STUDY IN BULGARIA 2024

Study in Bulgaria 2024 is an excellent tourist destination with its attractive landscapes, mountains, and historical architecture. Most importantly, it has a 10% Muslim community, which ensures a low cultural gap for Pakistani students. The duration of a bachelor's degree in Bulgaria is about 3-4 years, whereas a master's usually takes 1 year and 3 Years after a master's degree if you are in the PhD program. You can study medicine in Bulgaria, finance, engineering, and IT, among other fields. Scholarships in Bulgaria are available, either partially or fully funded, depending on your university and field of education. The tuition fee in Bulgaria's universities ranges from 3000 to 8000 euros depending on your program.

Some of the universities in Bulgaria require an IELTS (6.5 score), but you can even study in Bulgaria without IELTS. You can also work part-time for 20 hours per week while studying here. After completing your study, you can also get a work permit. The monthly expenses in Bulgaria, considering the expenditure for the house and sustenance, can reach as much as 500 euros. You should take with you a bank statement of 2000-4000 euros. The visa acceptance rate for Bulgarian universities is 85%. 

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IS BULGARIA A GOOD COUNTRY TO STUDY IN?

Studying in Bulgaria for Pakistani students offers the following benefits:

• The tuition fees are comparatively low in most European countries, making studying and working in Bulgaria very affordable.
• The cost of living is reasonably cheaper, so students can enjoy a good standard of living without increasing their economic burden.
• Bulgarian universities boast quality education, mainly in the IT, medicine, and engineering sectors.
• Bulgaria is a country with a multicultural environment that always favors students coming from diverse backgrounds.
• Study programs in Bulgaria are often taught in English, making it convenient for international students.
• After graduating, students can choose to stay here and work after getting their valid work permit from Bulgaria.
• Bulgaria has a rich cultural and social life, making it an interesting place to live and study. 

Scholarships in Bulgaria for Pakistani Students 

Bulgaria offers merit and need-based scholarships, which can partially or fully cover your living expenses along with a tuition fee waiver. Some of the top scholarships in Bulgaria are here:

1. Erasmus+ Program scholarship
2. Bulgarian Government- Scholarships
3. Full bright scholarships- programs
4. Oppo U achievers -Scholarships
5. Stipendium Hungaricum- Scholarship
6. Sofia University- Scholarships
7. Medical University of Sofia- Scholarships
8. Varna Free University -Scholarships
9. American University in Bulgaria- Scholarships (AUBG)
10. Need-based scholarships by HEC 

1. Erasmus+ Scholarship Program

Erasmus Mundus is one of the European Union scholarship programs that covers expenses for education, training, and sports. It offers students from the EU and the rest of the world the opportunity to study in Bulgaria and other European countries via exchange programs or full-degree courses.

Grant: Fully or partially covers fees for tuition, traveling, and personal living expenses. You will not pay for courses and enjoy a monthly grant of 1400 euros.

2. Bulgarian Government- Scholarships

Bulgarian Government Scholarship is for those students admitted to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate courses from bilateral agreement countries with Bulgaria will get scholarships in their preferred fields of study.

Grant: Partial or fully funded. The tuition waiver will be covered by the cost of living, and sometimes travel with a fee for a language training course for professional education.

3. American University in Bulgaria- Scholarships (AUBG)

American University in Bulgaria will be rewarded to the students with high regional scores as measured by their application and test results. The committee will also probe into students' community activities, leadership experience, and potential to impact their community.

Funding: Based on your academic credentials, you enjoy 40 % off tuition fees. 

Three 2,300 EUR scholarships are available to students who excel in extracurricular activities like music, dance, and sports.

A 2,000 EUR scholarship is available for high school students who have demonstrated courage by supporting democratic values, human rights, an ethical and sustainable society, or in any other way have helped facilitate a social injustice.

4. Oppo U achievers -Scholarships

To qualify for this scholarship, the student must be enrolled in a high school, graduate, or vocational degree program and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0.

Funding: Awarded four times yearly to a different recipient every quarter for four $2,500 awards.

TOP UNIVERSITIES IN BULGARIA 

Top universities in Bulgaria for Pakistani students that offer programs like medicine, dentistry, and law studies are listed:

• Sofia University- Bulgaria
• American University- Bulgaria
• Technical University of Sofia- Bulgaria
• Medical University- Sofia, Bulgaria
• Trakia University- Satara Zagora
• Economics University- Verna
• Technical University-Verna
• Burgas Free University-Bulgaria
• National and World Economy University- Bulgaria
•  Food Technologies University-Plovdiv 

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1. Sofia University- Bulgaria

Sofia University, established in 1888, offers educational programs in undergraduate, master, and doctoral degrees in almost every field: from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences, mathematics, and IT. The programs taught are conducted in Bulgarian, English, and other languages, catering to both international and local needs. It charges a tuition fee of 2700-7200 USD/year depending on the program. 48 % acceptance rate is applicable for international students. 

2. American University- Bulgaria

It is an American-style private university in Bulgaria founded in 1991. It focuses on the development of critical thinking and communication skills, with global perspectives in its American-style education. It offers programs like business administration, computer science, journalism, and history for graduate and undergrad students. All programs offered are taught in English, making it ideal for international students. It's the world's 156^th top-ranked university with a tuition fee of 6500 USD per semester with a high acceptance rate of 47 %. 

3. Medical University- Sofia, Bulgaria

The Medical University of Sofia is the oldest medical institution in Bulgaria, established in 1917. This medical university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a wide range of health and medical sciences such as Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Public Health. These courses are taught in both Bulgarian and English, which appeals to its international student intake. The university conducts high-level research in several disciplines, especially oncology, cardiovascular diseases, immunology, and pharmacology. The tuition fee for this university is 9000 euros/year with a good acceptance rate of 48%. 

4. Economics University- Verna

University of Economics - Varna, established in 1920, specializes in economics and business studies. Situated in the Black Sea coastal city of Varna, it offers a more diversified choice of programs in the fields of economics, business administration, and management. The university charges an average tuition fee of 5000 USD/year and accepts international students at a 50% rate.

5. Food Technologies University-Plovdiv

The University of Food Technologies is an official public institution of higher education that specializes in subjects like food technology, food sciences, and related industries. It was founded in 1953, and so far, the reputation for carrying out serious research and education within the sectors of food and beverages, as well as food safety and processing technologies, has been maintained. The tuition fee for this university is approx. 4000 USD per year, and the IELTS requirement is 5.5

Admission Requirements and Documents for Bulgaria

Admission for international students into Bulgarian universities is slightly different between the various universities and the different programs. However, all the same, some general requirements and documents are usually required for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees that are the following: 

1. Undergraduate Mandatory Documents

• Downloaded Application form from the university website
• Copy of high school diploma and transcript, translated into Bulgarian
• Certificate of English and Bulgarian language proficiency /TOEFL & IELTS certificates 
• Medical certificate providing evidence that applicant's health is good, issued within one month of application 
• At least two passport-sized photographs 
• Copy of passport/ID card
• Statement of interest or a letter 
• Document proving the payment for application fees, if needed.

2 .Master Degree Admissions Documents

• Application form
• Graduation certificate or academic transcript from Bachelor's degree program (translated and apostilled).
• Certificate of English or Bulgarian language proficiency.
• Medical certificate
• Copy of the passport/ID.
• At least two photographs of passport size.
• Resume
• Letter of intention stating reasons to seek the master's degree program
• Letters of recommendation usually two.
• Certificate of payment of application fee.

3 .PhD Admission Requirements

• Application Form
• Master's diploma and transcripts (translated and notarized).
• Detailed research proposal.
• Certificate of English/Bulgarian language proficiency.
• Medical certificate.
• CV/Resume.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Copy of passport/ID card.
• 2 or more passport-sized photographs.
• Motivation letter.
• Evidence of payment of the application fee.

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Bulgaria VISA Requirements & Documents for Pakistani Students

Pakistani students admitted to a university in Bulgaria must apply for a D-type Long-Stay Student Visa. Its visa acceptance rate is 85 %. This visa will cover those students for more than 90 days to stay in Bulgaria and pursue study.

• Acceptance Letter from the Bulgarian University
• Completed Visa Application Form D-type whose embassy fee is 120 USD
• Passport Valid
• Two Photographs of Passport Size.
• Bank statements of 2000-4000 euros
• Health Insurance
• Proof of Accommodation
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Medical Certificate
• Proof of already paid Tuition Fees 
• Receipt of Fee Payment for Visa
• Flight Reservation

Cost of Living in Bulgaria for Pakistani Students 

The tuition fee for European Union citizens is low for the programs in the Bulgarian language. Bulgaria has a cost of living that is not as high as it is in other European countries. The monthly living cost for students in Bulgaria on average is about 500 EUR. Rent is normally counted as a separate cost in Bulgaria.

Part-time working hours and income

The country allows international students to work part-time for 20 hours/week in the middle of an academic year. Students' part-time earnings, thus, usually fall between 2-5 euros per hour depending on work and location thus making 300-500 euros per month.

After studying work permit

Foreign workers would require Type D visas for them to obtain a Bulgarian work permit. International students in Bulgaria are authorized to apply for a Post-Study Work Permit following the completion of their education. Graduates can stay in Bulgaria for up to 1 year to look for employment; on taking up employment, they can submit an application for a long-term residence permit based on their contract of employment.

Future opportunities for Pakistani students

The EU job market provides opportunities for Pakistani students in Bulgaria for the fulfillment of many jobs within the IT and engineering sectors and the healthcare sectors. Graduates may also find opportunities in entrepreneurship, further studies, and permanent residency applied for in the long run to further their career goals.