Indian students who wish to study in Europe for less cost are increasingly choosing Bulgaria for MBBS which offers a quality education. Because it is much less expensive than UK, US and some private schools in India, Bulgaria provides degree programs in English that are recognized worldwide and welcomes students from all over the globe.
This guide talks about the best universities, how tuition works, the application process, the professions available and fun facts explaining why Bulgaria is a great location for future healthcare professionals.
Why Study MBBS in Bulgaria?
Top Advantages:
- Globally Recognized Degrees: Recognized by Important Health Organizations: NMC, WHO, ECFMG, GMC and the EU
- Affordable Tuition Fees: Tuition Fees Beginning at €7,000/year
- English-Taught MBBS Programs: American-based MBBS Programs: You learn in English from day one.
- Modern Infrastructure: High-tech labs, hospitals and digital classrooms
- Safe and Multicultural Society: A safe and multicultural setting makes the society ideal for international students
- No Donation or Capitation Fees: Member universities do not charge any fees for admission.
- Direct Admission with NEET: Directly entering medical school in Bulgaria, only through NEET
- Easy Visa & Travel: Visiting Bulgaria is simple because it is not part of the Schengen zone
Did You Know?
Since Bulgaria is more affordable than most EU countries, students can easily get their entire MBBS education for under ₹45–₹50 lakhs, not just tuition, but also for housing and living.
Top Medical Universities in Bulgaria – Detailed Overview
1. Medical University – Sofia
- Location: Sofia (Capital City)
- Established: Started in 1917 – the earliest medical university in Bulgaria
- Tuition Fee: €8,000/year
- Program Duration: The duration of the program is 6 years and internship is included.
- Medium of Instruction: English is the language used in all instruction sessions.
- NMC/WHO Recognized: The NMC and WHO have both recognized the course.
- Hostel Facility: A hostel building is available for students.
- Entry Requirement: NEET and having passed Biology & Chemistry in class 12.
Key Features:
- Bulgaria’s first university to provide medical education awarded by ISO
- Being able to train clinically at university hospitals
- A collection of more than 500,000 medical journal and research papers
- Work with over 100 universities from across the globe for both research programs and exchange opportunities
Important Point: One of the most competitive and prestigious universities, often recommended for top-performing Indian students.
2. Medical University – Plovdiv
- Location: Plovdiv – second-largest city, culturally rich
- Founded: 1945
- Fees: €7,500/year
- Program Duration: 6 years
- Recognized by: WHO, NMC, ECFMG
- Medium: English
Why Choose Plovdiv:
- State-of-the-art centers for simulations and lab diagnostics
- Member of both ORPHEUS and AMSE (two medical organizations in Europe)
- Five partnering hospitals provide clinical rotation opportunities.
Fun Fact:
Plovdiv is known as the “European Capital of Culture”, offering students a peaceful, scenic, and academically rich experience.
3. Medical University – Varna
- Location: Varna – coastal city on the Black Sea
- Established: 1961
- Tuition: €8,000/year
- Medium: English
- Program Duration: 6 years
- Recognition: NMC, WHO, GMC UK, ECFMG
Highlights:
- It has a technologically inventive campus such as 3D virtual dissection labs, holograms and interactive tables for learning anatomy
- Home to a major university hospital and Professor Nikolaianu’s clinic
- Learn in ways that benefit patients and are useful in practice.
Important Point: University offers online learning materials and access to EU-standard research, helping students perform better in international licensing exams.
4. Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
- Location: Sofia
- Founded: 1888
- Tuition Fee: €7,500–€8,000/year
- Medium: English
- Duration: 6 years
- Recognized by: NMC, WHO, EU Commission
Unique Strengths:
- The University is recognized in the Top 20 in Eastern Europe.
- Closely connecting ethics and clinical communication skills lessons in the curriculum
- Offers Erasmus exchange programs across Europe
Did You Know?
Sofia University was the first institution in Bulgaria to offer higher education, and its medical faculty continues to be a leader in innovative teaching.
5. Trakia University – Faculty of Medicine
- Location: Stara Zagora
- Founded: 1995
- Fees: €7,000/year
- Medium of Instruction: English
- Recognition: NMC, WHO, GMC
Why It’s Great:
- Ideal for students on a budget who wish to study MBBS.
- Because batches are smaller, producers can give each client personal attention.
- Offers pre-medical courses for students who did not study Biology.
Important Point: The university is well known for its rural healthcare training programs, giving students real-world exposure to patient care.
Comparison Table – MBBS in Bulgaria
| University | City | Fee (€/Year) | Language | NMC Approved | Hostel |
| Medical University – Plovdiv | Plovdiv | €8,000 | English | Yes | Yes |
| Medical University – Varna | Varna | €8,000 | English | Yes | Yes |
| Sofia University | Sofia | €8,000 | English | Yes | Yes |
| Trakia University | Stara Zagora | €8,000 | English | Yes | Yes |
Eligibility & Admission Requirements for Indian Students
To get admission for MBBS in Bulgaria, Indian students must obey these requirements:
- In Physics, Chemistry and Biology, 50% aggregate is necessary after passing 10+2.
- New admission for the current year for those who have received the NEET qualification.
- Valid Passport
- English Proficiency (Basic)
- Most universities do not require entrance exams.
Pro Tip: Students applying through MedicalAbroad receive complete guidance on document preparation and embassy appointments.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
| Applications Open | January–March |
| Offer Letters | April–June |
| Visa Processing | June–August |
| Intake Begins | September–October |
Curriculum Highlights – MBBS in Bulgaria
- During the first year and a half, students study Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology and Histology.
- During years 3 and 4, students study Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology and Clinical skills.
- In Years 5 and 6, students rotate in hospitals, working with Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and OBG.
- During the final year, students complete an internship and present their thesis.
Did You Know?
Bulgaria’s MBBS program uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Case-Based Learning (CBL) models, helping students develop critical thinking and diagnostic skills from early on.
What After MBBS in Bulgaria?
Global Opportunities Await:
- Return to India – Clear NEXT Exam
- Go to the USA – Apply for USMLE
- Go to the UK – Prepare for PLAB
- Practice in Europe – Degree already EU-recognized
- PG Options – Apply for MD/MS in Germany, UK, Bulgaria, or other EU countries
Important Point: Bulgaria’s medical degrees come under the Bologna Process, meaning your education is valid and transferable across 40+ European countries.
Total Cost Breakdown for MBBS in Bulgaria
| Expense | Approx. Cost/Year (in €) | In INR (Approx.) |
| Tuition Fee | €7,000–€8,000 | ₹6,30,000–₹7,20,000 |
| Hostel + Food | €2,000–€2,500 | ₹1,80,000–₹2,25,000 |
| Travel & Visa | One-time: €1,000 | ₹90,000 |
| Total Yearly Cost | €9,000–€10,500 | ₹8,10,000–₹9,45,000 |
Fun Fact:
Most cities in Bulgaria offer 50% transport discounts for students, making daily travel around campus budget-friendly!
Ready to Apply? Get Expert Help Now!
Choosing among many medical universities might be quite daunting. Allow MedicalAbroad to handle everything for you.
We Offer:
- The ability to select the right university according to your needs
- Resources and information for students and teachers
- We provide full guidance for your visa processing.
- After you have been accepted, there are services and staff available to guide you.
- Studying for the USMLE/PLAB with a PG coaching program
Final Words – Is MBBS in Bulgaria Worth It?
- The ability to select the right university according to your needs
- Resources and information for students and teachers
- We provide full guidance for your visa processing.
- After you have been accepted, there are services and staff available to guide you.
- Studying for the USMLE/PLAB with a PG coaching program
MBBS in Bulgaria is one of the most underrated gems of European medical education. With world-class facilities and strong international reputation, it’s a smart choice for Indian students seeking quality and affordability in one package.