Find the Right University for Your Medical Degree in Bulgaria
Seven state-accredited universities offer Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Veterinary programs fully in English. All degrees are EU-recognised. Compare institutions, programs, and locations below.
Seven universities, four programs, one country
Each institution is state-accredited and issues degrees under the EU higher education framework. Click any university to see full details on programs, tuition, and the application process.
📍 Sofia
Bulgaria’s largest and oldest medical institution, founded in 1917. Operates 14 affiliated teaching hospitals across the capital, giving students broad clinical exposure across multiple specialties.
📍 Plovdiv
One of three institutions in Bulgaria where students can study Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy in English. Active research programs in pharmaceutical chemistry and clinical sciences complement the teaching curriculum.
📍 Varna
Located on the Black Sea coast, Varna has a well-established international student community. The university offers Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy in English, with modern simulation labs for preclinical training.
📍 Pleven
Known for smaller cohort sizes and a close-knit academic environment. The faculty-to-student ratio during clinical years is a distinct advantage for students who prefer more direct faculty access.
📍 Stara Zagora
Trakia University hosts one of Bulgaria’s leading veterinary faculties alongside Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy programs in English. The veterinary teaching clinic handles both small and large animal cases, serving a broad rural and agricultural catchment area.
📍 Burgas
A growing medical faculty on Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast. The university offers Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy in English with modern facilities and a developing international intake. Tuition is competitive relative to larger city institutions.
📍 Sofia
Based in the capital, this faculty offers the full 5.5-year Veterinary Medicine program in English. Students benefit from Sofia’s large urban animal healthcare market, providing diverse clinical exposure across companion, exotic, and production animal species.
Programs available at each university
Use this table to quickly identify which institutions offer the program you want, in the city that suits you.
| University | City | ⚕️ Medicine | 🦷 Dentistry | 💊 Pharmacy | 🐾 Veterinary | Approx. Tuition / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical University of Sofia | Sofia | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | €8,000–€11,000 |
| Medical University of Plovdiv | Plovdiv | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | €8,000–€10,500 |
| Medical University of Varna | Varna | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | €8,000–€10,000 |
| Medical University of Pleven | Pleven | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | €7,500–€9,500 |
| Trakia University Stara Zagora | Stara Zagora | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | €6,500–€9,000 |
| Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov — Burgas | Burgas | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | €7,000–€9,000 |
| University of Forestry — Sofia | Sofia | — | — | — | ✓ | €6,000–€8,000 |
Tuition figures are indicative for international students and may vary between academic years. Confirm exact fees directly with the university.
What makes Bulgarian medical universities a strong choice
Thousands of international students choose Bulgaria each year. Here is what makes the country consistently competitive as a destination for medical education.
EU-Recognised Degrees
All degrees are issued under the EU higher education framework, meaning graduates can pursue professional registration across Europe through standard EU recognition procedures.
Fully English-Taught
Programs are delivered entirely in English. No Bulgarian language requirement for admission — though basic Bulgarian is useful for daily life and some clinical interactions.
Lower Tuition Than Western Europe
Annual tuition for international students runs between €6,000 and €11,000 depending on the program and university — substantially less than comparable programs in Germany, the UK, or Scandinavia.
Affordable Living Costs
Monthly living expenses — accommodation, food, and transport — typically range from €400 to €650, making Bulgaria one of the more affordable countries in the EU for students.
Clinical Training Infrastructure
Universities are affiliated with teaching hospitals and clinics, giving students hands-on patient exposure during the clinical years of their programs.
International Student Community
Students from across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia study alongside each other. The international environment is a feature of all major Bulgarian medical universities.
Not sure which university is right for you?
We guide international students through university selection, entrance exam preparation, and the full application process — free of charge.