Why Study Veterinary Medicine in Bulgaria?
The Only 2 Universities Offering Veterinary Medicine in English in Bulgaria
Veterinary Medicine Programme Structure (5.5 Years)
How Much Does it Cost to Study Veterinary Medicine in Bulgaria?
Entry Requirements to Study Veterinary Medicine in Bulgaria
Veterinary Medicine in Bulgaria for German-Speaking Students (Tierarzt Studium Bulgarien)
Lifestyle Reasons to Study Veterinary Medicine in Bulgaria
Study Veterinary Medicine in Bulgaria
Frequently Asked Questions – Study Veterinary Medicine in Bulgaria
If you want to study Veterinary Medicine in English within the European Union, your options are more limited than you might expect. Most EU countries teach veterinary medicine in the national language. Bulgaria is one of the few EU countries where you can complete a full 5.5-year Veterinary Medicine degree entirely in English - and it offers two institutions doing so, both with online entrance exams.
The two universities are the University of Forestry in Sofia and Trakia University in Stara Zagora. Together they represent the only English-taught Veterinary Medicine options in Bulgaria, and among the most affordable in the European Union.
Only two institutions in Bulgaria offer Veterinary Medicine in English. This makes the choice more straightforward – but the differences between the two are meaningful.
At a Glance
| University of Forestry – Sofia | Trakia University – Stara Zagora | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Sofia (capital) | Stara Zagora (central Bulgaria) |
| Annual tuition | €5,200/year | €8,200 for I course; €5,520/year from II to VI course |
| 5.5-year total (tuition) | ~€28,600 | ~€33,040 |
| Duration | 5.5 years | 5.5 years |
| Annual intake | ~50 students | Larger cohort |
| Entrance exam | Online – Biology only (50 MCQs) | Online – Biology + Chemistry |
| Exam sessions | 2 (June + September) | Multiple sessions |
| Study groups | Small (~50/year) | Larger |
| Transfers | Accepted | Accepted |
| City | Capital – Studentski Grad | Medium city, lower living costs |
| Living costs | €690-€750/month | €420-€480/month |
The University of Forestry (Bulgarian: Лесотехнически Университет) was founded in 1925 and is located in Studentski Grad – Sofia’s dedicated student district. Its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary faculty in Bulgaria’s capital offering the programme in English.
Key details:
€5200 / year
Founded in 1925, Forestry University – Sofia is one of Bulgaria's oldest institutions. It boasts 51 esteemed professors, over 700 students, and a modern library with 100,000+ volumes. Located in Sofia, it offers quality education and an affordable lifestyle.
Trakia University is a state-accredited public university in Stara Zagora, offering Medicine and Veterinary Medicine in English. It is one of only two universities in Bulgaria offering Veterinary Medicine in English – making it the country’s only option outside of Sofia.
Key details:
€8200 / year
Trakia University in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, offers medical and veterinary education with modern facilities. The city provides a rich cultural and educational environment, recognized for its high quality of life and affordable living.
Both the University of Forestry - Sofia and Trakia University follow a similar 5.5-year curriculum structure, aligned with EU veterinary education standards. The programme leads to a Master's degree in Veterinary Medicine - equivalent to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) qualification, recognised across the EU.
Students start with core biomedical subjects before moving into clinical training, species-specific medicine, practical placements, and final internships. This structure prepares graduates for real veterinary work with both companion and farm animals.
Students enter clinical rotations, gaining practical experience across animal species. Two mandatory summer placements are required:
Mobile clinics and species-specific rotations covering:
Full-time clinical internship at affiliated veterinary hospitals and clinics, followed by state licensing examinations. Passing these is required for the award of the degree and eligibility for veterinary registration.
Graduate qualification: Master of Veterinary Medicine – equivalent to DVM; qualifies for veterinary registration across the EU and EEA, and internationally.
| University | Annual fee | 5.5-year total (tuition) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Forestry – Sofia | €5,200 | ~€28,600 |
| Trakia University – Stara Zagora | €8,200 for I course; €5,520/year from II to VI course | ~€33,040 |
Payment: Two instalments – 50% in September, 50% in February.
Tuition Fee per year: €5,200
Course length: 5.5 Years
Tuition Fee per year: €8,200
Course length: 5.5 Years
| Bulgaria (Forestry) | UK (RVC) | Netherlands (Utrecht) | Poland (Wrocław) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition | ~€5,200 | £30,000+ | ~€16,500 | ~€8,000-€12,000 |
| Language | English | English | English | Polish/English |
| EU recognised | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Duration | 5.5 years | 5 years | 6 years | 5.5 years |
| Sofia (Forestry) | Stara Zagora (Trakia) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (private apt.) | €380 | €160–€200 |
| Food | €150–€200 | €130–€180 |
| Utilities | €100 | €80 |
| Transport | €30 | €40 |
| Health/personal | €30–€40 | €30 |
| Est. monthly total | €690–€750 | €440–€530 |
| University dormitory | ~€100/month | ~€100/month |
5.5-year total estimated cost (tuition + living):
Trakia University is therefore the lower total cost option despite higher annual tuition – because Stara Zagora living costs are significantly lower than Sofia.
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
Both universities conduct entrance exams entirely online — no travel to Bulgaria is required before acceptance.
Students apply with their secondary school documents, translated and legally certified for Bulgaria. The main difference is the exam content: Forestry focuses on Biology only, while Trakia requires Biology and Chemistry.
| University of Forestry – Sofia | Trakia University – Stara Zagora | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam subjects | Biology only (50 MCQs) | Biology + Chemistry |
| English component | Included in exam (10 reading MCQs) | Separate English component |
| Duration | 120 minutes | Check with iGeneration |
| Exam sessions | 2: 2 June + 9 September 2026 | Multiple sessions |
| English certificate | Not required | Not required |
Key difference: The University of Forestry exam is Biology only – significantly simpler than Trakia University (Biology + Chemistry). For students who are stronger in Biology than Chemistry, or who want a shorter exam preparation period, this is a meaningful advantage.
All documents must be translated into Bulgarian and legally certified (apostilled or legalised).
Non-EU students additionally need a Bulgarian Student Visa (Type D) and a Student Residence Permit on arrival.
At the University of Forestry – Sofia, iGeneration Agency’s current students who are enrolled in the Veterinary Medicine programme will meet you at the university on exam day – providing first-hand support from people who have already been through the exact same process.
iGeneration handles full documentation, legal submission, and Biology/Chemistry exam preparation for both universities.
Studying Veterinary Medicine in Bulgaria gives international students a practical mix of affordable living, EU-based education, and a calmer daily routine than many larger Western European study destinations.
Sofia and Stara Zagora offer very different student experiences. Sofia is larger, busier, and more international, while Stara Zagora is quieter, cheaper, and easier to manage on a student budget.
For veterinary students, Bulgaria also has a strong connection to agriculture, animal care, and rural life. This makes the country a relevant place to study animal health, livestock management, and practical veterinary work.
Outside university, students can travel easily across the country. Mountains, historic towns, Black Sea resorts, and neighbouring countries are all accessible, giving students plenty of options during weekends and semester breaks.
Daily life is also more affordable than in many EU countries. Rent, food, transport, and leisure costs are lower, which helps students focus on their studies without the same financial pressure.
Germany and Austria have strict NC (Numerus Clausus) restrictions for veterinary medicine, making it extremely difficult to gain a place domestically. As a result, many German-speaking students look for English-taught alternatives within the EU – and Bulgaria is one of the most established options.
Both Bulgarian Vet Med universities accept German and Austrian students:
Many German and Austrian veterinary graduates who trained in Bulgaria return to work in Germany, Austria, or German-speaking Switzerland. The EU-recognised degree satisfies all domestic registration requirements.
Für weitere Informationen auf Deutsch steht iGeneration Agency per E-Mail und Telefon zur Verfügung. (For further information in German, iGeneration Agency is available via email and phone.)
What’s available: 5.5-year Master of Veterinary Medicine (DVM equivalent) in English at 2 universities – University of Forestry (Sofia) and Trakia University (Stara Zagora).
Fees: ~€5,200/year (Forestry, Sofia) | €8,200 first year and €5,520/year after that (Trakia, Stara Zagora)
Entrance exam: Online at both universities. Forestry: Biology only (easier). Trakia: Biology + Chemistry.
2026 exam dates: Forestry – 2 June + 9 September | Trakia – multiple sessions (confirm)
Degree: Master of Veterinary Medicine – EU/EEA recognised (Directive 2005/36/EC)
Lower total cost: Trakia University (despite higher tuition – lower living costs in Stara Zagora)
Smaller cohort / Sofia location: University of Forestry (~50/year, capital city)
Transfers: Accepted at both
German/Austrian students: EU-recognised degree – valid for vet registration in Germany and Austria. No NC restrictions apply.
Bulgaria is one of the most affordable EU-recognised routes to a veterinary medicine degree in English. With only 2 options – one in the capital, one in a smaller affordable city – the choice is clear. iGeneration Agency works with both universities and has current Vet Med students who will support you on exam day.
Yes. Two universities in Bulgaria offer Veterinary Medicine programmes taught entirely in English: the University of Forestry in Sofia and Trakia University in Stara Zagora. Both programmes last 5.5 years and lead to a Master of Veterinary Medicine degree recognised across the EU and EEA.
Only two: the University of Forestry – Sofia and Trakia University – Stara Zagora. These are the only institutions in Bulgaria offering English-taught veterinary medicine, and among the few in the EU to do so in English.
The University of Forestry – Sofia charges approximately €5,200 per year. Trakia University – Stara Zagora charges €8,200 for I course and €5,520/year for students from II to VI course. Both programmes last 5.5 years.
Both universities conduct the entrance exam entirely online. The University of Forestry exam covers Biology only (50 MCQs, 120 minutes). Trakia University’s exam covers Biology and Chemistry. No travel to Bulgaria is required to sit the exam.
At the University of Forestry – Sofia: 50 multiple-choice questions in English – 10 reading comprehension and 40 Biology questions. At Trakia University: Biology and Chemistry (MCQ format in English). No external English certificate is required at either university.
The University of Forestry – Sofia offers two sessions: 2 June 2026 (preliminary) and 9 September 2026 (main). Trakia University offers multiple sessions throughout the year – contact iGeneration Agency for confirmed 2026 Trakia exam dates.
Both programmes last 5.5 years (10 academic semesters plus a final-semester clinical internship). Upon passing state licensing examinations, graduates receive a Master of Veterinary Medicine – equivalent to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), recognised across the EU.
Yes. Under EU Directive 2005/36/EC, a veterinary medicine degree from a Bulgarian university is automatically recognised in all EU and EEA member states, including Germany and Austria. Bulgarian-trained vets can apply for registration and practise in Germany or Austria without additional examinations.
Trakia University has a higher I course tuition fee (€8,200 vs ~€5,200 at the University of Forestry), but lower tuition from II to VI course and lower estimated living costs in Stara Zagora.
Yes. Both the University of Forestry – Sofia and Trakia University accept transfers from students enrolled at other veterinary or medical universities. Contact iGeneration Agency for a personalised transfer assessment.
Questions about studying in Bulgaria or your application? Our team is ready to help.