Europe has a wide range of countries like Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia that shine through their excellence of medical education. MBBS in Bulgaria is one of those bright options for Indian students to build a sophisticated foundation of their career in medicine.
With a literacy rate of 98.4%, the ratio of teacher to student of Bulgaria is 1:18.
Although Bulgaria is a slightly unpopular destination, it is appreciated globally for it's remarkable educational excellence. It grabs the attention of more than 1,000 students from other countries who pursue various courses in Bulgaria.
Indian students are most likely to study MBBS in Bulgaria in its 7 NMC approved medical universities. Students get to avail modernized facilities, advanced infrastructure, practical exposure of education against moderate fees.
Entrance tests like IELTS/TOEFL are not necessary for admission in Bulgaria. Pleven Medical University, Plovdiv Medical University, & Medical University of Sofia are one of the most popular european universities located in Bulgaria.
Now, let's talk about all the significant aspects regarding MBBS opportunities in Bulgaria in a more detailed perspective.
MBBS in Bulgaria: Quick Highlights 2022
Here is a brief overview of features of studying medicine at Bulgaria:
Eligibility Criteria
50% in PCB
NEET Entrance Exam
Yes, It Is Mandatory
IELTS & TOEFL
Not required
Minimum Tuition Fee
7500 USD/Year
Maximum Tuition Fee
9000 USD/Year
Cost of Living in Bulgaria
200$ - 250$ Per Month
Medium of Teaching
NMC & WHO
Top Medical University
Plovdiv Medical University
Benefits of Studying MBBS in Bulgaria for Indian Students
Here is a brief overview of features of studying medicine at Bulgaria:
Bulgaria is popular for it's excellent quality education, research & development especially in the field of medical science.
There 120 universities offering medical education out of which only 7 universities have approval of NMC (National Medical Commission).
European colleges have high figures of tuition fees, however Bulgaria is relatively less economical for studying medicine.
Students don't have to face entrance tests like IELTS/TOEFL to seek admission for medical courses in Bulgaria.
The MBBS course is taught in English language in the Bulgarian colleges.
Tuition fees in Bulgaria can also be paid in two installations.
Living expenses in cities of Bulgaria are also moderate for Indians.
College professors have prominent experience in their subjects & doubts of the students are solved with utmost preference.
Hostel facilities are available in the Bulgarian medical universities for the convenience of international students.
External accommodations are equally fascinating & provided with all the fundamental household services.
Indian students can also taste desi food in specific restaurants in Bulgaria.
No donation or capitation charges are taken from the students.
Practical quality of educational training is delivered by the universities.
Universities in Bulgaria have standardized infrastructure that notably includes world-class library & technologically advanced laboratories.
Educational loan & the scholarship concession are available.
All types of competitive programs, enhancement functions, and cultural events are regularly organized in the Bulgarian universities.
MBBS in Bulgaria Fees Structure 2022
You can check out aggregate fee structure of popular universities in Bulgaria in the table given below:
Following is the qualification standard considered for the acceptance of the admission of international students:
Candidates should be 17 years of old at the admission time & the maximum age limitation is 25 years.
Students must have opted PCB (Physics, Chemistry, & Biology), maths & English subjects in XIIth science.
There should not be a gap exceeding two years after XIIth grade.
Open category's students must score 60% marks while reserved category students need 40% to qualify for admission.
NEET score is the mandatory criteria for MBBS admission in Bulgaria.
Admission Process For MBBS Course in Bulgaria
A common procedure to get admission for medical course in Bulgaria:
Step 1: Fill up an online application form at the official website.
Step 2: Organize all the essential documents for submission.
Step 3: Now proceed the payment for the first year's tuition fees.
Step 4: Apply for student's VISA after getting confirmation of admission.
Step 5: Once you get the VISA, book the fight tickets to fly to Bulgaria.
Documents Required for Students to Study in Bulgaria
A complete list of documents necessary for MBBS admission is here:
Marksheet of 10th & 12th grade
Certification of birth
National ID proof
Medical fitness certificate
School leaving certificate (SLC)
Certificate of Conduct
Non criminal certificate
Bank statement of parents
Valid passport
Legalized student's VISA
Passport size photocopies
College may ask other documents
Medical Courses Offered in Bulgaria
These are the courses on medicine available studies in Bulgaria:
Anaesthesiology
Internal Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Obstetrics
Gynaecology
Orthopaedics
Paediatrics
Surgery
A Detailed Course Syllabus of MBBS in Bulgaria
Here you can refer a syllabus of medicine in Bulgaria as per each semester:
1st Year
1st Semester
2nd Semester
Anatomy
Histology & Anatomy
2nd Year
3rd Semester
4th Semester
Histology
Physiology
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Physiology
Microbiology
Anatomy
-
3rd Year
5th Semester
6th Semester
Pathology
Pathology
Pharmacology
Path physiology
Micro-Biology and Path physiology
Pharmacology
Path physiology
-
4th - 6th Year
7th-12th Semester
Clinical Subjects & Clinical Posting
Internal Medicine
Physiology
Pediatrics
Oncology
General Surgery
ENT
Gynecology
Cardiology
Emergency Medicine
Future Career Opportunity After MBBS in Bulgaria
Have a look at the opportunities students get after graduation in Bulgaria:
Students get preparation for USMLE & other license exams.
Graduates in Bulgaria can practice anywhere in the world.
Students have a chance for post graduation in any country.
Internship opportunities in reputed hospitals after graduation.
Ranking of Top Medical Colleges in Bulgaria
You can see the ranking of NMC approved medical colleges in Bulgaria:
Name of University
Country Ranking
World Ranking
Varna Medical University
4
4057
Trakia University
10
4757
Pleven Medical University
24
6383
Sofia Medical University
22
6305
Plovdiv Medical University
27
6973
System of Medical Education in Bulgaria
Learn details about the education system of MBBS course in Bulgaria:
Medical Universities in Bulgaria offers a six years duration for MBBS program which is known as M.D (Doctor of Medicine) in Bulgaria.
These six years of M.D curriculum are divided into two sections:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Basic medical science
Clinical experiences & practices
Every year consists of two semesters of six months.
Phase one covers the first three years while the second phase lasts for the remaining 3 years.
Recognition of Medical Universities in Bulgaria
MBBS colleges in Bulgaria have accreditation from following councils:
National Medical Commission (NMC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
United States Medical Licence Examination Test (USMLE)
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
World Directory of Medical Schools (WDMS)
General Medical council (UK)
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
Foundation of Advancement of International Medical Education and Research - IMED (FAIMER)
Scholarship Opportunities For Studying in Bulgaria
Here you can access details about the scholarships in Bulgaria:
All the leading medical universities offer scholarships for international students if they have good marks & fit into the following applicability criteria.
Criteria for scholarships in Bulgaria:
There is an entrance test where the candidate must score 80%.
Chemistry & Biology are the main subjects of the exam.
Foreign students have to attain English examination as well.
PCB (Physics, Chemistry, & Biology) score of the student must be above 62% in higher secondary examination.
Transfer students must maintain a CGPA of 3.5 or average of A+ grades.
Process of VISA Acquisition & Required Documents
See the procedure Indian students need to follow to acquire VISA along with the list of required documents:
The process of VISA starts only after the confirmation of admission.
A complete medical checkup is required before applying for VISA.
Students must abstain from infection of diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Documents required:
Original passport with at least 3 months validity (3 blank pages)
Two passport size colored photocopies taken recently
Duly filled & signed VISA application form of the students
Cover Letter: Explanation of visit in Bulgaria
Original bank statements of last three months
Tickets of booked flight from India to bulgaria
Medical Insurance of the candidate
Hostel & Accomodation
Full details about the hostel & accommodation facilities in Bulgaria:
Every bulgarian university has at least three hostels for residence.
All of these accommodation services are comfortable & affordable.
Rooms are well-furnished with desks, tables, cupboards, chairs, etc.
Most of the rooms have separate kitchens to cook their own meal.
The charges of hostel rooms are packaged around 15k - 20k/ month.
Safety Index of Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the safest European country also for tourism:
Reports published by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) shows the fall of 9.8% in the registered cases of crime in 2018 against the reports of previous year (2017). It indicates that 46% of the crime cases have been resolved in comparison to 43.7% cases in 2017.
The country is safe from following frauds, scams, violence:
ATM skimming
Credit card fraud
Bank Robbery
Motor vehicle theft
Cost of Living in Bulgaria for Indian Students
We have given average monthly expenses required while studying in Bulgaria:
Particulars
Amount (USD)
Amount (INR)
External Accomodation
200 USD
14,000 INR
Food (Monthly Cost)
50 USD
3,500 INR
Transportation (Pass)
20 USD
1,400 INR
Monthly Grocery
30 USD
2,100 INR
Basic Amenities
50 USD
3,500 INR
Total Monthly Expenditure
350 USD
24,500 INR
Note: 1 $ = 70 Rs (for calculation purpose)
About Bulgaria
Read some more information about the country:
The Republic of Bulgaria is part of the Balkans, a region in south eastern europe. It has a 20 years long history for being one of the oldest European states.
The economy of the nation has shown an applaudable growth since the past two decades.
It's highly developed & technologically advanced health-care facilities have attracted the awareness of the international crowd of students.
Founded in the 7th century, Bulgaria is famous for it's history of ancient civilization & abundance of natural heritage.
Religion
Eastern Orthodox Christianity
National Currency
Bulgarian Lev
Rate of Exchange (Dec 2021)
1 Lev = 44 INR
Population
70,00,000
Language
Bulgarian, Romani
Climate
10.6°C (51.1°F)
Time Difference
3 hrs 7 min behind of India
MBBS in Bulgaria: Important FAQs
The most frequently asked questions on popular education forum sites like Quora & Careers 360 are answered below:
MBBS degree acquired in Bulgarian universities is legitimate in India, however graduates will require to qualify NEXT exam to legally practice in India.
Students can opt for a Postgraduate program in any international college or Bulgarian colleges also offer P.G options. If you crack the USMLE exam then you can also pursue P.G in the USA.
Indian food is available in some local restaurants situated near the campus. Some colleges also have appointed Indian cooks to serve desi dishes for Indian students.