Study in Sofia, Bulgaria

About Sofia

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and its largest city. According to the National Statistical Institute (NSI), the Sofia (capital) region had 1,303,813 inhabitants at the end of 2025, 20.3% of the country's population, and it has the lowest share of older residents of any Bulgarian region.

Sofia is also Bulgaria's main academic centre. Bulgarian universities taught 16,800 foreign students in 2025-26, according to the NSI; the largest groups came from Greece, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Germany and Italy, and 46.1% of all foreign students study medicine. The capital hosts 57% of the country's doctoral students. For students from outside the EU, Sofia offers European degrees, although visa procedures and, for many programmes, learning Bulgarian are part of the plan.

Studying in Sofia

Bulgarian higher education has three degrees: a bachelor's degree (four years), a master's degree (five years, or at least one year after a bachelor's) and a doctorate (three years after a master's). Our directory lists two universities and one culinary school in Sofia:

• Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" is the first Bulgarian institution of higher education; its first classes began on 1 October 1888. It has 16 faculties and a branch in Burgas. Most teaching is in Bulgarian, but it offers four-year bachelor's programmes in English in European Union and European Integration, Quantum, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Philosophy and African Studies.
• The University of National and World Economy (UNWE) focuses on economics and related fields and lists 53 bachelor's, 90 master's and 45 doctoral programmes. It is part of the ENGAGE.EU European university alliance and lists 187 international partners; in autumn 2026 it welcomed 70 Erasmus+ students.
• HRC Culinary Academy trains chefs and pastry cooks, with a bachelor's degree in Food and Culinary Management, a Culinary Arts Degree, a Professional Chef's Certificate and a French pastry programme with École Ducasse, and admits both EU and non-EU students.

Learning Bulgarian and admission

Students from outside the EU who want to study in Bulgarian need a B2 certificate in Bulgarian. Sofia University runs a preparatory language course that lasts at least nine months, in groups of up to ten students; the fee is €3,500. Tuition is paid in two equal instalments, at the beginning of each semester.

EU and EEA citizens can enter with their identity card and, for stays over three months, obtain a temporary residence permit from the local police. Non-EU students need a long-term type D visa: the Ministry of Education and Science issues a confirmation document after the university has sent the application, so Sofia University advises applying no later than 15 September for the academic year. Once registered, full-time students apply for a long-term residence ID card at the Migration office of the Ministry of Interior.

Cost of living and accommodation

Sofia University offers rooms in its student hostels at relatively low monthly prices, as well as cheap meals in student canteens; the university's own price list is not up to date, so check current rents before arriving. EU and EEA citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card, while non-EU students should arrange health insurance in their home country, as foreign students pay for medical consultations.

Getting around

Sofia has a metro run by Metropolitan, a company owned by Sofia Municipality. Its development plan provides for three lines with extensions to the outskirts. Tickets are sold from machines and cash desks at station entrances and must be used within 30 minutes of purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Sofia?

Yes, in some programmes. Sofia University, for example, offers four-year bachelor's programmes in English in European Union and European Integration, Quantum, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Philosophy and African Studies.

Do I need to speak Bulgarian?

For programmes taught in Bulgarian, non-EU applicants need a B2 certificate. Sofia University's preparatory course lasts at least nine months and costs €3,500.

When should non-EU students apply?

Sofia University advises applying no later than 15 September, so that the Ministry of Education and Science can issue the document needed for a type D visa in time.

Which universities are in Sofia?

Our directory lists Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and the University of National and World Economy, as well as HRC Culinary Academy for culinary training.