Do I need an entrance exam to study in Bulgaria?
Whether or not you need to take an entrance exam to study in Bulgaria depends on your chosen program and university. Many Bulgarian universities admit international students based on their academic transcripts, while others — particularly in Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy — require an entrance exam to assess your knowledge in key science subjects.
This article explains when entrance exams are required, what subjects they cover, and how you can prepare effectively.
When Is an Entrance Exam Required in Bulgaria?
Entrance exams are typically required for medical and technical fields where prior knowledge is essential for success. You will usually need to take an exam if you apply for:
-
Medicine
-
Dentistry
-
Pharmacy
-
Veterinary Medicine
-
Engineering or Technical Studies (in some universities)
For non-science or general programs (such as Business, Management, or Humanities), most universities admit students without an entrance exam, based on your high school grades and language proficiency.
What Does the Bulgarian Entrance Exam Include?
For medical and science-related programs, the entrance exam usually tests your knowledge in:
-
Biology
-
Chemistry
-
Sometimes Physics or English (for English-taught courses)
The questions are often multiple-choice and designed to test fundamental concepts learned during high school.
Some universities conduct online exams, allowing international students to take them from their home country.
English Proficiency Assessment
If you apply for an English-taught program, you may need to pass an English proficiency test organized by the university. This is not the same as IELTS or TOEFL — it’s an internal exam or interview to confirm your language ability.
However, if you’ve studied in English previously, you can often submit a certificate from your school to waive the language test.
Universities That Commonly Require Entrance Exams
Below are a few Bulgarian universities where entrance exams are common for medical programs:
-
Medical University of Sofia
-
Medical University of Plovdiv
-
Medical University of Varna
-
Medical University of Pleven
-
Trakia University (Stara Zagora)
Each university sets its own exam format, dates, and passing score. Most conduct exams between June and Septemberfor autumn intake.
When Entrance Exams Are Not Required
Many universities in Bulgaria admit students without entrance exams, especially for:
-
Business and Economics
-
Tourism and Hospitality
-
Computer Science
-
International Relations
-
Arts and Humanities
In these cases, admission is based on academic transcripts and proof of language proficiency.
How to Prepare for the Entrance Exam
To improve your chances of success:
-
Review core subjects like biology and chemistry from your high school syllabus.
-
Use sample papers provided by the university or admission partners.
-
Attend online preparation sessions offered by admission agencies or the university itself.
-
Practice English comprehension if applying for English-medium courses.
EuropeStudy.eu can connect you with reliable preparation resources and past exam materials.
Documents Needed for Admission
Even if no entrance exam is required, you’ll still need:
-
Valid passport
-
High school diploma and transcript
-
Passport-size photos
-
Proof of language proficiency (if required)
-
Application form
Always confirm the exact requirements with your chosen university before applying.
How EuropeStudy.eu Can Help You
At EuropeStudy.eu, we simplify your application journey by:
-
Checking whether your chosen program requires an entrance exam
-
Providing sample test materials and preparation guidance
-
Helping you apply to recognized universities in Bulgaria
-
Supporting your student visa and accommodation process
Our experts ensure you meet all requirements smoothly and on time.
? Start your admission process today: https://europestudy.eu
Key Points
-
Entrance exams are required for Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy.
-
No entrance exam is needed for many business, arts, and IT programs.
-
Exams typically test Biology, Chemistry, and English.
-
Some universities offer online entrance tests.
-
EuropeStudy.eu provides preparation support and application assistance.
