Bulgaria is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for international students pursuing Business Administration or MBA degrees in English – and the numbers make a compelling case.
Tuition fees start at about €3,100 per year for EU students at New Bulgarian University (NBU) and reach about €6,750 per year for non-EU students at NBU – a fraction of the cost of comparable programmes in the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands. No entrance exam is required at any of the three main providers, and all programmes are delivered entirely in English.
Beyond cost, Bulgaria is an EU member state – meaning your degree carries the same legal weight as one from any other European institution, and you graduate with the right to live and work across 27 countries. The country is also geographically central: Sofia Airport connects students to over 60 European cities, and Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, Rila Mountains, and ancient Thracian and Roman landmarks make for one of the most interesting student environments in Eastern Europe.
Three universities currently offer Business Administration degrees in English for international students: New Bulgarian University (NBU), VUZF (University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship), and Varna University of Management (VUM). Each has a distinct profile, fee structure, and programme focus – covered in detail below.
Why Study Business administration in Bulgaria?
Choose Bulgarian Business administration university
Undergraduate entry business administrationin Bulgaria
Entry Requirements to Study Business administration in Bulgaria
How Much Does it Cost to Study Business administration in Bulgaria?
Lifestyle Reasons to Study Business administration in Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers high-quality, affordable Business Administration programs in English, with tuition fees starting at about €3,100 per year.
Students gain essential skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving, preparing them for global career opportunities in a dynamic business environment.
A Bulgarian degree of Business administration provides an excellent career prospects and access to a vibrant international student community.
Three Bulgarian universities – New Bulgarian University, VUZF, and Varna University of Management in Sofia—offer Business Administration programs in English. Tuition fees range from about €3,100 to €6,750 per year, providing an affordable education option for international students. The duration of the Bachelor’s program is typically four years, while Master’s programs take one to two years to complete.
Applicants are required to submit necessary documents and may need to pass an entrance exam, depending on the university’s admission criteria. Some programs also require proof of English proficiency.
The curriculum at these universities is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in leadership, finance, marketing, and strategic management, along with internship opportunities to gain practical experience. Graduates receive an internationally recognized degree, equipping them with the skills needed for a successful global career.
New Bulgarian University (NBU) | VUZF | Varna University of Management (VUM) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Location | Sofia | Sofia | Varna (Black Sea) |
Type | Private | Private | Private |
Bachelor’s fee (EU) | €3,100-€4,000/year | €3,600/year | €3,500/year |
Bachelor’s fee (non-EU) | €5,215-€6,749/year | €3,600/year | €3,500/year |
Master’s fee (EU) | Varies by programme | €3,900/year | Confirm with VUM |
Master’s fee (non-EU) | €5,522-€6,749/year | €3,900/year | Confirm with VUM |
Duration (Bachelor’s) | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years |
Duration (Master’s) | 1–2 years | 1–1.5 years | 1–2 years |
Entrance exam | None | None | None |
English certificate | Required | Required | Required |
Erasmus+ available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Internships | Yes | Yes | Yes |
City | Sofia (capital) | Sofia (capital) | Varna (seaside) |
€3,100-6,750 / year
New Bulgarian University offers diverse English-taught programs, attracts international students via Erasmus+, and provides globally recognized diplomas, ensuring quality education and career opportunities.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Business administration
€3500 / year
Varna University of Management (VUM), founded in 1992, offers internationally recognized programs. Graduates work for top companies like Nestle, IBM, and Deloitte, with opportunities for further studies at prestigious universities.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Business administration
€3,600 / year
The University of Finance, Business, and Entrepreneurship in Sofia offers an English-taught Business Management program with internships, providing valuable skills and global career opportunities.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Business administration
Sofia, Bulgaria
Business administration
Sofia, Bulgaria
Business administration
Sofia, Bulgaria
Business administration
All three universities offer postgraduate (Master’s) programmes in Business and related disciplines in English. These typically take 1–2 years to complete and cost up to about €6,750 per year, depending on the university and whether you are an EU or non-EU student (see the fee table below).
The “I Choose Bulgaria” programme is a Bulgarian government initiative designed to attract Bulgarian diaspora students – and in some cases international students – to study in Bulgaria by offering financial incentives, scholarships, or facilitated admission. It is particularly relevant for students of Bulgarian heritage studying abroad who are considering returning to Bulgaria for university.
If you believe you may be eligible for the “I Choose Bulgaria” programme or a similar government incentive, contact iGeneration Agency – we can assess your eligibility and advise on whether it applies to your chosen business programme.
Students who have already completed relevant undergraduate modules may qualify for subject exemptions at the postgraduate level, reducing the total duration of their Master’s degree. iGeneration Agency assists with this process, where at least 80% of total subject hours have been completed in a relevant prior study. Contact us for a free consultation to check your exemption eligibility.
Are you interested in studying Business administration in Bulgaria? Do you want to get a guaranteed admission to BA program in Bulgaria?
Business Administration programs in Bulgaria last four years for a Bachelor's degree and one to two years for a Master's. Graduate entry options are unavailable.
Students may qualify for subject exemptions if their prior academic modules match the required hours and content of their chosen program.
iGeneration assists with this process if at least 80% of total subject hours are completed. Sign up for a free consultation with our academic advisors to check your eligibility for exemptions at top Bulgarian universities.
New Bulgarian University
Tuition Fee per year: €3,100-6,750
Course length: 4 Years
VUZF
Tuition Fee per year: €3,600
Course length: 4 Years
Varna University of Management
Tuition Fee per year: €3500
Course length: 4 Years
All three Bulgarian business universities follow a similar, straightforward document-based admission process – no entrance exam is required at any of them.
All documents must be translated into Bulgarian and legally certified (apostilled or legalised).
Non-EU students additionally need:
University | Deadline |
|---|---|
New Bulgarian University (NBU) | ~1 September (contact us for confirmation 2026/2027) |
VUZF | 30 August 2026 |
Varna University of Management | Contact us for confirmation |
No. None of the three universities requires an entrance exam for Business Administration programmes. However, an English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or equivalent) is required by all three.
Graduate-entry (direct MBA without a Bachelor’s) options vary by university. Contact iGeneration Agency to assess your eligibility for Master ‘s-level entry based on your existing qualifications and work experience.
While the admission process is simpler than the medical programmes, document requirements still involve translation, notarisation, and legalisation – and the English certificate must meet each university’s specific standards.
iGeneration Agency assists with the complete application process: programme selection, document preparation, legal submission, and ongoing support. Our team has direct relationships with all three universities covered on this page.
If you wish to apply to New Bulgarian University, you need to complete an application form, submit the required documents, and write an essay. Depending on your chosen program, an entrance exam may also be required.
iGeneration is here to guide you through the entire application process, ensuring a smooth and successful experience. Our team will assist with document submission, exam preparation, and every step of your journey. Don’t hesitate to contact our admissions team for expert support!
Required Documents:
Get in touch with us today and take the first step towards your education at New Bulgarian University with iGeneration!
No entrance test is needed.
The deadline for BA applicants is 1st of September.
An English certificate is needed for all students who want to study in English.
All students must present:
BA and MBA degrees are internationally recognised.
University | Bachelor’s (EU) | Bachelor’s (non-EU) | Master’s (EU) | Master’s (non-EU) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New Bulgarian University (NBU) | €3,100-€4,000/yr | €5,215–€6,749/yr | Varies by programme | €5,522–€6,749/yr |
VUZF | €3,600/yr | €3,600/yr | €3,900/yr | €3,900/yr |
Varna University of Management | ~€3,500/yr | ~€3,500/yr | €3,900/yr | €3,900/yr |
All programmes allow fees to be paid in two instalments – September and February.
Bulgaria is one of the most affordable countries in the EU for students. Here is a typical monthly budget for a student in Sofia:
Expense | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
Rent (private apartment) | €300-€400 |
Food (groceries + restaurants) | €150-€200 |
Utilities | ~€100 |
Public transport (student pass) | ~€30 |
Health / personal | €30–€40 |
Total estimate | €610-€770/month |
Varna (for Varna University of Management students) has comparable or slightly lower living costs, with the added lifestyle benefit of the Black Sea coast.
Key cost reference points:
Bulgaria (NBU, EU student) | UK Business School | Dutch Business School | |
|---|---|---|---|
Annual tuition | €3,100-€4,000 | €15,000-€30,000 | €8,000-€20,000 |
Annual living costs | ~€7,200-€9,000 | ~€15,000-€20,000 | ~€12,000-€16,000 |
4-year total (est.) | €41,000-€52,000 | €120,000-€200,000 | €80,000-€144,000 |
Sofia city
Rent: €380
Food: €150-200
Utilities: €100
Health: €30-40
Transport: €30
Total: €690-750
New Bulgarian University:
Bachelor’s programmes in English for EU students (2026/27) – €1,550-€2,000 per semester, fixed for the whole programme; non-EU students – €5,215-€6,749 per year.
Master’s – non-EU students: €5,522-€6,749 per year; for EU students, the fee depends on the programme.
VUZF:
Bachelor’s in Business Management and Marketing – €1,800 per semester;
Master’s in Business Management and Marketing – €1,950 per semester.
Contact us for the latest fees.
Yes, the tuition fees for BA and MBA programs can be paid by two instalments.
iGeneration will help you find suitable accommodation.
In Sofia, plan for about €610-€770 a month, including rent. Get in touch for a personalised estimate.
Bulgaria’s geography and history make it one of Europe’s most underrated student destinations.
Nature and outdoor recreation:
History and culture: Bulgaria is layered with Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history. Ancient landmarks dot the country, alongside well-preserved medieval monasteries, churches, and mosques – a testament to Bulgaria’s long tradition of religious tolerance and multicultural coexistence.
Food: Bulgarian cuisine draws on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions, blending them with local Balkan flavours. Savoury salads (Shopska), stews (Kavarma), pastries (Banitsa), and local cheeses are staples – all at student-friendly prices.
Geographic position: Bulgaria sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia – familiar enough for European students to feel at home, different enough to genuinely broaden your perspective. Sofia Airport connects to over 60 European cities, and the country’s rail and road network links to Greece, Turkey, Serbia, and Romania.
Yes. Bulgaria has several universities offering Master’s-level Business and MBA programmes in English, including New Bulgarian University, VUZF, and Varna University of Management. Master’s tuition is about €3,900 a year at VUZF and €5,522–€6,749 a year for non-EU students at NBU; EU students at NBU pay less, depending on the programme. No entrance exam is required.
For EU/EEA students the three are close: NBU’s English-taught Bachelor’s programmes cost €3,100-€4,000 a year in 2026/27, VUZF €3,600 a year and Varna University of Management about €3,500 a year (confirm with VUM).
For non-EU students, VUZF and Varna University of Management cost far less than NBU, which charges non-EU students €5,215-€6,749 a year.
No. None of the three main universities offering Business Administration in English (NBU, VUZF, Varna University of Management) requires an entrance exam. Admission is based on submitted documents and an English language certificate.
Yes. An English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or equivalent) is required for admission to all three universities. The specific minimum score requirements vary by institution and programme – contact iGeneration Agency for details.
Deadlines vary: VUZF closes on 30 August 2026; NBU closes around 1 September; Varna University of Management deadlines should be confirmed directly. Apply as early as possible – document preparation takes time.
“I Choose Bulgaria” is a Bulgarian government initiative designed to support students of Bulgarian heritage or diaspora who wish to study in Bulgaria. If you have Bulgarian roots or ancestry, you may be eligible for financial incentives or facilitated admission. Contact iGeneration Agency to assess your eligibility.
Yes. As an EU member state, Bulgaria’s higher education degrees are recognised throughout the European Union and European Economic Area. Bulgarian universities use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), making credits transferable across European institutions.
Yes. All three universities accept transfer students from other institutions. Subject exemptions may be available where prior academic modules match the required content. iGeneration Agency assists with transfer applications where at least 80% of total subject hours have been completed.
A typical monthly student budget in Sofia is €610-€770/month, including rent (€300-€400), food (€150-€200), utilities (~€100), and transport (~€30). Varna offers comparable costs with the added benefit of coastal living. Both cities are significantly more affordable than Western European student cities.
Questions about studying in Bulgaria or your application? Our team is ready to help.