How GMC Recognition Works for Bulgarian Medical Graduates
The 5 GMC-Eligible Medical Schools in Bulgaria (2026/2027)
Medicine Tuition Fees at GMC-Eligible Bulgarian Universities (2026/2027)
PLAB and the UKMLA – What Bulgarian Graduates Need for UK Registration
Is a Bulgarian Medical Degree Recognised in the UK?
Frequently Asked Questions – GMC Recognised Medical Schools in Bulgaria
For students planning to practise medicine in the UK after graduating abroad, knowing which Bulgarian medical schools lead to GMC registration eligibility is essential before committing to a programme.
Bulgaria is an EU member state, and Bulgarian medical universities award the “Master in Medicine” qualification, which the UK General Medical Council (GMC) accepts as a Relevant European Qualification under post-Brexit retained legislation. All five of Bulgaria’s main medical universities are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) – a mandatory requirement for GMC registration.
This guide explains how GMC recognition works for Bulgarian graduates, which universities qualify, what the 2026/2027 tuition fees are, and what else graduates must do before registering and practising in the UK.
UK applicants comparing the universities themselves can also review the best medical schools in Bulgaria for UK students by tuition, intake, student community, travel and city fit.
Students researching medicine in Bulgaria more broadly will find all seven universities, entry requirements, entrance exam dates, and living costs on that page.
How GMC Recognition Works for Bulgarian Medical Graduates
The GMC does not publish a “list of approved foreign medical schools.” For graduates of EU/EEA countries, recognition works through a specific legal framework – and understanding it correctly matters before choosing a university.
Step 1 – Relevant European Qualification
A Bulgarian medical degree qualifies as a “Relevant European Qualification” if it is:
- The “Master in Medicine” (Магистър-лекар) – the standard degree awarded by all Bulgarian state medical universities
- Accompanied by a document from the Bulgarian Ministry of Health confirming the training meets Article 24 of the EU Directive on professional qualifications
Alternatively, graduates who have been in lawful medical practice for at least three consecutive years during the five years before applying may substitute the Ministry of Health confirmation with a certificate of practice – issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Health or the competent authority of the EEA country where the doctor is working. (Source: gmc-uk.org)
Step 2 – World Directory of Medical Schools
The medical school must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). All five Bulgarian medical universities covered in this article are included in the WDOMS.
Step 3 – Other GMC Requirements
Holding a Relevant European Qualification makes you eligible to apply for full GMC registration with a licence to practise – but you must also meet:
- English language proficiency – IELTS Academic (minimum 7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in any component) or OET Medicine (minimum Grade B in all components), unless exempt
- PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 – now aligned with UKMLA standards – required for graduates who do not hold an acceptable postgraduate UK qualification (MRCP, MRCS, FRCR, etc.)
- Registration history – details of all medical registrations or licences held in the past five years
- ID verification – in-person ID check at the GMC
The 5 GMC-Eligible Medical Schools in Bulgaria (2026/2027)
All five universities below:
- Are state-accredited by the Bulgarian National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA)
- Award the “Master in Medicine” – a Relevant European Qualification for GMC purposes
- Are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
- Offer Medicine taught entirely in English
1. Medical University of Sofia
Bulgaria’s oldest and largest medical university, founded in 1917. The Medical University of Sofia has the largest English-track Medicine intake of any Bulgarian university – approximately 400 students per year.
| Medicine tuition | €9,950 (Year 1 fee) |
| Medicine duration | 6 years |
| English intake | ~400 students/year |
| Entrance exam | In person, Sofia – 3 Sep 2026 (EU/EEA) / 9 Sep 2026 (non-EU) |
| Application deadline | 31 August 2026 |
MU-Sofia also offers Dental Medicine and Pharmacy in English. These are subject to GDC and GPhC registration respectively for UK practice – not GMC.
2. Medical University of Plovdiv
Founded in 1945 and based in Bulgaria’s second-largest city, the Medical University of Plovdiv runs six online exam sessions per year – the most flexible schedule of any Bulgarian medical university.
| Medicine tuition | €10,000 (Year 1 fee) |
| Medicine duration | 6 years |
| Entrance exam | Online – 6 sessions: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep 2026 |
| Minimum ranking score | 24/36 |
| Transfers | Not accepted |
MU-Plovdiv also offers Dental Medicine and Pharmacy in English (GDC and GPhC for UK practice purposes respectively).
3. Medical University of Varna
Located on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, the Medical University of Varna is known for its technologically advanced teaching environment – e-learning platforms, 3D anatomy technology, and virtual microscopy.
| Medicine tuition | €10,000/year |
| Medicine duration | 6 years |
| Entrance exam | In person, Varna |
MU-Varna also offers Dental Medicine and Pharmacy in English (GDC and GPhC for UK practice respectively).
4. Medical University of Pleven
The Medical University of Pleven introduced Bulgaria’s first English-taught Medicine programme for international students. It is the only Bulgarian medical university with a February intake – a significant option for students who miss the September cycle.
| Medicine tuition | €9,000/year |
| Medicine duration | 6 years |
| Entrance exam | Online – multiple sessions |
| Intake | February |
| Application window | 1 June – 1 October 2026 |
| Transfers | Accepted |
Pleven is one of Bulgaria’s most affordable student cities, with living costs approximately 20-30% lower than Sofia.
5. Trakia University, Stara Zagora
Trakia University offers the most affordable Medicine programme in Bulgaria, with an online entrance exam and consistently low living costs.
| Medicine tuition | €9,000 (Year 1 fee) |
| Medicine duration | 6 years |
| Entrance exam | Online – multiple sessions |
| Transfers | Accepted |
Trakia also offers Veterinary Medicine in English – regulated by the RCVS for UK practice, not the GMC.
Medicine Tuition Fees at GMC-Eligible Bulgarian Universities (2026/2027)
This table covers Medicine only – the programme relevant to GMC registration. Fees shown are for Year 1; subsequent years may differ by university.
| University | Year 1 fee | Online exam? |
|---|---|---|
| Medical University of Sofia | €9,950 | No (in person, Sofia) |
| Medical University of Plovdiv | €10,000 | Yes (6 sessions) |
| Medical University of Varna | €10,000 | No (in person, Varna) |
| Medical University of Pleven | €9,000 | Yes (multiple sessions) |
| Trakia University | €9,000 | Yes (multiple sessions) |
All fees paid in two instalments per year.
For comparison: Medical training in the UK costs £38,000-£60,000+ per year for international students. A full 6-year Bulgarian Medicine degree including living expenses ranges from approximately €63,500 (Trakia, Stara Zagora) to €100,000 (Sofia Medical University, Sofia).
PLAB and the UKMLA – What Bulgarian Graduates Need for UK Registration
What changed in 2024/2025?
PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 were aligned to the UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment) standards – the same assessment framework that UK medical students now take in their final year. The content threshold is consistent across UK graduates and international medical graduates.
Who needs to pass PLAB?
Bulgarian medical graduates who wish to register with the GMC and do not hold an acceptable postgraduate UK qualification (MRCP, MRCS, FRCR, or equivalent) must pass:
- PLAB 1 – Applied Knowledge Test, MLA-aligned
- PLAB 2 – Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment
Holding a Relevant European Qualification does not exempt you from PLAB unless you hold such a postgraduate qualification.
English language requirements
- IELTS Academic: minimum 7.5 overall, with no less than 7.0 in each component
- OET Medicine: minimum Grade B in all components
Some applicants may be exempt – check the current policy at gmc-uk.org.
Credential verification
Since 2024, qualification verification is handled through MyIntealth (replacing the previous EPIC system). Credentials verified through EPIC were migrated automatically.
Is a Bulgarian Medical Degree Recognised in the UK?
Yes – with the correct documentation and by meeting all GMC requirements.
Key facts from gmc-uk.org:
- Bulgarian medical degrees are Relevant European Qualifications under post-Brexit retained law – not “overseas” qualifications in the standard IMG sense
- The degree must be a “Master in Medicine” from a state-accredited Bulgarian university
- Ministry of Health confirmation is required – Article 24 Directive compliance, or 3+ years of documented lawful practice as an alternative
- WDOMS listing – all five Bulgarian universities are listed
- PLAB and English language – still required for most graduates
For UK students, this is one of the most cost-effective routes to UK medical registration. Students from the UK who are studying medicine in Bulgaria as a pathway to GMC registration will find a complete breakdown of timelines, costs, and the PLAB route on that page.
Frequently Asked Questions - GMC Recognised Medical Schools in Bulgaria
Are Bulgarian medical schools GMC recognised?
Bulgarian medical universities do not have individual GMC recognition in the way UK medical schools do. Instead, they award the “Master in Medicine” qualification, which the GMC accepts as a Relevant European Qualification under post-Brexit retained law. All five – in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Pleven, and Stara Zagora – are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, which is a GMC requirement for acceptable overseas qualifications.
Is a Bulgarian medical degree valid in the UK?
Yes, subject to meeting all GMC registration requirements. A Bulgarian “Master in Medicine” is a Relevant European Qualification eligible for full GMC registration. Graduates must also meet English language requirements (IELTS 7.5 or OET Grade B), pass PLAB 1 and 2, and provide Ministry of Health documentation confirming their training meets the required directive standards.
Which Bulgarian medical schools are in the World Directory of Medical Schools?
The Medical University of Sofia, Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Varna, Medical University of Pleven, and Trakia University Stara Zagora are all listed in the WDOMS – a requirement for GMC registration eligibility.
Does a Bulgarian medical graduate need to pass PLAB?
Yes, in most cases. Graduates who do not hold an acceptable postgraduate UK qualification (MRCP, MRCS, FRCR, or equivalent) must pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. These are now aligned with the UKMLA standards.
What is the cheapest GMC-eligible medical school in Bulgaria?
Trakia University in Stara Zagora offers Medicine at €9,000 for the first year, €7,000 for students from II to V course, €6,000 for students VI course. The lowest of any GMC-eligible Bulgarian medical university. It also has an online entrance exam and among the lowest student living costs in Bulgaria.
How do Bulgarian medical fees compare to UK fees?
Medicine in Bulgaria costs €9,000-€10,000 per year in tuition. The full 6-year total including living expenses ranges from approximately €63,500 to €100,000. UK medical training costs £38,000-£60,000 or more per year for international students.
Can I study medicine in Bulgaria if I am from the UK?
Yes. UK citizens and residents can study at any of the five Bulgarian medical universities listed here. They graduate with a Relevant European Qualification and apply for GMC registration via PLAB, provided they meet all GMC requirements including English language and PLAB 1 and 2.
What English test is required for GMC registration?
IELTS Academic (minimum 7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in any component) or OET Medicine (minimum Grade B in all components). Some applicants are exempt. Verify current requirements at gmc-uk.org.
Is dentistry from Bulgaria GMC recognised?
The GMC regulates Medicine only. Dental Medicine graduates who wish to practise dentistry in the UK must register with the General Dental Council (GDC) – not the GMC. Bulgarian Dental Medicine degrees may be eligible for GDC registration, but the requirements and process differ entirely from GMC registration.
Is pharmacy from Bulgaria recognised for UK practice?
Pharmacy is regulated in the UK by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), not the GMC. Graduates of Bulgarian Pharmacy programmes who wish to practise in the UK must apply to the GPhC directly. Requirements should be confirmed with the GPhC.
I’d like to transfer to Bulgarian Medical School
Yes, of course we can help you to transfer to Bulgarian medical University. Our company helps international students who want to transfer to any medical universities in Bulgaria. Please get in touch with our team through our contact form.