Studying in Bulgaria as a foreigner: admission, fees and free places for Bulgarians abroad
Bulgarian universities admit foreigners to programmes in Bulgarian and English. Tuition is lower than in most EU countries, and for people of Bulgarian origin from several countries it is free with a stipend.
In short: typical fees are €562–5,360 a year for a bachelor's and €1,945–5,360 for a master's; English-taught medicine usually costs more. EU citizens study on the same terms as Bulgarians. Bulgarians abroad get separate places under Decree No. 103 — up to 2,000 a year, tuition-free for citizens of Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo.
Three admission routes
- EU, EEA and Swiss citizens — same terms and fees as Bulgarians.
- Bulgarians living abroad — separate places under Council of Ministers Decree No. 103 of 1993.
- Other foreigners — fee-paying places for foreigners, directly through the university; the government sets each university's fees.
Accredited universities are listed in the NACID register; programmes and fees are on the official university portal (see sources).
Fees
| Bachelor's | €562–5,360 a year |
| Master's | €1,945–5,360 a year |
| Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy in English | usually more — check the university |
Add housing, insurance and living costs — see cost of living.
Free for Bulgarians abroad
- Decree 103 covers foreign nationals and stateless persons of Bulgarian origin living permanently abroad.
- Up to 2,000 places a year in full-time study at state universities on top of normal admission, plus up to 40 PhD places.
- Citizens of Albania, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine living there pay no tuition or application fees.
- Students receive a stipend (12 months in the first year, later with a GPA of at least 4.00) and a place in a state dormitory.
- The first year is Bulgarian-language preparation at the university.
- Applications go online through the Ministry of Education platform; rules and dates are published each year.
- Origin is proven with documents (birth certificates, passports, ancestors' records). Citizens of North Macedonia apply under a separate Decree No. 228.
Of Bulgarian origin? See also citizenship by origin.
Documents
- Secondary school diploma and transcript (recognised or translated and legalised as the university requires).
- Proof of English or Bulgarian, depending on the programme.
- Medical certificate, passport copy, application form.
- A criminal record certificate for adults — required by the migration office.
Visa, residence and work
- Non-EU students get a D visa, then a student residence permit from the Migration Directorate.
- Register your address within 5 days of arrival.
- Non-EU students may work up to 20 hours a week without a work permit; EU citizens without limits.
FAQ
How much does it cost to study in Bulgaria?
According to the European Commission, €562–5,360 a year for a bachelor's and €1,945–5,360 for a master's; English-taught medicine usually costs more.
Can I study in Bulgaria for free?
Yes, if you are of Bulgarian origin under Decree 103: citizens of Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo study tuition-free with a stipend and dormitory.
Can international students work in Bulgaria?
Non-EU students up to 20 hours a week without a work permit; EU citizens without limits.
Do I need Bulgarian to apply?
Not for English-taught programmes. Decree 103 students spend their first year learning Bulgarian.
📚 Sources: 5
For information only; not legal advice.
