Master's in Bulgaria - Degrees, Requirements, Universities

Why study for a Master’s degree in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria has always been a popular destination for students from neighboring countries, due to its affordable cost of living and internationally recognized degrees. The country offers high-quality education and many opportunities to experience its culture and traditions.

Pursuing a master’s degree in Bulgaria is a budget-friendly option, and you’ll find plenty of postgraduate programs in English to explore and choose the one that suits your interests and goals.

Cost of Master’s Programs in Bulgaria

The cost of a master’s in Bulgaria is usually between BGN 5.800 and BGN 9.700 (about €3.000 - €5.000). This range is an estimate, as fees may vary considerably depending on the university and the field of study. Studying medicine or other health professions is typically more expensive.

Universities in Bulgaria do not offer tuition-free master’s programs, so a scholarship is the only way for international students to study for a master's degree in Bulgaria without paying tuition fees.

Life as an International Student in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a lot more affordable in comparison to other European countries but it offers a comfortable living experience. The cities provide a convenient public transport system that caters to your daily commuting needs, and the country's tourist destinations can offer a refreshing break from your academic pursuits. The locals are hospitable and accommodating, and even though most people are not fluent in English, they are eager to help foreign visitors.

Bulgarian universities provide support and advice to international students regarding matters related to university enrollment and post-study career prospects. They also facilitate internships and work opportunities that enable students to gain practical experience and valuable insights into their field of study.

Are there any 1-year Master’s Programs in Bulgaria?

In case you’d like to save some time or enter the workforce sooner, you could look for a 1-year master’s program in Bulgaria. Some master's programs in Bulgaria are designed to be completed in 1 year, while others may take 2 years or longer.

It's essential to research the individual universities and programs you're interested in to determine their duration.

Can I study for a Master’s degree in Bulgaria online?

Some universities in Bulgaria also offer distance-learning programs, either in a part-time or full-time format. Attending an online master’s program leads to the exact same degree as an on-campus graduate program.

The number of distance-learning postgraduate programs varies depending on the field of study and the institution, but if you want to reduce the cost of your studies or continue working in your home country, it is possible to obtain a master’s degree from a university in Bulgaria through distance learning.

What are the basic entry requirements of Master’s Programs in Bulgaria?

Every university has its own admission requirements for its postgraduate programs. However, the basic entry requirements, which must be met in any case, are a recent certificate of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, a copy of your bachelor’s degree, and, most likely, a detailed transcript of grades and a personal statement as well.

To study in Bulgaria, you’ll need a valid passport and a student visa. Students coming from countries in the EU/EEA do not need a student visa.

Are there any scholarships for Master’s Programs in Bulgaria?

If you want to reduce the cost of your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a scholarship. You can get a scholarship either directly from the university you attend or from other public or private organizations.

The scholarships offered are usually aimed at financially disadvantaged students or students with outstanding performance at the undergraduate level and cover part of the tuition fees and, sometimes, the full cost of attendance.

By applying to universities through Brive, you have the chance to get one of our scholarships.

Popular fields of study in Bulgaria for Master’s degrees

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Engineering
• Computer Science
   

Can I stay in Bulgaria after getting my master’s degree?

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and you want to stay in Bulgaria after completing your post-graduate studies, you can apply for a work permit or long-term residence permit to seek employment or work.

However, if you are a citizen of a country in the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to stay in Bulgaria after completing your post-graduate studies. As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you have the right to reside and work in Bulgaria without a permit. You can stay in the country for as long as you want, provided that you are looking for work or working.

How to apply to a Master’s Program in Bulgaria?

Once you have gathered the necessary qualifications and documents, you can apply to the graduate school of your choice. Each university follows a different application procedure, but there is also an alternative.

By applying through Brive, you have access to personalized guidance throughout the process and can easily apply to the programs you like with just one click. You can also apply for one of our scholarships and reduce the cost of your studies.

Schedule a free counseling session with one of our certified counselors, discover the programs that suit your needs, and apply to universities all over the world.