Pleven, Bulgaria · Founded 1974
Medical University – Pleven
Home to the first English-language Medicine programme in Bulgaria, built around a 1,000-bed university hospital in Pleven, north-central Bulgaria.
Overview
Medical University – Pleven is a state medical university in Pleven, north-central Bulgaria, built on the foundations of a regional hospital dating back to 1865. The university itself was established in 1974 and today has three faculties: Medicine, Pharmacy, and Public Health.
In 1997, Pleven introduced the first English-language Medicine programme in Bulgaria for international students — a genuine first for the country, not just for the university.
Clinical teaching is centred on the university's own hospital, which has more than 1,000 beds across a wide range of specialties, alongside dedicated pre-clinical teaching facilities.
Pleven is a smaller city than Sofia, which some students and families prefer for a quieter study environment, while still being within Bulgaria's national transport network.
Medicine programme
A six-year Medicine degree taught in English, structured as two years of pre-clinical study, three years of clinical study, and a final year of supervised clinical internship/practice.
- Duration
- 6 academic years.
- Teaching language
- English, for the international Medicine track (Bulgarian-medium study is also offered).
- Years 1–2
Pre-clinical study
Foundational biomedical sciences, taught before clinical exposure begins.
- Years 3–5
Clinical study
The bulk of clinical training, based around the university's own hospital and its specialty clinics.
- Year 6
Clinical internship
A final year of supervised hospital rotations before graduation.
Admission
Admission is decided solely by the university, based on entrance examination results and its published entry requirements. Bridgeway supports students in preparing their application but does not influence or control the university's decision.
Entrance exam: International applicants sit entrance examinations in Biology and Chemistry. Non-EU/EEA applicants' ranking score also weights these results, so exam preparation matters for competitive placement, not just for passing.
English requirement: Applicants whose secondary education wasn't taught in English are generally expected to provide evidence of English proficiency (commonly an IELTS/equivalent certificate at B2 level or above); this differs from Medical University – Sofia, where English is assessed as part of the entrance exam itself. Bridgeway confirms the university's current policy with each student.
Intake: The Medicine (English) programme runs a February intake, distinct from the typical autumn academic year start — applications generally open in the summer and close in the early autumn ahead of it. Exact dates are set by the university each cycle, so confirm the current window before preparing documents.
General requirements
- Completed secondary education with results in core science subjects (Biology and Chemistry).
- Evidence of English proficiency where required (see above).
- A valid passport and supporting identification documents.
- Any further documents the university requests for the relevant intake and applicant category.
Documents typically required
- Secondary school leaving certificate/diploma, with an official transcript of grades.
- English proficiency evidence, where applicable.
- Passport copy.
- Passport-style photographs.
Campus & student life
Clinical training is centred on the university's own hospital in Pleven, which has more than 1,000 beds and specialist clinics across most major fields of medicine.
Pleven offers a smaller, quieter city environment than Sofia, with the university itself being a significant presence in the city.
Detailed, current information on accommodation options is best obtained directly from the university's international office — Bridgeway can help you know what to ask.
Tuition fees & living costs
Medical University – Pleven publishes its own tuition fee schedule for the Medicine (English) programme, payable in instalments each academic year. Figures can change between academic years, so Bridgeway doesn't publish a number here — contact us for the university's current published fees for your intake.
Frequently asked questions
Pleven introduced the first English-language Medicine programme in Bulgaria, in 1997. It's also a smaller, quieter city than Sofia or Plovdiv, which suits some students better.
Generally yes — unlike Medical University – Sofia, where English is assessed within the entrance exam, Pleven typically expects evidence of English proficiency (commonly IELTS or equivalent at B2+) alongside the Biology and Chemistry entrance exams.
The Medicine (English) programme runs a February intake, distinct from the autumn start used by most other Bulgarian universities — worth factoring into your planning.
How Bridgeway can support your application
Understanding this university
We help you weigh this university against others based on your own priorities, not a generic sales pitch.
Preparing your application
Document checklists, formatting guidance, and entrance exam preparation support specific to this university's requirements.
Support after you apply
A continued point of contact as you move from application to offer to pre-departure preparation.
Bridgeway Global Pathway is an independent education consultancy. This is one of our selected advisory universities — a university we research and can guide you through applying to — not an official representative, partner or recruitment agent relationship, and we do not act on the university's behalf. Applications are submitted to, and decided by, the university directly.
Admission rules, programme language, fees, recognition and licensing requirements should always be checked for the student's intended destination, as they may vary by university, intake and country.
Checked against Medical University – Pleven's published admissions pages, August 2026. Structural details (programme stages, exam subjects, February intake pattern) are stable year to year; always confirm current-cycle dates and fees directly with the university.