EU-recognised degree
A degree from an EU member state, with routes to practise or specialise within the European Union.
What makes Bulgaria worth considering
Established universities
State medical universities with decades of experience teaching in English.
European base
Easy travel across Europe, plus a high standard of student life.
Know before you go: Unlike most MBBS-abroad destinations, Bulgarian medical universities usually set an entrance exam, typically in biology and chemistry, alongside your school-leaving marks. Prepare for it.
Medical universities in Bulgaria to look at
A starting shortlist, not a ranking. Before applying, we check each programme’s length, teaching language, internship and recognition against the rules of the country where you plan to practise.
Medical University – Sofia
One of the oldest medical schools in south-eastern Europe.
Apply with GradmireMedical University of Varna
Coastal city and a popular choice for international students.
Apply with GradmireMedical University – Plovdiv
Strong research and clinical partnerships.
Apply with GradmireMedical University – Pleven
Long-running English-taught programme.
Apply with GradmireWho can apply
Typical entry requirements
- Secondary school completed (Class 12, A-levels, IB or equivalent) with Biology, Chemistry and usually Physics and English.
- Good science marks. Many universities ask for around 50–60% or more in the science subjects; some set their own entrance exam or interview.
- Age 17 or older by the start of the course (most universities set 31 December of the admission year).
- A valid passport and the documents the university and embassy ask for.
Checks that protect your licence
- The university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- The course length and internship meet the rules of the country where you want to practise.
- The course is taught in English throughout, if your home regulator requires it.
- The degree lets you register to practise in the country where you studied.
- You know which licensing exam you will need afterwards (for example USMLE, PLAB/UKMLA, AMC or FMGE/NExT).
Applying from India? NEET and NMC rules
- NEET-UG qualified. Required to practise in India after an MBBS abroad; the NMC currently accepts the result for three years.
- PCB marks: at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (40% for SC/ST/OBC, 45% for PwD), plus English.
- The course runs at least 54 months, followed by a 12-month internship at the same university.
- The whole course is taught in English, and you finish within 10 years of joining.
- After graduating: pass FMGE (to be replaced by NExT) and complete a 12-month supervised internship in India.
Source: NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021
How admission works, step by step
Free counselling
We look at your marks, budget and plans, including where you want to practise, and explain the trade-offs honestly.
Shortlist
We compare universities on recognition, clinical training, language support and the total six-year cost.
Apply
We prepare and check your documents, then submit your application to the universities you choose.
Admission letter
Once a university admits you, we help you check the offer and the fee schedule before you pay anything.
Visa
We guide your invitation, visa file and medical tests, and prepare you for embassy steps.
Fly and enrol
Pre-departure briefing, travel planning and help with hostel, registration and arrival formalities.
Documents you’ll usually need
- School-leaving mark sheets and certificates
- Entrance or qualifying exam scorecard, where required (NEET-UG for Indian applicants)
- Passport (valid well beyond your travel date)
- Passport-size photographs
- Birth certificate (attested or apostilled if requested)
- Medical fitness certificate, including HIV test
- Admission letter or invitation from the university
- Proof of fee payment and funds, as the embassy requires
What MBBS in Bulgaria costs
Tuition≈ EUR 7,000–8,000 / year
Varies by university and city. Some universities charge the first year’s fee plus a one-time admission fee.
Living costs≈ EUR 400–600 / month
Hostel, food, local transport and day-to-day expenses. Capital cities cost more.
Also budget forOne-time costs
Flights, visa and medical tests, insurance, document attestation and winter clothing where relevant.
These are indicative planning ranges (last reviewed October 2026), not a quote. Fees and exchange rates change, so we confirm the current fee schedule with the university before you pay. Try the study cost calculator to plan a full budget.
Getting your Bulgaria student visa
Students from outside the EU apply for a Bulgarian long-stay (type D) visa for study once the university admits them.
Typical visa file
- Admission confirmation from the university, with Ministry of Education approval
- Valid passport and photographs
- Proof of funds and accommodation
- Health insurance
- Attested and translated academic documents
After you arrive
After arrival, apply for a long-term residence permit through Bulgaria’s Migration Directorate and renew it during your studies.
Visa rules depend on your nationality and change often. This is a planning summary, not legal advice. Always follow the current checklist from the embassy and your university. See how we help with visas.
Living in Bulgaria as an international student
Climate
Four seasons, with warm summers and cold but manageable winters.
Food
International restaurants and groceries in Sofia and Varna; vegetarian food is easy to find.
Work
EU rules allow some part-time work for students with the right residence status. Check current conditions before you rely on it.
Clinical training and careers after graduation
Practise at home
Most countries ask foreign medical graduates to pass a licensing exam and a period of supervised practice. Check your home regulator’s rules early.
Practise elsewhere
Graduates can prepare for other countries’ licensing routes, such as the USMLE (USA), the UKMLA/PLAB (UK) or the AMC exams (Australia), each with its own eligibility rules.
Postgraduate study
Specialisation options depend on where you are licensed. Plan early if you are aiming for a residency or postgraduate seat.
We help you pick a programme that keeps your options open
- Recognition-first shortlisting. We check each option against the licensing rules where you plan to practise.
- Transparent costs. We walk you through the university’s own fee schedule, with no surprise add-ons.
- Documents and visa. We check every document and guide you through the invitation, visa and embassy steps.
- After arrival. Pre-departure briefing and help settling in, from hostel to registration.
MBBS in Bulgaria: common questions
Is there an entrance exam?
Usually yes. Most state medical universities test biology and chemistry, and some interview applicants or test their English too.
Is the degree recognised outside the EU?
Bulgarian medical universities are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Practising outside the EU still means passing that country’s licensing exam, such as the USMLE, PLAB/UKMLA or India’s FMGE/NExT.
Will my MBBS abroad be recognised at home?
Recognition is decided by the medical regulator in the country where you want to practise, not by the university. Most regulators require a listed university, a minimum course length with internship, and a pass in their own licensing exam. Check those rules before you apply.
What is the World Directory of Medical Schools?
It is the global list of medical schools that regulators such as the ECFMG (USA) rely on. Being listed is necessary but not enough on its own: the programme you join must also meet your home regulator’s rules.
Do I have to learn the local language?
Lectures are in English, but clinical training means talking to patients. Most universities teach the local language from year one, and students who take it seriously find hospital rotations much easier.
Explore more countries
Not sure Bulgaria is the right fit?
Talk through your marks, budget and goals with a Gradmire counsellor. Counselling is free and there’s no obligation.
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