15 Best Public Universities in Sofia for International Students
Sofia is one of the cities in Bulgaria you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Sofia can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 19 universities you can find in Sofia, and 15 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Sofia a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Sofia, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 2 | Technical University of Sofia | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 3 | Medical University Sofia | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 4 | University of National and World Economy | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 5 | University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 6 | National Sports Academy Vasil Levski | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 7 | University of Forestry | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 8 | University of Library Studies and Information Technologies | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 9 | University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 10 | University of Mining and Geology St. Ivan Rilski | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 11 | National Academy of Arts | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 12 | National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts Krastyo Sarafov | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 13 | University of Telecommunications and Post | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 14 | National Academy of Music Pancho Vladigerov | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| 15 | Higher School of Transport Todor Kableshkov | Sofia, Bulgaria |
Public Universities in Sofia
1. 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.
2. 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.Â
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy
Founded in 1942 in the nation’s capital, the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy is the oldest and one of the best technical schools in Bulgaria. It comprises five faculties and 33 departments that offer programs in a wide range of architecture and engineering-related programs that are aligned with the current industry trends. The university also conducts high-quality research dedicated to addressing the social, economic, and technological needs of the country.
6. 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.
7. University of Forestry
The University of Forestry is a public institution located in Sofia that offers specialized training to teachers and students in this field. It has different faculties with the courses and fields in which the students can choose to study through. With the numerous comprehensive study programs that they have, the university is able to provide professional knowledge and education to its students. It envisions itself making developments that will enable it to be an institution that is recognized not only locally but also internationally.
8. University of Library Studies and Information Technologies
The University of Library Studies and Information Technologies was established in 1950 in the local area of Sofia. The institution prides itself in having modern facilities within its premises so that students have sufficient resources during their course of study. It takes part in international co-operations and thus is actively recognized by students from different parts of the world. The university allows both full-time and part-time study for students in the bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels.
9. University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy
The University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy is a public educational institution dedicated to training highly qualified human resources who can meet the contemporary needs of industries and the entire republic. It conducts high-quality research in different areas of metal production, chemical technology, biotechnology, management, and environmental sustainability. The university also cooperates with several foreign partners to carry out exchange and mobility programs for its students and lecturers.
10. University of Mining and Geology St. Ivan Rilski
The University of Mining and Geology St. Ivan Rilski is a leading higher education institution with a seven-decade history of providing outstanding education and training in the extraction and processing of minerals and raw materials. It is dedicated to equipping engineers with the necessary knowledge and skills for the growth of mining and engineering industries of Bulgaria. The university is named after Saint Venerable Ivan Rilski, the patron saint of geologists, workers, and miners.
11. National Academy of Arts
The National Academy of Arts identifies itself as an art based research institute that mainly base 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.
12. National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts Krastyo Sarafov
The National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts Krastyo Sarafov identifies itself as a public institution located in Sofia. It prides itself in preparing quality personnel in the fields and arts of the theatre by providing them with comprehensive study programs and other non-academic activities. The academy has become well known to other institutions that engage in theatre and film arts through different competitions and projects that its students take part in. They offer a variety of courses at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
13. University of Telecommunications and Post
The University of Telecommunications and Post was once a small college that offered training in specialized courses. For decades, the institution has undergone various innovative changes, which is why it has now become a fast-developing academic institution. It takes pride in its close relations with numerous businesses and companies in and out of Bulgaria, allowing its students to participate in practical training courses and opportunities.
14. National Academy of Music Pancho Vladigerov
The National Academy of Music “Pancho Vladigerov ” is a public university that majorly identifies itself as a music institution located in Sofia. The institution prides itself in offering 30 comprehensive study programs that have been distributed into three faculties. It is well known to be the only university in the region that provides professional musical knowledge thus developing and producing quality musicians for the Bulgarian music industry. The university aims at being an institution that not only educates local students on music, but also those from other parts of the world.
15. Higher School of Transport Todor Kableshkov
The Higher School of Transport “Todor Kableshkov” was established in the year 1922 as public higher education institution. It aims at becoming an academic institution that still upholds the traditions in its region giving its students the chance to not only develop into qualified specialists, but also as those with the spirit of upholding values. The development of the institution is mainly directed to the support that it receives from other institutions as well as the Council of Ministers. It offers its course in the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels with different faculties that are well established.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Sofia?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Sofia can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Sofia charge up to 11,700 BGN for bachelor’s and 11,700 BGN for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Sofia. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.