How to Successfully Apply for Medicine or Dentistry in Bulgaria

Bulgaria continues to be 1 of the top destinations for studying medicine or dentistry in Europe, with thousands of applicants every year. However, applying as a foreign student can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the system.

Unfortunately, each year, many qualified candidates ruin their chances of acceptance because they lack information on the application requirements and end up not following the proper procedure. Recently, there have even been concerns regarding admission handling in Bulgaria and ongoing and upcoming changes in application criteria and administration. 

That’s why in this blog, we will go over everything you need to know to successfully apply for medicine or dentistry in Bulgaria in English. From required grades, documents and entrance exams to how the visa process works (and why some students get caught off guard by visa rejections), we’ll give you expert guidance from official sources with up-to-date information.

All information in this blog has been gathered from the official Ordinance on the State Requirements for Admission of Students to Higher Education Institutions of the Republic of Bulgaria, and from direct contact between the Medlink Students Bulgarian branch and the Bulgarian Ministry of Education, Regional Departments of Education (RDE), the National Centre for Information and Documentation (NACID), and medical schools.

While we strongly recommend working with reputable agencies like Medlink Students, we also encourage students to do their own research. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to universities or consult official government websites to verify details about admissions, visas, and entry requirements (we have linked several official government websites in the FAQ). Getting informed through accurate, up-to-date information will prevent common pitfalls and help you make informed decisions.

The key takeaways of this blog include:

• You need a high school diploma with grades equivalent to 62% of the maximum score in your respective grading system.
• To apply for a student visa in Bulgaria, you 1st need to be accepted to a university, and only then can you get a visa letter.
• Your visa can get rejected if you do not fulfill the 62% grade requirement.
• All your documents need to be translated, notarised, and legalised.
• Entrance exams are mandatory for all applicants.
• Using a reputable and reliable agency is essential when applying to study medicine or dentistry in Bulgaria.
• Coming October 1st, 2025, the recognition of foreign secondary education will no longer be done by the Regional Education Office. Instead, it will be carried out by the Executive Director of the National Centre for Information and Documentation (NACID), after a decision by an expert committee

Ongoing and Upcoming Changes to the Recognition of Foreign Secondary Education in Bulgaria

Through the Ordinance amending and supplementing Ordinance № 11 from 2016 on the Evaluation of Student Learning Outcomes (published in the State Gazette, issue 65, 8th August 2025), changes have been made that will come into effect from the 1st of October 2025.

According to these changes, the recognition of foreign secondary education and professional qualifications (obtained in a foreign country’s educational institution) will no longer be conducted by the head of the Regional Education Office (RUO), but by the Executive Director of the National Centre for Information and Documentation (NACID), after a decision by an expert committee. For the purposes of access to higher education, the recognition process may also include the equivalence of grades in 1 or more subjects studied during secondary education but not reflected in the secondary school diploma.

The Minister of Education and Science (under the newly created Article 107a, Paragraph 1) will issue an order to form a commission that will develop and update reference information on educational systems in various countries, the grading systems used, and their equivalence to the Bulgarian grading system.

Medlink Students has already reached out and provided up-to-date information on grade equivalence in accordance with the Bulgarian grading system in this blog. We will continue to stay in contact with the Ministry of Education to provide accurate information in regards to admission criteria in Bulgaria. 

What Grades are Required to Study Medicine or Dentistry in Bulgaria and How do They Compare to the UK (A-levels), the US, and the Rest of Europe

In accordance with Section IV - Admission of Foreigners as Students in Higher Education Institutions of the Republic, Article 11, Paragraph 1, all international candidates must hold a secondary/high school diploma or a higher education degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) to apply to Bulgarian universities.

In accordance with Section IV Article 15, Paragraph 2, applicants need to have a minimum average grade in their secondary education diploma (such as A-levels, in the case of UK students) no lower than 62% of the maximum value in the grading system of the country where the secondary education was obtained.

In accordance with Section III, Paragraph 6 of the Additional Provisions of the Ordinance, if 2 grades are listed for a subject (1  from the state matriculation exam and 1 from the course of study), the grade from the state matriculation exam is considered the relevant grade for admission purposes.

To put it simply, you need a high school diploma with grades that add up to at least 62% of the possible maximum.

A quick note: The Ministry of Education in Bulgaria recognises Biology and Chemistry as the essential subjects required for admission to medicine and dentistry programmes.

How to Convert Your Grades and Check if You Qualify to Study Medicine or Dentistry in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian grading system ranges from 2 to 6, where 6 is the highest possible grade (equivalent to an A* / A in the UK), and 2 is the lowest passing grade. This means that a passing GPA in Bulgaria is 4.48 (out of 6 maximum).

Here’s a quick guide on how to equate your grades:

Bulgarian (BG) Grade Conversion For UK Students

Here’s how A-level grades in Biology and Chemistry convert to the Bulgarian system:

• A* / A = 6 (BG). 1st-Class Honours.
  This is equivalent to 70+/100 or 7-9 by the new General Certificate of Secondary Education grading system (GCSE). 
  
• A- / B+ / B = 5 (BG). 2nd-Class Honours.
  Equivalent to 50-69/100 or 4-6 new GCSE.
  
• B- = 4 (BG). 3rd-Class Honours.
  Equivalent to 40-49/100 or 2-3 new GCSE.
  
• C = 3 (BG). Pass.
  Equivalent to 30-39/100 or 1 new GCSE.
  
• D and below = 2 (BG). Fail/U.
  Equivalent to <30/100.

This A-level grade conversion system has been provided to us by the Ministry of Education of Bulgaria, after a request made by the Medlink Students Legal and Admissions teams.

The official grading table can be found here.

Examples of grade conversions to Bulgarian GPA:

• Biology A* (6), Chemistry B (5) → GPA: 5.5 (Admissible)
• Biology A (6), Chemistry B- (4) → GPA: 5 (Admissible)
• Biology B- (4), Chemistry C (3) → GPA: 3.5 (Inadmissible)
• Biology C (3), Chemistry C (3) → GPA: 3.0 (Inadmissible)

Bulgarian Grade Conversion For US Students

For students from the US, you would need to ensure that your GPA in Biology and Chemistry is equivalent to the 4.48/6 required in Bulgaria, which translates to a 2.5+ GPA in both subjects.

General Bulgarian Grade Conversion 

Many countries use a similar grading system where grades range from 1 to 10,  1 to 5, or, easiest of all, from 1 to 100. The exact conversion of your grades will depend on the country’s specific grading system, but in general, a B or higher in Biology and Chemistry should meet the threshold for admission to study medicine or dentistry in English.

What Documents Are Required to Study Medicine in Bulgaria?

According to Section IV, Article 12, all applicants must submit the following documents, which, in accordance with Section IV, Article 12, Paragraph 2 (Amended - State Gazette, issue 78 of 2004; amended and supplemented, issue 47 of 2005), should be translated, legalised and notarised:

1. An application form containing brief biographical data, as well as the universities and programmes they wish to apply for. (Amended - SG, issue 78 of 2004)
2. A copy of the secondary education diploma with grade transcripts, for applicants to full degree programmes. (Amended - SG, issue 78 of 2004)
3. A document from the relevant authority confirming that the applicant is eligible for higher education in the country where they completed secondary school. (New - SG, issue 78 of 2004)
4. An academic transcript - for students applying for partial study programmes. (Previous item 3, amended - SG, issue 78 of 2004)
5. A copy of a diploma of completed higher education at a level equivalent to a “Bachelor” or “Master” degree, for applicants to Master’s programmes. (New - SG, issue 47 of 2005)
6. A document certifying proficiency in Bulgarian, ONLY FOR PROGRAMMES IN BULGARIAN. (New - SG, issue 47 of 2005)
7. A medical certificate issued no earlier than 1 month prior to the application date and certified by the relevant authorities in the applicant’s home country. (Previous item 4 - SG, issue 78 of 2004; previous item 5 - SG, issue 47 of 2005)
8. A copy of documents proving citizenship. (New - SG, issue 78 of 2004; previous item 6 - SG, issue 47 of 2005)
9. 2 photographs. (Previous item 5 - SG, issue 78 of 2004; previous item 7 - SG, issue 47 of 2005)

Important note: Bulgarian language proficiency is required only for medicine and dentistry programmes in Bulgarian. For English-taught programmes, you will need to prove English-language proficiency either through a language certificate, entrance test, or by graduating from secondary school in an English-speaking country (depending on university requirements).

There’s no way around it - applying to study medicine or dentistry abroad can be very complicated. That’s why Medlink Students has a dedicated branch in Bulgaria, which specialises in getting students accepted to a reputable medical school or dental university in the country.

We offer complete admission guidance through our Student Success Programme for all students applying to Bulgaria. This includes handling the entirety of your application, entrance exam prep, visa support, on-ground assistance to help you get settled in, and much more.

Use the form below to book a consultation to learn more about this opportunity:

The Visa Process and Required Documents to Study Medicine or Dentistry in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, to get your student visa, you must 1st be accepted to a university and meet the minimum grade requirement of 62% set by the Ministry of Education. Being allowed to sit entrance exams alone does not guarantee eligibility for a Type D visa, which is required for medical education in the country.

According to Section IV, Article 15a (New – SG, issue 78 of 2004; amended – SG, issue 62 of 2013, in force from 3 July 2013), Paragraph 2, the university prepares the following documents and information for the Bulgarian Ministry of Education:

1. A document with the applicant’s personal data, including names as in the passport (in Latin script), date of birth, place of birth, and citizenship.
2. The name of the chosen programme, degree, form of study, and study duration.
3. Information on language and specialised training, including level of proficiency in Bulgarian, name of the department where the training will be carried out, and duration of training.
4. The semester tuition fee and the fee for language and specialised training.
5. The bank account number to which the tuition or training fees must be transferred.

After this, if everything checks out, the Ministry of Education will issue a Visa Letter or a Certificate of Admission, which your university will send to you. This letter confirms that you’ve been accepted and that your place is reserved. Once you have it, you can apply for a student visa (Type D) at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Generally, you will need to submit the following documents (translated, notarised and legalised) for a student visa in Bulgaria:

• Visa letter/certificate of admission.
• A valid passport.
• Proof of financial means. You will need to show that you have enough financial resources to support yourself while studying in Bulgaria. This could include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or an affidavit of financial support.
• Valid health insurance.
• Proof of accommodation. A document verifying where you will live during your studies, such as a rental contract or confirmation from university dormitories.
• A copy of your birth certificate.
• Passport-sized photographs.

The processing time for a student visa is typically up to 30 working days, depending on the embassy or consulate. Be sure to apply well in advance of your planned travel date to avoid any issues with your entry into Bulgaria.

Applying for a visa can be incredibly stressful, especially when you need to follow strict and specific legal requirements. However, you can avoid this stress entirely when you apply through Medlink Students. We have an experienced team of legal experts who specialise in handling applications to Bulgarian medical schools and can maximise your chances of acceptance.

Common Visa Issue: Insufficient Grades and Visa Rejection

One of the biggest sources of confusion for students applying for a Bulgarian student visa is the requirement to meet the minimum grade threshold set by the Ministry of Education. Many believe that once they have received an offer from the university and submitted their documents, their visa will be guaranteed. However, this is not always the case.

If your grades do not meet the minimum requirement (at least 62% of the maximum in your home country’s grading system), the Ministry of Education will not issue a Certificate of Admission. Without this certificate, you cannot apply for a Type D visa, even if the university has already accepted you to sit the entrance exams.

This is where many students get confused: meeting the university’s internal requirements for exam entry does not automatically guarantee eligibility for a visa. The Ministry of Education checks your academic record before issuing the visa letter, and if your grades fall below the standard, your visa application will be denied.

Q&A: What About Entrance Exams to Study Medicine or Dentistry in Bulgaria?

Here’s most of everything you need to know about the entrance exams for Bulgarian medical schools:

1. Are Entrance Exams Required for All Students?

Unlike some countries where entrance exams may be optional, all Bulgarian medical universities require entrance exams for admission into medicine or dentistry programmes. This applies to both EU and non-EU applicants.

2. What Subjects Are Covered in the Entrance Exams?

Depending on the university, Bulgarian entrance exams usually cover Biology, Chemistry, and English proficiency (if necessary). 

3. How Are the Entrance Exams Conducted?

Depending on the university, entrance exams can be carried out either online or on campus. The exams are usually written and will include a mix of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, true/false statements, defining and sometimes essay-style questions.

For international students, the entrance exams are done in English.

4. What Happens If You Don’t Pass the Entrance Exam?

It should be no surprise, but if you don’t pass the entrance exam, you won't get accepted. However, some universities host multiple exam dates and allow resits.

5. How Can I Prepare for Medicine/Dentistry Entrance Exams in Bulgaria?

The Student Success Programme by Medlink Students provides students with the perfect entrance exam preparation materials designed specifically for each university in Bulgaria. Upon applying through us, you also get access to the Medlink Students App, designed to help you prepare to ace your exams. 

Additional resources include our blog on How to Prepare for Medical School Entrance Exams in Bulgaria, which features a mini-exam. 

Common Misconceptions that Cause Confusion When Applying to Bulgaria

1. “If I’m accepted by my medical school, I’ll automatically get my student visa.”

One of the biggest misunderstandings is thinking that acceptance by the university guarantees a student visa. While being accepted is essential, it’s not the only requirement for obtaining a visa. The Ministry of Education must also approve your academic documents (like your high school diploma, grades and transcript) before you can receive a visa letter.

2. “I don’t need to worry about grade equivalency.”

Some students assume that as long as they have good grades in their home country, their qualifications will automatically be recognised in Bulgaria. However, the Bulgarian Ministry of Education requires all foreign diplomas to be evaluated for equivalency.

To be eligible for a student visa, your grades must meet the minimum threshold of 62% of the maximum grade in your home country’s system. If they don’t, the Ministry will not issue a Certificate of Admission, even if a university has provisionally accepted you.

Once you arrive in Bulgaria, your diploma must also go through formal recognition (nostrification) at the Regional Ministry of Education (RUO) before you can be fully enrolled.

3. “I can just submit my documents directly to the Bulgarian Ministry of Education.”

Students sometimes believe they can submit their application directly to the Ministry of Education, bypassing the university altogether. In actuality, though, you must first apply to a Bulgarian university, which will then submit your documents to the Ministry of Education for approval. 

4. “The university handles my visa application.”

Students sometimes think the university applies for their visa on their behalf. The truth is, the university only prepares and sends your documents to the Ministry of Education, which issues the Certificate of Admission. You personally must apply for the Type D visa at the Bulgarian embassy/consulate in your home country.

5. “I only need English. I won’t need to learn Bulgarian.”

Many students believe that studying in English means they won’t need to learn Bulgarian at all. In reality, even if your programme is in English, you’ll need basic Bulgarian for clinical practice and daily life.

Universities are required to provide students with Bulgarian language modules during their studies in accordance with Section V, Article 16, Paragraph 1 (Amended – SG, issue 78 of 2004).

6. “If I get rejected, I will get my university application fees back.”

Most medical schools do not refund university application fees under any circumstances, regardless of whether the applicant is accepted or not. These fees are typically non-refundable and are used to cover the administrative costs of processing the application.

The Risks of Using an Unreliable Agency or Social Media Influencers When Applying to Bulgaria

While Medlink Students is a trusted agency with a dedicated team on the ground in Bulgaria, it’s important to be aware of the potential issues with other agencies or social media personalities that may not have the same level of experience. Unfortunately, many students have come to us after unsuccessful application attempts through less reliable agencies.

Some agencies and agents, especially those without direct experience in Bulgaria, can easily mislead students due to a lack of understanding of the local system. This can lead to unnecessary confusion, complications, wasted time and money, and worst case - rejection letters.

Below are some of the most common issues students face when working with such agencies:

1. Lack of Up-to-Date Knowledge

Many 3rd-party agencies claim to assist students with their applications, but often lack accurate or up-to-date knowledge of the Bulgarian education system and visa processes. This can result in misleading advice or incorrect information about document requirements, visa procedures, and deadlines, all of which are clearly outlined by the Ministry of Education.

At Medlink Students, our team in Bulgaria works directly with medical schools, the Ministry of Education, and Regional Departments of Education to ensure that we’re always on top of the latest regulations and guidelines. Agencies without this local presence may not fully understand recent changes or details in the process, which can lead to medical school rejection.

An example of this is how, until recently, a grade of C at A-level was equated to a 4 in the Bulgarian grading system (now it counts as a 3). Because we work directly with RDE and medical schools, our team immediately identified this change and advised our students accordingly. This ensured they had a clear understanding of whether they qualified to study in Bulgaria.

2. Misunderstanding Bulgarian Laws and Regulations

Bulgaria has specific and stringent regulations for international students, including document translation, notarisation, legalisation, and visa requirements. Agencies that don't have offices in Bulgaria or lack close relationships with universities and local authorities might misinterpret these regulations.

This can lead to 1 of the biggest disappointments - getting rejected due to legal incompetence, even if you’ve passed the entrance exam and have been accepted.

3. Charging Excessive or Hidden Fees

Some agencies advertise a low fee up front but hide essential services like visa assistance and legal advice behind extra charges.

At Medlink Students, we offer transparent and reasonable fees for an all-inclusive support package. We’ve been in your shoes and know how frustrating it can be to apply to study abroad without any help or certainty.

That’s why now, as a team of doctors and student advisors, we offer our experience and expertise so students can apply without stress and focus on exam prep. You don’t need to pay inflated fees to benefit from expert guidance.

4. Lack of Ongoing Support After Arrival

Some agencies disappear once you’ve secured your visa. Students are left alone to handle travel, enrollment, registration, document recognition, and settling in. However, our support services stay with you throughout your journey, ensuring you’re never left alone without guidance.

5. False Promises About Guaranteed Admission

Certain agencies claim they can “guarantee” a spot at a medical school if you pay extra. In reality, admission depends on your grades, entrance exams, and the Ministry of Education’s approval. That’s why we are fully transparent with no false promises.

Instead, we handle the entirety of your application and prepare you thoroughly so you have the best possible chance of admission.

Student Testimonials and Success Stories

You don’t have to take our word for it. Our students’ success speaks for itself. Hear directly from those who turned their dream into reality by studying medicine and dentistry in Bulgaria, throughout Europe, and in the Caribbean.

Check out what our students say about us - Medlink Students Reviews and Testimonials, or read the reviews of Medlink Students on Trustpilot.

FAQ