Bulgaria is a popular destination for international students who decide to study dentistry. Tuition fees are around per year. There are programmes specifically designed in English language so that everyone would be able to learn.
The Republic of Bulgaria is a Southeast European country situated on the eastern flank of the Balkans. It is a member of the European Union, which provides many opportunities for international students pursuing a dentistry degree in English.
Bulgaria has a long history of medical accomplishments, which date back to ancient times, with many medical texts and manuscripts still preserved in the archives of monasteries. In the early Middle Ages, the country was a major medical education and research centre, and its physicians were highly regarded throughout the Byzantine Empire.Â
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Bulgaria underwent a period of rapid growth, mainly through modernisation and industrialisation. This led to significant advances in medicine and healthcare, including new highly-successful technologies and treatments.
Today, Bulgaria is home to several first-rate institutions and research centres at the forefront of innovation in the fields of medicine, biotechnology and medical engineering. The country has a long history of producing exceptional medical professionals, making it an ideal place to pursue a career in dentistry.
Summarised price breakdown of the top dental schools in Bulgaria that offer dentistry courses in English.
Trakia University is located in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, and offers a number of medical and veterinary programmes to both local and international students. The medical faculty consists of about 600 students, meaning that each one of them receives individual attention on their path to becoming a doctor.
Sofia's medical university is located in the capital of Bulgaria. Established in 1917, it's the oldest and most prestigious university of medicine in Bulgaria. It offers four faculties for medical studies: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Public Health, all of which are taught in English for international students.
Plovdiv's Medical University opened in 1945, with schools of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy open to both local and international students. The local library offers more than 170,000 books in English, and any degrees obtained there (either MD or one of the many specialities offered) will be recognised internationally.
Sofia's "St. Kliment Ohridski" University is Bulgaria's oldest institute of higher learning. The university has about 20,000 students from both Bulgaria and abroad, and offers English-language medical classes. Students from the UK and beyond can study medicine, pre-med and pharmacy from world-class educators.
The Medical University of Varna is an award-winning and highly advanced medical institute located in Bulgaria's "sea capital". Founded in 1961, it has since hosted students from over 45 countries in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy classes taught in English.
Medical University - Pleven is the biggest university in Pleven, Bulgaria, founded in 1974 on the site of an 1865 hospital. Those who wish to study medicine in Europe are welcome to enjoy the university's vast collection of medical texts in English and state of the art learning facilities.
The Prof Dr Assen Zlatarov University in Burgas, Bulgaria, features a new and modern Faculty of Medicine equipped with the latest technologies and facilities. Recognised across the European Union and many other countries across the world, the university offers a comprehensive 6-year Master’s Degree in Medicine in English with extensive practical training and a guaranteed internship.
Bulgaria is home to several highly-ranked and accredited universities that offer dental medicine programmes in English, making it an ideal choice for international students.
Bulgarian medical education establishments follow the standards set by the European Union and the World Health Organisation, ensuring that graduates have the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful dentists in any part of the world. The curricula are designed to give students a strong foundation while providing hands-on clinical experience through practical training in dental clinics.
The cost of studying dentistry in Bulgaria is relatively affordable, especially compared to other countries in Europe. On top of that, the living costs are among the lowest on the continent, making the country an attractive option for students looking for an excellent dental education on a modest budget.
The medical schools in Bulgaria are highly accredited and well-respected. When studying dentistry in Bulgaria, you will be trained by renowned experts in the field. The curricula consist of theoretical and practical parts, giving you plenty of opportunities to practise your skills in a controlled environment. When graduating from your respective dental course, you will be given a world-recognised diploma, which will allow you to become a dental practitioner anywhere in the world.
Here are the 3 top dental medicine schools with dentistry programmes in English for international students:
1. Sofia Medical University (SMU)
The Sofia Medical University is a prestigious higher-education institution specialising in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. The Faculty of Medicine at SMU was founded in 1917 and is Bulgaria's oldest medical teaching establishment. It is located in the capital of Sofia and has a long history of producing exceptional medical professionals. In 2019, the university achieved a rating of 9.56 out of 10 from the National Agency of Accreditation.
The dental course in English at Sofia Medical University costs per year and is open to 80 students in total. The academic year starts in October, but the exact dates vary depending on the circumstances.
To study at SMU, you will need a good academic record and will have to sit entrance exams consisting of three parts: Biology, Chemistry and English. They are usually held in September for EU and EEA students and in October for non-EU and EEA applicants. The exams cost total and have been held online in recent years.
If you want to learn how to prepare for medical school entrance exams in Bulgaria, our team at Medlink Students has written an informative guide on the topic.
2. Varna Medical University (VMU)
The Varna Medical University is a modern and well-respected medical establishment with a highly regarded dental course. It is highly accredited, with an average rating of 9.27 out of 10. The university was established in 1961 in the coastal city of Varna and is known for having modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and a dedicated dental clinic.
The dental programme in English costs annually, and the academic year starts in October. To enroll, you will need a proven record of strong academic performance and will need to take entrance exams. The entry assessments will be held online and will consist of 5 sections in Biology and Chemistry - multiple-choice questions, fill the gaps, matching the term in pairs, true or false, and open questions. You will also need to prove your English language proficiency.
Applying and taking the entrance exams at Varna Medical University costs altogether. The medical school gives several opportunities for students to sit the entry examinations but retakes cost an additional each. The exact dates change yearly depending on circumstances but are generally held:
Contact us to schedule a free consultation if you want to learn more about Varna Medical University and how we can guarantee to get you admitted there.
3. Plovdiv Medical University (PMU)
This is a well-established and reputable university in the country's second-largest city - Plovdiv. The medical training at PMU's Faculty of Medicine has taken the first spot among medical facilities in Bulgaria for two consecutive years. The university was established in 1945 and has a long history of providing and producing excellence.
The academic year starts at the beginning of October, and the tuition fees are per year. Your previous academic record and English proficiency will be assessed in order to get considered for admittance. You will also need to take entrance tests for Biology and Chemistry, consisting of multiple-choice questions. In 2023, the exams will be held online and will cost , while retakes cost . Similarly to Varna Medical University, PMU offers several chances for students to take their tests. The exact dates vary but are generally around:
Although the exact entry requirements to study dentistry in English may vary between each respective dental school in Bulgaria, they all assess you based on several common criteria:
If you want to learn more about studying at the Plovdiv Medical University and calculate your admission chances, contact us via the form below.
One of the reasons why Bulgaria has become an increasingly popular destination for international students is that the medical dental schools offer world-class dental education at an affordable price.
At the moment, the yearly tuition fees for all dental medical schools that offer dentistry in English cost per year.
Currently, no universities in Bulgaria offer graduate entry for dentistry programmes in English. However, if you are interested in studying via a graduate entry route, contact our expert advisors at Medlink Students to get help in finding the right course for you.
Studying dentistry in Bulgaria offers a first-rate education at an affordable price. You'll have the opportunity to learn from renowned experts and gain hands-on experience in a supervised environment, allowing you to practise your skills with confidence. Additionally, the dental diploma you earn upon graduation will be recognised worldwide, making you a sought-after dental practitioner. With the skills and knowledge you gain, you can confidently pursue a successful career in dentistry anywhere on the globe.
We have prepared a list of the top reasons to study dentistry in Bulgaria.
*According to MacroTrends, the crime rate in Bulgaria has been dropping steadily and is currently at 0.99 per 100 000 inhabitants.
Bulgaria is an incredibly diverse country with many lifestyle benefits, which makes it an attractive destination for students. Here are the top 5 cultural benefits of studying dentistry abroad in Bulgaria:
There's a reason why Bulgaria attracts more and more international students each year. Studying dentistry in English in the country provides a unique opportunity for students to receive a world-class education at a reasonable cost while gaining irreplaceable cultural experiences.
With highly-skilled professors, state-of-the-art facilities, and an engaging curriculum with many practical opportunities, you are guaranteed to become a successful dentist after receiving your internationally recognised diploma. Combine that with the low living costs and affordable tuition fees, and you can clearly see why so many students have made the decision to study dentistry in Bulgaria.
If you are ready to take your first step toward kickstarting your career in dentistry, our expert advisors at Medlink Students are ready to answer any questions you may have. Contact us through the form below to sign up for a free consultation and we will guide toward becoming a successful dental practitioner.
All around the world! Feel free to choose your next destination after graduating.
Yes, all of the universities require an entrance exam.
Yes, you can! All courses for international students are English-taught.
Absolutely yes! Bulgaria is one of the safest countries in Europe. It is a preferred destination for many students and tourists. Locals are very friendly and welcoming.
The cost of tuition is about per year, depending on the university. In addition, living costs range between and per month, based on various factors (accommodation, travel costs, entertainment budget, etc).
Bulgaria is considered one of the best European countries to study dentistry in due to the low living costs and the high quality of the medical education provided.
Bulgarian medical universities offer 6-year dental medicine programmes.
The Medical Universities of Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna are considered the best in the country. But due to the high overall level of education, most medical universities are considered very prestigious.
