Bulgaria is 1 of the most popular destinations for high-quality and affordable medical, dental, and veterinary education in English. Here, veterinary medicine is accredited by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), which means that upon graduation, students receive an internationally recognised degree that is accepted throughout the EU and beyond. The country is also home to a strong animal healthcare sector, making it an ideal start for a successful career in veterinary medicine.
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Bulgarian veterinary medicine education is a 5½-year (11-semester) Master’s Degree. It covers all aspects of theoretical learning in accordance with international standards and has a strong focus on early practical training through modern simulation labs, clinics, mobile units, and farm-based learning.
Clinical rotations are carried out across both small and large animal practices, ensuring students gain real-world experience. Bulgarian universities also maintain strong connections with local and international industries to provide students with valuable internship opportunities in areas such as public health, animal welfare, and food safety.
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.
The curriculum in Bulgarian vet schools follows Directives 2005/36 / EC and 2013/55 / EC, meaning it adheres to the European Union regulations for the recognition of professional qualifications. This ensures that the veterinary education meets the required standards for mobility and professional recognition across EU member states.
The curriculum is structured in 3 main stages:
The initial phase focuses on core subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Histology, alongside introductory courses in Animal Nutrition, Genetics, and Veterinary Ethics. Students participate in practical laboratory sessions, including dissection techniques and diagnostic sample processing, to build a foundation in the Veterinary Sciences. Additionally, students can choose between elective courses every semester.
In the 2nd phase, the curriculum expands to include Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Parasitology, Radiology, Diagnostic Imaging, and Laboratory Diagnostics. Students begin hands-on clinical training in dedicated simulation centres and on-campus small-animal clinics.
The final phase focuses on clinical training, including compulsory practical classes in clinical disciplines at clinical-diagnostic complexes. Students participate in mobile clinics and practical training in farms and food industry enterprises to gain real-world experience. The programme also includes an undergraduate internship, where students apply their knowledge in veterinary practice.
There is 1 exceptional Bulgarian veterinary university that provides veterinary medical education entirely in English:
Location: Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Courses in English: Veterinary Medicine, Medicine
Tuition Fees: 1st year, and then per year
Entrance Exam: Yes
Trakia University is a public university that was established in 1995 in Stara Zagora. The university’s DVM programme is fully accredited by EAEVE and the Ministry of Education. It provides students with a comprehensive education that includes building a strong theoretical foundation and developing the practical skills required for its effective application.
One of the standout features of the programme are its modern veterinary medicine facilities, including a dedicated small-animal clinic, farm animal clinic, equine clinic, and advanced diagnostic laboratories. The university also collaborates with local veterinary clinics to provide hands-on experience, enhance the learning experience, and offer opportunities for internships and professional networking.
Stara Zagora (Old Zagora) itself is a fascinating city with a history dating back to 7~8,000 BC. However, although it is named an “old” city, it was completely rebuilt 150 years ago and features all the modern amenities you can expect from a European city. For veterinary students, the local animal and agriculture sectors are well-developed, meaning students have access to a variety of internship opportunities in the area.
In Bulgaria, veterinary medicine is offered as a full Master’s DVM programme, and there are currently no graduate-entry pathways available.
To study veterinary in Bulgaria in English, the entry requirements are:
For international students studying the DVM programme in English at Trakia University, the tuition fees are for the 1st year and for the rest of the years. Regarding living costs, international students typically spend between and per month, depending on their choice of accommodation and lifestyle.
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International students in Bulgaria get to enjoy an affordable, fun, and fulfilling student experience in 1 of Europe’s oldest countries. This includes:
At Medlink Students, we are dedicated to ensuring the success of our veterinary medicine students every step of the way. Our Student Success Programme offers comprehensive, personalised support, starting with application assistance, visa support, and continuing through to on-ground support to help you relocate and settle into life in Stara Zagora.
Concerned about the entrance exam? We provide preparation materials explicitly made for the Trakia University test so you can approach the exam with confidence. Our support continues as get accepted by offering guidance on choosing specialities and internships, and even providing licensure support to graduates.
Sign up for a free consultation with our expert academic advisors to learn more about the Student Success Programme and how we can help you achieve your dream of becoming a veterinary doctor.
After earning your internationally recognised DVM degree, graduates from Bulgaria can become veterinary doctors both domestically and internationally, including working as:
Studying veterinary medicine in Bulgaria typically takes 5 and a half years (11 semesters).
Studying DVM in Bulgaria costs for the 1st year and for years 2-5½.
The veterinary medicine programme in Bulgaria includes hands-on experience in on-campus clinics for both small and large animals, mobile clinics, farm placements, and simulation labs.
Yes, a veterinary degree from Bulgaria is recognised across the EU. Bulgarian veterinary medicine programmes are accredited by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education, ensuring your DVM degree meets EU licensure standards through mutual recognition.
The living costs in Bulgaria for veterinary students are about - per month.
No, Bulgarian language proficiency is not required to study veterinary medicine in Bulgaria, as you will be receiving language lessons to help you wih day-to-day life and clinical placements.
Yes, after completing your DVM, you can apply for licensure through the Bulgarian Veterinary Union, which allows you to practise veterinary medicine in Bulgaria and other EU countries. Medlink Students can help you with getting your licensure.
A minimum of B2-level proficiency in English is required to enrol in the English-taught veterinary medicine programme in Bulgaria.
Yes, veterinary students in Bulgaria are allowed to work part-time. While studying, many students gain practical experience by working in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, research labs, or other related fields.
