Bulgaria is one of Europe’s most affordable EU member states for international students combining low tuition costs, recognized medical education, and scholarship opportunities that are significantly less competitive than Western European alternatives.
Sofia University, Medical University of Sofia, and the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) provide strong academic programs and Bulgaria’s EU membership ensures full degree recognition across Europe.
This guide covers every major pathway to studying in Bulgaria for free in 2026.
Why Study in Bulgaria?
Most affordable EU country for tuition. Bulgarian universities charge non-EU students €2,000–€5,000/year, among the lowest in the EU. Medical programs charge €7,000–€9,000/year, still significantly cheaper than Western Europe.
EU membership. Full EU degree recognition. Schengen zone access for travel.
MBBS popular destination. Bulgarian medical schools — Medical University of Sofia, Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Varna — offer English-medium MBBS programs recognized internationally.
Growing IT sector. Bulgaria has one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech sectors — Telerik Academy, Chaos Group, and hundreds of international tech companies have Bulgarian offices.
Black Sea location. Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline provides a beautiful student environment, particularly in Varna.
Top Scholarships to Study in Bulgaria for Free 2026
1. Bulgarian Government Scholarship 🇧🇬
The Bulgarian Ministry of Education administers government scholarships for international students from eligible countries.
Bulgarian Government Scholarship:
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend BGN 350–500 (~$190–$275 USD)
- Some programs include accommodation support
Eligibility:
- Citizens of countries with bilateral agreements with Bulgaria
- Check minedu.government.bg for current eligible countries
- Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applications
- Strong academic record
How to Apply: Contact the Bulgarian Embassy in your country for bilateral scholarship information.
Deadline: Typically March–May 2027
2. Sofia University Scholarships 🇧🇬
Sofia University (SU “St. Kliment Ohridski”) — Bulgaria’s most prestigious university, founded 1888, offers scholarships for international students.
SU International Scholarship:
- Partial tuition reduction
- Merit-based for outstanding international applicants
Strongest Programs: Sciences, humanities, law, economics, social sciences, and IT.
Deadline: March–May 2027
3. Medical University of Sofia Scholarships 🇧🇬
Medical University of Sofia — Bulgaria’s leading medical school, offers English-medium MBBS and dental programs popular with international students.
Recognition: EU ✅, WHO ✅, PMC Pakistan ✅, MCI India ✅
Tuition: €7,500–€9,000/year — with Bulgarian Government Scholarship, significantly reduced.
Deadline: July–September 2027
4. American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) Scholarships 🇧🇬
AUBG — US-accredited liberal arts university in Blagoevgrad, offers significant merit scholarships for outstanding international students.
AUBG Merit Scholarship:
- 25%–100% tuition reduction
- Full scholarships for top applicants
- US-style liberal arts education at Eastern European prices
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record
- SAT or ACT recommended
- English proficiency required
Deadline: February–April 2027
5. Erasmus Mundus Programs at Bulgarian Universities 🇪🇺
Several Erasmus Mundus programs include Bulgarian universities as partners.
What’s Covered: Full tuition + €1,400/month + travel + health insurance
Deadline: January–March 2026
Bulgarian University Tuition
| University | Annual Tuition (Non-EU) |
|---|---|
| Medical Universities (MBBS) | €7,500–€9,500 |
| Sofia University | €2,000–€4,500 |
| Technical Universities | €2,000–€4,000 |
| AUBG | $14,000–$16,000 (with scholarships available) |
Living Costs in Bulgaria
| City | Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Sofia | €350–€600 |
| Plovdiv | €300–€500 |
| Varna | €300–€550 |
| Blagoevgrad | €280–€450 |
Bulgaria is the cheapest EU country for student living, significantly below Poland, Czech Republic, or Romania.
Free Tools for Your Bulgarian Scholarship Application
- 📄 Free SOP Generator
- 💌 Free Motivation Letter Generator
- 📑 Free CV Builder
- 📜 Free Reference Letter Generator
- 📖 Free IELTS & TOEFL Practice
FAQ — Study in Bulgaria Free 2026
Q: Is MBBS in Bulgaria recognized?
Yes, EU, WHO, PMC Pakistan, and MCI India recognized.
Q: Is Bulgaria the cheapest EU country?
For student living, yes. Sofia and Plovdiv are among Europe’s cheapest capitals for students.
Q: What is AUBG?
American University in Bulgaria, US-accredited, English-medium liberal arts university with significant merit scholarships.
Q: Is Bulgaria English-friendly?
English-medium MBBS and some engineering/IT programs available. Bulgarian required for other programs.