Bulgaria has emerged as a popular destination for international students who want to pursue medical studies. With six medical universities that offer English-taught programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine, Bulgaria provides high-quality education and faculty that meet global standards. Moreover, studying and living in Bulgaria is relatively cheaper than many other places. The cost of medical studies in Bulgaria usually ranges from 3,000 EUR to 9,000 EUR per year and the living costs are low, including rent, food, and utilities. Students can also benefit from the cultural diversity, the rich history, and the natural beauty of Bulgaria, as well as the opportunities to travel and explore other European countries. Studying medicine in Bulgaria can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for those who are passionate about the field and want to make a difference in the world.
In this article, we will break down the cost of pursuing medical education in Bulgaria, including in different specializations such as dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, etc.
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.
Cost of Medical Studies in Bulgaria: Master of Medicine
The program of medicine in Bulgaria is six years long and leads to a Master of Medicine degree. The program is offered in English or Bulgarian, depending on the university. The average tuition fee for medicine in English is 9000 EUR per year.
| University Name | Annual Tuition (2023/24) |
| Medical University of Sofia | 9,000 EUR |
| Medical University of Plevan | 8,500 EUR |
| Medical University of Varna | 9,000 EUR |
| Medical University of Plovdiv | 9,000 EUR |
| Trakia University of Stara Zagora | 6,500 EUR |
| Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” | 7,700 EUR |
Suggested Reading: Best Medical Universities in Bulgaria
Cost of Medical Studies in Bulgaria: Dentistry
The Dentistry program in Bulgaria is five and a half years long and leads to a Master of Dental Medicine degree. The average tuition fee for dentistry in English is 9000 EUR per year
| University Name | Annual Tuition (2023/24) |
| Medical University of Sofia | 9,000 EUR |
| Medical University of Varna | 9,000 EUR |
| Medical University of Plovdiv | 9,000 EUR |
Suggested Reading: Job Opportunities After Medical Studies in Bulgaria
Cost of Medical Studies in Bulgaria: Pharmacy
The pharmacy program is usually five years long and leads to a Master of Pharmacy degree. The program is offered in English or Bulgarian, depending on the university. The average tuition fee for pharmacy in English is 6000 EUR per year.
| University Name | Annual Tuition (2023/24) |
| Medical University of Sofia | 6,000 EUR |
| Medical University of Varna | 6,000 EUR |
| Medical University of Plovdiv | 6,000 EUR |
| Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” | 6,000 EUR |
Suggested Reading: Cost of Medical Studies in the UK
Cost of Medical Studies in Bulgaria: Nursing
Most nursing programs in Bulgaria are taught in Bulgarian, and there are only two universities that offer the program in English. The program is usually four years long and costs around 3,500 EUR per year.
| University Name | Annual Tuition (2023/24) |
| Medical University of Sofia | 4,000 EUR |
| Medical University of Plevan | 3,200 EUR |
Suggested Reading: Cost of Medical Study (MBBS/MD) in UAE
Cost of Living in Bulgaria
The living costs in Bulgaria are also low compared to other European countries, making it an attractive destination for international students who want to pursue higher education without breaking the bank. The average monthly living cost for a student in Bulgaria is between 500 and 550 USD, excluding rent. This includes expenses for food, transportation, utilities, entertainment, and health insurance. The rent for a single-bedroom apartment in Bulgaria ranges from 200 to 450 USD per month, depending on the city and the location. The dormitories are even cheaper, costing around 100 to 150 USD per month. However, the cost of living in Bulgaria can vary depending on the lifestyle and preferences of the student. Some students may spend more on eating out, traveling, or shopping, while others may save more by cooking at home, using public transport, or taking advantage of student discounts. For example, a cappuccino in Bulgaria costs about 1 USD, while a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs about 5 USD. A one-way ticket for local transport costs about 0.8 USD, while a monthly pass costs about 25 USD. A cinema ticket costs about 6 USD, while a fitness club membership costs about 25 USD per month. Therefore, students can adjust their budgets according to their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of medical studies in Bulgaria is relatively affordable and cheap compared to other European countries. Bulgaria offers high-quality education that meets global standards and is recognized by the NMC and WHO. Students can choose from a variety of courses, such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine, taught in English by experienced faculty. Moreover, Bulgaria has a low living cost and a rich cultural diversity that makes it an attractive destination for international students. However, cost is not the only factor that should influence the decision to study abroad. You should also consider other aspects, such as the admission requirements, the curriculum, the accreditation, the facilities, the language, the climate, and the opportunities for further studies or career development. Therefore, it’s important to do thorough research and consult reliable sources before applying to any medical university in Bulgaria. For more help regarding the same, contact our admission experts at OneApply. Book your free video call appointment now!
