Why Should you Study in Bulgaria?
Find all the study programs in Bulgaria
About- Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a country located in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. Bulgaria has a rich history and culture, with influences from the Thracians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. The country is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Balkan Mountains, the Black Sea coast, and the Rhodope Mountains. The capital and largest city is Sofia. Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. The official language is Bulgarian, and the currency is the Bulgarian lev.
Religion
Bulgaria is a predominantly Christian country, with the majority of the population belonging to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Other religions represented in the country include Islam, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, and Judaism.
Tourist Attractions
Bulgaria is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. Some of the top tourist attractions in Bulgaria are:
Sofia – The capital city of Bulgaria is a must-visit place for its historic landmarks, museums, and galleries.
Rila Monastery – A UNESCO World Heritage site, this monastery is a fine example of Bulgarian architecture and art.
Plovdiv – The second-largest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv is a cultural hub and has a lot of historic sites.
Black Sea Coast – Bulgaria’s coastline on the Black Sea is a popular tourist destination for its stunning beaches, resorts, and nightlife.
Varna – A coastal city in Bulgaria, Varna is known for its Roman ruins, museums, and festivals.
Seven Rila Lakes – A group of seven glacier lakes located in Rila mountain, this place is a popular destination for trekking and hiking.
Belogradchik Rocks – These rock formations located in the northwest of Bulgaria are a unique natural phenomenon and a popular tourist attraction.
Melnik – A small town famous for its wine, historic architecture, and beautiful scenery.
Bansko – A mountain resort town in southwestern Bulgaria, Bansko is known for its skiing, hot springs, and historic landmarks.
Bachkovo Monastery – Another historic monastery located in the Rhodope Mountains, this place is known for its unique architecture and beautiful murals.
Food
Bulgarian cuisine is influenced by its Balkan and Mediterranean neighbors, as well as by its Slavic roots. Traditional Bulgarian dishes often feature fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. Some popular dishes include:
- Shopska salad: a refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, topped with feta cheese
- Banitsa: a savory pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and a filling of cheese, eggs, and sometimes spinach or pumpkin
- Kebapche: grilled minced meat shaped like a sausage, often served with a side of fries and a tomato and onion salad
- Tarator: a chilled soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill
- Moussaka: a baked dish made with layers of sliced potatoes, eggplant, and ground meat, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce
- Lyutenitsa: a thick vegetable spread made with roasted peppers, tomatoes, and spices, often served on bread.
Bulgaria is also known for its wines, particularly red wines, and for its yogurt, which is said to have health benefits due to the unique bacterial strains used in its production.
Language
Bulgarian is the official language of Bulgaria and is spoken by the majority of the population. It is a member of the Slavic language family and uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Minority languages, such as Turkish and Romani, are also spoken in Bulgaria. English is becoming increasingly popular and is often taught in schools, particularly in higher education. Other languages, such as German and French, are also taught as foreign languages in schools and universities.
Politics
Bulgaria is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. The President of Bulgaria is the head of state, but the Prime Minister, who is the head of government, holds most of the power. The Parliament of Bulgaria is a unicameral body, consisting of 240 members. The country has a multi-party system, with a range of political parties represented in the Parliament. Bulgaria’s political system has undergone significant changes since the end of Communist rule in 1989, and the country is still working to build a strong, stable democracy.
Currency
The official currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). One lev is divided into 100 stotinki. Banknotes are available in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 leva, while coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 stotinki, as well as 1 and 2 leva.
Geography
Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe, situated in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. Bulgaria’s landscape is diverse and includes the Balkan Mountains, the Danube Plain, and the Thracian Plain. The country has a coastline on the Black Sea, which provides opportunities for beach tourism.
Life in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a beautiful and affordable country with a rich history and culture. Here are some highlights of life in Bulgaria:
Food – Bulgarian cuisine is a mixture of Mediterranean and Eastern European influences. Some popular dishes include banitsa (a pastry made with cheese and eggs), kebapche (a type of grilled meat), and shopska salad (a tomato and cucumber salad with feta cheese).
Festivals and holidays – Bulgaria celebrates a number of traditional festivals and holidays, including Baba Marta (a holiday celebrating the arrival of spring), Kukeri (a masked parade to scare away evil spirits), and the Rose Festival (a celebration of the Bulgarian rose and its products).
Nightlife- Bulgaria has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and music venues. The capital city of Sofia is particularly known for its nightlife.
Outdoor activities – Bulgaria is a great destination for outdoor activities, with opportunities for hiking, skiing, and beach-going. The country is home to several mountain ranges, as well as the Black Sea coast.
Cost of living – Bulgaria is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, with low costs for food, transportation, and accommodation. This makes it an attractive destination for students on a budget.
Overall, Bulgaria offers a rich cultural experience and a high quality of life for students looking to study abroad.
Accommodation Available
International students in Bulgaria have several options for accommodation:
Student dormitories – Most universities in Bulgaria have student dormitories available for international students. These are usually located on or near the campus and offer affordable accommodation. Rent for a dormitory room can range from 100-250 BGN per month.
Private apartments or rooms – Some students choose to rent a private apartment or room. This can be more expensive than a dormitory, with rent ranging from 300-600 BGN per month.
Homestay – Some families in Bulgaria offer homestay accommodation for international students. This can be a good way to experience Bulgarian culture and improve language skills. Homestay accommodation usually includes meals and can cost around 600-800 BGN per month.
It is important to research and compare different accommodation options before making a decision. Many universities in Bulgaria offer assistance to international students in finding accommodation.
Other Living Expenses
Aside from tuition fees and accommodation, international students in Bulgaria should also consider other living expenses such as:
Food and groceries – A typical meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around 8-10 BGN, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 20-25 BGN. Groceries for a week can cost around 50-60 BGN.
Transportation – A one-way ticket for public transport costs around 1.60 BGN. Monthly passes are also available for students.
Books and study materials – Textbooks and other study materials can cost around 100-200 BGN per semester, depending on the program of study.
Health insurance – International students are required to have health insurance in Bulgaria, which can cost around 200-300 BGN per year.
Entertainment and leisure – Movie tickets, concerts, and other cultural events can cost around 15-20 BGN. Clubs and bars can be more expensive, with drinks costing around 10-15 BGN.
These expenses can vary depending on the location and lifestyle of the student, but it is important to factor them into the overall cost of studying in Bulgaria.
Top Universities- Bulgaria
Here are some of the top universities in Bulgaria:
- Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
- Technical University of Sofia
- New Bulgarian University
- American University in Bulgaria
- University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”
- Medical University of Sofia
- Burgas Free University
- University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”
- Varna University of Management
- St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo
These universities offer a wide range of degree programs and are known for their high-quality education and research opportunities. Sofia University is the oldest and largest university in Bulgaria and is known for its strong programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Technical University of Sofia is one of the leading institutions in Bulgaria for engineering and technology. New Bulgarian University offers a variety of programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, while the American University in Bulgaria provides a liberal arts education with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving.
Degrees Available
Bulgaria offers a wide range of degree programs at all levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate and doctoral. The most common fields of study available in Bulgaria include:
- Business and Economics
- Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science and IT
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities and Arts
- Natural Sciences
There are several universities in Bulgaria that offer English-taught degree programs, making it easier for international students to pursue higher education in the country. In addition, some universities offer joint degree programs with partner institutions in other countries, which can provide students with a unique and valuable educational experience.
Study Visa- Bulgaria
Requirements of a Study Visa
To obtain a study visa for Bulgaria, international students typically need to follow these requirements:
Acceptance letter: Students must first receive an acceptance letter from a Bulgarian educational institution in order to apply for a study visa.
Valid passport: Students must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity left.
Application form: Students must fill out a visa application form and provide all the necessary information.
Passport photo: Students must provide a passport-sized photo.
Proof of financial support: Students must show that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses in Bulgaria during their studies. This can be in the form of bank statements or a scholarship award letter.
Health insurance: Students must have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Bulgaria.
Criminal record certificate: Students must provide a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities in their home country.
Language proficiency: Students may need to demonstrate proficiency in Bulgarian or another language, depending on the language of instruction at their chosen institution.
It is important for students to check the specific visa requirements for their country of origin and chosen educational institution, as these may vary. Students should also allow plenty of time to complete the visa application process and to ensure that they have all the necessary documents and information.
Applying in University
To apply to a university in Bulgaria, international students typically need to follow these steps:
Research universities and programs: Students should research different universities and programs to find the best fit for their academic goals and interests.
Check admission requirements: Students should review the admission requirements for their chosen university and program to ensure they meet all the criteria.
Complete application form: Students need to fill out and submit an application form for the program they wish to apply for. This can usually be done online.
Submit required documents: Students need to submit all required documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, and language proficiency test scores.
Pay application fee: Some universities may require students to pay an application fee.
Wait for admission decision: After submitting the application and required documents, students will need to wait for the university to make an admission decision.
Accept admission offer: If the student is accepted, they will need to accept the admission offer and complete any additional steps required by the university, such as submitting a deposit.
It is important for students to check the specific admission procedures and deadlines for their chosen university and program, as these may vary. Students are also advised to start the application process well in advance to ensure they have enough time to complete all the necessary steps.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for international students who wish to study in Bulgaria depend on the university and the specific program they wish to apply for. However, most universities require the following documents and qualifications:
Completed application form: Students need to fill out and submit an application form for the program they wish to apply for. This can usually be done online.
High school diploma: Students need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for admission. The diploma must be certified and translated into Bulgarian or English.
Language proficiency: Students need to demonstrate their proficiency in the language of instruction of the program they wish to apply for. Most universities require a certain level of proficiency in Bulgarian or English, depending on the program.
Transcripts: Students need to submit their academic transcripts from high school and any previous higher education institutions attended.
Entrance exams: Some universities may require students to take entrance exams for certain programs.
Passport: Students need to have a valid passport.
It is important to note that the specific admission requirements may vary depending on the university and the program of study. Students are advised to check with the university for specific admission requirements and procedures.
Bulgaria- Scholarships
There are several scholarships available for international students who wish to study in Bulgaria. Here are some of the most popular scholarships:
Bulgarian Government Scholarships: The Bulgarian government offers scholarships to international students who wish to study in Bulgarian universities. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and medical insurance.
Erasmus+ Program: The Erasmus+ program is a European Union initiative that provides financial support to international students who wish to study in Europe. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend.
America for Bulgaria Foundation Scholarships: The America for Bulgaria Foundation offers scholarships to international students who wish to study in Bulgaria. These scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses.
AUBG Academic Scholarships: The American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) offers several academic scholarships to international students who wish to study in AUBG. These scholarships cover tuition fees.
CEU Democracy Scholarships: The Central European University (CEU) offers Democracy Scholarships to international students who wish to study in CEU. These scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and application procedures for each scholarship may vary. Students are advised to check with the scholarship provider for specific instructions and requirements.
