EU citizens don’t need a visa to study in the Republic of Bulgaria.

However, within three (3) months of arriving in Bulgaria, they must apply for a long-term residence permit in the EU. This document is issued for a period of 1 (one) year and must be updated for each academic year. An application for a long-term residence permit in the EU can only be submitted after successful admission. 

Citizens of non-EU countries must obtain a visa to study in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Bulgarian student visa with type D

The Bulgarian student visa is valid for a period from 3 to 6 months. International students must apply for a visa at the nearest Bulgarian Embassy/Consulate after receiving an acceptance letter from a higher education institution in Bulgaria.

A list of Bulgarian embassies and consulates around the world can be found on the website:

https://www.bulgariaeducation.info/international-students/list-of-bulgarian-embassies-around-the-world.html 

What documents do I need to submit to get a student visa?

• Valid passport and photos

• Acceptance letter issued by the relevant Higher Education Institution in Bulgaria

• Certificates of Education

• Health insurance for the entire period of study

• Tuition fee receipt

• Confirmation of the availability of sufficient financial resources:

• ability to cover tuition and living expenses, such as a bank statement

• Valid ticket booking

• Proof of residence in Bulgaria

Upon arrival in Bulgaria, non-EU students are asked to apply for a residence permit to confirm their stay in Bulgaria. Students are asked to apply for a residence permit after final registration at their universities.

How do I get a student residence permit?

Students must apply for a residence/long-term residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria after entering Bulgaria. International students must apply for a residence permit at the nearest office of the Bulgarian Migration Department of the National Migration Authority.

What is the validity period of the permit?

This permit is valid for 1 year.

Who can get a student residence permit?

• A student residence permit is issued to a student, foreigners for conducting scientific research, trainees, foreigners on Business tours and scientists.

• Students are issued a Bulgarian identity card for a long-term student permit.

What documents do you need to submit to obtain a residence permit?

• Application form

• A copy of a valid national passport

• Certificate of no criminal record

• Proof of residence in Bulgaria:

• Official contract to confirm the address

• Proof of health insurance for EU citizens and compulsory health insurance for the entire period of stay in Bulgaria for non-EU citizens

• Evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover expenses for the entire period of stay in Bulgarian:

• A certified copy of your parents' declaration of financial support and notarized

• A bank statement that can also be submitted as proof of financial resources

• A document issued by a Bulgarian educational institution indicating that you are registered as a full-time student at the institution

• Letter of admission/admission issued by the Ministry of Education, Youth and science of the Republic of Bulgaria

What is the amount of residence permit fees?

Student residence permit fees must be paid to the Migration Service Bank.

• Application price: 5 euros

• 1-year fee is 250 euros

• The Bulgarian identity card fee is 22.5 euros

How long does it take to get a residence permit?

The application processing time is 14 days.

Can a student work with a visa to study in Bulgaria?

International students in Bulgaria are allowed to work part-time for no more than 20 hours per week and with a student permit, provided that they are studying in an educational program at any Bulgarian University, and can combine their duties without neglecting their studies.

Requirements for admission to Bulgarian universities

The first stage of securing or obtaining admission to any Bulgarian University or higher education institution is the application stage. The procedure is very simple, and applicants who can provide the necessary documents do not need additional tests or documents.

What documents should I submit for admission?

• A university application that is filled out and signed by the applicant, solely indicating their level of proficiency in the language of instruction in which the program offered to them is offered, for example, courses are taught in Bulgarian, English, German, French at several universities in the country.

  
  For undergraduate students:

• A certified and valid copy of the high school graduation certificate and results showing their individual grades in key subjects.

  
  For graduate students:

• A certified copy of their bachelor's / master's degree or certificate and transcripts with detailed information about courses and grades received during the last two years of study.

• A letter from the governing body about where the applicant was issued a diploma or certificate of completion of Secondary School, stating that the applicant has the right to study at any higher institution in his country.

• Certificate of health status from a reputable medical institution no later than one month before submitting the application.

• A copy of the page with the bio data of the applicant's passport or identity card

• 4 passport photos which were taken recently

• Language Proficiency Certificate; English: IELTS: 6.0; TOEFL: 550.

To enroll in programs offered in these languages, you must also be proficient in French and German.

Please note that Bulgarian universities reserve the right to request their own application documents that they wish, as all their application processes have independent procedures that they deem necessary to accept. In addition, all of the above documents must be certified and issued in Bulgarian.

What is the cost of studying in Bulgaria?

Tuition fees may vary depending on the university, course, and language.

It is worth noting that studying in Bulgarian language is cheaper than in English.

The price of training depends on the level of training:

• Bachelor's degree - from 2900 to 3900 euros per year

• Master's degree - from 3000 to 3900 euros per year

• Doctor's degree - from 4000 to 8000 euros per year.

Is it possible to study in Bulgaria on a scholarship?

Bulgarian universities offer fully and partially funded scholarships for international students. The amount and funding depends on the student's academic performance.

Financial support is provided:

• Citizens and residents of Bulgaria

• Holders of dual citizenship, one of which is Bulgarian

• Foreigners of Bulgarian origin (must be legally confirmed)

• Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland. 

Students who do not fall into any of these categories can rarely receive a monthly scholarship at private universities. If the student performs well, they have the right to apply for it starting from the second semester. 

Preparatory programs at Bulgarian universities

In Bulgaria, you can study in English or Bulgarian. If the language proficiency level is insufficient (below B2), students can take one-year preparatory courses at local universities. Their cost ranges from 2000-2600 dollars USA. Most of these programs focus on intensive language learning, but in some cases there is an optional second year, where special subjects are included so that the student can learn professional vocabulary.