Why Study Nursing in Bulgaria?
The 3 Universities Offering BSc Nursing in English
Tuition Fees and Living Costs for Nursing in Bulgaria
Entry Requirements to Study Nursing in Bulgaria
The iGeneration Application Process
Nurse Salary in Bulgaria and After Graduating Abroad
Nursing in Bulgaria vs Czech Republic – Which is Better for International Students?
Bulgaria Among the Best Options for Nursing Programmes in Europe in English
Bulgaria has become one of Europe's strongest destinations for English-taught Nursing degrees - and the data backs it up.
International students who study nursing in Bulgaria graduate with an EU and EEA-recognised Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 4 years, at a fraction of the cost of comparable programmes in the UK, Ireland, or Germany.
All three programmes are four-year Bachelor-level Nursing programmes taught in English. Bulgarian-language study may still be part of preparation for clinical communication and placements.
At a Glance
| Sofia Medical University | Plovdiv Medical University | Pleven Medical University | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Sofia | Plovdiv | Pleven |
| Annual tuition 2026/27 | €5,000 | €4,500 | €3,500 |
| 4-year tuition total | €20,000 | €18,000 | €14,000 |
| Admission route | Online written test + online oral interview | Document-based admission possible; optional exam-based score | Online Biology entrance exam |
| What is assessed | Health awareness and motivation for the nursing profession | Biology + Chemistry + English marks from diploma, or exam-based alternative | Biology exam + official-language grade from diploma |
| English requirement | Programme and Nursing admission assessment are in English | English diploma mark is used in the document-based score | B2+ certificate if English is not an official language in applicant’s country |
| Ranking | 2 × entrance-exam result; max. 12 | Higher of document-based or exam-based score; 21-42 points | Official-language diploma grade + 3 × Biology exam; max. 24 |
| Application deadline 2026 | 11 Sep 2026 | 11 Sep 2026 | 10 Sep 2026 |
| Entrance assessment dates | 17-18 Sep 2026 | No exam required on document-only route | 16 Sep or 1 Oct 2026 |
| Intake | Autumn 2026 | Autumn 2026 | February 2027 |
| Published application/exam fee | €105 Nursing exam + €55 document fee | No mandatory exam fee on document-only route | €200 entrance-exam fee in the 2026/27 fee schedule |
| Degree | 4-year Bachelor’s Nursing | 4-year Bachelor’s Nursing | 4-year Bachelor’s Nursing |
Sofia Medical University’s English-taught Nursing programme is delivered through the Faculty of Public Health and lasts four years.
Key details:
2026 key dates:
€5000 / year
Medical University - Sofia offers a four-year Nursing programme in English through the Faculty of Public Health, combining academic study with clinical training in university hospitals.
Key details:
The 2026 admissions page lists online exam sessions from April to September for applicants using the exam route, but Nursing applicants do not have to take an entrance exam if they qualify through the document-based route.
€4,500 / year
Plovdiv Medical University offers a four-year Nursing programme in English with theoretical study and a substantial pre-diploma clinical clerkship.
Pleven Medical University offers a four-year English-taught Nursing programme with a February 2027 intake.
Key details:
Published 2026/27 living-cost guidance from MU-Pleven: minimum living expenses €500/month, food €250-€300/month, university hostel €75-€95/month, private apartment €300-€400/month, private room €150-€300/month and student travel card €8/month.
Four-year tuition total: €14,000.
€3,500 / year
Medical University - Pleven offers a full-time four-year Nursing programme in English with theoretical and clinical training and a February intake.
Medical University – Sofia offers a four-year English-taught Nursing programme through the Faculty of Public Health, including theoretical, clinical and pre-graduation training.
Plovdiv Medical University offers a four-year Nursing programme in English with six academic semesters and nine months of pre-diploma clinical clerkship.
Medical University – Pleven offers a full-time four-year Nursing programme in English, combining theoretical study with clinical training.
Interested in studying Nursing in Bulgaria? We can help you compare the three English-taught programmes and prepare your application.
Studying Nursing in Bulgaria offers one of the most affordable paths to an EU-recognised nursing degree taught entirely in English. Tuition fees are significantly lower than in countries like the UK or Ireland, while still providing internationally recognised qualifications.
Living costs in Bulgaria are also relatively low, especially in cities like Plovdiv and Pleven. Combined with online entrance exams and English-taught programmes, Bulgaria has become a popular choice for international nursing students.
| University | Annual tuition 2026/27 | 4-year tuition total |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia Medical University | €5,000 | €20,000 |
| Plovdiv Medical University | €4,500 | €18,000 |
| Pleven Medical University | €3,500 | €14,000 |
Payment schedules vary by university. Pleven officially states that tuition is paid in two equal parts at the beginning of each semester. Confirm the current payment schedule with Sofia and Plovdiv before transferring funds.
The figures below are practical planning ranges, not official fixed budgets. Housing choice has the biggest effect on monthly spending.
| City | Suggested monthly planning budget | Accommodation note |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia | €600-€850 | Private rent varies widely by area and room type |
| Plovdiv | €500-€750 | Private and university accommodation vary by availability |
| Pleven | From €500 | MU-Pleven publishes €75-€95/month for hostel and €300-€400/month for a private apartment |
Sofia and Plovdiv figures are iGeneration planning estimates. Pleven’s minimum living cost and accommodation figures are from MU-Pleven’s 2026/27 expense guide.
| MU-Sofia | Plovdiv MU | Pleven MU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission assessment | Written test + oral interview | Documents only OR exam-based score | Biology entrance exam |
| Format | Online | No exam required on document-only route; entrance tests are online if used | Online |
| What is assessed | Health awareness and motivation for nursing | Biology + Chemistry + English | Biology |
| English | Nursing admission is conducted in English | English diploma mark forms part of the document-based score | B2+ certificate if English is not official in applicant’s country |
| 2026 deadline | 11 September | 11 September | 10 September |
| Ranking | 2 × entrance-exam result; max. 12 | Higher of document-based or exam-based score; min. 21, max. 42 | Official-language diploma grade + 3 × Biology exam; max. 24 |
Important: admission is not identical at the three universities. In particular, Plovdiv Nursing can be entered through a document-based scoring route without a mandatory entrance exam.
Plovdiv Medical University (Nursing)
1. Programme overview
2. Application requirements
3. Nursing admission in 2026
Admission to Nursing can be based solely on documents. The document-based competition score uses the Biology, Chemistry and English marks from the secondary-school diploma. Applicants may also use the university’s online Biology, Chemistry and English entrance-test route. If both routes are available, MU-Plovdiv uses the higher score.
4. Clinical training
The four-year Nursing course includes six academic semesters and nine months of pre-diploma clinical clerkship.
Pleven Medical University (Nursing)
1. Programme overview
2. Tuition and fees
3. 2026 application and exam dates
4. Admission requirements
5. Living costs published by MU-Pleven for 2026/27
Foreign-issued education documents may require legalisation or apostille, certified translation into Bulgarian and formal recognition. The exact document set differs between Sofia, Plovdiv and Pleven, so applicants should follow the current instructions of the university they choose.
At MU-Sofia, an applicant who cannot submit documents personally may use a properly authorised representative under a valid power of attorney. iGeneration can assist applicants with document preparation and representation where legally permitted; this does not mean iGeneration is an official recruitment representative of MU-Sofia.
Non-EU students may additionally need:
Nursing admission in Bulgaria involves different deadlines and selection rules at each university. MU-Sofia uses an online written test and oral interview, Plovdiv allows a document-based Nursing admission route, and Pleven requires an online Biology exam.
iGeneration Agency can help applicants organise documents, translations and legalisation, understand the correct admission route and prepare for the relevant 2026/27 deadlines. Where a university permits submission by an authorised person, representation can be arranged under the applicant’s valid power of attorney.
Salary prospects depend on country, employer, experience, shifts and specialisation. The figures below should be treated as indicative rather than guaranteed earnings.
For 2026, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Health announced a minimum basic monthly salary of €1,550 for nurses and several other healthcare professions in medical establishments covered by the new NHIF funding framework. Actual gross pay can be higher depending on employer, shifts, experience and role.
Bulgarian general-care nursing qualifications that meet the conditions of Directive 2005/36/EC can benefit from the EU system of automatic professional recognition. Graduates still need to apply to the competent authority in the country where they want to work and meet local registration and language requirements.
| Country | Indicative gross salary | Registration note |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £32,000-£40,000/year | NMC registration required; UK rules apply separately from EU recognition |
| Germany | €35,000-€45,000/year | Professional recognition and German-language requirements apply |
| Ireland | €35,000-€45,000/year | NMBI registration required |
| Netherlands | €32,000-€42,000/year | Registration and local-language requirements may apply |
| Norway | NOK 500,000+/year | Separate recognition and language requirements apply |
| Bulgaria | From €1,550/month basic salary under the 2026 framework for covered roles | Actual employer pay varies |
Key point: EU recognition is a professional-recognition process, not permission to start work immediately without registration. In the UK, nurses trained in Bulgaria apply through the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); EU/EEA qualifications are assessed under the UK’s current registration rules.
Graduates who want to work in Bulgaria must meet the applicable professional registration and employment requirements. Opportunities exist in university hospitals, public and private hospitals, specialist clinics, community care and other healthcare settings. Pay varies by employer, shifts, experience and specialty.
The Czech Republic and Bulgaria are both EU member states with established nursing education systems, but the practical options differ for students who specifically want a full degree in English:
| Bulgaria | Czech Republic | |
|---|---|---|
| English-taught Nursing | Yes – 3 medical universities covered on this page | More limited; many General Nursing programmes are taught in Czech |
| Annual tuition | €3,500-€5,000 in 2026/27 | Programme-specific where an English option is available |
| Admission | Varies: Sofia written + oral assessment; Plovdiv document-based route available; Pleven Biology exam | Varies by university and programme |
| Language | Degree programmes on this page are in English; Bulgarian is useful for clinical communication | Czech is commonly required where the Nursing degree itself is Czech-taught |
| Professional recognition in the EU | Directive 2005/36/EC rules apply to qualifying general-care nursing credentials | Directive 2005/36/EC rules apply to qualifying general-care nursing credentials |
| Living costs | Generally lower, depending on city and accommodation | Generally higher in major cities; varies by location |
| Programme duration | 4 years at the three universities covered here | Often 3 years for Czech General Nursing programmes |
Summary: Bulgaria can be the more practical option for an international student whose priority is a complete Nursing degree taught in English. The best choice still depends on admission route, budget, language plans and the country where you intend to practise after graduation.
For international students seeking a full Nursing degree taught in English within the European Union, the choice is narrower than for subjects such as Medicine or Business.
Bulgaria stands out because:
Other English-language Nursing options exist in Europe, but tuition, availability, clinical-language requirements and admission rules vary significantly by institution.
What’s available: Four-year Nursing programmes in English at Sofia Medical University, Plovdiv Medical University and Pleven Medical University.
2026/27 tuition: €5,000/year at Sofia, €4,500/year at Plovdiv and €3,500/year at Pleven.
Admission: Sofia – online written test + oral interview; Plovdiv – document-based admission is possible, with an optional exam-based scoring route; Pleven – online Biology exam.
English: Admission and programme requirements differ. Pleven explicitly requires B2+ English certification when English is not an official language in the applicant’s country.
Intake: Sofia and Plovdiv – autumn 2026; Pleven – February 2027.
Recognition: Qualifying general-care nursing credentials can benefit from the EU recognition system under Directive 2005/36/EC, but professional registration in the destination country is still required.
Lowest published tuition: Pleven Medical University – €3,500/year.
iGeneration Agency can help applicants compare the three routes and organise the application process.
Sofia city
Suggested student planning budget: €600-€850/month.
Private rent varies widely by neighbourhood, property type and whether accommodation is shared.
iGeneration planning estimate – not an official university figure.
Plovdiv city
Suggested student planning budget: €500-€750/month.
Actual costs depend mainly on accommodation type and lifestyle.
iGeneration planning estimate – not an official university figure.
Pleven city
MU-Pleven’s 2026/27 expense guide lists minimum living expenses of €500/month, food at €250-€300/month, hostel accommodation at €75-€95/month, private apartments at €300-€400/month and a student travel card at €8/month.
Bulgaria is an increasingly popular destination for international students pursuing a nursing degree, offering a unique combination of high-quality education, affordable living, and a rich cultural environment. Since joining the European Union in 2007, the country has experienced rapid growth, modernisation, and greater visibility on the global education map.
With a low cost of living compared to other European countries and a central location in the Balkans, Bulgaria gives nursing students access to a diverse, multicultural experience. English-taught Nursing options are available in Sofia, Plovdiv and Pleven, each with its own admission route and student environment.
Students in Bulgaria enjoy not only modern campuses and strong academic training, but also a balanced lifestyle – whether it’s relaxing by the Black Sea, skiing in winter resorts, or exploring historic towns and mountains.
With a friendly population, cultural festivals, and proximity to countries like Romania, Turkey, and Greece, Bulgaria creates an ideal environment for those looking to combine a respected nursing education with an enriching international student life.
Yes. Sofia Medical University, Plovdiv Medical University and Pleven Medical University offer four-year Nursing programmes in English. They lead to a Bulgarian Bachelor-level Nursing qualification and professional qualification as a nurse.
Requirements differ by university. Sofia uses an online written test and oral interview for Nursing. Plovdiv can admit Nursing applicants solely from diploma marks in Biology, Chemistry and English, although an exam-based score is also available. Pleven requires an online Biology exam and, for applicants from countries where English is not official, a B2+ English certificate.
For 2026/27, Sofia Medical University charges €5,000/year, Plovdiv Medical University €4,500/year, and Pleven Medical University €3,500/year. Over four years, tuition alone is €20,000, €18,000 and €14,000 respectively.
No single rule applies to all three universities. Sofia Nursing uses an online written test plus an online oral interview. Pleven uses an online Biology entrance exam. Plovdiv allows Nursing admission solely on the basis of diploma marks, although applicants can also use its online exam route for an alternative competition score.
It depends on the university and admission route. Pleven explicitly requires a B2+ English certificate for applicants from countries where English is not an official language. Plovdiv uses the English mark from the secondary-school diploma in its document-based Nursing score. Sofia conducts its Nursing admission assessment in English; applicants should follow the current Faculty of Public Health document requirements for their case.
Bulgarian general-care nursing qualifications that meet the minimum training conditions and qualification-listing rules of Directive 2005/36/EC can benefit from the EU system of automatic professional recognition. Graduates must still apply to the competent authority and meet registration and language requirements in the country where they want to practise. The UK has a separate NMC registration process.
For 2026, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Health announced a minimum basic monthly salary of €1,550 for nurses and several other healthcare professions in medical establishments covered by the new NHIF funding framework. Actual pay varies by employer, shifts, experience and specialty. Salaries abroad vary substantially and require local professional registration.
Pleven Medical University has the lowest published 2026/27 tuition at €3,500/year, compared with €4,500 at Plovdiv and €5,000 at Sofia. MU-Pleven also publishes minimum living expenses of €500/month and hostel accommodation of €75-€95/month for 2026/27.
Sofia Medical University and Plovdiv Medical University use an autumn intake for their Nursing programmes. Pleven Medical University is currently accepting applications for its February 2027 Nursing intake.
Yes, subject to the applicable Bulgarian professional registration and employment requirements. EU/EEA graduates should confirm the exact registration steps for practising as a nurse in Bulgaria after graduation.
Questions about studying in Bulgaria or your application? Our team is ready to help.