Studying in Bulgaria: What do applicants need to know?

Diplomas from Bulgarian higher education institutions are recognized in all EU countries. Getting an education in Bulgaria is an opportunity to find a prestigious, well-paid job, build a successful career, and increase your chances of immigration.

Citizens of Ukraine, the former CIS, who have provided a document on secondary education, can become a Bulgarian student. There are private and public educational institutions in the country:

• university;
• specialized higher schools;
• colleges.

Training takes place in English or Bulgarian, depending on the chosen program, specialization. Upon completion, you can get a bachelor's, master's, doctoral degree.

Secrets of successful admission to a university in Bulgaria

Entry requirements are quite strict. Applicants must provide a certificate of completion of secondary education or a diploma of higher education. The minimum acceptable level of achievement is 62%, which corresponds to the national assessment of “good”. This is the only criterion for assessing the level of pre-university training of applicants. There are no entrance exams in the country.

Applicants, in addition to a document on secondary education, provide a brief questionnaire with biographical data, a certificate of knowledge of the national or English language, a medical certificate, evidence of financial solvency. A complete list of documents, as well as the terms of enrollment for the first and second semesters, are presented on the official websites of educational institutions.

The main difficulty in admission is the insufficient level of the Bulgarian language. Each university has a faculty of language training. It is reasonable to enter the preparatory department and study the Bulgarian language for two semesters, and only then enter the training in the chosen specialty.

To enroll in a university where teaching takes place in English, you need to pass the international tests TOEFL or IELTS.

After reviewing the documents, the candidate is assigned an introductory interview, according to the results of which he can pay for the training and receive an official invitation to the country.

Features of moving for training

If the university gave a positive answer, you need to apply for a long-term visa with the right to reside in the country for up to 12 months. Obtaining an immigrant visa is the first and mandatory step in obtaining a residence permit.

Foreign students in Bulgaria receive a residence permit in the country for a period of one year and the right to extend the status for the period of continuing their studies (subject to good academic performance).

Upon graduation from the university, the residence permit loses its legal force, but there is a high probability of successful employment in the country and maintaining the legal status of residence.

When planning your studies, it is important to pay attention to financial issues. Many universities offer hostels for students. Accommodation is paid, but the cost is lower than renting an apartment. Other expenditure items of the student are meals, transport, leisure activities. On average, these expenses do not exceed 500 euros per month, which is less than in other European countries.

Choosing a university and specialty

All Bulgarian higher education institutions are accredited and work according to the standards of the European Union. Subject rankings of universities are compiled annually, which can be studied to make a decision on the choice. The authoritative ratings annually include:

• Plovdiv Medical University. During the period of its work, the state university has trained more than 22 thousand therapists, dentists, obstetricians and other medical specialists. Clinical base - Snt Gordge University Hospital, the largest in the country;
• New Bulgarian University in Sofia, a private for-profit institution founded in 1991. Academic profile - humanities, art history, new technologies;
• Technical University in Varna. Faculties - shipbuilding, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automation and computer technology.

When choosing a university and specialization, it is worth evaluating your own inclinations for a particular field of knowledge, financial situation, and the level of knowledge of Bulgarian or English.

Prospects for studying in Bulgaria

Bulgaria attracts international students with high quality education and affordable prices. The Bulgarian scientific school in the field of mathematics, medicine, engineering, linguistics has earned worldwide recognition. After graduation, young professionals have brilliant prospects:

• diploma with international recognition;
• the right to work without a special permit;
• internships and work in international companies.

There is always a demand for graduates of Bulgarian universities from employers. Many foreign students find work at numerous start-up enterprises in the country, receive offers from companies with experience and prospects.