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 taught entirely in English. No Bulgarian language proficiency is required for the programme itself, though some universities include early-year Bulgarian language classes to assist with clinical rotations.
At a Glance
| Sofia Medical University | Plovdiv Medical University | Pleven Medical University | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Sofia | Plovdiv | Pleven |
| Annual tuition | €5,000 | €4,000 | €4,000 |
| 4-year total | €20,000 | €16,000 | €16,000 |
| Exam format | Online | Online | Online |
| Exam subjects | Biology + Chemistry + English | Biology + Chemistry | Biology only |
| English certificate | Not required | Required (B1+) | Required (B2+, if non-English country) |
| Min. passing score | 65/100 | Based on ranking | Biology × 2 + diploma |
| EU/EEA deadline | 10 Sep 2026 | Late Aug 2026 | Sep 2026 (TBC) |
| Non-EU deadline | 10 Sep 2026 | Early Jul 2026 | Sep 2026 (TBC) |
| Intake | October | October | February |
| Seats (approx.) | ~300 EU + ~70 non-EU | Competitive | Smaller cohort |
| Exam fee | BGN 400 (~€200) | None | None |
| Degree | BSc Nursing (EEA recognised) | BSc Nursing (EEA recognised) | BSc Nursing (EEA recognised) |
Sofia Medical University (MU-Sofia) is Bulgaria’s largest and most prestigious medical institution. Its Nursing programme is delivered through the Faculty of Public Health and is among the most competitive in Bulgaria, with approximately 300 EU/EEA seats and 70 non-EU seats per year.
Key details:
Tuition: €5,000/year (paid in two instalments)
Entrance exam fee: BGN 400 (~€200), paid separately to MU-Sofia
Document submission fee: BGN 45 (~€23)
Exam subjects: Biology + Chemistry + English (MCQ, online, proctored)
Min. passing score: 65/100
Ranking formula: Entrance exam scores (Bio + Chem + English) combined with high school Biology and Chemistry grades
Documents must be submitted in person or via authorised representative – email/post not accepted
2026 key dates (update from 2025 values):
Application window: July 29 – September 10
Exam dates: EU/EEA – approximately September 16 | Non-EU – approximately September 19
Results: approximately September 24
Enrolment: mid-October
€5000 / year
Medical University – Sofia offers an English-taught Nursing programme with a structured curriculum and clinical training. The course lasts four years and includes both theoretical and practical education. The university is located in Sofia.
Key details:
Tuition: €4,000/year (two equal semester instalments)
Exam subjects: Biology + Chemistry + English diagnostic (if needed)
English requirement: B1+ proficiency required – proven by diploma from English-medium school, IELTS/TOEFL/PTE, or university diagnostic test
Ranking: Based solely on entrance exam results (no high school grades included for Nursing)
Monthly exam sessions: April, May, June, July (+ August resit for those who sat earlier sessions)
Monthly rankings published after each session – fast-track admission without waiting for final ranking
Important: Non-EU applicants must submit documents by early July; EU/EEA by late August
Clinical component: 6 semesters of study + 9 months practical clinical placement. Early-year Bulgarian language classes assist with clinical rotations at MU-Plovdiv’s affiliated hospitals.
€4000 / year
Plovdiv Medical University offers a four-year Nursing programme in English. With over 3,800 students, it provides modern facilities, a 2,000-bed hospital, and strong academic support. Located in a major Bulgarian city, it ensures quality education and practical experience.
Pleven Medical University offers the most accessible and affordable Nursing route in Bulgaria:
Key details:
Tuition: €4,000/year (two instalments)
Exam: Online Biology-only (no Chemistry, no English component in exam)
English requirement: B2+ certificate required if from a non-English-speaking country
Ranking formula: (Biology exam × 2) + Biology diploma grade (Bulgarian 6-point scale) = max 18 points
Intake: February (unique – classes start mid-February, not October)
Smaller cohorts – more personalised learning environment than larger universities
Cost of study in Pleven:
Total tuition over 4 years: ~€16,000
Living costs: among the lowest in Bulgaria – dormitory €70–100/month, private rent ~€200/month, total ~€400-€450/month
4-year total estimated cost (tuition + living): ~€22,000-€24,000 – one of the most affordable complete nursing programmes in Europe
€4000 / year
The Medical University of Pleven, founded in 1974, offers a four-year Nursing programme in English. With 2,044 students, it combines strong education with clinical practice. Located in Pleven, the university provides modern facilities and a vibrant student life.
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 fee | 4-year total |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia Medical University | €5,000 | €20,000 |
| Plovdiv Medical University | €4,000 | €16,000 |
| Pleven Medical University | €4,000 | €16,000 |
Payment schedule (all universities): Two instalments — 50% in September, 50% in February.
| Sofia | Plovdiv | Pleven | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (private apartment) | €380 | €260 | €200 |
| Food | €150-€200 | €130-€180 | €140-€190 |
| Utilities | €100 | €80 | €90 |
| Transport | €30 | €40 | – |
| Health/personal | €30-€40 | €30 | €30 |
| Est. monthly total | €690-€750 | €540-€590 | €460-€510 |
| University dormitory | ~€100/mo | ~€100/mo | €70-€100/mo |
Total 4-year estimated cost (tuition + living):
For comparison, a 4-year BSc Nursing in the UK costs approximately £60,000-£100,000 total for international students.
| MU-Sofia | Plovdiv MU | Pleven MU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam subjects | Biology + Chemistry + English | Biology + Chemistry | Biology only |
| English certificate | Not required | B1+ required | B2+ required (non-English countries) |
| Exam format | Online, proctored | Online, MCQ | Online, proctored |
| Exam sessions | 1 session (Sep) | 6 sessions (Apr–Aug) | 1 session (Sep) |
| Min. score | 65/100 | Ranking-based | (Bio × 2) + diploma grade |
Most flexible exam schedule: Plovdiv Medical University – 6 sessions between April and August.
Easiest exam: Pleven Medical University – Biology only, no Chemistry.
Most comprehensive exam: Sofia Medical University – Biology + Chemistry + English in one sitting.
Plovdiv Medical University (Nursing)
🎓 1. Program Overview
💶 2. Tuition Fees
📄 3. Application Requirements
Academic Documents:
Language Requirements:
📝 4. Admission & Entrance Exam Process
🧮 5. Ranking & Admission
📅 6. Key 2025 Dates
Stage | 2025 Timeline |
Application Opens | March 1, 2025 |
Exam Session Dates | Apr 15, May 20, Jun 17, Jul 15, Jul 22, resit Aug |
Registrations Due | 7 days before each exam |
Document Submission | Non‑EU: by early July |
Monthly Rankings Issued | Late April–late July; final ranking post‑August |
🛠️ 7. Practical Details & Tips
🏥 Why Choose Plovdiv for Nursing in English?
Pleven Medical University (Nursing)
🏥 Program Overview: Nursing in English
🎓 Tuition & Fees
📅 Key Application & Exam Dates (2025)
Activity | Dates |
Online Applications Open | June 1, 2024 |
Application Deadline (Online) | September 10, 2024 |
Deadline to Submit Hard Copies | November 4, 2024 |
Online Biology Entrance Exam | September 20, 2024 (likely similar for 2025) |
Ranking Published | Within 10 days after exam (late Sept/early Oct) |
Enrollment (Class Start) | February 2025 |
📄 Application & Admission Requirements
✅ Online Application System
✅ Hard Copy Submission (by November 4, 2024)
You must submit certified physical documents via post, courier, or in-person to the International Student Center at Pleven:
🧠 Entrance Exam: Biology (Online)
🏅 Admission Scoring & Ranking
🛫 Enrollment & Visa
💼 Program & Support Highlights
📋 Why Choose Pleven Medical University?
All documents must be translated into Bulgarian and legally certified (apostilled or legalised). At MU-Sofia, documents cannot be submitted by email or post – submission must be in person or via an authorised representative (which iGeneration Agency provides).
Non-EU students additionally need:
Nursing admission in Bulgaria involves multiple deadlines across different universities, English certificate requirements, and strict document submission rules (MU-Sofia requires in-person or authorised submission). Getting the process right — first time — is critical.
iGeneration Agency manages the complete application for all three Nursing universities, including authorised document submission to MU-Sofia, English certificate guidance, and Biology/Chemistry exam preparation materials.
Understanding salary prospects is an important part of any nursing decision. Here is what graduates can expect:
Nurses working in Bulgaria earn an average of approximately BGN 2,500-3,500/month gross (~€1,250-€1,750/month) depending on specialisation, hospital type, and experience. Public hospital nurses tend to earn at the lower end; private hospitals and specialist clinics pay more. Bulgaria has increased nursing salaries significantly in recent years as part of efforts to reduce healthcare professional emigration.
The EU recognition of Bulgarian nursing degrees means graduates can work across Europe immediately. Some examples of nurse salaries in key destination countries:
| Country | Average nurse salary (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £32,000-£40,000/year | NHS Agenda for Change Band 5-6 |
| Germany | €35,000-€45,000/year | Strong demand; German language usually required |
| Ireland | €35,000-€45,000/year | NMBI registration required |
| Netherlands | €32,000-€42,000/year | Good demand for English-speaking nurses |
| Norway | NOK 500,000+/year (~€43,000+) | High cost of living but high wages |
| Bulgaria | ~€15,000-€21,000/year | Lower cost of living offsets lower salary |
Key point: With a Bulgarian BSc Nursing degree (EEA-recognised), graduates can apply to practise as a registered nurse in any EU/EEA country. The Bulgarian degree satisfies the Directive 2005/36/EC on professional qualifications — the standard for EU nursing recognition. For the UK, NMBI registration for Ireland, and NMC registration for the UK are required additionally.
Graduates who wish to work in Bulgaria after completing their degree can register with the Bulgarian Health Ministry as a licensed nurse. Jobs in Sofia’s major university hospitals (St. George, Alexandrovska, Tokuda), private hospital chains, and specialist clinics are available. Many international graduates choose to work in Bulgaria for 1-2 years to build clinical experience before relocating to higher-paying EU markets.
The Czech Republic and Bulgaria are both EU member states with established nursing education systems, but they differ significantly for English-speaking international students:
| Bulgaria | Czech Republic | |
|---|---|---|
| English-taught nursing | Yes (3 universities) | Limited (mostly Czech-taught) |
| Annual tuition (English track) | €4,000-€5,000 | €7,000-€12,000+ |
| Entrance exam | Online (Biology/Chemistry) | Varies; often in Czech |
| Language requirement | English only for programme | Czech often required for clinical rotations |
| Degree recognition | EU/EEA (Directive 2005/36/EC) | EU/EEA |
| Living costs | €420-€750/month | €700-€1,200/month (Prague) |
| Programme duration | 4 years | 3–4 years |
| Visa (non-EU) | Bulgarian Student Visa | Czech Student Visa |
Summary: For English-speaking international students, Bulgaria is generally the more practical choice – with more universities offering genuinely English-taught nursing programmes, lower tuition, and lower living costs. The Czech Republic has excellent nursing education but most programmes are in Czech, making them inaccessible without prior Czech language study.
For international students seeking nursing degrees taught entirely in English within the European Union, the options are more limited than many assume. Most EU countries require nursing study in the national language.
Bulgaria stands out because:
Other notable English-taught nursing options in Europe include Ireland (expensive), Malta, Cyprus, and some programmes in the Netherlands and Scandinavia – all typically at significantly higher cost than Bulgaria.
What’s available: BSc Nursing (4 years, English) at 3 universities – Sofia Medical University, Plovdiv Medical University, and Pleven Medical University.
Fees: €4,000-€5,000/year | 4-year total (incl. living): ~€37,600 (Pleven) to ~€53,600 (Sofia)
Entrance exam: Online at all 3 universities. Biology + Chemistry at Sofia and Plovdiv; Biology only at Pleven.
English certificate: Not required at MU-Sofia (tested in exam). Required B1+ at Plovdiv. Required B2+ at Pleven (non-English countries).
Intake: October (Sofia, Plovdiv) | February (Pleven)
Recognition: EU/EEA under Directive 2005/36/EC – graduates can practise nursing across Europe.
Most affordable: Pleven Medical University (~€37,600 total including living)
Most flexible exam schedule: Plovdiv Medical University (6 sessions Apr-Aug)
Best for UK-bound graduates: All three are eligible for NMC registration (confirm per university)
Bulgaria offers one of the most cost-effective routes to a fully EU-recognised English-taught nursing degree in Europe. iGeneration Agency works with all three universities and can handle the complete application process.
Rent: €380
Food: €150-200
Utilities: €100
Health: €30-40
Transport: €30
Total: €690-850
Rent: €160
Food: €130-180
Utilities: €80
Health: €30-40
Transport: €40
Total: €420-480
Rent: €260
Food: €140-190
Utilities: €90
Health: €30-40
Transport: €30
Total: €550-610
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. Its capital, Sofia, is home to leading medical universities offering nursing programmes in English, supported by excellent facilities and experienced faculty.
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. Three Bulgarian medical universities offer a BSc Nursing programme taught entirely in English: Sofia Medical University, Plovdiv Medical University, and Pleven Medical University. All programmes last 4 years and lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing recognised across the EU and EEA.
Applicants need a secondary school diploma (with Biology grades) and must pass an online entrance exam. Sofia Medical University tests Biology, Chemistry, and English. Plovdiv Medical University tests Biology and Chemistry and requires an English certificate (B1+). Pleven Medical University tests Biology only and requires a B2+ English certificate for non-English-speaking countries. No prior knowledge of Bulgarian is required.
Sofia Medical University charges €5,000 per year (€20,000 total over 4 years). Plovdiv Medical University and Pleven Medical University both charge €4,000 per year (€16,000 total). Fees are paid in two instalments – September and February.
All three universities conduct nursing entrance exams entirely online. Candidates do not need to travel to Bulgaria. Plovdiv Medical University offers the most flexibility, with six exam sessions between April and August. Sofia Medical University and Pleven Medical University each offer one session in September.
It depends on the university. Sofia Medical University does not require an English certificate – English is tested as part of the entrance exam. Plovdiv Medical University requires at least B1 English proficiency, proven by a certificate or diagnostic test. Pleven Medical University requires B2+ for applicants from non-English-speaking countries.
Yes. BSc Nursing degrees from Bulgarian medical universities are recognised across all EU and EEA member states under Directive 2005/36/EC on professional qualifications. Graduates can apply for nursing registration in the UK (NMC), Ireland (NMBI), and other European countries. Recognition in non-EU countries (US, Canada, Australia) requires additional assessment by the respective nursing body.
Graduates with Bulgarian nursing degrees can work across the EU. Nurse salaries range from approximately €1,250-€1,750/month in Bulgaria itself, up to €3,000-€4,000/month in high-income EU countries such as Norway, Germany, or Ireland. The Bulgarian degree qualifies graduates to pursue nursing registration in any EU/EEA country.
Plovdiv Medical University and Pleven Medical University both charge €4,000/year – the lowest fees among the three. When living costs are included, Pleven is the most affordable overall (~€37,600 for 4 years total) due to Pleven being the cheapest student city. Plovdiv is the second cheapest (€41,200 total).
Sofia Medical University and Plovdiv Medical University start in October. Pleven Medical University offers a unique February start – making it the only option for students who missed the October intake.
Yes. EU and EEA citizens who graduate from a Bulgarian nursing programme can register with the Bulgarian Health Ministry and work in Bulgarian hospitals and clinics. Many international graduates work in Bulgaria for a period before relocating to other EU countries.
Questions about studying in Bulgaria or your application? Our team is ready to help.