15 Cheapest Universities in Bulgaria for International Students

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In Bulgaria, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Bulgaria without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Bulgaria, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 46 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Bulgaria, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Bulgaria for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Bulgaria ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Trakia University 1,100 BGN - 6,800 BGN 82%
D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics 1,657 BGN 72%
St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo 2,874 BGN - 10,500 BGN 51%
MT and M College 3,280 BGN 45%
University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship 3,371 BGN - 5,580 BGN 43%
Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy 3,382 BGN - 4,227 BGN 43%
Technical University of Gabrovo 4,126 BGN - 5,918 BGN 30%
Technical University of Varna 4,126 BGN - 5,918 BGN 30%
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski 4,227 BGN - 8,285 BGN 28%
National Academy of Art 4,227 BGN 28%
International Business School – Bulgaria 4,396 BGN - 7,101 BGN 25%
University of Economics – Varna 4,565 BGN - 5,072 BGN 23%
Angel Kanchev University of Ruse 4,890 BGN - 6,083 BGN 17%
University of National and World Economy 5,072 BGN 14%
Technical University of Sofia 5,072 BGN - 6,763 BGN 14%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 5,861 BGN for universities in Bulgaria.

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1. Trakia University

Trakia University was founded in 1995 and is located in one of the greenest and most beautiful Bulgarian cities, Stara Zagora. It offers various programs taught in Bulgarian and English and is most recognized for its excellent programs in medicine and veterinary medicine. The university’s mission is to develop qualified human resources and specialists who can address society’s current and future problems.

2. D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics

The D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics is a prominent institution for business and economics education that has produced over 145,000 graduates with successful careers in Bulgaria and overseas. It was named after one of its most notable benefactors, Dimitar Apostolov Tsenov, a Bulgarian entrepreneur and patriot. The university aims to train future specialists and experts to contribute to the nation’s development, specifically in the fields of economics, management, tourism, and public administration.

3. St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo

Opened in the fall of 1963, St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo is the first and largest university situated outside the nation’s capital. It is dedicated to training experts in different fields of liberal arts and humanities who can transform and improve education, business, and society. This university provides various opportunities for international studies, internships, and training for its students and faculty.

4. MT and M College

The MT&M College identifies itself as an institution that provides quality education in the fields of Marketing and Entrepreneurship that are practice-oriented. It prides itself in having comprehensive study programs that equip its students with the required knowledge that will enable them to manage and run successful businesses for themselves in the job market. Through the different partnerships the institute has formed, they ensure all their activities, as well as teaching materials, are up-to-date.

5. University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship

The University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship (VUZF) identifies itself as an institution offering professional education through its comprehensive study programs and research activities. It carries out its activities with the aim of preparing quality personnel with the skills necessary to enable them to take up a variety of roles in the business and job market. The university envisions itself developing economic and financial sciences that will bring about advancement of modern and practical skills for its students.

6. Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy

The Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy was established in 1881 as a maritime school that was mainly for the training of machinists for the navy. The institute has had a number of developments and serves as a technical institute at the time. Through the institution, students have been to graduate from other naval schools abroad to further their studies. It offers study programs, training, and other practical activities for its students.

7. Technical University of Gabrovo

The Technical University of Gabrovo is a prominent academic and research institution that offers outstanding programs in engineering, business, and technology. Its programs are known for blending traditional teaching methods with modern approaches aligned with the present conditions of industries around the world. The university also conducts high-quality research and development programs in cooperation with its international partners.

8. Technical University of Varna

The Technical University of Varna is a public institution dedicated to teaching and training future specialists and engineers who are competent and adaptable to technological, cultural, and economic changes. It also conducts high-quality research in marine engineering, shipbuilding, and other scientific fields and integrates it with its academic programs. The university also continues to expand its international network to provide opportunities for international mobility and joint projects.

9. Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski is considered the oldest educational institution in Bulgaria. Since its establishment, it has grown to become a comprehensive university that offers prestigious training to students in various fields. Throughout the years, the university has maintained a strong relationship with partner enterprises and institutions, allowing them to partake in numerous international programs and European Union activities related to science and research.

10. National Academy of Art

The National Academy of Art identifies itself as an art-based research institute that mainly bases its study programs and research activities in the fields of art. The academy has different faculties that have been divided into courses that the students can choose and study as per their preference. It has taken part in various exhibitions, thus, giving it a chance to be one of the recognized institutions in the region. The students will have the opportunity to learn from foreign lecturers to help diversify their skills.

11. International Business School – Bulgaria

The International Business School identifies itself as an institution that majorly offers degree courses in the field of Business. Other than offering the degree education to its students, it offers professional scientific research programs that are comprehensive and in turn increase the activity of their students in their specific fields. The institution was established with an entrepreneurial aim of being one of the major innovative institutions that offer the best education in the field of business study.

12. University of Economics – Varna

University of Economics – Varna is the nation’s leading institution for economics education and research. It aims to train entrepreneurial and socially responsible professionals with broad economic knowledge and leadership skills to influence economic and organizational policies to serve the interest of society. At present, the university has partnered with 258 partner universities and 1,800 public and private organizations in Bulgaria and overseas to carry out various academic and research and development projects.

13. Angel Kanchev University of Ruse

The Angel Kanchev University of Ruse has a long-standing tradition of providing excellent education and professional training to both domestic and international students in Ruse, Bulgaria. Having existed for over 75 years, the university has established more than 250 bilateral agreements with educational institutions from Europe, America, and Asia to provide international opportunities for its students and faculty. The university also has a strong dedication to conducting high-quality research that is relevant to the scientific, economic, and social development of Bulgaria. 

14. University of National and World Economy

The University of National and World Economy is a comprehensive university offering economic degree expertise. The institution is well-known for its advanced teaching, which resulted in its graduates excelling in the field of business and finance. Living up to its mission of providing exceptional training to qualified applicants, the university invests in research and equipment for students to utilize. Through this, students will gain extensive experience in their fields of interest.

15. Technical University of Sofia

Technical University of Sofia is one of the largest and best institutions for technical higher education in Bulgaria. It provides high-quality engineering and technology-related programs using advanced equipment in the most modern academic infrastructures. The university has also built strong partnerships with the biggest tech companies in the country to conduct research activities and internships that prepare students for their future careers. 

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Bulgaria for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Bulgaria ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics 1,758 BGN 68%
St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo 2,874 BGN - 10,500 BGN 48%
MT and M College 3,280 BGN 40%
University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship 3,632 BGN - 11,600 BGN 34%
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski 3,804 BGN - 8,285 BGN 31%
International Business School – Bulgaria 4,396 BGN - 7,778 BGN 20%
South-West University Neofit Rilski 4,734 BGN - 7,609 BGN 14%
Angel Kanchev University of Ruse 4,909 BGN - 6,083 BGN 11%
Technical University of Varna 5,072 BGN - 5,918 BGN 8%
Technical University of Sofia 5,072 BGN - 6,763 BGN 8%
Technical University of Gabrovo 5,072 BGN - 5,918 BGN 8%
Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv 5,072 BGN 8%
National Academy of Art 5,072 BGN 8%
National Sports Academy Vasil Levski 5,411 BGN 1%
University of Economics – Varna 5,411 BGN 1%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 5,463 BGN for universities in Bulgaria.

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1. D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics

The D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics is a prominent institution for business and economics education that has produced over 145,000 graduates with successful careers in Bulgaria and overseas. It was named after one of its most notable benefactors, Dimitar Apostolov Tsenov, a Bulgarian entrepreneur and patriot. The university aims to train future specialists and experts to contribute to the nation’s development, specifically in the fields of economics, management, tourism, and public administration.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 1,758 BGN annually for their master's degree.

2. St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo is 2,874 BGN to 10,483 BGN.

Opened in the fall of 1963, St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo is the first and largest university situated outside the nation’s capital. It is dedicated to training experts in different fields of liberal arts and humanities who can transform and improve education, business, and society. This university provides various opportunities for international studies, internships, and training for its students and faculty.

3. MT and M College

The MT&M College identifies itself as an institution that provides quality education in the fields of Marketing and Entrepreneurship that are practice-oriented. It prides itself in having comprehensive study programs that equip its students with the required knowledge that will enable them to manage and run successful businesses for themselves in the job market. Through the different partnerships the institute has formed, they ensure all their activities, as well as teaching materials, are up-to-date.

The tuition fee at MT and M College for incoming international master’s students is 3,280 BGN. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship

Another affordable university to consider in Bulgaria is University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship.

The University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship (VUZF) identifies itself as an institution offering professional education through its comprehensive study programs and research activities. It carries out its activities with the aim of preparing quality personnel with the skills necessary to enable them to take up a variety of roles in the business and job market. The university envisions itself developing economic and financial sciences that will bring about advancement of modern and practical skills for its students.

The tuition fee in University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship for master’s program for foreign students starts from 3,632 BGN.

5. Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 3,804 BGN yearly.

Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski is considered the oldest educational institution in Bulgaria. Since its establishment, it has grown to become a comprehensive university that offers prestigious training to students in various fields. Throughout the years, the university has maintained a strong relationship with partner enterprises and institutions, allowing them to partake in numerous international programs and European Union activities related to science and research.

6. International Business School – Bulgaria

The International Business School identifies itself as an institution that majorly offers degree courses in the field of Business. Other than offering the degree education to its students, it offers professional scientific research programs that are comprehensive and in turn increase the activity of their students in their specific fields. The institution was established with an entrepreneurial aim of being one of the major innovative institutions that offer the best education in the field of business study.

7. South-West University Neofit Rilski

South-West University “Neofit Rilski” was established in 1976 in Blagoevgrad, a city that provides its inhabitants with the unique opportunity to enjoy the vibrancy of city life and the relaxed atmosphere of its small towns. It takes pride in its state-of-the-art facilities and a library holding more than 200,000 volumes of literature and databases. Students at the university also participate in the Erasmus+ program which allows them to study in one of over 60 European universities.

8. Angel Kanchev University of Ruse

The Angel Kanchev University of Ruse has a long-standing tradition of providing excellent education and professional training to both domestic and international students in Ruse, Bulgaria. Having existed for over 75 years, the university has established more than 250 bilateral agreements with educational institutions from Europe, America, and Asia to provide international opportunities for its students and faculty. The university also has a strong dedication to conducting high-quality research that is relevant to the scientific, economic, and social development of Bulgaria. 

9. Technical University of Varna

The Technical University of Varna is a public institution dedicated to teaching and training future specialists and engineers who are competent and adaptable to technological, cultural, and economic changes. It also conducts high-quality research in marine engineering, shipbuilding, and other scientific fields and integrates it with its academic programs. The university also continues to expand its international network to provide opportunities for international mobility and joint projects.

10. Technical University of Sofia

Technical University of Sofia is one of the largest and best institutions for technical higher education in Bulgaria. It provides high-quality engineering and technology-related programs using advanced equipment in the most modern academic infrastructures. The university has also built strong partnerships with the biggest tech companies in the country to conduct research activities and internships that prepare students for their future careers. 

11. Technical University of Gabrovo

The Technical University of Gabrovo is a prominent academic and research institution that offers outstanding programs in engineering, business, and technology. Its programs are known for blending traditional teaching methods with modern approaches aligned with the present conditions of industries around the world. The university also conducts high-quality research and development programs in cooperation with its international partners.

12. Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv

Located in Southern Bulgaria, Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv is the second-largest institution for higher education in the country. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 260 academic fields designed to prepare young people for successful and meaningful careers. The university is also strongly committed to conducting research in the social and natural sciences focusing on developing innovations for the benefit of society. 

13. National Academy of Art

The National Academy of Art identifies itself as an art-based research institute that mainly bases its study programs and research activities in the fields of art. The academy has different faculties that have been divided into courses that the students can choose and study as per their preference. It has taken part in various exhibitions, thus, giving it a chance to be one of the recognized institutions in the region. The students will have the opportunity to learn from foreign lecturers to help diversify their skills.

14. National Sports Academy Vasil Levski

Founded over 80 years ago, the National Sports Academy Vasil Levski is the only sports university in the country. Its establishment was meant to respond to Bulgaria’s need for instructors and experts in physical education to help build a young, healthy, and energetic society. At present, the university conducts high-quality academic programs in sports, sports education, and health care and carries out sports-related activities to help the local community.

15. University of Economics – Varna

University of Economics – Varna is the nation’s leading institution for economics education and research. It aims to train entrepreneurial and socially responsible professionals with broad economic knowledge and leadership skills to influence economic and organizational policies to serve the interest of society. At present, the university has partnered with 258 partner universities and 1,800 public and private organizations in Bulgaria and overseas to carry out various academic and research and development projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Bulgaria?

Applying to cheap universities in Bulgaria requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Bulgaria for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Bulgaria?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Bulgaria. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Bulgaria is the Angel Kanchev University of Ruse, which offers Computer Science, Agricultural Machinery and Technologies, and Mechanical Engineering to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Angel Kanchev University of Ruse offers Transport Management and Technology, Software Engineering, and Informatics.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Bulgaria, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Bulgaria as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Bulgaria for international students was helpful!

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