Bulgaria, situated on the Balkan Peninsula, is a captivating and compact nation that attracts numerous tourists and international students. Choosing to study in Bulgaria opens up a diverse range of natural landscapes, from inviting sandy beaches to majestic mountains. Notably, the country stands out as a cost-effective destination for those aspiring to pursue medical education.

1. MBBS in Bulgaria
Overview: Bulgaria, situated on the Balkan Peninsula, is a captivating and compact
nation that attracts numerous tourists and international students. Choosing to study in
Bulgaria opens up a diverse range of natural landscapes, from inviting sandy beaches to
majestic mountains. Notably, the country stands out as a cost-effective destination for
those aspiring to pursue medical education.
As one of the oldest European countries, Bulgaria shares its borders with Greece, Turkey,
Macedonia, Serbia, and Romania. Moreover, it holds membership in the European Union
(EU), NATO, and the United Nations (UN), with ongoing efforts to join the Schengen
Area.
Reasons to Consider Studying in Bulgaria:
1. Secure and Welcoming Environment: Bulgaria provides a safe and friendly living
environment for international students.
2. Publicly Owned Medical Universities: Most Medical Universities in Bulgaria are state-
owned, offering a public institution setting for education.
3. Affordable Tuition for Medicine: Compared to other European countries, Bulgaria offers
medical education at affordable tuition fees.
4. Economical Cost of Living: The cost of living in Bulgaria is low, contributing to a more
budget-friendly student experience.
5. Affordable Accommodation Options: Accessible private or student hostel
accommodations are available at reasonable prices.
6. Recognized Universities: Three Bulgarian universities feature in the QS University
Rankings: EECA 2016, among the top 200 universities in Emerging Europe and Central
Asia.
7. EU Membership: Bulgaria's membership in the European Union ensures a high standard
of education following European norms.
8. Transfer Opportunities: Medical university student transfers are accepted, providing
flexibility in academic choices.
9. Biannual Admissions: Admissions take place twice a year, in February or October,
allowing for more entry opportunities.
10. Globally Recognized Degree: The degree earned in Bulgaria is entirely valid in Europe
and globally recognized.
11. 6-Year Medical Program: Bulgaria offers a comprehensive 6-year program leading to a
Master's degree in medicine.

2. Cost of Living in Bulgaria:
The average living expenses in Sofia typically range between €300 and €400 per month,
excluding rent. Smaller cities such as Plovdiv, Varna, and Pleven have an average
monthly cost of around €300. Generally, the cost of living for international students in
Bulgaria is the most economical among European Union countries.
Eligibility Criteria for Medicine in Bulgaria:
To qualify for enrollment in the Medicine program at a Bulgarian Medical University,
applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
1. Age Requirement: Applicants must be a minimum of 17 years old.
2. Academic Background: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry courses at the
10+2 level, with an average score of not less than 65% in these subjects.
3. English Proficiency: Proficiency in English is essential, demonstrated through
standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL (IMF/TOFEL).
Medical Postgraduate Studies in the USA (USMLE):
A considerable number of students pursuing their education in Bulgaria also aspire to
undertake Medical Postgraduate studies in the United States. This inclination stems from
the challenging nature of securing Postgraduate seats in India.
Given the implementation of the NEXT examination in India, an increasing number of
students embark on USMLE preparation from the first year of their MBBS, as it closely
aligns with the new NMC Competency-based curriculum. The healthcare system in the
United States is renowned globally for various reasons, including generous rewards,
state-of-the-art infrastructure, merit-based assessments, and ample opportunities for
specialized medical fields. Many countries seek to emulate the US healthcare
assessment system for their medical graduates.
The USMLE examination is divided into three parts. Students can take the USMLE Step 1
after the second year, USMLE Step 2 CK during their internship, and Step 3 during
residency (Medical Postgraduate). Unfortunately, there is no Prometric center in
Georgia. However, all neighboring countries have these centers, facilitating accessibility
for students pursuing the USMLE journey.