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Compare the top medical universities in Bulgaria, including fees, locations, entrance exams and English-taught Medicine programs for international students.
Team Anigdha
Update on - 13 Nov, 2026
When planning to study medicine abroad, choosing an accredited medical university with strong hospital training and international recognition is the most important step. Bulgaria is home to several prestigious public medical universities that attract thousands of international and Indian students every year. If you are planning to study medicine in Bulgaria and searching for the top medical universities in Bulgaria, this comprehensive guide compares the leading institutions, their clinical strengths, annual tuition fees, and entrance exam requirements.
Each of the established public medical universities in Bulgaria offers a 6-year English-taught Medicine (MD/MBBS) program aligned with EU, WHO, and NMC guidelines. Compare the top options at a glance below:
| Name of the University | Location | Category | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical University of Sofia | Sofia | Public | Ideal if you want to study medicine at Bulgaria's oldest and most prestigious medical university in the capital city. |
| Medical University of Plovdiv | Plovdiv | Public | Great choice if you want advanced simulation training and a large international student community in Bulgaria's cultural capital. |
| Medical University of Varna | Varna | Public | Best suited if you want modern 3D/robotic surgery training facilities and a vibrant coastal student environment. |
| Medical University of Pleven | Pleven | Public | Excellent option if you want strong clinical training at a 1,000+ bed university hospital in an affordable student town. |
| Trakia University (Faculty of Medicine) | Stara Zagora | Public | Ideal if you want to study English-taught Medicine or Veterinary Medicine in a calm, green university city. |
Still trying to shortlist the right medical university in Bulgaria? Our team can help you compare your options and find the best match for your profile and budget.
Medical University of Sofia is the oldest and most prestigious among the best medical universities in Bulgaria, with its medical education heritage dating back to 1917. Comprising faculties of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, and Public Health, the university is affiliated with over a dozen major teaching hospitals and national clinical centers across Sofia.
With a large, diverse international student body enrolled in its English-language programs, Medical University of Sofia is a top choice for students who want to study medicine in Bulgaria in the heart of the capital city.
Established in 1945, Medical University of Plovdiv has a distinguished reputation in medical education and hosts one of the largest international student communities in Bulgaria. Its Faculty of Medicine teaches in both English and Bulgarian, backed by multi-profile university hospitals (including St. George University Hospital, the largest hospital in Bulgaria) and a state-of-the-art Medical Simulation Training Centre.
Founded in 1961, Medical University of Varna brings over 60 years of academic excellence on the Black Sea coast. The university features modern clinical hospitals, high-tech simulation centers, and a specialized Centre of Competence focused on personalized medicine, 3D anatomy, telemedicine, and robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery.
Its English-taught Medicine in Bulgaria attracts students from more than 70 countries, including a rapidly growing community of Indian medical students.
Established in 1974, Medical University of Pleven was the first medical university in Bulgaria to launch an English-medium Medicine program in 1997. It operates a major University Hospital with more than 1,000 beds alongside specialized robotic surgery and telemedicine clinics.
Its 6-year Medicine curriculum comprises 2 years of pre-clinical sciences, 3 years of clinical rotations, and a 1-year state clinical internship, making it a highly respected and cost-effective option for Indian students.
Located in Stara Zagora, Trakia University houses an accredited Faculty of Medicine offering a 6-year English-language Medicine program as well as Bulgaria’s premier Veterinary Medicine faculty. It provides modern laboratory and hospital training in a peaceful, student-friendly city with lower monthly living expenses than Sofia or Varna.
The medical university fees in Bulgaria vary slightly across the five public medical universities. Checking the official annual tuition fees helps you plan your complete 6-year medical education budget:
| Name of the Medical University | Annual Tuition Fee (English-Taught Medicine) |
|---|---|
| Medical University of Sofia | €9,950 / year |
| Medical University of Plovdiv | €10,000 / year |
| Medical University of Varna | €10,000 / year |
| Medical University of Pleven | €9,000 / year |
| Trakia University (Stara Zagora) | €9,000 / year (€4,500 per semester) |
Note: Alongside annual tuition fees, students should budget separately for one-time application and entrance exam fees, hostel or apartment rent, food, health insurance, and personal expenses.
To secure admission into any of the top medical universities in Bulgaria, international applicants are generally required to sit for a university entrance examination ( alongside holding a valid NEET qualification for Indian students).
The medical entrance exam evaluates your Class 12 science foundation and language readiness across three core subjects:
Biology: Tests high-school level human anatomy, physiology, cell biology, genetics, and evolution.
Chemistry: Covers general, inorganic, and organic chemistry principles studied in Class 11 and Class 12.
English Language: Assesses reading comprehension, grammar, and medical/academic vocabulary for applicants enrolling in English-taught Medicine in Bulgaria (unless exempted by an accepted IELTS/TOEFL certificate at select universities).
The exam format typically includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs), fill-in-the-blanks, true/false items, and short concept-explanation questions. Because your entrance test score is combined with your Class 12 Biology and Chemistry grades to rank applicants, preparing with official university sample papers early is essential.
Need study material and mock-test guidance for your medical university entrance exam in Bulgaria? Get in touch with our team today!
Choosing among the top medical universities in Bulgaria depends on your preferred city environment, annual tuition budget (€9,000 to €10,000/year), and intake schedule (September/October or February at Pleven). Every public medical university in Bulgaria delivers an EU-accredited, WHO-listed MD degree with extensive hospital training.
Still not sure which medical university to choose? Reach out to our medical admission specialists and take your next confident step toward studying medicine in Bulgaria!
Which are the top medical universities in Bulgaria?
The top public medical universities in Bulgaria are Medical University of Sofia, Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Varna, Medical University of Pleven, and the Faculty of Medicine at Trakia University (Stara Zagora).
Can Indian students study Medicine in Bulgaria?
Yes, Indian students who have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and qualified NEET can apply to 6-year English-taught Medicine (MBBS/MD) programs at Bulgarian medical universities.
How much are the medical university fees in Bulgaria?
Annual tuition fees for English-taught Medicine at public medical universities in Bulgaria range from €9,000 per year (at Pleven and Trakia University) to €9,950–€10,000 per year (at Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna).
Do medical universities in Bulgaria require an entrance exam?
Yes, public medical universities in Bulgaria conduct an entrance examination in Biology and Chemistry (plus an English test for English-medium applicants) to rank and select candidates.
Which medical university in Bulgaria is best for Indian students?
All five public medical universities are accredited and recognized across the EU and by WHO/NMC. Medical University of Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna are ideal for students seeking larger cities, while Medical University of Pleven and Trakia University offer slightly lower tuition (€9,000/year) and lower living costs.
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