The Indian education system has been characterized by a high number of students competing to secure a medical seat, and with the steadily increasing cost of study in the private medical colleges, these students who pass the NEET are seeking more affordable alternatives abroad. There are a number of destinations that have become a hidden gem in Europe and MBBS in Bulgaria is one of them.
With its top-notch education, recognised medical degrees worldwide, English taught degree courses, and relatively low fees, Bulgaria has soon emerged as a favourite among the Indian students who aspire to become doctors. I am posting as a guide to all aspirants who will be applying in 2025, I will go through the entire process including the best colleges, eligibility, fee structure, etc.
So, why not take a closer look at why the same can be your wisest choice in 2025 with MBBS in Bulgaria and as an Indian student?
Top Medical Universities in Bulgaria for Indian Students
Bulgaria can pride itself on a couple of NMC-recognized and WHO-listed medical universities that provide internationally-recognized medical degrees in the English language. These universities are European oriented and they are literally provided with modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, and massive hospital systems.
List of Top Medical Colleges:
| University Name | Location | Estd. Year | Annual Tuition |
| Medical University of Sofia | Sofia | 1917 | €8,000 – €8,500 |
| Medical University of Plovdiv | Plovdiv | 1945 | €7,000 – €8,000 |
| Medical University of Varna | Varna | 1961 | €7,000 – €8,000 |
| Medical University of Pleven | Pleven | 1974 | €7,500 – €9,000 |
These are long standing medical universities that are associated with fully equipped teaching hospitals where the students get practical, hands on experience beginning in the third year.
MBBS in Bulgaria: Course Duration
The MBBS course in Bulgaria has a total of 6 years in the following ratio:
- 5 years fabrication of education
- 1 year of compulsory internship/ clinical rotation
Language of instruction: 100 percent English
The program is based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) so the transfer to other EU countries and the mobility regardless of the course of study or professional practice, is guaranteed.
A Detailed Course Syllabus of MBBS in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian medical university curriculum is a system that drives knowledge of the medical science together with the certification of application-heavy treatments.
Years 1–2: Pre-Clinical Studies
- Human Anatomy
- Histology and Embryology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Medical Biology
- Medical Chemistry
- Medical Ethics
- Introduction to Clinical Practice
- Latin and Bulgarian Medical Terminology
Years 3–5: Clinical Subjects
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Radiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
Year 6: Clinical Internship
The sixth year is devoted to clinical rotations between the major departments including but not limited to:
- General Medicine
- General Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Internal Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Students are assessed by use of practical examination and state examinations at the end of the time period.
MBBS in Bulgaria Fees Structure 2025
The fee structure in Bulgaria is one of the lowest and this makes the country one of the biggest advantages to having studied, especially when put in comparison with the private colleges in India.
Annual Fee Overview:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (Per Year) |
| Tuition Fee | €7,000 – €8,500 |
| Hostel Accommodation | €1,500 – €2,000 |
| Food & Living | €2,000 – €3,000 |
| Insurance + Admin Charges | €300 – €500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | €10,000 – €13,000 |
Total cost for 6 years: Approx ₹45–₹55 lakhs, including all expenses.
No donations. No indirect costs. Nothing more challenging than clear prices.
Medical Courses Offered in Bulgaria
Medicine and healthcare Bulgarian universities provide a significant number of programs relating to medicine and healthcare:
- General Medicine (MBBS/MD) – 6 years
- Dentistry (DMD) – 6 years
- Pharmacy – 5 years
- Nursing – 3-4 years
- Medical Rehabilitation & Kinesitherapy – 4 years
These are English-based courses that are in alignment with the EU standards.
Documents Required to Study MBBS in Bulgaria
The application and visa requirements of Indian students include the following:
Essential Documents:
- 10th & 12th Mark Sheets (with minimum 50% in PCB)
- Valid NEET Scorecard (mandatory for NMC eligibility)
- Birth Certificate (in English)
- Valid Passport (with at least 2 years validity)
- Passport-size photographs (white background)
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- HIV Test Report
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Bank statement or affidavit showing financial capability
- Admission/Offer Letter from University
- Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
- Visa Application Form (for D-type student visa)
Each of the documents shall be notarized, translated into Bulgarian, and legalized.
Admission Process for MBBS in Bulgaria
Indian students have an easy procedure of admission that is guide free.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose the University – determine the University of your choice depending on price range, location preference and rankings
- Submit Application – It can be done on line or via reputed consultants such as MedicalAbroad
- Upload Required Documents – They should be certified and translated
- Pay the Application Fee – Normally approximately 50 100 Euros
- Receive Offer Letter – On the condition that he or she meets the scholarship requirements, the university gives him a conditional/unconditional offer letter
- Apply for Visa – Give the documents to Bulgarian Embassy
- Fly to Bulgaria – Enroll in classes in October 2025
The 2025 admissions application started in March and continues till August September.
Benefits of Studying MBBS in Bulgaria for Indian Students
Bulgaria will be a good destination place to become a doctor because it has so much to offer:
- Globally Recognized Degrees (NMC, WHO, ECFMG, WFME)
- Low costs with no hidden fees
- English-medium curriculum
- Practicable Year 3 clinical experience
- Simple visa procedure and fast admission process
- Good result in FMGE with appropriate support
- The presence of Indian food and culture communities
- Possibility of pursuing PG in USA, UK, Germany and EU
Scholarship Opportunities for Indian Students
There are limited full scholarship opportunities but the Indian students might enjoy:
- Merit-Based Partial Scholarships from some universities (after 1st year performance)
- Need-Based Financial Aid
- Indian Bank Education Loan (can be taken toward NMC-recognized foreign universities)
- Some consultants / universities may offer a discount to those who apply early or those who have siblings.
To know whether they are eligible, students ought to enquire with specific universities or get in touch with MedicalAbroad.
Career Prospects After MBBS in Bulgaria
Indian students after studying in Bulgaria and passing out with an MBBS degree can:
- Return to India and appear for FMGE/NExT to practice
- Apply for USMLE (USA) or PLAB (UK) for postgraduate medical education
- Pursue PG studies in Germany or other EU nations
- Work as a medical practitioner in Europe under EU license
- Join research or public health programs worldwide
Life in Bulgaria as a Medical Student
- Cities that are safe, peaceful and student friendly
- Student discounts and low cost transportation
- Living in the multicultural environment
- EU travelling opportunities on holidays
- Indian stores, food places, and neighborhoods in such cities as Sofia and Plovdiv
Bulgaria is a combination of high culture, friendly citizens, modern facilities, and high education.
Why Bulgaria Could Be Your Medical Destination in 2025
Bulgaria is the optimum place to study MBBS in case you want an accredited and quality program, which accepts your money, is globally recognized, taught in English and allows modern clinical practice. It does not miss any of the boxes by being easy to gain admission, by having transparent procedures, and by offering a high level of student support to Indian students.
Thus, MBBS in Bulgaria is a smart decision to make concerning your future, regardless of whether your targeted Indian college has already been filled, or you need to study in a foreign country.
