Living in Bulgaria, living costs, university cities
About Bulgaria
Bulgaria was founded in 681, and in 9th and 13th century it was one of the most influential economic and cultural countries in Europe. The first Bulgarian universities in Preslav and Ohrid were founded by the Bulgarian King Boris I between 885 and 893. This established the grounds of the long tradition of education. The education and culture in the country have been of great significance ever since. The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences has existed for more than 140 years, and, meanwhile, there are 51 research centres all around the country. They have intensive cooperation with foreign universities all over the world and are a part of the international scientific association.
Bulgaria is an EC member (since 2007) and NATO (since 2004). It has a population of 7 million. 85% are Bulgarian and their official religion is orthodox Christianity. Two of the leading economic industries today are tourism (summer and winter), and IT technology. The latter is the explanation to the particularly good conditions regarding the Internet speed and prices in comparison to the other countries in the world. 
Education and culture in the country are traditionally highly appreciated. The relations with Western and Eastern Europe, as well as with the USA and Asia, have been traditionally good and rather intensive due to the multiple number of Bulgarian students, artists, scientists, and politicians who live abroad. Foreigners of any nationalities are well-accepted, and they feel at home in Bulgaria. Foreign languages are studied intensively since 2nd grade. German is the third most important foreign language at schools after English and Russian. Flight connections are very good and there are daily flights from Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas to Western Europe. Nightlife in the big cities, especially around universities, satisfies any needs: there are discos and night clubs with music for any taste. You can read more information about Bulgaria here. You can read about Bulgaria as a tourist destination here.
Medicine, Dental Medicine and Veterinary Medicine studies in Bulgaria.
Medicine studies (including Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine and Dental Medicine) has a long tradition in Bulgaria. It is taught both in Bulgarian and English. These medical specialities in English are at relatively reasonable prices compared to the European level, and are good at the same time. No matter whether you study at one of the two universities in Sofia, which offer medicine, or in Plovdiv, Varna, Pleven, or Stara Zagora, all of the higher education institutions are at a high international level. The diplomas are recognized within the European Union, so it is possible to practice the profession on the territories of the European Community. The education continues for 6 years (Pharmacy – 5 years), and it is divided into two parts: pre-clinical and clinical. A number of young people from all over the world (Greece, Turkey, Russia, Germany, Great Britain, the USA, Spain, Italy, India, Sweden, Norway, and Japan) study in Bulgaria.
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For more information in connection to the universities, and Medicine studies, continue here.
Living costs for students (estimated):
| Type of expences | Expences per month |
| Rent (2-room appatment incl. additional expences) | 150 - 350€ (depending on size and location) |
| Transport: public transport / Taxi | 8-10€ (Bus p. m.) / 25 - 60 cent per km. (taxi) |
| Eating and drinking out (without nightlife) | 100-200€ |
| Cell phone/Internet/TV | 15-20€ (in total) |
Foreign students can buy or register a car under their name in Bulgaria. Expenses: Civil Liability Insurance – around €200 a year, comprehensive insurance - €100-600 a year, taxes: €45-80 a year. European diving licences are valid in Bulgaria. A driving course plus a driving exam costs €250-400. The petrol and LPG prices are lower than those in Europe. It is beneficial to equip the car with a gas system: around €600 – even for the newer car models. You can get more details on this topic from our English-speaking lawyer (Legal Support) as a part of our extensive services package.
Universy cities where you can study medicine
Sofia
Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The Bulgarian capital city unites the cultural heritage of the Thracians, Romans, and Bulgarians. Sofia has a population of 1.3 million, and it is the biggest city in Bulgaria. Sofia can offer a lot in all aspects: culture, leisure, sports, and nightlife. Most universities are in Sofia, including the oldest one – ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’. In Sofia, you can study Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, as well as at the Medical University. You can find more information about Sofia here.Plovdiv
With its population of 370 000, it is the second biggest city in Bulgaria. Plovdiv is known as a tourist destination mainly due to its monuments dating since Roman times, also for its Bulgarian architecture from the 19th century, the so called ‘artistic Old Town’, and beautiful nature of the adjacent Rhodopi Mountain, where you can go skiing in winter, and in summer you can go backpacking. There is a Medical University in Plovdiv where you can study different specialities in English language.Varna
It is the third biggest city with its population of 340 000. It is situated on the magnificent Black Sea coast and is surrounded by a number of favourite tourist holiday destinations. There is a Medical University in Varna as well, which offers more of the specialities in English language. Stara Zagora
This is the most important city in Central Bulgaria. This city is of great importance for the regional economy and education. The Medical University is one of the biggest and offers a number of specialities, many of them in English language.Pleven
The City of Pleven is a large regional centre. Healthcare plays an important part there. The education at the Medical University of Pleven has a good national and international reputation and is a desired destination for foreign students. 