Study in the European Union
MBBS in Bulgaria: 2026 Fee Structure, Admissions, Top Universities
Bulgaria is a Schengen country and a member of the European Union 🇪🇺, with excellent opportunities for students seeking to study MBBS. Bulgaria is home to several well-ranking medical universities with affordable tuition fees. The country is among the best choices for students seeking to study MBBS in Europe in 2026.
Medical Education in Bulgaria
Medical education in Bulgaria is globally recognized and follows European Union standards. The course curriculum is compatible with the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), making it a popular choice for international students looking to study MBBS.
The universities offer 6-year medicine study program (including internship) in 100% English-medium. Hands-on clinical training forms a large part of the course structure in Europe. Hence, you go through a lot of clinical experience to make you skilled in diagnosing and curing. With modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, and relatively affordable tuition fees compared to Western Europe, Bulgaria is the perfect choice to study in a multicultural and safe environment. It is definitely among the 2026's best places to study MBBS abroad.
NMC compliance and validitiy in India - The degree earned from medical universities in Bulgaria fulfil all the provisions of the NMC. The degree is fully valid in India for applying for a license and practicing as a doctor in public as well as private hospitals. The degree awarded is MD (which is equivalent to MBBS).
| Eligible students | 65%+ score in PCB in 12th Class |
|---|---|
| Medium of instruction | English medium |
| NEET exam requirements | Required for practicing in India |
| MBBS program duration | 6 years (including internship) |
| IELTS, TOEFL or PTE | Not required |
| MBBS program fee | ₹3.5 Lakhs per semester |
| Cost of living (food and accommodation) | ₹17,000 per month |
| Validity in India | Valid and eligible for FMGE/NExT |
| Application deadline | 16th August 2026 |
| Intake | October February (1 university) |
| Approved by | WHO, NMC, FAIMER, WFME |
| Licensing exam | Integrated into the program English language |
Why Bulgaria?
Top 5 reasons to choose Bulgaria for MBBS
Studying MBBS in Bulgaria is a great opportunity for students aiming to be successful doctors. Even if you seek to settle in Europe, or go back to your home country, you can't go wrong with Bulgaria. Here are the best reasons to choose Bulgaria for MBBS.
Reputed and Well-Ranked Medical Universities
Bulgaria is home to several internationally acclaimed medical universities. Students not just from Europe, but also from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, come to study medicine at the Bulgarian universities.
Lower tuition fee than private medical colleges
Studying in Bulgaria is more affordable than in many other European and non-European countries. The tuition fee is around 7500 Euros per year, and the living costs are about 250 Euros per month. The total cost to study MBBS in Bulgaria is less than that of a private medical college in India, which makes a lot of sense, especially with all the merits of studying in Europe.
No Need of Merit in School (12th Class)
Admissions in Bulgaria are based on a combination of your school marks and your marks in 12th class. You can take admission even if you do not have a high score in school if you perform well in the entrance exam.
MBBS in 100% English medium
The entire MBBS curriculum in Bulgaria is taught in English, specifically designed for international students. All core lectures and examinations are conducted in English. You will not face any language barrier throughout your medical education.
Practice in UK, US or rest of Europe
The MBBS in Bulgaria degree is approved by all the world organizations. So, you can work in UK, USA or the rest of Europe. You will also be eligible to file for a permanent residency (PR) in Bulgaria, making yourself eligible to easily travel and work anywhere in the Schengen zone.
No additional licensing exam post studying
Another advantage of studying MBBS in Bulgaria is that there is no additional licensing exam after the completion of the study program. The state exam is already a part of the curriculum, and you will get a license to practice in Bulgaria along with your MBBS degree.
Admissions for 2026-27 session are open
MBBS in Bulgaria
(2026 Session)
Best University for MBBS studies:
- Varna Medical University
- Medical University Pleven
- Trakia University
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European Union
EU and Schengen zone member country
Government Universities
High-quality universities funded by the govt.
Affordable Tuition in EU
Tuition fees & living among lowest in the EU
List of Best Medical Universities in Bulgaria (2026)
Bulgaria has many public and private universities that teach MBBS in English medium. The following is the latest (2026) list of MBBS teaching universities in Bulgaria that you can choose from.
| 1 | Medical University of Sofia |
| 2 | Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski |
| 3 | Medical University, Pleven |
| 4 | Medical University, Varna |
| 5 | Dr. Assen Zlatarov University, Burgas |
| 6 | Medical University - Plovdiv |
| 7 | Trakia University |
Tuition fee: Tuition fee for MBBS in Bulgaria ranges between 7,000 - 9,500 Euros per year.
Universities
MBBS in Bulgaria Admission Process - How to apply?
The admission process for MBBS admission in Bulgaria is straightforward. However, the application documents must be physically submitted at the university. So, you need to use an agency (like us) to process your documents and submit them to the ministry and the university after legalization.
- Provide application documents: Send us your documents to start your application. We will legalize your documents and then submit your application to the university. The university will verify your academics and check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Entrance exam: The university in Bulgaria will conduct entrance exams for Chemistry and Biology. The exam will be online, and you will need a computer with a webcam to participate. We will provide you with sample questions to prepare.
- Nostrification: Your documents need to undergo nostrification. It is a mandatory process where your existing academic performance is validated and equated to the Bulgarian education system. It takes over 20 days to complete.
- Ministry approval (letter of acceptance): We will submit your application to the Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria, for approval of student status. It can take 20 days.
- Visa Application in India: We will prepare your visa application form and all supporting documents. Then, you need to visit the Embassy of Bulgaria to submit your visa application file.
- Visa Approval: The Embassy takes about 4 weeks to review the visa application and issue a visa.
- Travel and start studying: You can travel once your visa is approved. Then register with the university and start studying.
Application
Bulgaria MBBS Fee Structure and Living Cost
Affordable European education to prepare yourself for a global career.
| University | Tuition fee | Hostel & Food |
|---|---|---|
| Medical University of Sofia | €9,000 | €350 |
| Sofia University – St. Kliment Ohridski | €7,700 | €350 |
| Medical University – Pleven | €8,500 | €350 |
| Medical University – Varna | €9,000 | €350 |
| Dr. Assen Zlatarov University – Burgas | €10,000 | €350 |
| Medical University – Plovdiv | €9,000 | €350 |
| Trakia University | €7,500 | €350 |
Eligibility & Documents Required for Medicine in Bulgaria
Listed below are the eligibility details as well as the documents that you need to provide at the time of taking admission and thereafter for visa application.
Who can apply for MBBS in Bulgaria?
The 2026 eligibility criterea to study MBBS in Bulgaria includes a mix of scores of the university's entrance exam and 12th class. The admissions are based on a ranking list. Following is the basic qualification to become eligible for an admission.
65% or more
in PCB (Individually) & English in Class XII
17+ years of age
by 31st December of admission year
Passed NEET (India)
in current or previous 3 years
Note: Studying MBBS in Bulgaria without passing NEET will result in the degree not getting recognised in India. However, you can work in Bulgaria or other countries as long as you complete local licensing requirements.
Documents required for admission
Valid Passport
Front and back page
School Certificates
10th and 12th class certs with Apostille
English language proficiency
Proof of good English skills
Birth Certificate
Issued by the Govt.
Migration Certificate
Issued by the examination board
Application fee
Receipt of payment of application fee
Info: The university application fee is non-refundable even if you do not get a seat in the university after the ranking list is published.
Documents required for visa application
In addition to previous documents, the following additional documents are needed for Bulgarian study visa.
University fee
Payment proof of 1st semester tuition fee
School Certificates
School certificates with Apostille
Insurance
Travel medical insurance
Admission Letter
Issued by the university
Police Clearance Certificate
Issued by the Passport Office
Accommodation
Proof of accommodation at dorm or hotel
Letter of Acceptance
Issued by Ministry of Education
Proof of Funds
To cover tuition and living
Trusted Medical Education Guidance
Ready to Study MBBS in Bulgaria?
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FAQs About MBBS Study in Bulgaria
What is the teaching language while studying for MBBS in Bulgaria?
Your classes while studying MBBS in Bulgaria will be in English language. Bulgarian universities have medicine program in Bulgarian as well, however, for international students, the program is called 'MBBS in English' with 100% lectures in English language. However, there will be classes for Bulgarian as a language subject.
Does Bulgaria provide license to practice after completing the MBBS degree?
Yes, the state exam is a part of the curriculum and you will get a license to practice along with your degree from Bulgaria. There are no additional licensing exams to take. You can watch our detailed video about licensing exam in Bulgaria for additional details.
Is it safe for Indians to study medicine in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is a peaceful and one of the nicest places to study medicine (MBBS) for Indian students. Bulgaria is a part of the European Union which further affirms the safety standards of the country.
The local population is very welcoming and shows no discrimination towards foreign nationals living in Bulgaria.
Is MBBS degree from Bulgaria valid as per NMC for FMGE?
Yes. MBBS degree from Bulgaria is 100% in compliance of the norms set by the National Medical Commission (NMC). You are eligible to take the FMGE exam and also practice in India after passing the FMGE.
The degree of medicine from Bulgaria is recognized by NMC, WHO, and ECFMG.
What are the Future Prospects after Completing MBBS in Bulgaria?
Studying medicine in Bulgaria opens up a variety of career options for you. With the 6 years of legal stay you're already engible to file for permanenrt residency in Bulgaria. So,
- You can practice as a doctor in Bulgaria or other countries of the European Union.
- You can can pursue your higher education (post-graduation) in Bulgaria or move to other countries like Germany.
- You can clear UKMLE or USMLE and move to UK or USA respectively.
- You can also return to India and clear FMGE to practice as a doctor in India.
What is the duration of MBBS course in Bulgaria?
The MBBS or medicine program in Bulgaria lasts 6 years. Out if this 1 year is reserved for the mandatory state internship.
What is the flight route to reach Bulgaria from India? Is there a direct flight?
There are many routes available for traveling from India to Bulgaria. Although there are no direct flights from India to Bulgaria, the average layover is 3 hours, which students easily handle.
Can I work while studying medicine in Bulgaria?
Yes, Bulgaria does not prohibit students from working part-time. However, the medicine study program is very demanding and you might not find enough time between your classes and self study to do part-time work.
Is NEET required for admission to study medicine in Bulgaria?
NEET is not required for admission to a MBBS program in Bulgaria. However, passing the NEET exam is an eligibility requirement for the students who want to return to India and work as a doctor in India.
