Bulgaria is a very popular destination for international medical students, thanks to the high quality of higher education and internationally recognised degrees. Here, you can study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine in English with affordable tuition fees of around per year.
There are 7 universities where you can study medicine in Bulgaria. Medical School experiences here are very enriching as all of the universities offer world-renowned courses. The medical schools in Bulgaria offer extra classes during the week in the Bulgarian language to help students integrate into the country better.
Medical education in the country is generally 6 years. Tuition fees for studying medicine in Bulgaria are between and per year. Below, you can find a list of all the top universities that teach medicine and dentistry in English in Bulgaria.
If you're considering studying medicine abroad, here are the reasons that make Bulgaria a top choice:
Check out our price breakdown of the top medical schools in Bulgaria
Trakia University is located in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, and offers a number of medical and veterinary programmes to both local and international students. The medical faculty consists of about 600 students, meaning that each one of them receives individual attention on their path to becoming a doctor.
Sofia's medical university is located in the capital of Bulgaria. Established in 1917, it's the oldest and most prestigious university of medicine in Bulgaria. It offers four faculties for medical studies: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Public Health, all of which are taught in English for international students.
Plovdiv's Medical University opened in 1945, with schools of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy open to both local and international students. The local library offers more than 170,000 books in English, and any degrees obtained there (either MD or one of the many specialities offered) will be recognised internationally.
Sofia's "St. Kliment Ohridski" University is Bulgaria's oldest institute of higher learning. The university has about 20,000 students from both Bulgaria and abroad, and offers English-language medical classes. Students from the UK and beyond can study medicine, pre-med and pharmacy from world-class educators.
The Medical University of Varna is an award-winning and highly advanced medical institute located in Bulgaria's "sea capital". Founded in 1961, it has since hosted students from over 45 countries in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy classes taught in English.
Medical University - Pleven is the biggest university in Pleven, Bulgaria, founded in 1974 on the site of an 1865 hospital. Those who wish to study medicine in Europe are welcome to enjoy the university's vast collection of medical texts in English and state of the art learning facilities.
The Prof Dr Assen Zlatarov University in Burgas, Bulgaria, features a new and modern Faculty of Medicine equipped with the latest technologies and facilities. Recognised across the European Union and many other countries across the world, the university offers a comprehensive 6-year Master’s Degree in Medicine in English with extensive practical training and a guaranteed internship.
1. Medical University of Varna
Location: Varna, Bulgaria
Courses in English: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
Tuition fees: Medicine & Dentistry - , Pharmacy -
The Medical University of Varna was founded in 1961 and has been producing high-quality international doctors, dentists and pharmacists ever since. The programmes in English were launched in 2003, and the university has grown to become a popular destination for international students from all over the world.
Varna is a vibrant city located on the coast of the Black Sea. It is home to many beautiful beaches and a rich international community, making it an ideal destination for any prospective student. A significant upside is that transport within the city is efficient and cost-effective, with frequent buses and affordable taxis. Another great advantage is that Varna has its own International Airport, and a flight from the UK would only take about 2-3 hours. After arriving, the medical university is just a 15-minute taxi ride away.
The Varna Medical University is generally the most competitive university to get accepted to in Bulgaria, and students should prepare very well for the difficult entrance exam. However, there is no need to worry because Medlink Students can provide you with the perfect preparation material created specifically for this exam.
Tuition fees for Dentistry and Medicine are per year, and for Pharmacy – per year.
Medlink Students has been operating in Varna for many years and has helped many students get admitted to the top medical universities in Bulgaria.
2. Medical University in Sofia
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Courses in English: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
Tuition fees: Medicine & Dentistry - , Pharmacy -
The Medical University of Sofia is located in the capital of Bulgaria, a large and exciting city with a rich international community and vibrant nightlife. The university was founded in 1917 and is the oldest medical school in the country. It is known for providing high-quality medical education for over a decade and training outstanding doctors, dentists, and pharmacists.
The university has a large community of students from all over the world and accepts up to 500 international students every year for its courses in English. This creates a diverse and welcoming environment, where everybody can feel right at home.
Sofia has a large international airport with very accessible flights. For example, several flights go directly from London to the Sofia International Airport and are just 2-3 hours long. The airport is located relatively close to the city, and you can either take the metro or taxi for a 30~ minute ride to the Medical University or the city centre.
Tuition fees for Dentistry and Medicine in English are per year, and for Pharmacy – per year.
Thanks to the high quality of medical education, the Medical University of Sofia is a very competitive medical school to get accepted to. To get in, students have to sit an entrance exam for Biology and Chemistry around early September. The exam is known to be difficult, but Medlink Students can help you prepare by providing the perfect study materials, created exactly for these tests.
Location: Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Courses in English: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
Tuition fees: Medicine & Dentistry - , Pharmacy -
The medical school was founded in 1945 in Bulgaria's oldest and second-largest city - Plovdiv. It is a pedestrian-friendly city with a very welcoming atmosphere, an established international community and millennia of rich history.
The university is very well-established and provides internationally recognised degrees in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy in English. The medical school enrols about 300 students per year, many of whom are international.
Plovdiv also has an international airport, but direct flights are not as frequent, so most students fly to Sofia and take a taxi or bus to Plovdiv. The taxi journey takes about 45-50 minutes and will cost about per journey.
The tuition fees for medicine and dentistry in English at the Plovdiv Medical University are per year and Pharmacy costs annually.
This university requires applicants to sit an entrance exam and score over 70% to get accepted. Admission to the Medical University of Plovdiv is very competitive, but we can significantly increase your chances of getting in thanks to our exam preparation materials created specifically for this exam. Additionally, our expert admission teams will make sure that you submit a strong application that will make you stand out from the competition.
Location: Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Courses in English: Medicine, Veterinary Medicine
Tuition fees: Medicine - , Veterinary Medicine -
The Trakia Medical University was established in 1982 and became an independent medical school in 1995. It is located in the 6th-largest city in Bulgaria, Stara Zagora, which is known for its rich history and beautiful natural scenery.
The university is renowned for providing world-class education that aligns with global standards, which includes comprehensive clinical training in hospitals, clinics, specialised cabinets, and laboratories. Upon graduation, students receive an internationally recognised degree that will let them become successful doctors or vets in many countries across the world.
Trakia University teaches Medicine in English with a tuition fee of per year and Veterinary Medicine in English with a fee of annually.
To get accepted, students need to take entrance exams for Biology, Chemistry, and English if they’re non-native English speakers. Just like for the other universities, Medlink Students has exceptional study materials that will completely prepare you to take on exactly these exams.
Location: Pleven, Bulgaria
Courses in English: Medicine
Tuition fees:
This medical school was founded in 1974 in Pleven, a city with a relaxing atmosphere and lively weekend nightlife. It offers an internationally recognised medicine course in English with a tuition fee of per year. The medicine programme provides comprehensive theoretical learning and practical training that completely prepares students for a successful career as doctors.
The Pleven Medical University is the only medical school in the country that does not begin in September. Instead, the academic year starts in February, and the university requires a Biology and Chemistry entrance exam, for which we can provide the perfect preparatory materials.
6. Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov University Faculty of MedicineLocation: Burgas, Bulgaria
Courses in English: Medicine
Tuition fees:
The university was established in 1963 and opened a new and modern Faculty of Medicine in 2019. It offers a 6-year Master’s Degree in Medicine in English that focuses on modern medical practices and extensive practical training, including a guaranteed internship.
The university is accredited and regularly undergoes independent audits to guarantee high quality medical education that aligns with international standards. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov University is recognised throughout the European Union and in many other countries across the world.
It is one of the leading institutions for research in Bulgaria and has established collaborative partnerships with universities across Europe, including the UK, France, Germany, and more. This gives students the opportunity to personally participate in research that can advance the medical field and participate in student exchanges and scientific specialisation.
The tuition fee to study at Burgas Medical University is per year, and students must take an entrance exam in Biology, Chemistry and English as part of the application process.
There’s no need to worry though, because Medlink Students can provide you with the perfect preparation materials that are specially made for the entrance exam at this university.
Native English speakers don’t need to take the English-language test.
Generally, most Bulgarian medical schools require students to pass A-level Biology and Chemistry or equivalent. If you want to make sure that you qualify, Medlink Students provides free consultations to students with questions about A-levels, GCSEs, or BTECs and more.
Additionally, all Bulgarian universities have entrance examinations, usually in Biology and Chemistry. Some schools offer separate exams, while others administer a single composite one. These examinations have the most significant weight in determining entry to the university.
Last but not least, the entry requirements for studying medicine in Bulgaria in English may include an English proficiency exam for non-native speakers. Some universities require just a language-level certificate instead.
The country is one of the most affordable destinations for medical education within the European Union. Tuition fees in Bulgarian medical universities are between and .
In addition, living costs for international students are another - per month without rent. Single-bedroom apartments cost between and , depending on the city and the location, and dorms are even cheaper.
Bulgarian medical university's tuition fees to study medicine in English are among the lowest in the European Union. Most English medical universities in Bulgaria have a tuition fee of per year. All dentistry courses also cost per year. However, smaller medical schools in Bulgaria charge a tuition fee of per year.
The preparatory courses (medical foundation courses) usually cost around half of the annual tuition fee payment.
Bulgarian tuition fees to study medicine in English are among the lowest in the European Union. Romania is the only country that has programmes below .
One of the best things about living in Bulgaria is that you can maintain a high quality of life with relatively low living costs. This is also one of the reasons that a lot of international students choose Bulgaria as their destination to study medicine. Of course, the living costs vary from city to city and on the type of lifestyle you want to lead, but we have prepared the average expenses you may have, while studying and living in Bulgaria:
| Rent | Utilities | Transport | Food | Leisure |
| ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
Please keep in mind that these average prices are calculated based on living in a small apartment, but there are cheaper options available, like hostels and dormitories. Not only are dormitories cheaper, but they also offer an authentic experience of student life that allows for easy socialising and making life-long friends.
The leading medical universities in Bulgaria offer state-of-the-art technology to teach students anatomy in classes in their initial years and offer good clinical experience in the later years. The universities in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna offer outstanding medical education in Bulgaria.
See our reference page for all you need to know about the universities in Europe that teach medicine in English or the top dental universities in Europe.
All Bulgarian medicine programmes are 6-years long. Graduate entry medicine and graduate dentistry entry are not currently available options in Bulgaria
However, you can get subject exemptions from your previous degree for subjects you've already studied, as long as your previous university module matches the hours and content taught at the medical university.
Medlink Students can help you with this procedure if you have at least 80% of the subject's total hours. Read more about graduate medicine opportunities here. Sign up for a free consultation with our academic advisors to find out if you qualify for subject exemption at one of the many prestigious medical universities in Bulgaria.
Bulgarian universities offer modern education with internationally recognised degrees. Additionally, the low cost of living and tuition fees make it a very attractive destination for international. This is why so many people are looking for an MBBS in Bulgaria and why the competition gets bigger every year. Â
Beyond education, Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe, with a rich history of over 1300 years. Its rich culture, heritage, and welcoming atmosphere make it an attractive and enjoyable place to study Medicine in Europe.
Bulgaria is also a safe country with well-developed free healthcare facilities (for EU nationals). It has pleasant weather in all 4seasons, but as usual, most students enjoy the summer months most.
Bulgaria offers tourists and students a variety of opportunities for fun and recreation. During the summer, cities like Varna and Plovdiv draw large numbers of visitors, mostly from other European nations like Germany and the United Kingdom, who come to enjoy the beach, sightseeing, and warm weather.
Here are the main reasons that make Bulgaria a great destination to study medicine:
Bulgaria is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and it would be a very familiar setting for representatives of both continents while remaining somewhat exotic.
Bulgaria boasts many ancient landmarks from Thracian and Roman times. Additionally, the country has many ancient churches, monasteries, and mosques, which survive to this day as a testament to local religious tolerance.
However, the most remarkable landmarks in the country are the natural ones. Bulgaria has astonishing geography, including majestic mountains, scenic meadows, and sandy beaches. The Balkans, Rila, and Pirin have excellent hiking, camping, and skiing conditions.
On top of that, the Bulgarian Black Sea coast hosts some of the most popular beaches in the EU, including Sunny Beach, the Golden Sands, and Sozopol. The local conditions for kitesurfing and paragliding are excellent, while free divers can enjoy easily accessible shipwrecks.
Bulgarian cuisine is known for its diverse dishes, which include savoury salads, stews, sauces, cold cuts, and pastries. The traditional dishes include Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods with added local flavours.
Bulgarian universities offer exceptional medical education programmes with comprehensive clinical hours, a fulfilling student experience, and exciting opportunities for extracurricular activities. Additionally, international students get to benefit from low tuition and living costs while maintaining a high quality of life and receiving world-renowned medical education.
For many, living in Bulgaria is an enjoyable experience they will remember for a lifetime. The country has an interesting culture, diverse culinary options, an enjoyable climate and vibrant and exciting cities.
For students interested in studying medicine in Europe, Medlink Students provides free consultations with our expert academic advisors, who can guide you toward choosing the perfect university according to your goals and circumstances.Sign up for your consultation to find out which medical school in Bulgaria is the best one for you.
Bulgaria was just an attractive option. In terms of price, it’s a lot better and relatively good compared to other countries. The city is nice with loads of activities like skiing in Bansko and the beach in Varna. My first few months here have been great. I've already been to Varna, which was a five-hour train ride with some mates from school. I managed to join the cricket team, and we had a match there. Afterward, we played beach volleyball for hours. It was genuinely very nice and a lot of fun.
Being from England, I was comfortable with the curriculum. In Bulgaria, it's a bigger leap. You're dealing with real-life physiology and anatomy. An average day starts at 8 A.M. with hospital work. They teach you the theory step by step, and you understand it. You're taught how to speak Bulgarian and communicate with patients. After studying, I play basketball every day, and I've made Bulgarian friends. Moving to a different country and culture was challenging. Bulgarians are very welcoming. I've made enough Bulgarian friends to help with anything I need.
All around the world! Feel free to choose your next destination after graduating.
Yes, all of the universities require an entrance exam.
Yes, you can! All courses for international students are English-taught.
Absolutely yes! Bulgaria is one of the safest countries in Europe. It is a preferred destination for many students and tourists. Locals are very friendly and welcoming.
The cost of tuition is about per year, depending on the university. In addition, living costs range between and per month, based on various factors (accommodation, travel costs, entertainment budget, etc).
Bulgaria is considered one of the best European countries to study medicine in due to the low living costs and the high quality of the medical education provided.
Bulgarian medical universities offer 6-year medical programmes.
The Medical Universities of Sofia, Plovdiv and Stara Zagora (Trakia) are considered the best in the country. But due to the high overall level of education, most medical universities are considered very prestigious.
All the universities meet the GMC requirements, as their programmes follow European regulations. Students who study medicine in Bulgaria are awarded 360 credits and 5,500 hours in their final diploma. This allows graduates to work as doctors in the UK.
Generally, Bulgaria's best dental school award could go to any university in Varna, Plovdiv, or Sofia. They all offer excellent courses and flourish the labs with excellent dental resources.
