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 47 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*
Technical University of Gabrovo 1,100 BGN - 4,900 BGN 75%
Trakia University 1,100 BGN - 6,800 BGN 75%
D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics 1,200 BGN - 2,900 BGN 73%
Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy 1,500 BGN - 3,000 BGN 66%
MT and M College 1,800 BGN 59%
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski 1,850 BGN - 11,700 BGN 58%
St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo 2,000 BGN - 4,700 BGN 54%
Angel Kanchev University of Ruse 2,450 BGN - 6,100 BGN 44%
University of Economics – Varna 2,650 BGN - 5,300 BGN 39%
Varna Free University Chernorizets Hrabar 2,700 BGN - 7,000 BGN 38%
Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv 2,900 BGN - 5,900 BGN 33%
Technical University of Sofia 2,900 BGN - 5,900 BGN 33%
Medical University Sofia 2,950 BGN - 7,800 BGN 32%
University of National and World Economy 3,200 BGN - 7,400 BGN 26%
South-West University Neofit Rilski 3,350 BGN - 8,700 BGN 23%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 4,303 BGN for universities in Bulgaria.

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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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. 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.

10. Varna Free University Chernorizets Hrabar

Varna Free University Chernorizets Hrabar is a trusted private university with a high accreditation assessment in the country. Through practical education, the university seeks to encourage continuous improvement by helping students become critical and innovative in modern times. Today, the university is one of the leading private educational institutions in the country that is committed to producing professional graduates with immense experience.

11. 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. 

12. 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. 

13. Medical University Sofia

Medical University – Sofia was established a century ago and is known as Bulgaria’s oldest higher medical school. It is a public institution with a prominent national and international reputation for providing high-level education and training for aspiring practitioners in the medicine and healthcare industry. It integrates practical simulations, research work, and community service in all of its programs for its students to apply their learnings and develop a sense of responsibility and desire to serve the interest of humanity.

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. 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.

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 1,250 BGN - 3,100 BGN 69%
Technical University of Gabrovo 1,350 BGN - 5,900 BGN 67%
Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy 1,500 BGN - 3,000 BGN 63%
MT and M College 1,800 BGN 56%
St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo 2,000 BGN - 4,700 BGN 51%
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski 2,150 BGN - 7,500 BGN 47%
Technical University of Sofia 2,900 BGN - 5,900 BGN 28%
Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv 2,900 BGN - 5,900 BGN 28%
University of Economics – Varna 3,150 BGN - 6,300 BGN 22%
South-West University Neofit Rilski 3,450 BGN - 6,900 BGN 14%
Varna University of Management 3,500 BGN - 7,600 BGN 13%
University of National and World Economy 3,900 BGN - 9,800 BGN 3%
New Bulgarian University 4,800 BGN - 7,000 BGN -19%
Angel Kanchev University of Ruse 4,900 BGN - 6,100 BGN -22%
International Business School – Bulgaria 4,900 BGN -22%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 4,008 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 1,250 BGN to 3,100 BGN annually for their master's degree.

2. Technical University of Gabrovo

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Technical University of Gabrovo. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Technical University of Gabrovo is 1,350 BGN to 5,900 BGN.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy for incoming international master’s students is 1,500 BGN to 3,000 BGN. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. MT and M College

Another affordable university to consider in Bulgaria is 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 in MT and M College for master’s program for foreign students starts from 1,800 BGN.

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

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo 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 2,000 BGN yearly.

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.

6. 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.

7. 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. 

8. 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. 

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Varna University of Management

Varna University of Management is one of the leading international business schools in Europe, famous for its excellent business education and high graduate employment rate. Established only in 1996, the university has gained numerous achievements for its research achievements and publications in different fields of business and social sciences. Students at the university develop their professional skills through study abroad programs and internships in its extensive network of international business schools, business enterprises, and tech companies.

12. 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.

13. New Bulgarian University

The New Bulgarian University is one of the first universities in the country to adopt the credit system for measuring academic progress in higher education. It was founded in 1991 to provide accessible high-quality education that equips students with competencies that meet the needs of the contemporary labor market. The university also carries out interdisciplinary research activities that are made available to the public. 

14. 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. 

15. 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.

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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