FAQ · Education 36

A published profile of non-state education in Bulgaria describes private tutoring as widespread, with centres that coach particular subjects or exams and with tutors who work outside such centres. It says most of this tutoring is unregulated, that the income is often not made official, and that there are no separate laws on it. The same profile says the 2020 Law on Preschool and School Education contains no regulations on private tuition, while private centres may offer extra courses and individuals may tutor as freelancers. It also says income from private tuition is not tax-free under the Income Taxes on Natural Persons Act, and that the person providing it must pay advance tax every quarter by filing a declaration. The 2020 law, as cited there, states that a teacher cannot provide additional classes to his or her own students.

Full-time students, doctoral students, and specializants may be housed in a student dormitory of the University of Economics in Varna if they have not been punished by removal from a dormitory and if they have a housing need in the place where they study. A housing need exists when the person or the members of the family do not own a dwelling there and do not use one provided by the state or the municipality. The university's dormitories are at 65 Bregalnitsa Street, blocks 1 and 2, and placement follows the ordinance on student dormitories and canteens adopted by Council of Ministers Decree 235 of 25 September 2008. Each year applicants are ranked on the previous year's results, while newly admitted students are ranked on the admission score. From 1 October 2025 the rent is 46,02 euro a month for each person in a double or triple room and 61,36 euro in a single room, without electricity and water, and the deposit is 102,26 euro.

Ordinance N-3 of 3 October 2025, published in State Gazette issue 85 of 14 October 2025, sets the requirements for healthy meals for pupils and repeals the 2009 ordinance on the same subject. It covers meals organised in schools, dormitories, sports and recreation bases, centres for support of personal development, centres for special educational support, and centres for work with children, including food and drinks from vending machines, and it also applies when a catering service supplies the meal. Healthy eating under the ordinance means complete and varied food, enough vegetables and fruit, enough milk, dairy products, and other protein-rich foods, wholegrain foods, limited fat, sugar, and salt, and enough fluids. Meals are served from daily and weekly menus drawn up with a medical specialist or a food technologist, and the menus must follow a prescribed diet when children with health problems are present. For a full day of meals the menu includes at least 400 grams of vegetables and fruit, fish as a main dish at least once a week at lunch, and wholegrain bread at least twice a week at lunch, and the state health-control bodies enforce the ordinance.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy leads adult education in Bulgaria and is supported by the Ministry of Education and Science. It develops and coordinates state policy, creates conditions for assessing and recognising knowledge, skills and competences acquired through non-formal and informal learning, and researches, analyses and forecasts the state, development and needs of adult learning. The Employment Promotion Act also assigns this work to the National Employment Agency, the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training, the state enterprise Bulgarian-German Vocational Training Centre, vocational training centres, institutions in the school education system and other institutions named in a law or an act of the Council of Ministers, and natural or legal persons registered under the legislation in force. The National Employment Agency, an executive agency of the labour minister, each year proposes adult employment and training programmes for the National Action Plan on Employment and gives methodological guidance to the regional employment services. The National Agency for Vocational Education and Training, a body under the Council of Ministers, licenses vocational training, supervises the quality of licensed institutions, and proposes the list of professions and the state educational standards to the Minister of Education and Science. Vocational training centres train people aged 16 and over, may be public, municipal, private, foreign or with foreign participation, need a licence from that agency, and collect a training fee.

Pupils in Bulgaria are not asked for a paper health-prevention card at the start of the school year, because the needed information is already in the National Health Information System and the medical specialist at the school can see it. That electronic record covers preventive examinations, allergies, height, weight and other measures of physical development, illnesses, dispensary follow-up, immunisations and re-immunisations, and it must be in the system by 30 September of the relevant year. A preventive examination does not have to be done immediately before school starts, since these checks are annual, and a child who has already had the examination for that calendar year does not need another visit to the general practitioner only because school is beginning. If the year's examination has not yet been done, the parents arrange it, and the 30 September date is a deadline for the information to be in the system rather than a rule that every child must have a new examination in September. Parents do not have to bring a separate paper vaccination certificate, although it is sensible to check that the child's immunisation status is current and that the immunisations and re-immunisations required for the child's age have been given. There is no general rule that pupils must have blood, urine, pathogenic intestinal bacteria or intestinal parasite tests simply to start the school year, and a doctor orders such tests only when preventive follow-up or that child's health requires them.

Ordinance N-3 of 3 October 2025 on healthy eating for pupils, published in State Gazette issue 85 of 14 October 2025, requires daily and weekly menus to follow a dietary regime when a child with a health problem who needs that regime is taught or stays at a school, dormitory or other site covered by the ordinance. The menu is adjusted to the medical diagnosis and to the doctor's instructions on the diet. Shops and snack-and-drink machines on those sites must keep a mandatory minimum range that includes dietary foods, which the ordinance names as foods without gluten, foods without lactose, foods with a low glycaemic index and other dietary foods. The weekly menu is drawn up with a medical specialist or a food technologist, or with both. The same ordinance repealed the 2009 rules on healthy eating for pupils, and enforcement belongs to the state health-control authorities.

Ordinance No 10 of 1 September 2016, which sets the state educational standard for organising activities in school education, says a school day in Bulgaria is made up of lessons and breaks and may not begin before 8:00 or end after 19:30. If the school cannot teach every class in the morning only, the day may exceptionally begin no earlier than 7:30, and each school's start and finish are set by an order of the principal before the school year begins. A lesson lasts 35 minutes in grades I and II, 40 minutes in grades III to VII, and 45 minutes in grades VIII to XII, and the same 45 minutes apply to teaching practice in art schools and to practice, specialised sports training and recovery in sports schools. In unforeseen and exceptional circumstances the principal may shorten each lesson to 20 minutes by order. After every lesson pupils must have a break set by the principal, lasting at least 10 minutes and at most 30 minutes, and at least one break must last 20 minutes or more. The school week has five school days, and the weekly total of compulsory and elective hours is 22 in grade I, 23 in grade II, 27 in grades III and IV, 30 in grades V and VI and 31 in grade VII, while innovative schools may add up to 10 percent.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, Zlatarski International School in Sofia lists annual tuition of 9690 euro for pupils coming from Bulgarian schools and 11860 euro for international pupils in grades 5 to 7. In grade 8 the listed amounts are 9780 euro for pupils from Bulgarian schools and 11960 euro for international pupils. In grades 9 and 10 the school lists 10020 euro for its own pupils, 11020 euro for pupils from Bulgarian schools and 12200 euro for international pupils. In grades 11 and 12 its own pupils are listed at 10540 euro or 11630 euro depending on the pathway, pupils from Bulgarian schools at 12720 euro, and international pupils from 13810 euro to 18480 euro depending on the pathway. The school also lists a registration fee of 200 euro for every candidate, optional school transport at 2500 euro in two instalments, and optional cafeteria meals at 345 euro a quarter. The tuition covers instruction, all textbooks, insurance, medical care, security, organised cultural events, extracurricular arts and sports and use of the facilities, and outside the admissions-schedule dates the school does not commit to the announced annual amount and the fee then equals the fee for international students.

School education in Bulgaria is organised in a school year of 12 months that includes school time and non-school time, and the year begins on 15 September, or on 1 September in sports schools. School hours, except in independent education, are organised into terms, weeks, days and lessons, while independent study is organised by the school through examinations that the pupil prepares for alone. Five full-time school days in grades I to III must be used for project and creative activities carried out in the hours of the curriculum. The year has two terms, and the first lasts 18 school weeks, or 20 school weeks in sports schools, of which two weeks are training camps in the pupil's sport for classes V to XII under conditions set by the Minister of Youth and Sports. The length of the second term is set by an order of the Minister of Education and Science. During the year pupils have autumn, Christmas, inter-term, spring and summer holidays.

Foreign students at the Medical University of Varna are self-insured, and a general health insurance valid for Bulgaria is required for registration each semester. The student signs up either for one year covering the academic year or for the whole period of training at the university. If the insurance was taken out in another country, the student must submit an official Bulgarian translation of that policy when enrolling. Citizens of the European Union submit a copy of the European Health Insurance Card, and under European Union law citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area receive free emergency medical care when they have a valid card with them, so an arriving student from those countries should bring the card for any visit to a doctor. A valid health insurance covering the territory of Bulgaria for the period of training is also mandatory for registration at the local migration office and for the academic year.

South-West University Neofit Rilski in Blagoevgrad accepts dormitory documents for 2026/2027 only through an electronic form. From 22 June 2026 to 22 July 2026 that form is open to Bulgarian students in years two to five and to master's students on a state-funded place whose 2025/2026 result is at least Good, to foreign students in those years with the same result who have passed every examination in the curriculum, and to Bulgarian students applying by right, including a TELK assessment above 70 percent, loss of one or both parents, upbringing until adulthood in a home for children without parental care, unmarried members of large families, student families and doctoral students. Students who still have failed examinations cannot apply, the form must give the dormitory and room occupied in 2025/2026, a move is allowed only for a valid reason, and a request for dormitory number 1 will not be met. First-year students file from 11 July 2026 to 25 August 2026, and a full-time state-funded entrant needs an admission score recast as a grade of at least Good. Places without a ranking, and with no minimum grade, go to a family with a minor child when one spouse is a current full-time state-funded student, to full-time state-funded Bulgarian students who raise a minor child alone, have an unknown or deceased parent, have lost both parents, have a work-capacity reduction of 70 percent or more or are war-disabled, are unmarried members of a large family with a sibling in study, or were raised until adulthood in a children's home, to state-subsidised full-time Bulgarian doctoral students, and to foreign students or doctoral students studying under an intergovernmental agreement or an act of the Council of Ministers. Placement orders are issued in September and October 2026 against proof of semester enrolment, and the move-in campaign starts on Monday 14 September 2026.

The Department of Korean Studies at Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski was founded in 1995 and became an independent department in the spring of 2010 by a decision of the Academic Council. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral study, and the curriculum follows philological training so that graduates gain advanced competence in spoken and written Korean together with a grounding in the history, literature and culture of Korea, plus a wider view of East Asia. Graduates of the bachelor's programme may continue in the master's programme Korean Society and Culture, which studies political, social and economic change on the Korean peninsula and builds research skills. From the 2025/2026 academic year the department also offers a master's programme in Korean studies for people without earlier academic training in the field, starting with intensive beginner Korean and, over four semesters, required modules in Korean history, culture, religion, literature and art, ending with a master's thesis. The department holds conferences, forums, workshops and competitions, works with institutions in Korea and Bulgaria, and outstanding students may take short or long study programmes in the Republic of Korea or exchanges with partner universities in Europe.

The Faculty of Slavic Studies at Sofia University organises Bulgarian courses for foreigners at every level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and a course starts when a group of 6 to 12 people is formed. An A1 course is listed at 90 academic hours for BGN 600, at 100 academic hours for BGN 650, or at 120 academic hours for BGN 780. An A2 course is listed at 120 academic hours for BGN 780. Courses at B1, B2, C1 and C2 are each listed at 180 academic hours for BGN 1200. For further questions the faculty gives the telephone number +35929308573.

At the Saints Cyril and Methodius National Library, library materials may be used only after a reader card is shown. The cards are free and are issued for one year. Registration and issue of the card are done at the registration desk or online, and the online form asks for a given name, a surname, a date of birth, a profession, a speciality, a level of education, an address, an electronic address and a telephone number. When online registration is finished, the library sends the reader-card number to the electronic address that was entered. A person under 18 must also complete a declaration of informed consent for the use of a minor's personal data. The library is entered in the register of the Commission for Personal Data Protection under identification number 0017832, and it says personal data are required because of the nature of the collections and the valuable originals that are provided.

Education in Bulgaria is overseen by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science. Compulsory education consists of three years of pre-primary education, followed by primary and secondary education. Students typically start school at the age of seven and finish at age 18. While compulsory education at state schools is free of charge, higher education institutions charge fees. These higher education options include state and private colleges and universities that also offer scholarships to students.

The Bulgarian identity card is a compulsory identity document issued by the police on behalf of the Ministry of Interior. It serves as the main form of identification within the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. This document is first issued and becomes compulsory after a person turns 14 years of age. All Bulgarians are legally obliged to carry their identity cards with them at all times. Failure to carry the card may result in fines.

In 1944, there were 84,603 Turkish children who were considered to be of school age. Out of this total population, 40,388 children did not attend school. According to the law at that time, graduates from Turkish schools were considered illiterate. This period saw significant changes in how minority education was managed. The data reflects the educational status of the Turkish community during that specific year.

The current Bulgarian education system consists of 12 school grades. Before starting school, children can attend kindergarten optionally between the ages of 3 and 6 or 7. There is a requirement that children must attend three years of pre-school education prior to starting school. While one year of preschool education was made mandatory in 2003, this was extended to two mandatory years in 2012. Bulgaria traditionally maintains high educational standards and literacy rates.

Bulgaria observes several national holidays throughout the year. While many are official non-working days for everyone, the Day of the National Enlighteners on 1 November is specifically noted as only a school holiday. Other significant dates include Liberation Day on 3 March and the Day of Bulgarian Education and Culture on 24 May. Religious holidays like Christmas and the period around Easter also impact the calendar. These dates are important for understanding the local schedule and school breaks.

Bulgaria has achieved its highest score in the Bloomberg Innovation Index within the field of education. Scientific and technological research are considered top priorities for budgetary expenditure. Public funding for research and development is primarily directed toward the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Private businesses also play a significant role, accounting for more than 73% of R&D expenditures. This sector employed 42% of the country's researchers in 2015.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the literary Serbian language was used for education. It served as the primary language for government, media, and public life. While local dialects existed, only the literary Serbian language was officially taught in schools. Local literature was generally only tolerated as a local dialectal folkloristic form. This occurred as part of an intense program of Serbianization in the region.

Students at AUBG can participate in the Elevate Acceleration Program to help start their first businesses. This four-month program provides teams of two to four students with workshops, training, and a mentorship network. Each participating team receives $5000 in capital to kick-start their development. Additionally, the innovation hub known as Aspire offers a shared working space for students to create startups, tech ventures, or books. This hub aims to foster the exchange of ideas and help transform creative visions into reality.

During the early 1900s, the Bulgarian government focused on modernization by building a network of schools. By 1910, the country had established 113 vocational schools to support its growing population. This educational system also included 330 lyceums and 27 post-secondary educational institutions. Additionally, there were 4,800 elementary schools available to the public. These institutions helped support a society where people were transitioning from rural life to becoming tradesmen and laborers.

Bulgaria has traditionally maintained a very high knowledge and literacy rate. In 2003, the literacy rate was estimated to be 98.6 percent. This rate was approximately the same for both men and women. The country has traditionally held high educational standards. It often tries to follow the best study destination countries regarding its schools and universities.

Preschool education in Bulgaria accepts children between the ages of 3 and 6 or 7 years old. While attending kindergarten is optional, children are required to attend three years of pre-school education before they start school. The system has seen changes over time, with one year of preschool being made mandatory in 2003. This requirement was later extended to two mandatory years of preschool education in 2012. These early years serve as a foundation before children enter the 12-grade school system.

The 68th Special Forces Brigade was removed from the Land Forces' ORBAT in 2017 and became the country's fourth combat service. This unit fell outside of the Joint Forces Command structure and was assigned directly under the authority of the Chief of Defence. On November 1, 2019, the brigade was transformed into the Joint Special Operations Command. This command includes the Plovdiv Command Staff and several specialized groups. These groups consist of the 68th Special Forces Group, the 86th Special Forces Group, and the 1st Special Forces Group stationed in Bankya.

Information regarding Bulgaria can be found through various academic and official sources. The Library of Congress provides a Country Study and a Country Profile for the nation. You can also find specialized research in the Bulgarian Encyclopedia. Other resources include works on the natural geography of Bulgaria and historical studies. These materials offer diverse perspectives for visitors and residents interested in the country.

The Institute for Bulgarian Language serves as the official language regulator for the Bulgarian language. Based in Sofia, it is a part of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The institute develops a national dictionary and publishes magazines focused on linguistic research. It also offers various educational opportunities, including a PhD programme. Additionally, the institute works to protect the official language from non-Bulgarian loan-words and recognizes educators working outside of the country. Researchers from over 80 different countries work at this institution.

The Chavdar company produced buses that were used for various purposes in Bulgaria. These vehicles served as public buses, worker buses, and school buses. The company was based in Botevgrad and had a long history of manufacturing. Some of their specific models included the midibus which featured a 14-seat capacity. These buses were utilized to provide transport services across small towns and villages.

New Bulgarian University has several notable academic standings within the country. Its IT and management departments rank high in Bulgaria. According to the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, NBU ranked second in Bulgaria as of 2014. The university also hosts the Bogdan Bogdanov Humanities Award to recognize outstanding achievements in culture and arts. These distinctions highlight the institution's academic presence in the nation.

The history of aeronautical engineering in Bulgaria is linked to Asen Yordanov, who was an aviator, engineer, and inventor. He created the first Bulgarian airplane, known as the Diplan Yordanov-1, in 1915. Yordanov also contributed significantly to aircraft development in the United States. Additionally, Captain Simeon Petrov of the Bulgarian Air Force invented the world's first purpose-built air-to-surface bomb in 1912. His design included innovations like an impact detonator and an aerodynamically stabilizing x-tail.

The Tarnovo Artistic School represents the mainstream of Bulgarian fine arts during the 13th and 14th centuries. This school is recognized for its unique features, including a degree of realism, individualized portraits, and psychological insight. Notable examples of this style include the frescoes in the Boyana Church and the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Both of these sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. While many works from the Second Empire have not survived, fragments of murals have been uncovered in the Imperial palace in Tarnovo.

During the late 19th century, revolutionary organizations like IMRO preferred to recruit committee members from Bulgarian schools. Teachers played a significant role in these movements, as seen in the lives of figures like Delchev and Gruev. Delchev himself worked as a teacher in an Exarchate school in Štip. This professional background allowed individuals to connect with local populations and organize committees. Such involvement was part of a broader effort to prepare the population for internal uprisings.

Education in Bulgaria is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Science. Compulsory education includes three years of pre-primary education, primary education, and secondary education. Students typically start school at the age of seven and finish at age 18. Enrollment in state schools is free of charge for those completing compulsory education. While state schools are free, higher education institutions like colleges and universities charge fees but may offer scholarships.

The American University in Bulgaria receives funding from three different sources. These sources include its endowment, which was largely built through gifts from the Soros Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development. Additionally, the university is supported by direct gifts and tuition. This private institution was established as a cooperative venture with support from various governments and organizations.

A research visa is intended for students who are conducting fieldwork in the host country. These types of visas are generally more difficult to obtain than a business visa. However, they are valid for longer periods of time. This category of visa is distinct from student visas or temporary worker visas. It specifically supports academic fieldwork requirements.