Bulgaria, a compact yet captivating country situated on the Balkan Peninsula, attracts a substantial number of tourists and international students.
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Overview
If you decide to pursue your MBBS studies in Bulgaria, you will encounter a diverse array of natural landscapes, ranging from warm sandy beaches to impressive mountains. Moreover, Bulgaria stands out as a relatively economical destination for medical enthusiasts.
Being one of the oldest European countries, Bulgaria shares borders with Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, and Romania. Additionally, it holds the status of a member state in the EU, NATO, and the UN, and is presently undergoing the accession process to join the Schengen Area.
Educational System in Bulgaria
The higher education system in Bulgaria is open to candidates from across the world. A considerable portion of international students in Bulgaria originates from Turkey, Greece, and Macedonia, while substantial numbers come from Nigeria, Germany, Italy, Israel, the UK, Ghana, South Africa, India, and various other countries. Bulgaria adheres to a Three-Stage Education system, encompassing Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels.
Why Choose Bulgaria for Studies?
Bulgaria offers a secure and welcoming environment for international students. Most Medical Universities in Bulgaria are state-owned, making them public institutions. Compared to other European countries, tuition fees for medicine are affordable. The cost of living in Bulgaria is low. Reasonably priced private or student hostel accommodations are available. Three Bulgarian universities are featured in the QS University Rankings: EECA 2016, recognizing them among the top 200 universities in Emerging Europe and Central Asia. Bulgaria, as a member of the European Union, ensures a European standard of education. Medical university student transfers are accepted. Admissions take place twice a year, in February or October. Degrees obtained in Bulgaria are valid throughout Europe and globally recognized. Bulgaria offers a 6-year program leading to a Master’s degree in medicine. Medical schools in Bulgaria are recognized by the GMC (General Medical Council), allowing graduates to practice in the UK. The medical program aligns with EU guidelines for medical education, awarding students 360 credits and 5,500 hours towards their degree.
pplicants from across the world. A significant portion of international students in Bulgaria hails from neighboring countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Macedonia, while substantial numbers also come from diverse nations including Nigeria, Germany, Italy, Israel, the UK, Ghana, South Africa, and India, among others. Bulgaria adheres to a Three Stage Education system, encompassing Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels.
GMC-Recognized Medical Schools in Bulgaria
One notable advantage of studying medicine in Bulgaria is the eligibility to practice in the UK. Bulgarian universities fulfill the requirements of the General Medical Council (GMC), aligning their medicine programs with the guidelines for medical education in the European Union. Graduates accumulate 360 credits and 5,500 hours, meeting the criteria that enable a student who studied medicine in Bulgaria to practice in the UK.
Medical Universities in Bulgaria
The structure of the Medicine course is organized as follows: two years of pre-clinical study, followed by three years of clinical study. The final year, or the sixth year, is dedicated to clinical practice (internship). Graduates are conferred with a Master’s degree and the professional qualification of a Physician. Bulgaria boasts six medical schools offering English-taught MD programs to international students, with a history spanning over 100 years of operation.
Listed below are the premier Medical Universities in Bulgaria that cater to international students pursuing an MBBS or MD degree:
Medical University Varna – Established in 1961, located in Varna.
Medical University of Plovdiv – Established in 1945, located in Plovdiv.
Medical University of Sofia – Established in 1918, located in Sofia.
Pleven Medical University – Established in 1974, located in Pleven.
Trakia University – Established in 1982, located in Stara Zagora.
Cost of Living in Bulgaria
The average living expenses in Sofia range from €300-400 per month, excluding rent. Smaller cities like Plovdiv, Varna, and Pleven have average living costs of around €300 per month. In general, the cost of living for international students in Bulgaria is among the lowest in the EU.
Eligibility Criteria for Medicine in Bulgaria
To enroll in the Medicine program at a Bulgarian Medical University, you must meet the following criteria:
You must be at least 17 years old.
A minimum of 65% average score in Biology and Chemistry courses in 10+2 grades is required.
Proficiency in English, demonstrated through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
