Bulgaria is a country that has a lot to offer for aspiring medical students. Not only does it have a rich history, culture, and nature, but it also has a high-quality and affordable education system that is recognized across Europe and beyond. Bulgaria has become a hub of higher education in the region, especially in the field of medicine. At the best medical universities in Bulgaria, you can high-quality education, and prepare yourself for a successful career in the medical field. According to the latest statistics, there are more than 11,000 international students in Bulgaria, coming from over 100 countries.
Six universities offer medical studies in English, covering various specialties and disciplines. These are:
- Medical University of Sofia
- Medical University of Plovdiv
- Medical University of Varna
- Medical University of Pleven
- Medical University of Stara Zagora
- Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski
All these universities offer a general medicine program of six years which grants a Master of Medicine (MM) degree to the student. The tuition ranges between 7,000-8,000 EUR per year.
Getting admission to medical universities in Bulgaria is not very difficult, as long as the applicant meets the minimum entry requirements. One of the biggest advantages of studying medicine in Bulgaria is the low tuition fees and living costs, which are much lower than in many other European countries. For example, the average tuition fee for medicine is around 8,000 EUR per year, and the average monthly living cost is around 300-500 EUR.
Overview of Best Medical Universities in Bulgaria
| Degree Offered | Doctor of Medicine |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Eligibility |
|
| Tuition Fees | 8,000-9,000 EUR |
| Scholarships | Available |
| Career Prospects |
|
| Median Salary for Graduates | 26,000 BGN (13,265 EUR) |
Why Study Medicine in Bulgaria?
Cost of Education: Bulgaria is known for its relatively affordable tuition fees compared to other European countries. This makes it an attractive option for international students, including those pursuing medical degrees.
Accredited Medical Programs: Bulgarian medical schools are accredited by international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union. This ensures that the education and degrees obtained in Bulgaria are recognized globally.
English Language Programs: Many medical schools in Bulgaria offer programs in English, making it accessible to international students who may not be fluent in Bulgarian.
Quality of Education: Bulgaria has a history of providing high-quality education, and its medical schools maintain standards that align with European and global educational benchmarks. Some medical schools in Bulgaria collaborate with international institutions to enhance the quality of education.
EU Membership: Bulgaria is a member of the European Union (EU). This membership can be advantageous for students in terms of mobility within the EU, which may be important for future career opportunities or further education.
Clinical Training Opportunities: Medical students in Bulgaria often have access to modern medical facilities and equipment. Some medical schools have partnerships with hospitals and clinics, providing students with hands-on clinical training opportunities.
Safety and Quality of Life: Bulgaria is known for its safety and relatively low cost of living compared to many Western European countries. This can contribute to a positive quality of life for international students.
Best Medical Universities in Bulgaria
Medical University of Sofia
The Medical University of Sofia is a public university in Bulgaria that was founded in 1917 as a medical faculty of Sofia University. It is the oldest and largest institution for higher medical education in the country and has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and health care. The university offers programs in medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, public health, and health care at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. It also has a medical college and a subsidiary in Vratsa. The university has been accredited by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency with a score of 9.56 out of 10, and its programs have also received high ratings. The university has about 10,460 students, including international students from various countries. The university is also involved in international cooperation and mobility, such as the Erasmus+ program and the European Scientific Infrastructure for Translational Medicine.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Doctor of Medicine | 6 years | 9,000 EUR |
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Medical University of Plovdiv
The Medical University of Plovdiv is a prestigious institution in Bulgaria that offers high-quality education and research in the fields of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and public health. The university was founded in 1945 and has a rich history of achievements and innovations. The university has four faculties, a medical college, a department of languages and specialized training, and a hospital with 2000 beds. The university is accredited by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency and the European Association of Medical Schools. The university has about 5000 students, including 1000 international students from more than 40 countries. The university offers programs in Bulgarian and English languages, as well as preparatory courses for foreign students. The application deadline for the academic year 2024/25 will probably be July 2024. The university has a competitive admission process that involves an online entrance test in biology and chemistry, as well as an English language diagnostic test. The university also provides various scholarships, grants, and financial aid for its students.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Doctor of Medicine | 6 years | 9,000 EUR |
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Medical University of Varna
The Medical University of Varna was founded in 1961 as a Higher Medical Institute, and renamed in 1995 after its patron, Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov. The university has four faculties: Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, and Public Health, as well as a Medical College, a Department of Foreign Languages, Communication and Sports, and a Centre for Professional Education. The university offers programs in English and Bulgarian, leading to the degrees of Master, Bachelor, and Professional Bachelor. The university also has a strong research profile, with a Research Institute and numerous scientific projects and publications. The application deadline for the programs in English is July 31st for EU citizens and June 30th for non-EU citizens.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | 6 years | 9,000 EUR |
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Medical University of Pleven
The Medical University of Pleven is one of the four medical universities in Bulgaria and the only one in the city of Pleven. It was founded in 1974 based on the former regional hospital established in 1865. The university has a modern preclinical base, a hospital with specialized clinics, and research sections. It offers four faculties: Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Health Care, as well as a college with three specialties. The university has about 3000 students, of which 2/3 are Bulgarians and the rest are foreigners from 45 countries. The university was the first in Bulgaria to introduce the study program “Medicine in English” in 1997, which is designed for international students. The university is accredited by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency of Bulgaria and is a member of the European University Association.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Doctor of Medicine | 6 years | 8,500 EUR |
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Trakia University of Stara Zagora
Trakia University is a public university located in the city of Stara Zagora, in the historical region of Thrace. It was founded in 1995 and has since become one of the leading universities in Bulgaria, ranking sixth among 51 universities in the country. The university offers a variety of programs in Bulgarian and English, including medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, engineering, education, and economics. The university is accredited by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency and has received full institutional accreditation. The university has about 10,000 students, of which 1,500 are foreign students from 35 countries.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Doctor in Medicine (MD) | 6 years | 6,500 EUR |
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Sofia University “St. Clement Ohridiski”
Sofia University “St. Clement Ohridiski” is the oldest and most prestigious institution of higher education in Bulgaria. It was founded in 1888, ten years after the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire. It has a rich history of academic excellence, cultural and educational tradition, and social and political influence. It offers 119 degree courses in humanities and sciences, across 16 faculties and three departments. It has over 21,000 students, including many international students from various countries. It is accredited by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science and is a member of the European University Association. The university has 16 faculties and three departments, offering a wide range of degree programs in humanities, sciences, medicine, law, theology, and more. The Faculty of Medicine is one of the oldest and most respected in the country, with a history dating back to 1917. It has a modern curriculum, a well-equipped hospital, and a strong research profile. The faculty offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, public health, and nursing.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | 6 years | 7,700 EUR |
Suggested Reading: American University in Bulgaria (AUBG), Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best medical universities in Bulgaria offer high-quality education in English for aspiring doctors who want to study abroad. However, there are not many options to pursue medicine in English in Bulgaria, as only a few universities have this program. Therefore, it is important to consider factors such as budget, scholarships, reputation, accreditation, curriculum, location, and student life before committing to a university. We understand the struggle of the admission process and are here to help you! Let our admission experts at OneApply, guide you to the perfect choice for you, considering your ambitions and goals. Book your free video call appointment now!
