Bulgaria is a country with a rich history and culture to boast of. It’s a truly authentic country, where people experience a very different, quite a unique, way of life. The country has beautiful coastal towns, especially as a third of its total 378km of Black Sea coast is made up of lovely golden and sandy beaches. But the beauty doesn’t only stop there; the picturesque mountains look like they’re from another world! One of the examples is the remarkable Rila range which is the highest in Bulgaria and tempts hikers from all over to take it on. The fact that it is freckled with glistening lakes only goes on to add to its beauty. When it comes to cost of living, yet again, Bulgaria does not let down. You will find staying in Bulgaria rather inexpensive when compared to the other countries in Europe, and most around the world as well. Finally, Bulgarians are a happy bunch of people. They are usually quite welcoming and very friendly to foreigners. They are also known to adjust well to having foreign residents become a part of their community.
If you decide to study in Bulgaria, it would be grabbing an opportunity of a lifetime to study in one of the European Union member countries; it would essentially mean taking advantage of an excellent quality of pedagogy and a fabulous lifestyle. With students from all over the globe increasingly choosing Bulgaria as their study destination, you will not only be getting a great education but a much-needed world-exposure as well.
The universities in Bulgaria are known for the many scientific domains that they offer education in. Some of the most popular options amongst students have been medicine, biology, chemistry, computer sciences, mathematics, engineering, and linguistics. International students are highly attracted to the high quality of education and the fact that a Bulgarian university degree is recognized all over the world. In addition, they have good reason to be impressed by the reasonable tuition fees, inexpensive living costs, and a safe and friendly living environment.
The universities in Bulgaria are always thriving to be the best, constantly trying to improve so as to attract students from everywhere across the globe. They are known to invest money in bettering their infrastructure, research labs, and general pedagogy. There are programs, especially the ones at the Master’s level, where teaching takes place in English. One of the fastest growing areas of education, which also offers education in English is that of medicine. Studying medicine in any of the Eastern European member countries has come to be seen as quite a popular alternative for a lot of International students. While the level of education here is generally high, the requirements for entrance into various programs aren’t as stringent. If you choose Bulgaria to study medicine, the degree will help you intern as well as work anywhere in the EU, and a lot of other countries too. The country welcomes International students to let them gain knowledge from the best, in an environment that is conducive to learning.
Unlike many other countries, Bulgarian universities, even the best ones - actually, especially the best ones - do not charge too much of a tuition fee. Students really love how inexpensive it is to get to learn in Bulgaria, while they do so in an internationally-recognized institution and along with students belonging to a variety of countries.
Students are always concerned about the expenses when they leave to study in a foreign land. When it comes to Bulgaria, they feel easy, as it’s not as expensive here as it would be in many other European countries. Not just the capital city Sofia, but the smaller cities too offer cheaper options, proving ideal for students as they usually don’t have much of a budget to spend.
Do you prefer sunbathing in summers? Or, do you like skiing in the winters? Maybe you prefer the lovely colours of the sky and mountains that only spring can bring; or, maybe you’d like to actually go explore the same mountains, come autumn. Whatever your favourite season might be, you don’t have to worry, for Bulgaria has it all. Home to all four kinds of seasons, you won’t have to worry about extreme cold, or blistering heat all year long when you’re studying in Bulgaria.
Opting for any European country to study is never a bad option. But, when you especially have Bulgaria as one of the potential choices, there’s hardly a chance for you to go wrong. Thousands of students from everywhere, every single year, decide to give Bulgaria a shot - and there’s no sound of complaining! There’s only healthy learning in a fun atmosphere, amidst natural beauty and excellent culture for students to experience.
The national education policy of Bulgaria has been created and is applied by the Ministry of Education and Science. They are also responsible for planning the development of education by organizing long-term programs and putting together various operational projects.
Children from ages 7 to 16 have to compulsorily complete their upper secondary school education.
The primary school education in Bulgaria is from grade 1 till 4; the pre-secondary school education starts from grade 5 ends at grade 8. Grade 1 to 8 comprises the basic education of a child in Bulgaria.
Once the Basic education is done, it’s time for Upper Secondary level which lasts for the next 4 to 5 years.
Bachelor’s Degree lasts 4 to 5 years. The curricula followed at this level of studying is to ensure a student gets a basic comprehensive training, to facilitate their entering into the labour market.
Master’s degree comprises of 1 or 2 years of additional studying in a specialized higher education school or university, for students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree. There’s also Diploma of Higher Education - a degree, currently being offered alongside the traditional integrated Master’s degree. Both the qualifications, though, possess equal academic value.
PhD or Doctoral Degree requires at least 3 years of studying (essentially, research) after having completed the Masters or a 4-year study after the Bachelors.
If you ever hear the phrase - start-up champion of Europe - you must have caught a conversation about none other than Bulgaria. Young people especially love this country for the very fact that it rarely ever has a dearth of career opportunities. Most students, after having graduated from one of the Bulgarian institutions, prefer to settle down in the country itself. With start-ups like Melissa Climate, Enhance, and more, who can blame them!
A lot of students have the need to work part-time while they also study, especially when the university has Christmas or other official holidays, in order to financially support themselves. Coming from a non-EU country, you’ll need to apply for a D-type student visa. You will be allowed to work without a work permit for no more than 20 hours every week in the course of your academic year, and also during university holidays. In addition, you can work, again without a work permit, for a period of fewer than six months per year - but, only if the work you do is related to your field of study.
Bulgaria heartily welcomes those who want to stay in. There are several universities as well as certain specialized technical schools that cooperate with local businesses so as to help students acquire job-specific skills that would hold relevance to their future profession. There are student placement opportunities facilitated by universities’ career centers. Bulgarian local governments and ministries also offer career options. After your studies are over, if you decide to stay and work in Bulgaria, you’ll need to get a work permit. While applying for a permit, the same conditions will apply to you, as would to any other non-EU citizen. Once your decision to work here in exchange for a salary is final, your potential employer will be the one to organize a work permit; there’s a good chance that the permit application will be dependent on the job position being such that cannot be filled by a Bulgarian (such as, teaching English). The work permit will be issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. It will allow you to apply for a Type D visa, permitting you to stay for another 12 months to further apply for a residence permit.
Bulgaria has only recently entered the realm of famous study abroad destinations. So, International students get more chance, compared to other countries, to meet the locals there and explore their unique culture, while simultaneously pursuing their academics. But, on the other hand, due to so many foreign students choosing to study here, Bulgaria is also becoming more and more global with each passing year. So, you will also get to experience various cultures pertaining to different countries as you meet people from around the world, enjoy international events, and therefore experiencing an all-round development.
Major intake in Bulgaria are September & January.
Level of Studies | Requirements |
Undergraduate | ⮚ High school certificate with a decent record, or 12 years of schooling
⮚ Fluency in the English language ⮚ Other activities, such as presentation, etc. |
Post Graduate | ⮚ A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, with a decent academic record to show.
⮚ Fluency in the English language ⮚ IELTS score is a necessary requirement. |
1. S.S.C Mark sheet + S.S.C Certificate + Transcripts
2. H.S.C Mark sheet + H.S.C Certificates + Transcripts
3. Diploma/Degree
All Semesters Mark sheets
Transcripts
Diploma/Degree Certificates
4. Migration Certificate (Mandatory)
5. Passport
6. Resume
To apply for Visa for Bulgaria, the below mentioned are the basic documents which are required to be submitted by the applicant:
1. S.S.C Mark sheet + S.S.C Certificate + Transcripts
2. H.S.C Mark sheet + H.S.C Certificates + Transcripts
3. Diploma/Degree
All Semesters Mark sheets
Transcripts
4. Diploma/Degree certificates
5. Migration Certificate (Mandatory)
6. Medical Certificates from any MBBS/MD doctor (Mandatory)
7. Required Apostle Documents (Education Documents/Medical Certificates)
8. Required Documents need to translate in Bulgarian language
9. SOP(statement of purpose)
10. Confirmation Latter from University
11. PCC (Police Clearance Certificate)
12. Balance Certificate
13. Bank Statement (10,00,000 need to maintain in student account only (ac must be in nationalized bank))
14. Visa Application Form
Counseling at Keshavam International Pvt Ltd.
(Assistance Related to Course selection, Fee Structure & University, Scholarships for international students and many more)
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Pay the Application fees + Processing fees
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Applying for admission in University of choice
(Assistance to create an organized file of every document required)
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Receiving an Offer Letter from the university
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Need to Apostle required documents
(All educational documents like Mark Sheets + Transcript+ Certificates + Medical Certificates)
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Need to send all original documents to University
(for Bulgarian Translation, Legalization & Ministry approval)
(This process may take up to 2 months)
(Euro €750/- need to pay)
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After getting a ministerial approval from Ministry office.
Write small SOP & submit in University
Admission office for confirmation of Offer Letter
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Pay the Tuition Fees
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Prepared the financial documents
(Balance Certificate, Bank Statement)
(Maintain 10,00,000/- INR in students account)
(Account must be in Nationalized Bank)
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Apply for PCC. (Police Clearance Certificate)
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Book the visa appointment
(Pay the Processing fees 80,000 at this stage)
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Prepared all documents as checklist
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Face the interview at New Delhi at Bulgarian embassy
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Get the visa approval
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Fly to your dream destination
⮚ Accommodation Euro €35 to 70/Month (Hostel)
Euro €150 to 300/Month (Flat)
⮚ Public Transportation Cost
Euro €30 to 50/Week
⮚ Electricity (If you live in flat)
Euro €80 to 90/Month
⮚ Sports and Leisure
Euro €20 to 30/Month
⮚ Food cost approx.
Euro €50 to 70/Month
⮚ Fees for Pharmacy, Medicine and Dentistry: Approx. Euro €5500 to 8000/Year
⮚ For Technical Studies: Approx. Euro €2200 to 3500 / Year
⮚ For Economical Studies: Approx. Euro €2200 to 4000 / Year
⮚ For Language Course: Approx. Euro €1500 to 4000 / Year
Sofia:
Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital, its largest city, and also the 15th largest city in all of the European Union. It happens to be a major cultural, political, and economic centre, situated on the lower slopes of Mount Vitosha. The city has a rich history, which includes once being Emperor Constantine the Great’s favourite city, who even called it his ‘Rome’. Sofia is a modern city in Europe with an atmosphere that’s laid-back and where people have lots to do. It even has a whole district dedicated to the students, called ‘Student Town’, which is home to more than 40,000 residents. The capital city houses some of the best-known universities of Bulgaria, that includes Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. You will find not only the student halls of the various universities in the city, but libraries, parks, clubs, and many different kinds of shops as well.
Varna :
Varna is the 3rd largest city in the northeastern part of Bulgaria. You will find all kinds of cultures - ancient, medieval, renaissance, as well as modern, coexist throughout this city. It is also seen as the center of a very active cultural life, especially by all the International students who come here every year. The city is home to the Medical University of Varna and the Varna Free University, which are highly respected across the globe. Not only a great education, but you would have the chance to enjoy the natural beauty and a fun cultural scene in the city.
Blagoevgrad:
Blagoevgrad is a charming little city, located in the southern part of Bulgaria, at the foot of the Rila and Pirin Mountains, which are not only the highest but also the most beautiful ranges in the country. Rila Monastery is one of the popular local tourist attractions here, being among the country’s noted landmark attractions which people from all over the world come to admire every year. The city, while small, has a vibrant and rich cultural life. It is home to the American University in Bulgaria, where English is the medium of education. Of the local population, it is the students who make up a significant percentage, many being International students; so, in case you choose to study in Bulgaria, you certainly won’t feel alone.
● Sofia University
● New Bulgarian University
● Technical University - Sofia
● American University in Bulgaria
● The University of National and World Economy
● Plovdiv University
● Varna Free University