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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.
Read on - we'll break it all down step by step.
Why choose Bulgaria?
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Diplomas are recognized in the EU
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Tuition is cheaper than in other European countries
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Safety: the crime rate is below the EU average
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Language is similar to Russian - children master it in 3-6 months
Affordable prices, quality system and bonus - residence permit through real estate investment.
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. |
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
Translate documents in Bulgaria with local accredited specialists - it is faster and you will save up to 50 euros.
With residence permit - free of charge, plus food (20-50 euros). Without a residential permit - check with the individual kindergarten.
Without a certificate of preschool training, public schools will not accept students.
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Personal experience: |
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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
- Upper secondary (grade 8-12): profiling: languages, technology, economics
How do I get my child into school and how much does it cost?
| Registration stage | Cost of training |
|---|---|
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1. Collect documents: certificate, medical certificate, certificate from the past school |
With residence permit, permanent residence - free of charge in public schools |
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2. Apply to the selected school directly |
Without residence permit, permanent residence - up to 400 euros per year |
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3. wait for confirmation (usually 5-7 days) |
Private schools - from 2500 euros per year |
The schools offer Bulgarian courses, extracurricular activities and the help of psychologists. The school year begins Sept. 15.
Yes, in Sofia at the embassy and in Burgas with a Russian language bias.
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* |
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International accreditation |
Universities participate in Erasmus+ program |
| Language of programs |
Bulgarian, also in English |
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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 |
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Other countries |
1750-3850 (medicine - up to 9000) |
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 |
In 2022, there were 17 600 foreigners studying at universities in 2022, 20% in English (QS Rankings).
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 |
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Example: |
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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)
Hang out in circles with Russian families, or explore different creative clubs. Adaptation for young children usually takes 4-5 weeks.
Yes, the child's attendance in a Bulgarian kindergarten or school gives grounds for a residence permit for parents.
Translations, apostilles, medical certificate, insurance, consulate fees - from 100 euros.
Private schools and kindergartens often have Russian-speaking teachers. You can also contact expat communities or through BolgarskiyDom - we know proven contacts.
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.
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.
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.
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?
The daughter of acquaintances in Burgas learned the language in 3 months thanks to free lessons.