MBBS in Bulgaria

Overview

Bulgaria, a small but appealing nation on the Balkan Peninsula, which draws plenty of tourists and foreign students. If you make plans to study in Bulgaria, you&rsquoll find a remarkable range of natural environments, from warm, sandy beaches to striking mountains. Above all, the country is a fairly low-cost study destination for medical aspirants.
Bulgaria is one of the oldest European countries. The country&rsquos next-door neighbours are Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, and Romania.

In addition, it is a member state of the EU, NATO, and the UN, and is currently in the process of joining the Schengen Area.

Quick Facts of Bulgaria

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Education system in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian system of higher education welcomes applicants from all around the globe. A good number of Bulgaria&rsquos international students come from Turkey, Greece, and Macedonia, with huge numbers arriving from Nigeria, Germany, Italy, Israel, the UK, Ghana, South Africa, and India, amongst others. Bulgaria follows the Three Stage Education system Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary.

Why study in Bulgaria?

• It offers a safe and friendly living environment to foreign students
• The Medical Universities in Bulgaria are mostly state-owned (Public institutions).
• Affordable Tuition Fees for Medicine in comparison to other European countries
• Low cost of living
• Affordable private or student hostel accommodations
• Three Bulgarian universities are included in the QS University Rankings: EECA 2016, which is a list of the top 200 universities in Emerging Europe and Central Asia.
• Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, which ensures the European standard of education.
• Medical university student transfer accepted.
• Admission occurs twice a year, in February or October.
• Entirely valid Degree in Europe and recognized around the globe.
• Bulgaria delivers a 6-year program that leads to a Master's degree in medicine.

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GMC Recognized Medical Schools in Bulgaria

Studying medicine in Bulgaria has the significant advantage that you can practice in the UK. The Bulgarian universities meet the GMC requirements, as the medicine program is aligned with guidelines for medical education in the European Union. Students are awarded 360 credits and 5,500 hours towards the degree of a student studying medicine in Bulgaria can practice in the UK

Tuition Fees to Study Medicine in Bulgaria

Most English-taught medical universities in Bulgaria have a tuition fee of &euro 8000 per year. However, the annual tuition for relatively small medical schools in Bulgaria would be &euro7000 or &euro7500. Indeed, the tuition fees in Bulgarian medical universities are among the lowest in the European Union.

Medical Universities in Bulgaria

The structure of the Medicine course is in the following way: two years of pre-clinical study, followed by three years of clinical study. The last year or the sixth year is devoted to clinical practice (internship). Graduates are granted a Master's degree along with the professional qualification of a Physician. There are 6 medical schools in Bulgaria, that offer English taught MD programs to international students. Medical Universities are operational for the last 100 years.
Here are the best Medical Universities in Bulgaria for international students pursuing an MBBS or MD degree:

1. Medical University of Varna - It was founded in 1961 and has yielded high-quality international doctors. The university started the Medicine program in English in 2003. Varna is located on the Black Sea beach and is a vibrant tourist city, especially in the summer, while during the winter, it is calmer.

Varna International Airport is just a 15-minute drive away via taxi to the medical university. In general, it is the most competitive university in the country to gain admission. The entrance exam should be well prepared for by the students. The tuition fee for Medicine is &euro8000 per year.

2. Plovdiv Medical University - It is nestled inside the small town of Plovdiv. This medical university was founded in 1945. The Medical University of Plovdiv is in a cozy town in Bulgaria, known as the oldest city in the country.

The institute enrolls about 300 students per year. Flights are not as frequent to Plovdiv International Airport, so most students travel to Sofia International Airport and then get a taxi or bus to Plovdiv. The taxi journey is about 45-50 mins and will cost about &euro75 per journey.

For admission to this university, the applicants need to appear in a competitive entrance exam and score over 70%. The annual tuition fee for the medicine program is &euro 8000.

3. Medical University in Sofia- It is located in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria in Eastern Europe, and is the oldest medical school in the country. The university has a large region for 400 international students hoping to study in the English medical program.

The Medical University is typically a 20-minute taxi journey from the airport.

For admission, students will have to appear in an entrance exam held by the university. The entrance exams are held around early September.

The tuition fee for Medicine is about &euro 9000 each year.

4. Pleven Medical University - Pleven Medical University is located in Pleven, Bulgaria. The university only has English-taught medical courses. The academic year starts in February, and the university demands an entrance exam. The tuition fee is &euro 7500 per year.

5. Trakia Medical University - The University is located in a small city in the mountains called Stara Zagora. The nearest airport is Sofia International Airport which is a 2-hour taxi ride away. Tuition costs are 7000 &euro per year for medicine.

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Cost of Hostel and Accommodation in Bulgaria:

In Bulgaria, most universities have dormitories of their own. These dorms generally offer basic facilities such as a bed, study desk, and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Above all, private student residences are also available and are usually privately owned that offer accommodation to international students. They are usually equipped with much better facilities such as air conditioning, internet access, and laundry facilities.

In university dormitories, the cost is usually between 100 and 300 Bulgarian leva per month ( approximately 50-150 EUR ). While the cost of private student residences are higher and can range from 300 to 800 Bulgarian leva per month ( approximately 150-400 EUR ).

Cost of Living in Bulgaria

Average living costs in Sofia are around &euro300-400 per month without rent. Average living costs in smaller cities like Plovdiv, Varna, and Pleven are around &euro300. Generally speaking, the cost of living in Bulgaria for international students is the lowest in the EU.

Eligibility Criteria for Medicine in Bulgaria

In order to enroll for Medicine program in Bulgarian Medical University, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be at least 17 years of age.
• Biology and chemistry courses in 10+2 Grades and the average score of those two subjects is required to be not less than 65%
• English Proficiency(IMF/TOFEL)

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Application Deadline

For application deadline in Bulgarian Universities, refer to the table below:

Medicine Syllabus in Bulgaria

The Medical Universities in Bulgaria follow the ECTS System. The student earns 430 Credits in the entire Medicine study (6 years). The structure of the Medicine course in Bulgaria is as follows: two years of pre-clinical study, followed by three years of clinical study. The 6th year or last year of study is devoted to clinical practice (internship).

Pre and Para Clinical Subject

Clinical subjects

If we ask the question, how many years of the Bulgarian Internship will be equivalent to an Indian Medical education or MBBS? If we examine, the answer would be a Bulgarian Clerkship (~90 Credit) equivalent to 1-1/2 years of Indian MBBS. Hence, it is much more than the NMC requirement.

Clinical Clerkship or Internship

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Documents Required for Admission in Bulgaria

Here is the list of documents required, for admission to Bulgarian Universities:

• Apostle, Notarized and translated copies of Academic certificates (10th, 10+2 Grade, Leaving or migration Certificate)
• Passport Copy duly certified by the Bulgarian embassy in India.
• Medical certificate stating that the applicant is physically and mentally fit to pursue the Medical Education certified by the Bulgarian embassy in India
• Financial support doc for studies in Bulgaria
• Photographs (passport size),
• Proof of level of English Proficiency Test IELTS band 6 or more
• Application form
• CV signed by the applicant.
• Letter of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose

In addition, to these documents, some universities may require additional materials. Be sure to check with the University for specific requirements.

Scholarships

The Bulgarian Government offers several scholarship programs for international students who wish to study in the country. Moreover, European Union has taken up the initiative, to provide scholarships for international students to study in Bulgaria and other EU countries. The Erasmus+ Program even covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly stipend.
Some of the other scholarship programs available for international students in Bulgaria are:

• Bulgarian Government Scholarships
• Erasmus+ Program
• Bulgarian Universities Scholarships
• Joint Master Degrees
• Private Scholarships

Note that: International students interested in applying for scholarships in Bulgaria should primarily check the eligibility criteria and application procedures of each program. Or else, one can initiate contact the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science or the international student office for further information.

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Visa processing in Bulgaria for international students

Here are five quick steps you'll need to follow to obtain a visa for Bulgaria as an international student:

1. Choose your study program: Before you can apply for a visa, you'll need to be accepted into a Bulgarian educational institution. Once accepted, you'll receive an official letter of acceptance.
2. Apply for a visa: You can apply for a Bulgarian visa at the Bulgarian embassy. You must submit the necessary paperwork:

• Your passport (valid for at least 6 months or the duration of stay in Bulgaria)
• Two passport-sized photos
• Proof of acceptance at a Bulgarian educational institution
• Evidence of financial support (e.g. bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.)
• Proof of medical insurance
• A completed visa application form

3. Wait for processing: The processing time for Bulgarian visas can vary, but it generally takes several weeks to a month. Hence, apply for your visa as early as possible to steer clear of any delays.
4. Travel to Bulgaria: Once your visa has been approved, you can travel to Bulgaria. Make sure to bring along your passport and visa with you.
5. Register with local authorities: Within five days of your arrival in Bulgaria, you'll need to register with the local authorities. Your educational institution can guide you through this process.

Visa Requirements: As a student, you need to obtain a D Visa, and for that, you have to visit the Bulgarian Embassy or the Consulate in the respective country.
Note- The Ministry of Education and Science issues the Certificate of Admittance which confirms the acceptance or rejection of the applicant.

FAQ

What are the requirements to study in Bulgaria as an international student?

International students must have a valid high school diploma or equivalent and meet the language requirements for their chosen program of study. They may also need to pass an entrance exam or submit additional documentation.

What are the most popular subjects to study in Bulgaria?

Bulgarian universities offer a wide range of programs, but some of the most popular subjects for international students include medicine, engineering, business, and IT.

How much does it cost to study in Bulgaria?

Tuition fees vary depending on the program and the institution, but international students should expect to pay between 2,000 and 8,000 EUR per year for undergraduate programs and up to 12,000 EUR per year for graduate programs.

Are there scholarships available for international students studying in Bulgaria?

Yes, there are scholarships available for international students, both from the Bulgarian government and private organizations.

Can international students work while studying in Bulgaria?

Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time while studying in Bulgaria. However, they will need to obtain a work permit from the Bulgarian authorities.

What are the visa requirements for international students in Bulgaria?

International students will need to obtain a student visa before they can study in Bulgaria. They will need to provide proof of enrolment in a Bulgarian university, as well as financial support for their stay in the country.

PG Options After MBBS in Bulgaria