Sofia Medical University is one of the most popular universities among international students who wish to study Medicine in English in Bulgaria. Of course, applicants raise many questions before they decide to apply and to finally move to Bulgaria. In the following we have included the most frequently asked questions about studying at Sofia Medical University and in Sofia, Bulgaria in general.

1. Where is Sofia Medical University located?

Sofia Medical University is located in the city centre of Sofia, Bulgaria (the capital city). The main campus is only about 10 minutes walking distance from one of the main sightseeing places – the National Palace of Culture. Unfortunately, the dormitories of Sofia Medical University are located far away from the main university campus – it takes around 30-40 minutes by public transport to reach them. 

Sofia Medical University is easy to reach via public transport – there are many tram (e.g. tram no. 7 and no. 5), bus (e.g. bus no. 72, 76, 204, 604) and trolley (e.g. trolley no. 2, 8 and 9) lines that pass next to or close to the University campus. In addition, the metro station “National Palace of Culture” is located around 10 minutes walking distance from the campus.

2. Is it the only medical university in Bulgaria that offers Medicine in English?

No. You can study Medicine in English in Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski which is also located in Sofia, Bulgaria. Both universities are considered very prestigious but Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski accepts fewer of students per year.

Of course, other Bulgarian universities also offer Medicine in English – these include Plovdiv Medical University, Varna Medical University, Trakia University and Pleven Medical University.

3. Are there many international students at Sofia Medical University?

Yes, Sofia Medical University usually accepts around 500 international students per year. Most of them are from Greece, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. Of course, there are also many students from other European and non-European countries.

The international atmosphere at Sofia Medical University makes life in Sofia even more fun and interesting for students from everywhere – it helps them expand their horizons and make friendships with people from all around the world.

4. Is the diploma internationally recognized?

Sofia Medical University is an accredited university and the diploma you will receive at the end of the higher education is internationally recognized. This will help you apply for a PhD or a job vacancy abroad after you graduate in Bulgaria.

If you have any further concerns, we recommend you get in touch with local authorities of your home country to make sure you do not need to sit any additional exams once you graduate from Sofia Medical University.

5. How hard is it to study at Sofia Medical University?

According to current students at Sofia Medical University, the workload is of course big due to the nature of the study programs – Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy. However, most students are of the opinion that “if you study and prepare well, you can pass the exams”.

Hence, we recommend you attend all lectures and seminars as well as prepare very well at home in order to pass all exams and graduate within six years.

6. Is there an entry exam for admission in Sofia Medical University?

People who wish to study Medicine, Pharmacy or Dentistry in English at Sofia Medical University must pass an entry exam in Biology, Chemistry and in English. The exam usually takes place in summer (August and September) and costs 200 EUR (non-refundable).

Inter HECS helps students prepare for the exam by providing each applicant with study books and sample tests as well as by organizing additional preparatory courses with university teachers if needed.

7. How are teachers at Sofia Medical University?

According to current students at Sofia Medical University, teachers at Sofia Medical University are very friendly and help students with any difficulties they experience. At the beginning of each semester, the teachers will provide you with a list of necessary books that you will need to read in order to prepare for the exams.

In addition, some teachers also give you their social media accounts so that you can keep in touch with them on a daily basis.

8. Is Sofia city student-friendly?

Sofia is a student-friendly city where the living costs are rather cheap in comparison to other European capitals. Also, there are plenty of things students can do in their free time and many international restaurants and shopping malls to choose from.

Also, young people speak English language and restaurant menus are very often available in English language because of the tourists visiting the Bulgarian capital throughout the year.

9. How much does it cost to study at Sofia Medical University?

The tuition fees at Sofia Medical University for study programs available in English language vary between 6000 and 8000 EUR per academic year. The tuition fees for Medicine and Dentistry in English language cost 8000 EUR per year, whereas Pharmacy in English language is only 6000 EUR per year.

The tuition fees are paid in two installments and do not depend on the student’s nationality.

10. Does Sofia Medical University offer scholarships and student loans?

Sofia Medical University offers scholarships for people who have excellent grades throughout their education. Keep in mind that the scholarship is not very huge – it can cover your living expenses but not the tuition fees.

Unfortunately, Sofia Medical University does not offer student loans so future applicants are advised to plan their financial situation in advance.

11. Do tuition fees at Sofia Medical University cover accommodation?

No, tuition fees at Sofia Medical University do not cover accommodation costs. In general, a room in a student dormitory costs about 50 EUR and a private apartment in the city centre costs around 350 EUR. 

We recommend watching the following video before you start looking for accommodation in Sofia so that you are well-aware of the things to keep in mind before renting a flat in the capital of Bulgaria. 

12. Is attending lectures and seminars mandatory?

Yes, students must attend lectures and seminars at Sofia Medical University otherwise it will not be possible for them to complete the semester successfully. In addition, teachers are impressed by students who actively take part in the lessons, so we recommend doing that!

If you are sick, you can of course get a medical note so that you are able to miss lectures.

13. Is education at Sofia Medical University in English language?

Sofia Medical University offers study programs in English and in Bulgarian language. The study programs taught in English language include Pharmacy, Medicine and Dentistry in English language. If you study one of those, all lectures and exams will be held in English language. The only exception is Bulgarian language – you study this subject in the first few years of your education so that later you are able to speak with patients. Of course, the teachers do not expect you to have perfect language skills, but you should at least know the most common phrases used in everyday life and in the field of Medicine.

Also, we offer free Bulgarian language courses to our students so that they do not experience any difficulties throughout their higher education in Bulgaria!

14. How can I apply to study at Sofia Medical University?

Inter HECS – Study in Bulgaria offers application and relocation assistance for everyone who wishes to study at Sofia Medical University. Hence, we help you collect and prepare all documents according to the requirements of Sofia Medical University.

Last but not least, our office is located right next to Sofia Medical University so our team is here on place to guarantee our full ongoing support for international students in Bulgaria.

If you wish to apply at Sofia Medical University, please send us more information about your educational background to [email protected] and our team will get back to you!