Sofia, Bulgaria · Founded 1917
Medical University – Sofia
Bulgaria's oldest and largest medical university, based in the capital, offering a six-year Medicine programme taught in English to international students.
Overview
Medical University – Sofia is a state medical university in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Founded in 1917, it's the oldest higher medical education institution in the country, and today comprises four faculties: Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy and Public Health.
Alongside its Bulgarian-language provision, the university runs a Medicine programme taught in English for international students, and has trained international students from a range of countries over several decades.
Sofia is a European capital with international flight connections, which matters in practice for UK and Indian families visiting for open days, orientation or during term-time breaks.
Medicine programme
An integrated Medicine degree delivered in English for international students, organised across three broad stages: pre-clinical study, clinical training, and pre-graduation clinical practice.
- Duration
- 6 academic years.
- Teaching language
- English, for the international Medicine track (Bulgarian-medium study is also offered).
- Pre-clinical stage: foundational biological and medical sciences.
- Clinical stage: diagnostics, treatment and patient-facing clinical training.
- Pre-graduation practice: supervised rotations at the university's teaching hospitals.
Admission
Admission is decided solely by the university, based on its own published entry requirements and the results of its entrance examination. Bridgeway supports students in preparing a complete application but does not influence or control the university's decision.
Entrance exam: International applicants typically sit a written entrance examination covering Biology, Chemistry and English. Requirements differ between EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA applicants, and the exact format can change between intakes — Bridgeway confirms the current details with each student ahead of their exam.
English requirement: English is assessed as part of the entrance examination itself, rather than through a separate certificate for most applicants — the university's current admissions pages set out any exceptions.
Intake: The Medicine (English) programme takes one main annual intake, with the entrance examination typically held over the summer ahead of the autumn start of the academic year. Exact dates are set by the university each cycle.
General requirements
- Completed secondary education with results in core science subjects (Biology and Chemistry).
- For EU/EEA applicants: recognition of the secondary diploma, typically processed via Bulgaria's national recognition centre (NACID).
- A valid passport and supporting identification documents.
- Any further documents the university requests for the relevant intake and applicant category (EU/EEA vs non-EU/EEA).
Documents typically required
- Secondary school leaving certificate/diploma, with an official transcript of grades.
- Passport copy.
- Passport-style photographs.
- Any recognition or legalisation documents required for your country of secondary education.
Campus & student life
Sofia is a well-connected European capital, offering an established international student community alongside the usual amenities, healthcare access and public transport of a large city.
Clinical training takes place across the university's affiliated teaching hospitals in Sofia.
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 – Sofia publishes its own tuition fee schedule for the Medicine (English) programme, which can differ between academic years. Bridgeway does not publish fee figures here, so that we never show you an outdated amount — contact us for the university's current published fees for your intake.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for the international Medicine track. English is assessed as part of the entrance examination itself for most applicants, rather than through a separate certificate.
Biology, Chemistry and English, with the exact format sometimes differing between EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA applicants. Bridgeway confirms the current format with each student ahead of their exam.
Sofia is Bulgaria's capital, with international flight connections that make visits home, or family visits, more straightforward than from a smaller city.
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 – Sofia's published admissions pages, August 2026. Structural details (programme length, exam subjects, entry stages) are stable year to year; always confirm current-cycle dates and fees directly with the university.