An EU and Schengen degree, on one of Europe’s lowest budgets
Bulgaria gives you an EU degree, full Schengen membership and the euro, with some of the lowest fees and living costs in the European Union. It is especially strong for English taught medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. We help you choose the university and prepare a clean study visa file.
Westside Visa Consultants is an independent private advisory. We are not affiliated with any government, embassy or visa application centre and cannot influence a visa decision. Figures are the published ones or typical ranges at the time of writing; we confirm current numbers at your assessment.
Is Bulgaria the right choice for you?
Bulgaria is the budget route into an EU education, and a serious one for medicine. The trade off: salaries are lower than in Western Europe, and outside English taught programmes you will need Bulgarian.
An EU degree at low cost
- Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy in English
- Students who want an EU degree and Schengen travel on a small budget
- Business and computing programmes taught in English
A base for an EU career
- EU graduates can usually stay to look for work
- Your EU degree helps for a master’s or job in other EU countries
- Ask us how graduates move on from Bulgaria
If you want high student salaries
- Part time pay is lower than in Western Europe
- Many jobs need Bulgarian
- Germany or France may suit students who want bigger job markets
Golden domes, mountains and the Black Sea
Bulgaria packs ski slopes, sandy beaches, Roman ruins and lively student cities into a small, affordable country, with the rest of Schengen a short trip away.
Snow in winter, sea in summer
Bansko and Borovets for skiing, Varna and Burgas for the beach, all within a few hours of campus.
Old towns full of flowers
Black Sea beaches and piers
Six ways to study in Bulgaria
Most Pakistani students come for medicine or a bachelor’s in English. These are the routes we plan.
Medicine
English taught medicine at Bulgaria’s medical universities, recognised across the EU.
Dentistry and pharmacy
English taught programmes with strong clinical training.
Bachelor’s degree
Business, computing, engineering and tourism, many in English.
Master’s degree
Taught master’s in business, computing and engineering.
Bulgarian language year
A preparatory year before a Bulgarian taught programme.
PhD and research
Doctoral places, some with state funding.
What happens after you graduate
Under EU rules, graduates can usually stay in Bulgaria for a period to look for work or start a business, then move to a work permit or an EU Blue Card with an employer. Your EU degree also opens doors to master’s study and jobs across Europe.
From offer letter to boarding pass
For Bulgaria your university confirms your admission with the Ministry of Education. With that, you apply for the Type D study visa.
Free assessment
We check your grades, English and budget, and whether medicine or another route fits.
Apply and entrance
Apply to the university; medical universities often set an entrance test or interview.
Admission confirmation
Your university and the Ministry of Education issue your admission letters.
Documents and legalisation
Attested, legalised and translated documents plus proof of funds, checked by us line by line.
Type D study visa
You apply to the Bulgarian embassy in Islamabad. Allow several weeks.
Arrive and register
Apply for your residence permit at the Migration Directorate after arriving.
The budget, line by line
Ranges are typical at the time of writing. Sofia costs more than Plovdiv, Varna or Veliko Tarnovo. Bulgaria now uses the euro, which makes budgeting simpler. We confirm current figures at your assessment.
What universities ask for
Where you could study in Bulgaria
Five cities hold almost every university, each with its own mix of history, nature and price.
Read more, and compare
Rent, food and transport in Bulgaria’s main cities, now priced in euro.
How Bulgaria stacks up on cost, Schengen access and long term options.
France and Germany, with English taught master’s and low public fees.
Bulgaria study questions we hear every week
Anything else, ask on WhatsApp. A real adviser replies, not a bot.
Ask your questionIs a Bulgarian degree recognised?
Degrees from accredited Bulgarian universities are EU degrees, recognised across Europe and by HEC. Bulgarian medical degrees are EU medical qualifications. We only shortlist accredited universities.
Can I study medicine in Bulgaria in English?
Yes. Bulgaria’s medical universities in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Pleven teach medicine, dentistry and pharmacy in English, with an entrance test or interview.
How much does it cost to study in Bulgaria?
Tuition is typically €3,000 to €8,000 a year, with medicine usually €8,000 to €10,000. Student living costs are about €600 to €900 a month. We confirm current figures at your assessment.
Is Bulgaria in Schengen?
Yes. Bulgaria became a full Schengen member in 2025, so your Bulgarian residence permit lets you travel across the Schengen area for short stays.
Which visa do I need?
A Type D national visa for study from the Bulgarian embassy, followed by a residence permit from the Migration Directorate after you arrive.
Can I work while studying in Bulgaria?
Students can usually work part time within limits set by Bulgarian rules. Treat it as support, not as a way to pay your fees.
Can I stay in Bulgaria after graduating?
Under EU rules graduates can usually stay for a period to look for work or start a business, then switch to a work permit or an EU Blue Card with an employer.
Do I need to learn Bulgarian?
Not for English taught programmes, but it helps in daily life, in clinical years for medical students, and for jobs. Most universities offer Bulgarian classes.
