When does the academic year start?

Each academic year is comprised of two semesters concluding with a year-end exam and the academic year begins in late September or early October in most of the universities.

How long are the medicine and dentistry degree courses?

Medical courses are six year programmes and dentistry degrees are between five and six years (depending on the university). The course consists of pre-clinical, theory based subjects for the first three years, after that there are clinical years of practical training, including mandatory internship work during the last three years of study. After completing the medical programme, students will sit the licence examination and when successful they are awarded their degree and are qualified to practice.

Are the Medicine and Dentistry programmes taught in English? 


Yes, the entire degree programme will be taught in English; but Students will also be taught the local language (Bulgarian) which is important in day to day communication although many Bulgarians now speak English as second language. Bulgarian Language will also enable the students to communicate (with optional help from a translator) with patients of the University Hospital from their third year onwards when they go for practical.

Do the Medical Universities use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and if yes, how many credits should I have in order to complete my Studies in Medicine/Dentistry?

All Medical Universities in Bulgaria use the ECTS. Each student needs 60 credits in each academic year or 360 credits from all six years of study in order to graduate.

How many months of study will I do each year?

The teaching year at the University lasts about eight months. There’s usually a generous break during Christmas, Easter and during the summer.

Do I need a student visa to study?

NO, if you are a European Union Citizen, you’re not required to have a Bulgarian Visa, however if you’re from outside the European Union, you are required to apply for Visa You must apply for the visa before arrival into the country.

Are the EU qualifications recognised worldwide?

YES, the Medical Universities represented by Vistamed are internationally accredited institutions and the degrees they award are recognised and well respected, as a result, they are listed on the IMED ( International Medical Educational Directory database of medical schools worldwide. Furthermore the Universities are listed on the WHO (World Health Organisation) directory of international medical schools.

In which countries can I practice medicine after obtaining the Doctor of Medicine?

You can practice in the country of your choice (USA and UK bodies are ACGME and GMC, respectively). All medical graduates should register with the local body of their country.

Can I get a scholarship from any of the EU Universities?

Some EU students may be eligible for scholarships from the Medical Universities because of exceptional academic performance. Those students from outside the EU should contact their local educational authorities to see if such offers are available to them. This also applies to those from commonwealth countries.

Do I get a student loan?

Loan prospects vary depending on the University. The loans are given by the Government to cover the tuition fees for the entire six years of study. The loans are dependent on availability and the conditions given by various banks.

How do I pay the fees to the university, upfront or in easy instalments?

Usually, you can pay the tuition fees in two or three instalments throughout the year.

Will the annual tuition fees be static during all six years of study?

Tuition fees might vary slightly, at the discretion of the university. This may vary year or year and is also dependant on the inflation rate of your home country.