and early 2025), the most popular Bulgarian universities for Dentistry in English are:

2.1. Medical University of Sofia – Faculty of Dental Medicine

• Programme: Dentistry (Dental Medicine) in English – 6-year Master’s programme
• Tuition fees (English track, example structure):
  

  • 1st year: 10,000 EUR per year
  • 2nd–3rd year: 9,000 EUR per year
  • 4th–6th year: 8,000 EUR per year

Fees are usually paid in two instalments per academic year.

2.2. Medical University of Plovdiv – Faculty of Dental Medicine

• Programme: Dentistry in English – 6 years
• Tuition fees (based on recent increases):
  

  • 1st year: 9,000 EUR per year
  • 2nd–6th year: 8,000 EUR per year

Plovdiv is a very popular choice among international students because of its student-friendly atmosphere and active international community.

2.3. Medical University of Varna

• Programme: Dentistry in English – 6 years
• Tuition fees:
  

  • Year 1: around 9,000 EUR per year
  • Years 2–6: around 8,000 EUR per year

Varna combines a modern university setting with a coastal lifestyle on the Black Sea, which many students find very attractive.

2.4. Other Options

Some sources mention Dental Medicine tuition in a similar range (around 9,000 EUR per year for non-EU students) at other institutions as well. However, Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna remain the main and most established choices for international Dentistry students in Bulgaria.

3. Duration and Programme Structure

According to recent overviews of Bulgarian Dentistry programmes:

• Length: approximately 5.5–6 years, leading to a Master of Dental Medicine degree.
• Language of instruction:
  

  • English (for international tracks)
  • Bulgarian (for local-language tracks)

Typical programme structure:

• Preclinical years
  Focus on the basic medical sciences, such as:
  

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • General Biology
  • Histology
  • Oral biology foundations

• Dental-specific subjects
  As you progress, you move into specialised dental disciplines, including:
  

  • Restorative Dentistry
  • Prosthodontics
  • Oral Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontology
  • Endodontics
  • Pediatric Dentistry

• Clinical training
  In the later years, students work directly with patients in university dental clinics under supervision. This includes:
  

  • Diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Conservative and surgical dental procedures
  • Orthodontic assessments
  • Preventive and aesthetic dentistry

This mix of theory, lab work and real clinical practice is designed to prepare graduates for independent dental practice.

4. Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for Dentistry in English are similar to those for Medicine.

Typical requirements include:

• High-school diploma with strong grades, especially in:
  

  • Biology
  • Chemistry

• Entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry
  

  • Usually in multiple-choice (MCQ) format
  • Most universities require passing this exam for admission

• Proof of English proficiency, for example:
  

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • Or an internal English test
  • Usually at least B2 level is expected

• Official translations and legalisation of:
  

  • High-school diploma
  • Academic transcript

• Medical certificate and other required health documents, confirming you are fit to study Dentistry.

For programmes taught in Bulgarian, proficiency in Bulgarian is required from the beginning.
For English-taught programmes, students still study Bulgarian later on so they can communicate with patients during clinical practice in the hospital and clinics.

5. Tuition Fees & Total Costs

5.1. Dentistry Tuition (English Programmes)

From 2023/24–2025 fee comparisons, typical Dentistry tuition fees in English are:

• Average Dentistry tuition (English): about 9,000 EUR per year

Examples of fee structures:

• Medical University of Sofia:
  

  • 10,000 → 9,000 → 8,000 EUR per year (decreasing with each study phase)

• Medical University of Plovdiv:
  

  • 9,000 EUR (1st year)
  • 8,000 EUR (2nd–6th year)

• Medical University of Varna:
  

  • Around 9,000 EUR (1st year)
  • Around 8,000 EUR (2nd–6th year)

These numbers are approximate and may be updated each academic year, so always check the latest official information.

5.2. Cost of Living

Realistic monthly estimates for cities like Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna:

• Rent + utilities + food + transport: roughly 600–900 EUR per month, depending on:
  

  • City
  • Type of accommodation (shared flat, dormitory, private apartment)
  • Lifestyle and personal spending habits

Overall, Bulgaria offers lower living costs than many Western European countries while still being part of the European Union.

6. Recognition and Career Prospects

A Master of Dental Medicine degree from an accredited Bulgarian university is recognised across the European Union, subject to each country’s specific rules on:

• Professional registration
• Language proficiency
• Any national exams or adaptation periods

Many Dentistry graduates go on to:

• Return to their home countries (for example, Germany, the UK, Scandinavian countries, Middle Eastern countries).
• Register with local dental councils.
• Work in private practices, clinics or hospitals, or pursue further specialisation.

Studying Dentistry in Bulgaria can therefore, be a realistic route to a dental career in many different countries.

7. Is Dentistry in Bulgaria Right for You?

Dentistry in Bulgaria may be a great choice if you:

• Want an EU-recognised dental degree
• Prefer a fully English-taught course in Dentistry
• Need a more affordable alternative to Western Europe in terms of fees and living costs
• Are ready for intensive clinical work with real patients during your studies
• Enjoy learning in a multicultural environment with many international students from different countries

If you see yourself building a career as a dentist in Europe or abroad, Bulgaria offers a strong and accessible pathway.

8. How Our Service Can Support You

We support future Dentistry students by:

• Matching you with the best-fit university in Bulgaria based on your grades, budget and long-term goals.
• Explaining all fees, deadlines and documentation clearly and simply, so you always know your next step.
• Guiding you through the entire process, including:
  

  • Choosing the right university and city
  • Preparing, translating and legalising documents
  • Submitting applications and registering for entrance exams
  • Visa guidance (if needed)
  • Help with accommodation and arrival in Bulgaria

📩 Contact us for a free initial consultation
We will create a personalised plan for studying Dentistry in Bulgaria, tailored to your situation and your dream of becoming a dentist.