VUZF University is the name many international students still use for the institution now officially called the University of Insurance and Finance (UIF) in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The university was founded in 2002 and specialises in economics, finance, business and management. For international students, its current English-language portfolio includes a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Marketing and Master’s programmes in Business Management and Marketing and International Banking and Finance.
For 2026/27, the official tuition fee for the English Bachelor’s in Business Management and Marketing is €1,800 per semester – €3,600 per year. The English Master’s in Business Management and Marketing costs €1,950 per semester, while International Banking and Finance costs €3,410 per semester.
Admission is generally document-based rather than based on a competitive entrance exam. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted certificate or an English test at UIF. Foreign applicants educated outside Bulgaria also follow document-recognition requirements before enrolment.
VUZF University / University of Insurance and Finance
University of Insurance and Finance (UIF) is the current official name of the institution previously known as VUZF - the Higher School of Insurance and Finance. The university was established by a resolution of the Bulgarian National Assembly in 2002 and is a private specialised university in Sofia.
UIF focuses on higher education in the professional field of Economics, with Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral programmes. Its teaching model places strong emphasis on practical business education and cooperation with employers and partner organisations.
The university participates in Erasmus+ and maintains agreements with higher education institutions across Europe and other regions, supporting student mobility and international academic cooperation.
Official university address:
University of Insurance and Finance
1 Gusla Street, Ovcha Kupel
1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 401 58 11 / +359 2 401 58 12
Official website: uzf.bg
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
Current official name | University of Insurance and Finance – UIF |
Previous / widely searched name | VUZF University |
University type | Private specialised university |
Founded | 2002 |
Location | Sofia, Bulgaria – Ovcha Kupel |
English Bachelor’s programme | Business Management and Marketing |
English Master’s programmes | Business Management and Marketing; International Banking and Finance |
Bachelor tuition 2026/27 | €1,800/semester – €3,600/year |
Master tuition – Business Management and Marketing | €1,950/semester |
Master tuition – International Banking and Finance | €3,410/semester |
Application processing fee – foreign education | €230 |
Bachelor’s duration | 4 years – 8 semesters |
Master’s duration | 2-4 semesters depending on previous degree |
Competitive entrance exam | No – admission is document-based |
English proficiency | Certificate or UIF English test |
Foreign Bachelor application timeline | Official English handbook: regular intake until 31 May |
2026/27 Master winter intake | 1 April – 20 October 2026 |
Bachelor academic year starts | 1 October |
Erasmus+ | Available |
Transfer / credit recognition | Possible after official evaluation |
Student accommodation | Partner residences + state dormitory option |
Living costs | €500-€800/month – iGeneration planning estimate |
Sofia, Bulgaria
Business & Finance
€1,800/semester
Bachelor's degree required
No competitive exam
€500-€800/month
The University of Insurance and Finance currently lists three core degree options taught in English for international students – one Bachelor’s programme and two Master’s programmes.
The English-taught Business Management and Marketing programme lasts 4 years – 8 semesters. It combines business management, finance and marketing and awards a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Main subject areas include:
The programme is available in full-time and distance-learning formats. UIF also highlights international cooperation opportunities, including a strategic partnership with Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Germany.
This English-taught Master’s programme combines marketing, management and finance. Its duration depends on the applicant’s previous education:
Teaching for the Master’s programme is organised online on weekends.
The English-taught International Banking and Finance programme focuses on banking systems, corporate finance and financial services at national and international level.
Main subject areas include:
UIF participates in Erasmus+ and maintains bilateral agreements with universities in multiple countries. Eligible enrolled students can apply for study mobility after meeting the university’s academic and language requirements.
Recognition of completed study periods and previously earned credits is possible, but it is not automatic. UIF has formal procedures for recognising study completed at another Bulgarian or foreign higher education institution. The final number of recognised credits and the entry point are determined by the university after reviewing the applicant’s academic record.
UIF combines specialised business education with employer links, international partnerships and student mobility opportunities.
Business-oriented learning: The university’s programmes are designed around economics, finance, management and marketing, with lecturers and partnerships connected to professional practice.
Erasmus+: Enrolled students can apply for Erasmus+ study mobility at partner universities. UIF’s current network includes institutions in Germany, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Poland and other countries.
Campus and Sofia: The university is located in Ovcha Kupel in south-west Sofia. Students have access to the wider academic, cultural and employment opportunities of Bulgaria’s capital while studying in a smaller specialised university environment.
| English-taught programme | Duration | Official semester tuition |
|---|---|---|
Bachelor – Business Management and Marketing | 4 years – 8 semesters | €1,800/semester – €3,600/year |
Master – Business Management and Marketing | 2-4 semesters depending on previous education | €1,950/semester |
Master – International Banking and Finance | Programme-specific duration based on previous education | €3,410/semester |
Application processing fee: The current 2026/27 foreign-applicant documents list an application fee of €230 for applicants whose previous education was completed outside Bulgaria.
Non-EU/EEA applicants: UIF’s programme pages state that applicants from countries outside the EU/EEA should confirm their applicable tuition fee directly with the university. Do not assume that every international applicant follows the same fee category.
Instalments: Current UIF admission information allows semester tuition to be paid either in full or in four instalments. When instalments are used, an additional one-off administrative fee may apply.
The official tuition fee for the English-taught Bachelor’s in Business Management and Marketing is €1,800 per semester, equivalent to €3,600 per academic year.
Yes. Current UIF admission information allows semester tuition to be paid in full or in four instalments. An additional one-off administrative fee may apply when using the instalment option.
UIF currently lists student accommodation through partnerships with Kitchen59 and UniDorm, and also states that students can apply for accommodation in a state student dormitory. Terms and prices should be confirmed directly with the accommodation provider or university.
As an iGeneration planning estimate, students in Sofia can budget around €500-€800 per month for accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses. Actual spending depends mainly on housing and lifestyle. This is not an official UIF cost estimate.
Admission to the University of Insurance and Finance is primarily document-based. The university’s current FAQ states that Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants do not sit a competitive admission exam.
For international applicants, the current official English-language application steps list the following core requirements:
Application fee for foreign education: €230.
For foreign Bachelor applicants, UIF’s current English candidate handbook lists the regular intake as 1 October – 31 May, with the academic year starting on 1 October. The university’s Bulgarian 2026/27 admission calendar remains open later for other applicant routes, so international applicants should follow the foreign-applicant procedure and apply early enough for document recognition and, where relevant, visa processing.
For Master’s programmes, current 2026/27 programme information lists the winter intake from 1 April to 20 October 2026, with teaching starting in early November.
Applicants need a completed Bachelor’s or equivalent higher education qualification. The required Master’s duration depends on the applicant’s previous academic field. Applicants educated outside Bulgaria must complete the applicable degree-recognition procedure.
An English-language certificate is not the only route. Applicants may either provide accepted proof of English proficiency or take an English-language assessment at UIF.
Applying to UIF as an international student can involve document preparation, translation, legalisation, recognition of previous education and, for non-EU applicants, additional immigration steps.
iGeneration helps applicants organise the required documents, understand the correct admission route and prepare the application in line with the university’s current international requirements.
For the standard English Bachelor’s and Master’s routes described on this page, there is no competitive entrance exam. English proficiency can be demonstrated with an accepted certificate or through a language assessment at UIF.
Contact us to confirm the correct 2026/27 application route for your citizenship, previous education and chosen programme.
International Bachelor’s applicants need a recognised secondary education qualification. The current foreign-applicant documents state that the diploma average must reach at least 62% of the maximum result. Applicants also need English proficiency and the required identity, education and recognition documents.
There is no competitive entrance exam for the standard Bachelor’s admission route. Admission is document-based. English proficiency is demonstrated through an accepted certificate or a language test at UIF.
For foreign Bachelor applicants, the current English UIF handbook lists regular intake until 31 May. The academic year starts on 1 October. Master’s winter admission for 2026/27 is listed from 1 April to 20 October 2026. International applicants should apply early because recognition and visa procedures can take additional time.
You need to demonstrate English proficiency, but a certificate is not the only option. The official application steps accept an English-language certificate such as IELTS / TOEFL or a successfully passed English-language test at UIF.
Documents issued abroad may require legalisation, certified translation and formal recognition.
UIF is an accredited Bulgarian university. Recognition of a specific degree abroad depends on the destination country, employer, further-study institution and any professional or regulatory requirements that apply there. Graduates should verify the relevant local recognition procedure rather than assuming automatic worldwide recognition.
The programmes listed on this page – Bachelor’s Business Management and Marketing, Master’s Business Management and Marketing and Master’s International Banking and Finance – are offered in English. Other UIF programmes may be taught in Bulgarian, so applicants should check the language of the specific programme.
Transfer and recognition of previous study are possible, but they are subject to official evaluation by the University of Insurance and Finance.
UIF has procedures for recognising higher education and completed periods of study from foreign institutions, as well as completed study periods at other Bulgarian universities. The university decides which credits can be recognised and whether they can be applied to the chosen programme.
The University of Insurance and Finance is an accredited Bulgarian higher education institution. Its official accreditation information lists institutional accreditation and programme accreditation in the professional field of Economics.
The institution was founded in 2002 and later changed its official status and name from the Higher School of Insurance and Finance – commonly known as VUZF – to the University of Insurance and Finance.
For employment or further study outside Bulgaria, recognition requirements should be checked with the relevant employer, university or competent authority in the destination country.
The current UIF international student handbook does not present the old VUZF university-hotel claim as the main accommodation route. Instead, the university lists several current options for students.
| Accommodation option | Current information |
|---|---|
| Kitchen59 | UIF partner student accommodation |
| UniDorm | UIF partner student accommodation |
| State student dormitory | UIF states that students can also apply for a place |
| Private rental | Available across Sofia – prices depend on location and property type |
Accommodation terms and prices should be confirmed directly with UIF or the relevant provider before signing an agreement.
UIF is located in Ovcha Kupel, a residential district in south-west Sofia. Students combine a specialised university environment with access to the wider opportunities of Bulgaria’s capital.
Academic and professional environment: UIF focuses on economics, finance, management and business education and maintains links with professional organisations and partner institutions.
International mobility: The university participates in Erasmus+ and maintains bilateral agreements with higher education institutions in numerous European countries.
Living-cost planning: As an iGeneration planning estimate, students can budget around €500-€800 per month for accommodation, food, local transport and personal expenses. The actual amount depends mainly on accommodation and lifestyle. This is not an official UIF cost estimate.
Getting to the University of Insurance and Finance
The university is located at 1 Gusla Street, Ovcha Kupel, Sofia. Ovcha Kupel is connected to the rest of Sofia by the city’s public transport network.
Because routes and timetables can change, students should use the current Sofia public transport journey planner when travelling to campus rather than relying on an old fixed list of bus or metro lines.
Official address: 1 Gusla Street, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia offers a diverse shopping experience, catering to every taste and budget. Whether you’re seeking international brands, unique local finds, or simply a pleasant stroll through vibrant streets, Sofia has something to offer.
Malls: A Shopper’s Paradise
Malls are a popular choice for shopping in Sofia, providing a wide array of stores, dining options, and entertainment under one roof. Here are some of the notable malls:
Shopping Streets and Centers: A Taste of Local Flair
In addition to malls, Sofia has several shopping streets and centers where you can discover unique boutiques and local shops:
Chain Stores: Familiar Favorites
Many international and Bulgarian chain stores have a presence in Sofia, offering a wide variety of products:
Beyond the Usual:
Sofia also offers unique shopping experiences beyond the typical malls and chain stores. You can explore souvenir markets, antique shops, and stores selling handcrafted goods.
Enjoy your shopping experience in Sofia!
Sofia offers a diverse range of entertainment options, catering to every taste and interest. From historical landmarks and cultural events to a lively nightlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation, there’s always something to do in Sofia.
Cultural Landmarks: A Journey Through Time
Sofia is a city with a rich history and culture, reflected in its many landmarks worth visiting:
Theaters and Concert Halls: A Feast for the Arts
Sofia has numerous theaters and concert halls where you can enjoy various performances and concerts:
Cinemas: Catching the Latest Blockbusters
Sofia has many cinemas where you can watch the latest movies:
Nightlife: When the Sun Goes Down
Sofia offers a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and discos:
Outdoor Recreation: Embracing Nature’s Beauty
Sofia is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering opportunities for recreation and walks:
Other Entertainment Options: Exploring Further
In addition to the above, Sofia has many other entertainment options, such as:
Sofia offers a diverse and dynamic dining and nightlife scene that can satisfy even the most discerning palates. From traditional Bulgarian restaurants to modern establishments serving international cuisine, and from cozy bars to bustling discos, Sofia has something for everyone.
Restaurants:
Sofia has a wide selection of restaurants offering various types of cuisine:
Bars:
Sofia offers a variety of bars where you can enjoy different types of drinks:
Clubs and Discos:
Sofia offers a vibrant nightlife with many clubs and discos where you can dance and have fun:
UIF is a specialised option for students who want an English-taught business or finance degree in Sofia without applying to a large multidisciplinary university.
UIF may be a strong fit if:
Check carefully before applying if:
The institution widely known as VUZF University now officially operates as the University of Insurance and Finance – UIF. The university was established in Sofia in 2002. The VUZF name still appears in older documents, online searches and parts of the university’s legacy branding.
The current English programme portfolio listed by UIF includes a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Marketing and two Master’s programmes: Business Management and Marketing and International Banking and Finance.
For 2026/27, the English Bachelor’s in Business Management and Marketing costs €1,800 per semester – €3,600/year. The English Master’s in Business Management and Marketing is €1,950 per semester, while International Banking and Finance is €3,410 per semester. Applicants educated outside Bulgaria should also account for the applicable application-processing fee.
No competitive entrance exam is required for the standard Bachelor’s or Master’s admission routes described here. Admission is primarily document-based. Applicants must still demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted certificate or a UIF language test.
For foreign Bachelor’s applicants, the current English candidate handbook lists regular intake until 31 May. Master’s winter admission for 2026/27 is listed from 1 April to 20 October 2026. International applicants should apply early enough for document recognition and, where required, visa processing.
You must demonstrate English proficiency, but a certificate is not the only route. UIF accepts an English-language certificate such as IELTS / TOEFL or a successfully passed English test at the university.
The current official English-language programme list does not show a programme specifically titled MBA. English Master’s options currently include Business Management and Marketing and International Banking and Finance.
Yes, previous study can be considered for recognition. UIF has formal procedures for recognising completed study periods and credits from other Bulgarian and foreign universities. Recognition is case-specific and the final decision belongs to UIF.
The University of Insurance and Finance is located at 1 Gusla Street, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria, in the Ovcha Kupel district.
As an iGeneration planning estimate, students in Sofia can budget around €500-€800 per month. Actual costs depend primarily on accommodation and lifestyle. UIF currently lists partner accommodation through Kitchen59 and UniDorm, plus access to a state student dormitory application route.
Questions about studying in Bulgaria or your application? Our team is ready to help.
