Bulgaria is a beautiful south Eastern European country offering great opportunities for aspiring medical students from all corners of the globe. Bulgaria boasts highly reputed medical universities, providing medical degrees that are recognized worldwide, including anywhere in the European Union. In this blog we delve into the benefits of Studying MBBS in Bulgaria in the English taught Bulgarian Medical Universities.
Why is Studying Medicine in Bulgaria recommended for UAE students?
There are numerous reasons to choose Bulgaria as their Study Destination for medical students from the UAE.
. Quality Education & International Recognition:
. Affordable Tuition Fees and Living Expenses:
Compared to other western European countries, the cost of studying medicine in Bulgaria is relatively more affordable, making it an attractive option for the UAE and other international students.
. Easily Accessible Location:
It is easy to travel to Bulgaria from the UAE as there are many direct flights.
. Multicultural Environment:
Studying MBBS in Bulgaria provides UAE students the opportunity to interact with peers from various backgrounds, fostering cultural diversity and enriching their educational experience.
. English-Taught Medical Programs in Bulgaria:
. Modern Facilities:
. Vibrant Student Life:
MBBS Course Duration in Bulgarian Universities:
The medical course in Bulgaria follows the European Curriculum as a 6-year medical program known as MD (Doctor of Medicine).. The first two years include pre-clinical study followed by 3 years of clinical study and concluding with a year long internship.
Gateway to practice in countries in EU, UK, India, UAE etc
After completing the medical course from the Bulgarian Medical Universities, they offer the graduates a medical license to practice in Bulgaria. For those students who wish to practice in other European countries they can practice anywhere in the EU, though some countries like Germany require the medical graduates to clear their language test. Students who wish to practice in India should prepare and clear for the NEXT exam while students wishing to practice in UAE would clear the respective exams based on the emirate.
Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about Study Medicine Abroad in Bulgaria:
How much does it cost to study medicine in Bulgaria?
Which are the best medical universities in Bulgaria for UAE students?
Bulgarian Medical Universities | City Located |
Medical University of Sofia | Sofia (Capital City of Bulgaria) |
Pleven Medical University | Pleven |
Medical University of Varna | Varna |
Medical University of Plovdiv | Plovdiv |
Trakia University of Faculty of Medicine | Stara Zagora |
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski Faculty of Medicine | Sofia |
What are admission requirements for studying Medicine in Bulgaria?
All the major medical universities in Bulgaria have introduced an entrance exam recently as part of screening the students. Thus the students have to appear for an entrance exam conducted mostly remotely where subjects like Biology, Chemistry and sometimes English is also tested.Also the non EU students should secure a minimum IELTS score of 6 as well.
Is Bulgaria a safe country for international students from the UAE?
Absolutely, Bulgaria is a safe country with a very low crime rate and locals of Bulgaria are very friendly.
Some of the important dates to consider if students are planning to secure admission in any of the below Bulgarian Medical Universities in 2023/2024:
Sofia Medical University:
One of the oldest medical universities in Bulgaria located in the capital city of Bulgaria – Sofia, established in 1917. This medical university is offering courses in Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy. The annual tuition fees is 10,000 EURO as of 2023.
Deadline for receipt of documents | 01.08.2023 to 29.09.2023 |
Entrance Exams in English, Biology and Chemistry | 06.10.2023 |
Announcement of the results of the Entrance Exams | 09.10.2023 |
Start of new academic year | 23.10.2023 |
Entrance Exams are conducted remotely.For more details, kindly visit the university page, https://mu-sofia.bg/en/admission/admissions-of-foreign-citizen/
Medical University of Pleven:
Medical university of Pleven is one of the public universities in Bulgaria located at Pleven which is 147 Km away from the capital city, Sofia with an airport at Pleven or can easily commute from the airport at Sofia by bus, train or taxi. The annual tuition fees is 8500 EURO as of 2023. The living expenses in Pleven are also less compared to other cities in Bulgaria.
Medical University of Pleven has only February intake for the international students.The application for the February 2024 intake starts on the 1st of June 2023 and finishes on the 1st of October 2023. For more details about admission, kindly visit their university page,
Dates for Entrance Exam:
27.09.2023 – online
10.10.2023 – online
18.11.2023 – face to face
https://mu-pleven.bg/index.php/en/admission/specialty-medicine/5546-entry-exams
Thus studying MBBS in Bulgaria is definitely one of the best decisions as it is one of the very few countries that offer international students a great career path in the medical field.