Applying to New Bulgarian University as an International Student
About New Bulgarian University
NBU Admission Requirements for International Students
Bachelor’s Admission Requirements at NBU
Master’s Admission Requirements at NBU
English Language Requirements at NBU
Application Deadlines at New Bulgarian University
Tuition Fees at New Bulgarian University
New Bulgarian University Acceptance Rate
Is New Bulgarian University Private or Public?
Applying to New Bulgarian University as an International Student
Applying to New Bulgarian University (NBU) as an international student depends on four key variables: your citizenship (EU/EEA or non-EU), your programme language (English or Bulgarian), your degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD), and the specific programme you are applying for.
NBU is a private, NEAA-accredited university in Sofia – meaning it is independently funded through tuition, but holds full national accreditation and awards EU-recognised degrees with the same legal standing as those from Bulgarian public universities.
This guide covers everything international students need to know: admission requirements, language proficiency, documents, deadlines, and fees – sourced directly from the official NBU website.
About New Bulgarian University
New Bulgarian University (NBU) was founded in 1991 and is one of Bulgaria’s leading private higher education institutions. It holds maximum accreditation from the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) – awarded in 2001, 2006, 2012, and 2019. Since 2004, NBU has been an accredited partner of the Open University UK.
NBU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes across over 40 disciplines including humanities, social sciences, computer science, law, arts, business, psychology, and international relations. Many programmes are available in English.
Key facts:
- Founded: 1991
- Type: Private (NEAA-accredited, maximum accreditation)
- Location: 21 Montevideo St., 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Official website: nbu.bg
- For help choosing the right programme, preparing your documents, and applying correctly to NBU, you can contact iGeneration Agency.
- Teaching languages: Bulgarian and English
- Credit system: ECTS – credits transferable across Europe
NBU Admission Requirements for International Students
NBU structures its international admission around two main distinctions: EU/EEA vs non-EU citizenship, and programme language (English vs Bulgarian).
| EU / EEA applicants | Non-EU applicants | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa required | No | Yes – Bulgarian Student Visa (Type D) |
| Diploma recognition | Via NBU / Ministry process | Via NACID (National Centre for Recognition) |
| Ministry of Education approval | Not required | Required – Ministry issues Certificate of Right to Study |
| Admissions interview | Yes (Master’s / PhD) | Yes (Master’s / PhD) |
| Tuition (Bachelor’s/year) | ~€2,556-€3,222 | ~€5,215-€6,749 |
Bachelor’s Admission Requirements at NBU
Academic Qualification
Applicants must hold a secondary school leaving certificate (high school diploma) or its equivalent, recognised by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science. International diplomas require formal recognition through NACID (the National Centre for Recognition and Information on Academic Qualifications in Bulgaria) – a prerequisite for enrolment. iGeneration Agency manages this process on your behalf.
Language of Programme
- English-taught programmes: Internationally recognised English proficiency certificate required (see Section 6)
- Bulgarian-taught programmes: Bulgarian proficiency required – applicants who are not fluent must complete a preparatory year of intensive Bulgarian study before starting their degree
Documents Required (Bachelor’s)
- Completed application form
- Declaration form
- Application for foreign diploma recognition
- Original secondary school diploma + full academic transcript
- English language certificate (for English-taught programmes)
- Medical certificate (valid, legalised, translated into Bulgarian)
- Copy of passport
All documents must be officially translated into Bulgarian and legally certified (apostilled or legalised).
Master’s Admission Requirements at NBU
Academic Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. Applicants with a Bachelor’s in a different field may need to complete preparatory modules before starting the Master’s.
Admissions Interview
After diploma recognition, international Master’s applicants must complete an admissions interview with NBU. The interview is part of the application process and helps the university assess whether the applicant is suitable for the chosen programme.
iGeneration Agency can help you confirm the correct interview procedure, prepare your documents, and coordinate the next steps with the university. You can contact us for NBU application support.
If approved, applicants usually have seven days to pay the first semester’s tuition fee.
For Non-EU Master’s Applicants
After interview approval, NBU submits the application to the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, which issues a Certificate of Right to Study (approximately one month processing time). This certificate is required for the subsequent Student Visa application.
Documents Required (Master’s)
- Completed application form + Declaration
- Application for foreign degree recognition
- Bachelor’s degree certificate + full academic transcript
- English language certificate (for English-taught programmes)
- Medical certificate (valid, legalised, translated into Bulgarian)
- Motivational letter (required for most programmes)
- CV / résumé
- Copy of passport
English Language Requirements at NBU
For English-Taught Programmes
International students applying for programmes taught in English must submit an internationally recognised English language certificate. The following are accepted by NBU:
- IELTS
- TOEFL (internet-based)
- Cambridge English – FCE, CAE, CPE, or equivalent
Minimum score thresholds are not always clearly listed for every programme on the official NBU website. Because requirements can vary depending on the chosen degree, it is best to confirm the current English certificate requirements before applying.
iGeneration Agency can check the current requirements for your chosen programme and help you prepare the correct documents before submission. Contact us for guidance before you apply.
For Bulgarian-Taught Programmes
Students applying for Bulgarian-taught programmes must demonstrate Bulgarian proficiency. Those who are not fluent must complete a preparatory year of Bulgarian language before starting their degree.
Is there a way to study at NBU without an English certificate?
Unlike some other Bulgarian universities (e.g. TU-Sofia, which offers an in-house language exam as an alternative), NBU requires an internationally recognised certificate for English-taught programmes. There is no internal NBU language test alternative for English. If you do not have a certificate, you will need to obtain one before applying.
Application Deadlines at New Bulgarian University
Bachelor’s Programme Deadlines (2026)
NBU offers two application rounds for international students in 2026:
| Applicant type | Round 1 | Round 2 |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA applicants | 20 April 2026 | 11 September 2026 |
| Non-EU applicants | 20 April 2026 | 31 July 2026 |
NBU officially advises: “As the whole application procedure takes time – including issuing a long-stay visa (Type D), which takes approximately 2-3 months – we highly recommend students apply as early as possible and not wait for the deadline.”
Master’s and PhD Deadlines
Master’s and PhD programme deadlines can vary depending on the chosen programme, level of study, and applicant status.
iGeneration Agency can help you confirm the correct deadline for your specific programme and prepare your application documents on time. Contact us if you want to apply to NBU and need help with the process.
Step-by-Step Bachelor’s Application Process
Step 1 – Prepare your documents Gather diploma, transcripts, English certificate, medical certificate, and all supporting materials. Begin translation and legalisation early – this typically takes 4–8 weeks.
Step 2 – NACID diploma recognition Your foreign secondary school diploma must be officially recognised by NACID. This is a prerequisite for admission. iGeneration Agency submits this on your behalf.
Step 3 – Submit application to NBU Submit the completed application form and all documents to the NBU Office of International Relations (Building 1, main lobby, 1st floor), in person or via authorised representative.
Step 4 – Receive admission decision NBU reviews your application and issues an acceptance.
Step 5 – Non-EU only: Ministry of Education approval NBU submits your application to the Bulgarian Ministry of Education for a Certificate of Right to Study. Processing takes approximately one month.
Step 6 – Non-EU only: Student Visa With the Ministry certificate, apply for a Bulgarian Student Visa (Type D) at your nearest Bulgarian embassy. Processing time: approximately 2-3 months.
Step 7 – Enrol at NBU Register at the International Relations Office, pay the first semester tuition, and begin your studies.
Tuition Fees at New Bulgarian University
NBU fees are set per semester and remain unchanged for the entire duration of the programme. Non-EU students pay their fee annually (full academic year at once).
Bachelor’s Programme Tuition Fees 2026/2027
Tuition fees vary by programme. The ranges below are from the official NBU website:
| Applicant type | Per semester | Estimated per year |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA students | ~€1,350-€2,000 per semester | ~€2,700-€4,000 per year |
| Non-EU students | Paid annually | ~€5,215-€6,749 |
Converted from BGN at approximately 1.956 BGN/EUR. Tuition fees vary by programme and applicant status, so the exact fee should be confirmed before applying.
iGeneration Agency can help you check the current fee for your chosen NBU programme and explain the full expected cost before you start the application process. Contact us for NBU tuition fee guidance.
PhD Programme Tuition Fees
The latest officially published NBU PhD tuition fees are listed for 2025/2026. At the time of writing, NBU has not yet published a separate 2026/2027 international PhD fee table in English.
| Applicant type | Per semester | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA students | ~€1,687 | ~€3,374 |
| Macedonia / Palestine students | – | ~€4,090 |
| Non-EU students | – | ~€7,465 |
Financial Support
NBU offers merit-based partial scholarships for academic excellence and an on-campus student employment programme (paid hourly or by tuition scholarship). Student loans are available through Bulgarian banks.
New Bulgarian University Acceptance Rate
NBU does not publish an official acceptance rate. Most Bachelor’s programmes have no competitive entrance exam, so admission is primarily dependent on submitted documents, diploma recognition, and language proficiency – not a ranking score.
For Master’s programmes, EU applicants must attend an admissions interview and typically write a motivational essay. Non-EU citizens with a degree apply by submitting the required documents and attending an interview.
Admission is typically declined when:
- Documentation is incomplete or incorrectly legalised
- NACID diploma recognition was not completed
- English proficiency cannot be demonstrated
- Deadline was missed
iGeneration Agency prepares all documentation precisely and manages the full process – our acceptance rate for NBU applicants is consistently high.
Is New Bulgarian University Private or Public?
New Bulgarian University is a private university.
NBU was founded in 1991 as one of Bulgaria’s first private universities, established by decision of the Bulgarian Parliament. It is independently funded through tuition fees rather than state subsidies.
What this means for international students:
- Tuition fees are set by NBU, not by a government tariff – hence the EU/non-EU split in pricing
- The degree carries the same legal standing as degrees from public Bulgarian universities – NBU holds maximum NEAA accreditation (awarded four times: 2001, 2006, 2012, 2019)
- NBU is an accredited partner of the Open University UK since 2004
For admission purposes, the private/public distinction matters less than whether you are an EU/EEA or non-EU citizen – which determines your visa requirements, tuition tier, and application process.
Is Computer Science at NBU private?
Yes – all NBU programmes are part of a private university. The Computer Science degree is NEAA-accredited and EU-recognised.
New Bulgarian University Admission
Private or public: Private – NEAA-accredited (maximum), EU-recognised degree
Entrance exam: Not required for most Bachelor’s | Interview required for Master’s
English certificate: Required for English-taught programmes – IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge
Bachelor’s deadline 2026: EU/EEA – 11 Sep 2026 | Non-EU – 31 Jul 2026
Tuition: EU/EEA ~€2,700-€4,000/year | Non-EU latest published range ~€5,215-€6,749/year (Bachelor’s)
Acceptance rate: Not published – high for fully prepared applicants
Frequently Asked Questions - New Bulgarian University
Is New Bulgarian University private or public?
New Bulgarian University is a private university, founded in 1991 by decision of the Bulgarian Parliament. It holds maximum NEAA accreditation (awarded in 2001, 2006, 2012, and 2019) and its degrees are recognised across the EU and EEA. Its private status affects tuition pricing but not the legal standing of the degree.
What are the tuition fees at New Bulgarian University?
For 2026/2027, Bulgarian and EU/EEA students pay approximately €1,350-€2,000 per semester (€2,700-€4,000 per year) for Bachelor’s programmes. For non-EU students, the latest officially published international range is approximately €5,215-€6,749 per year. Fees vary by programme, so students should confirm the exact fee before applying.
What is the application deadline for New Bulgarian University?
For Bachelor’s programmes in 2026, NBU has two rounds. EU and EEA applicants: 20 April 2026 and 11 September 2026. Non-EU applicants: 20 April 2026 and 31 July 2026. NBU recommends applying early – the non-EU visa process takes approximately 2-3 months.
Does New Bulgarian University require an entrance exam?
Most Bachelor’s programmes do not require a formal entrance exam. Master’s programmes require an admissions interview. Admission is primarily based on diploma recognition, language proficiency, and submitted documents.
Does NBU offer programmes in English?
Yes. NBU offers programmes in English including Computer Science, Business Administration, International Relations, and Psychology. Non-native speakers must submit an internationally recognised English certificate – IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge equivalent.
Do I need IELTS to apply to NBU in English?
Yes – an internationally recognised English certificate is required for English-taught programmes at NBU (IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge). Unlike some other Bulgarian universities, NBU does not offer an internal language exam as an alternative.
What is the acceptance rate at New Bulgarian University?
NBU does not publish an official acceptance rate. Most Bachelor’s programmes have no competitive entrance exam, so fully prepared applicants with valid documentation and English proficiency are generally admitted. Master’s programmes additionally require an admissions interview.
Is Computer Science at New Bulgarian University private or public?
Computer Science at NBU is part of a private university. NBU is private – but the degree is NEAA-accredited and EU-recognised, carrying the same legal standing as Computer Science degrees from Bulgarian public universities.
What happens after I receive my acceptance from NBU?
EU/EEA students pay the tuition fee and enrol. Non-EU students wait for NBU to receive Ministry of Education approval (approximately 1 month), then apply for a Bulgarian Student Visa (Type D) at their nearest Bulgarian embassy (approximately 2–3 months), then travel to Bulgaria to register at the International Relations Office.
Where is New Bulgarian University located?
New Bulgarian University is at 21 Montevideo Street, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria (Ovcha Kupel neighbourhood).
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