Language Immersion Courses in Bulgaria

Language schools in Bulgaria serve two quite different groups. Most private schools teach foreign languages, above all English, to Bulgarians and to people living in the country. Foreigners who want to learn Bulgarian usually turn to the universities, which run long, structured courses for international students.

SpainExchange currently lists one active language school in Bulgaria: English Academy in Varna, on the Black Sea coast. It is useful for residents and expats who want to improve their English or prepare for an international exam.

English courses in Varna

English Academy has taught English in Varna since 2006. Its teachers are native speakers from the United Kingdom, the United States and other English-speaking countries, and classes are taught in English only, whatever the student's starting level. The school uses a communicative approach based on dialogues, discussions and role plays. Courses for adults include:

• General English for all levels from A1 to C2, in small evening groups, with a free Longman coursebook and a certificate after each module based on the CEFR
• Speaking courses ("Communication Skills") for levels A2 to C1, twice a week for 120 minutes
• Business English for levels B1 to C1
• Exam preparation for CAE and IELTS; IELTS groups work at level C1
• Individual lessons, corporate training and courses for children and teenagers

Adult courses run in three 12-week terms (autumn, winter and spring), with new groups starting in September, January and April. In summer the school offers 8-week intensive courses from June. Before enrolling, students take a placement test with a written and an oral part, either at the school or online. English Academy is also a registration point for the Cambridge FCE, CAE and CPE exams and for IELTS.

Costs

English Academy publishes its prices for 2026-27. A 12-week General English course for adults costs €530, as does a 12-week CAE or IELTS preparation course. A 6-week speaking course costs €265. A full year of General English (three 12-week terms) costs €1,272 with a 20% discount for annual enrolment. A placement test with certificate costs €20, and a CAE or IELTS mock exam costs €40 for the school's students and €50 for external candidates. Former students get a 10% discount on a single course.

Learning Bulgarian

For Bulgarian as a foreign language, the main option is a university course. Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" offers general and specialised Bulgarian tuition for international students. The course lasts at least nine months, in groups of no more than ten students. It includes at least 800 academic hours of Bulgarian for students heading for the humanities. For other fields, it combines 650 hours of Bulgarian with 350 hours of subject classes. The courses end with written and oral exams, and successful students receive a certificate approved by the Minister of Education and Science. This certificate is required for non-EU students who want to study in Bulgarian at Sofia University. The language tuition fee is €3,500. The university also offers distance courses in Bulgarian at levels A1 and A2. EU citizens and people who only want a language course enrol directly with its Department for Language Teaching.

Students from outside the EU who come to Bulgaria for a long course need a type D visa from the Bulgarian consulate. EU and EEA citizens can enter with their ID card and need a temporary residence permit after three months.

How to choose a language school

• Language: private schools mostly teach English and other foreign languages; for Bulgarian, look at university courses
• Level and goal: general language, conversation, business, or preparation for a specific exam such as IELTS or Cambridge
• Teachers: check whether classes are taught by native speakers and only in the target language
• Schedule: evening classes suit people who work; intensive summer courses are shorter
• Price and terms: compare the price per term, annual discounts and what is included, such as books and placement tests

Frequently asked questions

Where can I learn Bulgarian as a foreigner?

Universities such as Sofia University run Bulgarian courses for international students, lasting at least nine months in small groups. Sofia University also offers distance courses at levels A1 and A2.

How much does an English course cost in Varna?

At English Academy, a 12-week General English course for adults costs €530 in 2026-27, and a full year costs €1,272 with the annual discount.

Can I take IELTS or Cambridge exams in Varna?

Yes. English Academy registers candidates for FCE, CAE, CPE and IELTS and runs preparation courses and mock exams.