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Education in Bulgaria: A Guide for Parents and Students
Do you want to give your children a quality education, or earn an EU-recognized diploma yourself? According to Eurostat, in 2022, more than 17,000 international students will choose Bulgaria for their studies, and the number of families with children moving for educational purposes has increased by 14% compared to 2021. Bulgaria offers affordable prices, a high level of security and easy adaptation. We at BolgarskiyDom have gathered all the necessary information on education for you and will help you find a place near a kindergarten or school in 3-5 days.
Tuition is cheaper than in other European countries
Safety: the crime rate is below the EU average
Language is similar to Russian - children master it in 3-6 months
Parents' question: Why is Bulgaria better than other countries for education?
Affordable prices, quality system and bonus - residence permit through real estate investment.
Taras Rozgon
Head of the company
Want to know which kindergarten is right for your child? With
With BolgarskiyDom you will find housing near daycare, school in 3-5 days.
Kindergarten: how can you register your child?
From the age of 3, children go to kindergarten - this is their first step towards societal integration.
Type
Features
Price (2025, EUR/month)
State
Public establishments in Bulgarian, meals are often not included
Free of charge (meals 20-50)
Private
Often in Russian or English
250-400
Specialized
For children with special needs and autism
By reference from doctor/professional
Seasonal
Summer programs
From 100/seasonal program.
Примечательно:
Starting in 2022, public gardens are free for everyone with a residential permit (source - Bulgarian Ministry of Education, Resolution No. 13/2022). Nevertheless, many places in cities like Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv require reservations (due to high demand) - so make sure to sign up for summer activities as early as April!
Steps to enroll:
Choose your city and type of garden
Gather documents: birth certificate, medical card, analyses, immunizations, translations with apostille, payment receipt
Apply: online for public, directly for private.
Wait for a response, usually 3-5 days
Tip:
Translate documents in Bulgaria with local accredited specialists - it is faster and you will save up to 50 euros.
Parents' question: How much is kindergarten for foreigners?
With residence permit - free of charge, plus food (20-50 euros). Without a residential permit - check with the individual kindergarten.
????Important:
Without a certificate of preschool training, public schools will not accept students.
Personal experience:
In public kindergartens the emphasis on Bulgarian - it speeds up adaptation.
School: how do you register your child?
The school system of education in Bulgaria is divided into three stages:
Primary (1st-4th grade): basic subjects, often with English language
Lower secondary (5th-7th grade): exams after 7th grade
How do I get my child into school and how much does it cost?
Registration stage
Cost of training
1. Collect documents: certificate, medical certificate, certificate from the past school
With residence permit, permanent residence - free of charge in public schools
2. Apply to the selected school directly
Without residence permit, permanent residence - up to 400 euros per year
3. wait for confirmation (usually 5-7 days)
Private schools - from 2500 euros per year
Noteworthy:
The schools offer Bulgarian courses, extracurricular activities and the help of psychologists. The school year begins Sept. 15.
Case:
The daughter of acquaintances in Burgas learned the language in 3 months thanks to free lessons.
Parents' question: Are there Russian schools?
Yes, in Sofia at the embassy and in Burgas with a Russian language bias.
Lifehack:
Look for schools with Russian-speaking children - the adaptation of the child will go faster.
Higher education: the path to universities
Universities in Bulgaria issue diplomas recognized throughout the EU. This opens the door to an international career.
Why are Bulgarian diplomas quoted and which fields are in demand?
Criterion
Details
EU Membership
Diplomas comply with the Bologna system*
International accreditation
Universities participate in Erasmus+ program
Language of programs
Bulgarian, also in English
In-demand fields of study
Medicine, dentistry, law, architecture and IT
The Bulgarian model of higher education (according to the Bologna system)
Step
Title in Bulgarian
Duration
What gives
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor
4 years
First level of higher education, eligible for employment and/or admission to a master's program
Magistracy
Master
1-2 years
Requires a bachelor's degree
Doctorate (PhD)
Doctoral student / Doctor
3 years
Scientific degree, after master's program. Analogous to PhD
Professional education
Professional Bachelor
3 years
Obtained at colleges. It is not a full academic degree, but it gives access to the labor market and sometimes to graduate school
How to enroll - procedure and details
Collect the documents: a certificate with a passing score above 3, resume, medical certificate, Bulgarian STBFL test or English IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge
Apply on the university's website
Get your D visa after enrollment
How much does higher education in Bulgaria cost:
Student category
Tuition fee (euros/year)
U citizens
300-1700
Other countries
1750-3850 (medicine - up to 9000)
Tip:
Go to universities in Sofia or Varna - more scholarships and opportunities.
Top universities in Bulgaria
University
City
Features
Sofia University
Sofia
16 faculties, founded in 1878
New Bulgarian University
Sofia
Representative of Open University UK
Technical University
Sofia
Teaching in 5 languages, branches in Plovdiv and Sliven
Medical University of Varna
Varna
English speaking programs, EFQM model
American University in Bulgaria
Blagoevgrad
Double Diploma (USA+EU)
University of Economics of Varna
Varna
Study in Russian and English
Free University of Varna
Varna
ISO 9001:2015, 60 programs
University of Plovdiv
Plovdiv
9 faculties, all levels of education
Ruse University
Ruse
Engineering and Agrarian Programs
Trakia University
Stara Zagora
Medical, veterinary, engineering profile
Fact:
In 2022, there were 17 600 foreigners studying at universities in 2022, 20% in English (QS Rankings).
Note:
Taking an entrance exam is not required if you are applying for a fee-paying place rather than a budget place.
Moving: housing and residence permit
Education requires the right place to live. We at BolgarskiyDom will find a house near a kindergarten, school or university in 3-5 days. The purchase of real estate starting at 310,000 euros gives you residence permit, and after 5 years of residence - a permanent status.
Step
Action
Term
Select an object
Find accommodation with our help
5 days
Contract
Sign the deal
1-2 days
D visa
Apply for a visa at the consulate
30-45 days
RESIDENCE PERMIT
Apply for a residence permit in Bulgaria
1 year, extension
Example:
A family from Kiev bought an apartment in Plovdiv for 320,000 euros through Bolgarskiydom. They received a residence permit in just 3 months.
Save 5 days of paperwork with BolgarskiyDom. On average, it takes 10 to 14 days to complete the paperwork on your own due to difficulties with bureaucracy, language barriers and finding translators. We will prepare all forms, translations and documents for the municipality record in advance so that you get the right documents without delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can you speed up the cultural adaptation of your child?
Hang out in circles with Russian families, or explore different creative clubs. Adaptation for young children usually takes 4-5 weeks.
Can parents get a residence permit if the child studies in Bulgaria?
Yes, the child's attendance in a Bulgarian kindergarten or school gives grounds for a residence permit for parents.
What are the additional costs of enrolling in a university?
Translations, apostilles, medical certificate, insurance, consulate fees - from 100 euros.
How can I find a Russian-speaking teacher for my child?
Private schools and kindergartens often have Russian-speaking teachers. You can also contact expat communities or through BolgarskiyDom - we know proven contacts.
Do I need a medical examination for school?
Yes, a medical certificate is required. It can be obtained from your local health center, and sometimes a fluoroscopy, HIV test and immunization certificate are also required.
What documents are most often not accepted in schools and kindergartens?
Without an apostille and official translation, documents may be rejected. We recommend having translations done locally by accredited professionals to avoid delays.
Personal advice from a parent
Don't wait! There are waiting lists for good schools and kindergartens. Enroll before June 1 - many kindergartens give a discount for the first month.
Case study:
One client says - “The adaptation of my child in Bulgaria took around a month, while in Turkey the adaptation of a child of a takes 3-4 months. We chose an establishment in Varna with Russian-speaking children. Our child adapted to the new environment in just a month.
Lifehack:
Don't know Bulgarian? Use a translator or help from other parents who have already mastered Bulgarian.
What to do next? How can you ensure a hassle-free move?
Bulgaria is the future for your children. Live by the sea and give your children a European future! Do you have any questions?
Taras Rozgon
Head of the company
Want to know which cities and neighborhoods have the best combination of schools, sea and infrastructure? Write to us - we will tell you where you should look first.
Leave an application to BolgarskiyDom - we will help find you a new home in just 5 days, help with any real estate documents, as well as give advice on any subject that involves moving to Bulgaria!
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The daughter of acquaintances in Burgas learned the language in 3 months thanks to free lessons.