1 of the biggest advantages of applying here is that the medicine entry requirements in Bulgaria are as straightforward as it gets and more accessible compared to many other European countries.
In this guide we’ll break down the admission requirements for Bulgarian medical universities and explain everything international students need to know before applying.
TLDR
As long as you have a high school background in Biology and Chemistry, can pass a basic entrance exam, and get your paperwork legalised, you're halfway to applying for medicine in Bulgaria.
Table of Contents
What are the Entry Requirements and Application Fees for Medicine in Bulgaria in 2026?
You must meet the age limit for studying medicine in Bulgaria, which is 17 years old. Additionally, all universities will assess your school grades and your Biology and Chemistry entrance exam results, both of which will be taken into consideration when they’re reviewing your application.
| University | Entry Requirements | Entrance Exam & Fees |
| Sofia Medical University | Biology and Chemistry grades English proficiency Entrance exam | Biology + Chemistry + English with a fee of €204 |
| Plovdiv Medical University | Biology and Chemistry with an average score of at least 62% of the maximum. Entrance exam English language proficiency | Biology + Chemistry examination. Fees include €30 for data processing and €270 for the entry tests per exam date. An English language test is required if no proof of English language proficiency is provided. |
| Varna Medical University | Secondary education Entrance exam | Biology + Chemistry exam with a fee of €340 |
| Pleven Medical University | Secondary education with Biology & Chemistry gradesMinimum 62% in the official language of the country where high school was completed Entrance exam | Biology + Chemistry exam with €40 registration fee and €200 entry exam fee. |
| Trakia University | Secondary education with Biology & Chemistry subjects Entrance exam | Biology and Chemistry for Medicine (or Biology only for Veterinary Medicine), while students from non-English-speaking countries must also pass an English language exam. The fee is €80 per exam. |
| University of Sofia St Kliment Ohridski | Secondary-school diploma, including Biology and Chemistry grades Entrance exam | Biology + Chemistry with an application fee of €51 |
| Prof Dr Assen Zlatarov University Faculty of Medicine | Completed secondary education Good Biology and Chemistry grades Non-EU and non-EEA applicants must have an average Biology and Chemistry grade of at least 62% of the maximumThe official-language state matriculation requirement of at least 62% English proficiency. | Online entrance exams in Biology and Chemistry, while non-native English speakers without a valid certificate must also pass a B1 English test. €300 fee for the exams and €150 for document processing. |
Want to learn more about these universities?
Interested in applying? Book a free consultation with 1 of our expert advisors & we will take care of working on your documents, helping you with entrance exams, choosing 1 of the many medical schools in Bulgaria based on what is best for you, and smoothing out the road to becoming the doctor that you’d like to be.
What are the Required Documents for Studying Medicine in Bulgaria in 2026?
The document checklist is almost identical everywhere. You’ll usually need:
- Legalised high school diploma
- Certified Bulgarian translation of documents
- Passport copy
- Passport photos
- Application form
- Proof that your diploma allows university study in your home country
- NACID recognition documents in many cases, which validate that a foreign national’s degree is valid compared to Bulgarian standards
For non-EU students, universities also usually require:
- Type D Bulgarian student visa
- Ministry approval before enrollment
While Bulgaria offers an accessible and straightforward pathway to an EU-recognized medical degree, navigating the distinct grade thresholds and specific entrance exam formats can feel like a guessing game. Missing a critical calculation - like the strict 62% minimum grade requirement in Biology and Chemistry or mismanaging your online exam registrations - can cause your application to be rejected. Don't leave your entry to chance. Join our FREE upcoming webinar! Learn exactly how your local high school grades convert to the Bulgarian GPA scale, master the high-yield topics for the Biology and Chemistry entry tests, and explore your legal safety nets for secure enrollment in 2026!
What are the English Language Requirements for Medicine in Bulgaria in 2026?
Most universities ask for a B2/B1 level of English language proficiency for Bulgarian medicine programmes in English, which can be demonstrated through:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Cambridge English certificates
- PTE Academic
- IB Diploma
- English-language school diplomas
FAQs
What are the Top Medical Universities in Bulgaria with Medicine in English?
Bulgaria has 7 medical schools with medicine in English:
Sofia Medical University
Trakia University
Pleven Medical University
Varna Medical University
Plovdiv Medical University
University of Sofia St Kliment Ohridski
Prof Dr Assen Zlatarov University Faculty of Medicine
Do I Need UCAT To Study Medicine in Bulgaria?
No. They really don’t care about the UCAT, and instead, you just need to pass the university's own entry exams in Biology and Chemistry.
What Grades Do You Need To Study Medicine in Bulgaria?
Entry requirements vary by university and applicant category. Some universities, such as the Medical University of Plovdiv, require applicants to have studied Biology and Chemistry and to have an average score of at least 62% of the maximum in those subjects. Other universities use different criteria, such as the official-language grade from the secondary-school diploma, alongside Biology and Chemistry entrance exams. Hop on a call with our academic advisors, and we’ll help you figure out if you qualify for your chosen university.
How Do You Convert UK Grades to Bulgarian GPA for Medical School?
Some Bulgarian medical universities accept BTEC qualifications, but applicants usually still need strong Biology and Chemistry backgrounds and may be required to sit entrance exams or provide additional academic qualifications.
For the Bulgarian medical university grading system conversion table, check out our blog How to Successfully Apply for Medicine or Dentistry in Bulgaria
