Located in the student-friendly city of Blagoevgrad in Bulgaria, the South-West University “Neofit Rilski” offers many Bachelor, Master and PhD programs. They are available in English and Bulgarian and attract students from different parts of Europe. In the following, we have provided more information that is relevant to people interested in admission in South-West University “Neofit Rilski”.

South-West University “Neofit Rilski” has first been established as part of Sofia University, one of the most famous Bulgarian universities. The first academic year was in 1976 / 1977 and students were taught in the field of Pedagogy. About six years later the university is pronounced to be an autonomous Pedagogy institution, which begins to offer even more study programs. In July 1995 it officially becomes South-West University “Neofit Rilski” – Blagoevgrad.

Nowadays, it is one of the most well-known universities in Bulgaria. There are nine different: the Faculty of Law and History, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Economics, the Faculty of Public Health, Health Care and Sport, the Faculty of Pedagogy, the Faculty of Philology, the Faculty of Philosophy, the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Engineering. All of them offer many interesting and modern study programs – people from abroad can apply to become full-time students or to take part in a semester or two thanks to Erasmus+ EU Program.

South-West University “Neofit Rilski” is located around 30 minutes from the city centre by foot. The excellent location of the university, the modern facilities it offers as well as the vibrant life in Blagoevgrad make foreign students enjoy their stay in Bulgaria.

South-West University “Neofit Rilski” offers various study programmes in English. Bachelor programs take four years, whereas the duration of a Master’s degree program is between one and two years depending on your educational background. Some of the study programs available are Computer Science, Ecology and environment protection, Translation and Modern English Literature, Cultural management and visual communications, Educational Management, International economic relations.

The tuition fees vary depending on the study program you choose and the degree you obtain (if it is a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree). Keep in mind that it is possible that some study programs are not available every year. This is why we advise you to contact our team – we will provide you with up-to-date information in regards to admission to South-West University “Neofit Rilski”.

People who are interested in admission to South-West University “Neofit Rilski” must submit a set of application documents following the university’s requirements and deadlines. The number of documents needed as well as any further entry requirements (e.g. an entrance test) vary depending on the study program you wish to apply for and your educational background. Keep in mind that some of the application documents must be translated and legalized. It is important to point out that entry requirements may change every year, so we advise you to contact our admission team and take advantage of a free academic consultation. Also, you may be interested in our application services – we can help you prepare and submit the application documents, offer you study materials for the entrance test and, of course, support you during your studies abroad!

Blagoevgrad is a student-friendly city that guarantees a great experience for people who choose to live and study in it. There are many places in the city, including the main pedestrian street and Bachinovo park, where students like to spend their free time. Also, did you know that you can go skiing and rafting near Blagoevgrad? The ski resort Kartala is less than an hour away and the Kresna gorge where you can go for a boat ride is even closer! Furthermore, there are many sports facilities, interesting museums and international restaurants and cafés. This allows students to balance study and social life!

Last but not least, the living expenses in Blagoevgrad are very affordable. Students usually pay around 200 EUR per month for rent. Bills may be between 20 and 70 EUR per month depending on the season (due to heating expenses) and whether you live alone or with a flatmate. A big meal in a restaurant costs about 5 EUR and street food in Bulgaria is also quite common and even cheaper. Usually, the most important places around the city are located within walking distance, but if you choose to catch a taxi, you will most likely pay around 2-3 EUR for the ride. Of course, there is also public transportation in Blagoevgrad – a one-way ticket is 0.50 EUR. Keep in mind that the local currency is Bulgarian leva (BGN).

As for student accommodation in Blagoevgrad, it is common that students live in a private or shared apartment in the city centre. The rent varies depending on the size and furniture of the apartment, where it is located, etc. Usually, apartments are fully furnished and rental agreements are signed for one year. If you choose to live alone, you can expect to pay 150 to 250 EUR per month for rent. Also, South-West University “Neofit Rilski” offers a student dormitory but the places available are limited. In any case, don’t worry – our team can help you find suitable accommodation in Blagoevgrad!

Blagoevgrad is located in Southwestern Bulgaria, about 100 km (an hour and a half by car) away from the capital city – Sofia. The famous E79 highway passes nearby – it allows people who live in Blagoevgrad to quickly reach Sofia or even Greece! Also, thanks to the central bus and railway station students can travel to different places around the country. The nearest airport is in Sofia.

In 2011 the population of Blagoevgrad amounted to around 70 000 people. Thanks to the excellent location of the city, the affordable living expenses as well as the reputable universities in Blagoevgrad (incl. South-West University and the American University), there are many foreigners who live in Blagoevgrad. The international restaurants, the various interesting free-time activities and the local hospitality make everyone feel at home in Blagoevgrad.

The city is also considered very safe. Locals like to go out in the evening, enjoy late-night snacks with friends or simply go for a walk in one of the parks in Blagoevgrad. During the day we highly recommend visiting Bachinovo and Loven dom parks, the Regional History Museum and the famous Varosha neighbourhood, where you will get to see what traditional Bulgarian houses look like. And of course, over the weekend make the most out of your stay in Bulgaria and go for road trips near Blagoevgrad – in less than an hour you can visit famous sightseeing places like Rila Monastery, Kresna gorge, Stob Pyramids or go for a hike in Rila, Pirin or Osogovo mountains.