What is the Technical University of Sofia?
Do You Need to Pass an Exam to Enter the Technical University of Sofia?
English-Taught Programmes at the Technical University of Sofia
Admission Requirements and Eligibility
Application Deadline and Process for TU-Sofia
Tuition Fees at the Technical University of Sofia for International Students
Technical University of Sofia Acceptance Rate
Université Technique de Sofia – Admission (Pour les étudiants francophones)
Technical University of Sofia Admission Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions – Technical University of Sofia Admission
What is the Technical University of Sofia?
The Technical University of Sofia (TU-Sofia) is Bulgaria’s first and leading engineering university, founded in 1945 and located in Studentski Grad – Sofia’s dedicated student district. It is the only technical university in Bulgaria’s capital, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes in English, German, and French across engineering, technology, and applied sciences.
TU-Sofia is best known internationally for:
- No subject entrance exam – ranking is based on diploma grades, not a written test
- Language proficiency required – via accepted certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge) or an English language exam at the university
- Teaching in English, German, and French – with double diploma options through German and French partner universities
- Tuition of €3,000-€4,000/year – one of the lowest for accredited engineering degrees in Europe
- Erasmus+ participation with 50+ partner universities
- Internationally recognised, ECTS-credited degrees
The university’s main campus at 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd. is accessible by metro (G.M. Dimitrov station, M1 line) and multiple bus routes.
Official website: tu-sofia.bg (for the most current programme and deadline information)
Do You Need to Pass an Exam to Enter the Technical University of Sofia?
The answer depends on which type of exam you mean – and this is the source of most confusion online.
Subject entrance exam (Mathematics, Physics, Informatics)
There is no subject entrance exam for international students. Unlike Bulgarian domestic applicants – who sit competitive entrance exams in Mathematics and Physics – international students applying through the Foreign Students Department are not required to take written subject tests. Instead, ranking is based on your secondary school diploma grades in Mathematics, Physics, or Informatics.
The minimum threshold is 62% of the maximum possible result in these subjects on your diploma. Applicants who meet this threshold with complete documentation are admitted.
Language proficiency – the exam that does exist
English proficiency is required – and there are two ways to demonstrate it:
Option A – Submit an accepted English certificate: The following are officially accepted by TU-Sofia:
- IELTS: bands 6, 7, 8, or 9
- TOEFL: Paper min. 550 | CBT min. 213 | IBT min. 79
- Cambridge: FCE, CAE, or CPE
- PITMAN: Higher Intermediate or Advanced
- PTE Academic: minimum 59 | PTE General: third level minimum
Option B – Sit a language exam at TU-Sofia: Applicants who do not hold one of the above certificates but have some level of English proficiency can sit a language proficiency exam at the university. Those who pass are enrolled directly in Year 1. Those who do not pass must complete a 10-month preparatory language course before starting their degree programme.
FDIBA – Franco-German Faculty (special case)
The Franco-German Institute for Industrial Automation (FDIBA) – TU-Sofia’s faculty offering programmes in German – has a separate admission process including a German language exam and general knowledge assessment. If you are applying for German-track programmes, contact iGeneration Agency for FDIBA-specific requirements and exam dates.
Summary
| International students (English track) | Bulgarian domestic students | |
|---|---|---|
| Subject exam (Maths/Physics) | ❌ Not required | ✅ Yes (competitive exam) |
| Language exam | ✅ Language test OR accepted certificate | – |
| Diploma grades | ✅ 62% in Maths/Physics/Informatics min. | Used in ranking |
English-Taught Programmes at the Technical University of Sofia
TU-Sofia offers a full range of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in English for international students.
Bachelor’s Programmes in English (4 years)
- Advanced Industrial Technologies
- Electronic Engineering
- Telecommunication Engineering
- Management and Business Information Systems
- Industrial Engineering
Master’s Programmes in English (1-2 years)
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Innovative Communication Technologies and Entrepreneurship
- Industrial Management
- Advanced Industrial Technologies / Mechanical Engineering
Also Available: German and French Tracks
TU-Sofia offers engineering programmes in German and French in collaboration with partner universities in Germany and France. Selected programmes offer double diploma agreements – meaning students can graduate with degrees from both TU-Sofia and a German or French partner institution simultaneously.
English Proficiency Requirement
English proficiency is required for all English-taught programmes. Applicants have two options:
Option 1 – Accepted certificates: IELTS (bands 6-9), TOEFL (Paper 550 / CBT 213 / IBT 79 minimum), Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE, PITMAN Higher Intermediate-Advanced, PTE Academic (59+) or PTE General (third level+).
Option 2 – University language exam: Applicants without a certificate can sit a language proficiency exam directly at TU-Sofia. Those who pass enrol in Year 1. Those who do not pass attend a 10-month preparatory course before starting their degree.
iGeneration Agency can advise on which option is most practical for your situation.
Admission Requirements and Eligibility
Academic Qualifications
All applicants must hold a secondary school diploma (high school leaving certificate) or an equivalent qualification. For engineering programmes, the diploma should ideally reflect study of Mathematics and/or Physics – though there is no mandatory subject requirement for EU/EEA applicants.
International qualifications: Your diploma must be assessed as equivalent to Bulgarian secondary education. This is handled through the document legalisation process (apostille or full legalisation, depending on your country).
Minimum Academic Performance
Ranking of all international applicants is based on secondary school diploma scores in Mathematics and Physics or Informatics. The minimum required is 62% of the maximum possible result in the applicable grading system of your country.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Diploma subject | Mathematics + Physics or Informatics |
| Minimum score | 62% of maximum possible (all applicants) |
| English proficiency | IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge certificate OR language exam at TU-Sofia |
Required Documents
All of the following must be prepared, translated into Bulgarian, and legally certified before submission:
- Completed application form – available on the TU-Sofia website
- Secondary school diploma – with full academic transcript
- Eligibility certificate – confirming right to pursue higher education in your country
- Health certificate – issued no more than 1 month before application; verified by authorities in your country
- Two passport-sized photos (4-5 cm)
- Copy of passport (or national ID for EU citizens)
- Power of attorney – authorising iGeneration Agency to represent you officially in Bulgaria
Non-EU students additionally need:
- Bulgarian Student Visa (Type D) – apply at your nearest Bulgarian embassy before travelling; processing can take up to 90 days at some embassies
- Student Residence Permit – applied for on arrival in Bulgaria
EU citizens do not need a student visa.
Application Deadline and Process for TU-Sofia
2026 Application Deadline
The official TU-Sofia application deadlines for international students are:
| Semester | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Autumn semester (October start) | September 25, 2026 |
| Spring semester (February start) | February 1, 2027 |
These deadlines are confirmed on the official TU-Sofia Foreign Students website. Apply well in advance – document translation and legalisation typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Application Fee
The application fee at TU-Sofia is paid directly to the university. Contact iGeneration Agency for the current fee amount.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1 – Choose your programme Select from Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes in English, German, or French. iGeneration Agency can advise on programme fit based on your academic background.
Step 2 – Prepare your documents Gather all required documents (see list above). Begin the translation and legalisation process early – this typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Step 3 – Submit your application Submit completed application form and all supporting documents by the deadline. iGeneration Agency handles authorised document submission on your behalf.
Step 4 – Receive admission decision TU-Sofia reviews your application. Successful applicants receive an official admission letter – required for non-EU student visa applications.
Step 5 – Arrange visa and accommodation Non-EU students apply for a Bulgarian Student Visa at their nearest Bulgarian embassy. iGeneration Agency assists with accommodation arrangements in Studentski Grad.
Step 6 – Enrol and begin Enrolment takes place in September/October before the academic year starts. The university holds an orientation for international students.
Tuition Fees at the Technical University of Sofia for International Students
| Programme level | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | €3,000-€4,000/year |
| Master’s | €3,000-€4,000/year |
Fees are paid in two instalments – 50% at the start of the autumn semester (September) and 50% at the start of the spring semester (February).
There are no additional hidden fees beyond the stated tuition and application fee. Students are responsible for their own accommodation and living expenses separately.
Tuition for Bulgarian Citizens
Bulgarian citizens enrolled in state-funded places pay significantly lower fees set by the Bulgarian government. International students pay the fees listed above. For specific information about tuition fees for Bulgarian citizens, contact TU-Sofia’s admissions office directly.
How does this compare?
At €3,000-€4,000/year, TU-Sofia is one of the cheapest universities in the EU for engineering in English. Comparable programmes at German, Dutch, or Belgian engineering universities cost €5,000-€20,000/year for international students – and often require language proficiency in German or Dutch for admission.
Technical University of Sofia Acceptance Rate
TU-Sofia does not publish an official acceptance rate. However, because there is no competitive subject entrance exam for international students – admission is based on diploma grades and language proficiency – the effective acceptance rate for qualified applicants who submit complete, correctly prepared documentation is very high.
The main reasons applicants are not admitted:
- Diploma grades below the 62% threshold in Mathematics/Physics/Informatics
- Failure to pass the language exam at TU-Sofia (if no certificate is submitted)
- Incomplete or incorrectly legalised documents
- Missing the September 25 deadline
iGeneration Agency’s acceptance rate for TU-Sofia applications is close to 100% for students who apply through us – because we handle document preparation precisely and advise on English certificate options in advance.
Université Technique de Sofia – Admission (Pour les étudiants francophones)
L’Université Technique de Sofia propose des programmes d’ingénierie en français, en partenariat avec des établissements d’enseignement supérieur français. Les étudiants peuvent obtenir un double diplôme – à la fois de l’Université Technique de Sofia et de l’université partenaire française.
Informations clés pour les candidats francophones :
- Programmes disponibles en français : Génie industriel, Génie électronique, et plus
- Frais de scolarité : 3 000 à 4 000 € par an
- Pas d’examen de matière (mathématiques, physique) – classement basé sur les notes du diplôme secondaire (minimum 62%)
- Examen de langue française requis à l’université – ou certificat de langue accepté
- Pour la filière franco-allemande (FDIBA) : examen spécifique en allemand et culture générale
- Diplôme reconnu dans l’UE/EEE
Pour plus d’informations en français, contactez iGeneration Agency par e-mail ou par téléphone : France +33 684 029 274
Technical University of Sofia Admission Requirements
Subject entrance exam: None for international students – ranking based on diploma grades
Diploma requirement: Min. 62% in Mathematics, Physics, or Informatics
English proficiency: Required – via IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge certificate OR language exam at TU-Sofia
Application deadline: September 25 (autumn semester) | February 1 (spring semester)
Application fee: Confirm current amount with iGeneration Agency
Tuition: €3,000-€4,000/year (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Languages: English, German, French – double diplomas available with German/French partners
FDIBA (German faculty): Separate admission with German language exam
Location: 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., Studentski Grad, Sofia | Metro: G.M. Dimitrov (M1)
Official website: tu-sofia.bg
Best for: Students seeking an affordable EU-accredited engineering degree in English (or German/French) – no subject entrance exam, but English proficiency must be demonstrated.
Frequently Asked Questions – Technical University of Sofia Admission
Is there an entrance exam for the Technical University of Sofia?
There is no subject entrance exam (Mathematics, Physics, Informatics) for international students. Ranking is based on secondary school diploma grades – a minimum of 62% in Mathematics, Physics, or Informatics is required. However, English language proficiency must be demonstrated, either by submitting an accepted certificate (IELTS bands 6-9, TOEFL, Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE, PTE) or by sitting a language exam at TU-Sofia. Bulgarian domestic students follow a different process and do sit competitive entrance exams.
What is the application deadline for the Technical University of Sofia?
The official application deadline for international students is 25 September 2026 for the autumn semester (October start), and 1 February 2027 for the spring semester. These deadlines are confirmed on the TU-Sofia Foreign Students website. Documents should be prepared and submitted well before the deadline as translation and legalisation take time.
What is the application fee for the Technical University of Sofia?
The Technical University of Sofia charges an application fee, paid directly to the university at the time of document submission. Contact iGeneration Agency for the current fee amount.
What English-taught programmes does TU-Sofia offer?
Bachelor’s programmes in English include Advanced Industrial Technologies, Electronic Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, Management and Business Information Systems, and Industrial Engineering. Master’s programmes in English include Computer Science and Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Innovative Communication Technologies and Entrepreneurship, Industrial Management, and Advanced Industrial Technologies.
Do I need an English certificate (IELTS/TOEFL) to apply to TU-Sofia?
You need to demonstrate English proficiency – but you have two options. Option 1: submit an accepted certificate (IELTS bands 6–9, TOEFL Paper 550/CBT 213/IBT 79, Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE, PITMAN Higher Intermediate–Advanced, PTE Academic 59+, or PTE General third level+). Option 2: sit a language proficiency exam at TU-Sofia – those who pass enrol directly; those who do not pass complete a 10-month preparatory language course first.
What are the tuition fees for international students at TU-Sofia?
Tuition fees at the Technical University of Sofia range from €3,000 to €4,000 per year for both Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. Fees are paid in two instalments – in September and in February.
Where is the Technical University of Sofia located?
The Technical University of Sofia is located at 8 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., Studentski Grad, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria. The nearest metro station is G.M. Dimitrov on the M1 line. The official website is tu-sofia.bg
Does TU-Sofia offer programmes in German or French?
Yes. TU-Sofia offers engineering programmes in both German and French, in collaboration with partner universities in Germany and France. Double diploma agreements are available in selected programmes. The Franco-German faculty (FDIBA) has a separate admission process including a German language exam. For French-speaking applicants, contact iGeneration Agency: +33 684 029 274.
What is the acceptance rate at the Technical University of Sofia?
TU-Sofia does not publish an official acceptance rate. Because there is no competitive subject entrance exam for international students, qualified applicants who meet the 62% diploma threshold, demonstrate English proficiency, and submit complete correctly legalised documents are generally admitted. The main reasons for rejection are documents below the 62% threshold, failure of the language exam, documentation errors, or missing the September 25 deadline.
Is the Technical University of Sofia degree internationally recognised?
Yes. TU-Sofia degrees are state-accredited by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) and are recognised across all EU and EEA member states. The university uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), ensuring credits are transferable across European institutions.
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