What I Need to Know About Transfers Into Bulgarian Universities?

Bulgaria has steadily gained a reputation as a preferred destination for international students pursuing medical education. With affordable tuition fees, globally recognized diplomas, and a rich cultural experience, Bulgarian medical universities attract hundreds of aspiring doctors, dentists, and pharmacists each year. If you're considering transferring into a Bulgarian medical university—whether from another Bulgarian institution or from abroad—there are several key factors you need to understand.

Is Transfer Possible?

Yes—Bulgarian medical universities do accept transfer students. Transfers are possible both:

• From foreign universities to Bulgarian universities
• Between accredited Bulgarian universities

However, each university independently decides whether to accept transfer applications in a given academic year and in which study years vacancies are available. Generally, transfers are easier within the first three years of a 6-year medical program.

Which Bulgarian Medical Universities Accept Transfers?

The main accredited medical universities that typically allow transfers are:

• Medical University – Sofia
• Medical University – Plovdiv
• Medical University – Pleven
• Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” (Faculty of Medicine)
• University "Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov" - Burgas (Faculty of Medicine)

Each university has its own criteria and available places, so direct contact with the university’s international or admissions office is essential.

Eligibility Criteria

Although details vary by university, common eligibility requirements include:

Recognition of Your Current Studies: Your existing university must be accredited, and your completed courses must be compatible with the Bulgarian medical curriculum.

Academic Transcript (Course Description/Syllabus): You’ll need to provide detailed syllabi of courses you've already completed. The university will assess equivalence and decide which credits can be transferred.

Passed Exams and Minimum GPA: A satisfactory academic record (often no failed subjects and a minimum GPA, typically around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent) is expected.

Proof of English Proficiency (if you’re transferring into an English-taught program): If your previous studies were not in English, you might need to prove language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).

Documents You’ll Need

While each university may ask for specific documents, typically required are:

• Application form
• Copy of passport
• Certificate of enrollment from current university
• Official transcripts
• Course descriptions/syllabi
• High school diploma + legalized translations
• Proof of English proficiency
• Passport-sized photos

Important: Documents in foreign languages (non-Bulgarian) must be legalized and officially translated into Bulgarian.

When to Apply?

Most universities accept transfer applications once a year, usually in July–September, ahead of the autumn semester start.

How Does Credit Recognition Work?

The faculty’s academic committee will evaluate whether your completed courses (both content and hours) match Bulgarian standards.

• Full acceptance of credits = You continue from the next academic year.
• Partial recognition = You might need to retake certain courses or sit differential exams.
• Tip: The more detailed your course descriptions and syllabi, the smoother this process will be.

Language of Instruction

Bulgarian medical universities offer programs in English, Bulgarian. For English-taught programs, no Bulgarian language knowledge is required—but basic Bulgarian is often recommended for clinical practice years.

Tuition Fees and Costs

Transfer students pay the same tuition fees as regular entrants:

• Medicine (English): ~€7,500 – €8,000 per year
• Dentistry (English): ~€8,000 per year
• Pharmacy (English): ~€6,000 – €7,000 per year

Living costs in Bulgaria are lower compared to Western Europe—approximately €400–€600 per month for accommodation, food, and personal expenses.

Visa and Residency (for Non-EU Students)

If you're from outside the EU, you’ll need to apply for a D-type student visa and subsequently residence permit. Transferring into Bulgaria mid-studies can complicate visa procedures slightly, so plan carefully and consult both your current and future university.

Final Thoughts: Tips for a Smooth Transfer

Start early — At least 6–12 months before your intended transfer.

Contact universities directly — Each institution has nuanced policies and available seats vary annually.

Prepare complete, clear documentation — Especially course syllabi.

Be flexible — Credit recognition is not always perfect. You may need to repeat some coursework.

Bulgaria offers a welcoming, affordable, and internationally respected path to medical education. If transferring here fits your educational journey, the process—though detailed—is worth the effort.

Good luck!