Education Bulgaria

Kindergarten Enrollment

 

Admission age: Children are accepted into kindergartens starting from 3 years old. A preparatory group is mandatory for children aged 5–6 years before starting school.

 

Application submission: In most municipalities, registration is done online via the official community website. Application period is usually from April 1 to May 1.

 

Required documents:

 

- Completed application form.

 

- Copy of the child's birth certificate.

 

- Personal card of the child and one parent.

 

- Documents confirming residence address.

 

- Medical certificate from a personal doctor about health and vaccinations.

 

- Additional documents confirming any benefits or advantages (e.g., a certificate from the parent's workplace).

 

Features: In large cities, there may be a shortage of places in public kindergartens. If places are unavailable, it is recommended to contact the community directly or consider private kindergartens.

 

School Enrollment

 

Admission age: Children start schooling at 7 years old.

 

Application submission: You need to apply to the chosen school or the regional education administration.

 

Required documents:

 

- Application addressed to the school principal.

 

- Copy of the child's birth certificate.

 

- Personal card of the child and one parent.

 

- Documents confirming residence address.

 

- Child's medical card.

 

- Documents of completed grades and subjects studied (when transferring from another school).

 

Features: For children not proficient in Bulgarian, additional Bulgarian language classes may be organized. When transferring from a foreign school, it is necessary to undergo the procedure of recognizing previous education in the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria.

 

General Recommendations

 

Consultations: In case of questions, contact the relevant institutions or education specialists.

In Bulgaria, there are many kindergartens and schools offering instruction in foreign languages. This is especially relevant for immigrant families seeking to provide education for their children in their native or an international language. Below are some of the most well-known institutions with foreign language instruction:

 

Kindergartens

 

Private Kindergarten "Tsvetni Pisachinki": Located in Varna, offers education in English and Russian for children aged 3 to 7 years.

 

Private Kindergarten "Morsko Konche": Located in Varna, provides programs in English and Russian.

 

Children's Education Center "Zabavachnitsa": Located in Burgas, offers education in Russian.

 

Schools

 

Anglo-American School of Sofia: Founded in 1967, offers English language education following an international program for students from kindergarten to grade 12.

 

French Lyceum "Victor Hugo": Located in Sofia, provides French language education from kindergarten to grade 12, following the French national curriculum.

 

German School of Sofia: Offers education in German, starting from preschool level to high school, adhering to German educational standards.

 

Russian Lyceum in Sofia: An educational and cultural complex combining a kindergarten with early Russian language learning and a general secondary school with instruction in Russian.

 

These institutions provide high-quality education in foreign languages, contributing to the successful integration of immigrant children into the Bulgarian education system and supporting their cultural identity.

Public Educational Institutions

 

 

 

Preschool Education

 

Language of instruction is Bulgarian. Partially funded by the state; parents pay a nominal fee for meals and additional services. The educational program follows the state curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria.

 

Advantages: Facilitates the integration of children into Bulgarian society; opportunity to learn Bulgarian from an early age.

 

 

 

School Education

 

Language of instruction is Bulgarian. Free education for all citizens and permanently residing foreigners. The curriculum is unified for all schools, in accordance with state standards.

 

Advantages: free textbooks and educational materials in primary grades; opportunity to participate in state olympiads and competitions.

 

Support for foreigners: additional Bulgarian language lessons; integration programs for children from other countries.

 

 

 

Private Educational Institutions

 

 

 

Preschool Education

 

Language of instruction: Bulgarian, English, German, or another depending on the institution. The cost is significantly higher than in public kindergartens.

 

Educational program:

 

- Individual educational programs.

 

- Use of modern methods (Montessori, Waldorf, etc.).

 

- Enhanced study of foreign languages.

 

Advantages: smaller groups of children; more flexible schedule and additional services (extra-curricular activities, clubs).

 

 

 

School Education

 

The language of instruction depends on the school; it can be Bulgarian, English, French, German, etc. The cost is high, including tuition, educational materials, and additional services.

 

Educational program:

 

- They can follow the state curriculum or international standards (IB, British, or American systems).

 

- Offer advanced programs in foreign languages, sciences, and arts.

 

Advantages: modern infrastructure; opportunities for international exchange and admission to foreign universities.

 

Support for foreigners: programs in the student's native language; cultural adaptation programs.

 

Below are some of the most well-known educational institutions.

 

State Schools

 

National Aprilov High School (Gabrovo): founded in 1835, it is the first modern secular school in Bulgaria and one of the most prestigious high schools in the country.

 

164th High School with Spanish Language Teaching "Miguel de Cervantes" (Sofia): founded in 1991, it specializes in in-depth study of the Spanish language and culture.

 

Humanitarian High School "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" (Plovdiv): founded in 1850, one of the oldest schools in Bulgaria, known for its traditions in the humanities.

 

Private Schools

 

Anglo-American School of Sofia (Sofia): established in 1967 with the support of the American and British embassies, offers education according to international standards in English.

 

American College of Sofia (Sofia): founded in 1860, it is one of the oldest American educational institutions outside the USA, offers education in English with a focus on preparation for admission to foreign universities.

 

French Lyceum "Victor Hugo" (Sofia): offers education in French according to the program of the French Ministry of Education, recognized worldwide.

 

The choice between public and private educational institutions in Bulgaria depends on the individual needs and possibilities of the family. Public schools offer affordable education and promote quick integration into society. Private schools provide expanded educational opportunities and international programs.

In Bulgaria, the education system actively supports children with special educational needs, striving to ensure their full integration into society and equal access to quality education.

 

Support in educational institutions includes:

 

Individual educational programs: the development and implementation of learning plans tailored to the needs of each child.

 

Professional specialists: psychologists, speech therapists, resource teachers, and other professionals work with children to develop their skills and abilities.

 

Material and technical base: providing an accessible environment, including special educational materials and equipment.

 

Projects and Initiatives

 

The Ministry of Education and Science implements projects aimed at supporting inclusive education:

 

"Support for Inclusive Education" project: within the project, models and tools are developed for assessing the individual needs of children and planning appropriate support.

 

"Support Me" platform: the platform provides educational resources for children with special educational needs, their teachers, and parents, including video materials, therapeutic resources, and information about upcoming trainings and events.

 

Collaboration with Parents

 

An important aspect is the active interaction with parents of children with special educational needs. Consultations, workshops, and information campaigns are organized to support families and raise their awareness of opportunities and rights in the field of education.

 

Despite the inclusive approach, integrating children with special educational needs into mainstream educational institutions, there are specialized schools and centers for children who require specialized support. Below are some of them:

 

Special School for Children with Hearing Impairments "Prof. Dr. Decho Denev" (Sofia): Provides education and therapeutic support to children with hearing impairments, including sign language training and speech skills development.

 

Special School for Children with Visual Impairments "Louis Braille" (Sofia): Offers education and rehabilitation for children with visual impairments using adapted teaching materials and methods.

 

Special School for Children with Intellectual Disabilities "Dr. Petar Beron" (Plovdiv): Offers educational programs aimed at developing cognitive and social skills in children with intellectual disabilities.

 

Inclusive Education Support Center "Resource Center" (Varna): Provides consultations, therapeutic services, and educational programs for children with special needs as well as support for their families and teachers.

 

Special School for Children with Musculoskeletal Disorders "Prof. Dr. Ivan Shishmanov" (Varna): Provides education and rehabilitation for children with physical disabilities, including physiotherapy and adapted educational programs.

Government Initiatives

 

Inclusive Education: The Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria implements an inclusive education policy, ensuring equal access to quality education for all children, including immigrants. Schools organize additional Bulgarian language classes for students who do not speak the language, aiming to accelerate their integration into the educational process.

 

National Program "Creating a STEM School Environment": Aimed at supporting the creation of a modern educational environment that fosters better social realization and integration of children and students.

 

Non-Governmental Organizations

 

Caritas Sofia: This organization provides a variety of services for immigrant children, including:

 

Assistance with enrollment in school and kindergarten.

 

Support for students from volunteers.

 

Summer Bulgarian language courses for children.

 

Informal educational and recreational activities.

 

Bulgarian language courses for adults at levels A1, A2, and B1, both in-person and online.

After-school Groups: Primary schools in Bulgaria operate after-school groups intended for younger students. After the main classes, children stay in school under the supervision of teachers, where they do homework, participate in various activities and games. This is especially convenient for working parents, providing a safe and educational environment for children until the end of the working day.

 

Circles and Interest Clubs: Many schools and extracurricular institutions offer a variety of circles and clubs aimed at developing children's creative, sporting, and intellectual abilities. These include creative activities (drawing, music, dance, theatrical arts); sports sections (football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics); scientific clubs (robotics, programming, mathematics, natural sciences).

 

Children's Camps: During the summer period, children's camps offering a variety of leisure and educational programs are popular.

In Bulgaria, schools and universities use a six-point grading system, where grades range from 2 to 6, with the possibility of using fractional values.

 

Grading Scale:

 

6: 5.50–6.00 — Excellent (92–100%)

 

5: 4.50–5.49 — Very good (75–91%)

 

4: 3.50–4.49 — Good (59–74%)

 

3: 3.00–3.49 — Satisfactory (50–58%)

 

2: 2.00–2.99 — Unsatisfactory (0–49%)

 

Grades below 3.00 are considered unsatisfactory and indicate that the student did not pass the exam or assignment.

 

System Features

 

Fractional Grades: The Bulgarian grading system allows the use of fractional grades, such as 4.75 or 5.25, which permits a more precise reflection of the student's level of knowledge.

 

Passing Threshold: The minimum passing grade is 3.00. To achieve it, a student must correctly answer at least 50% of the exam questions.

 

Grading System in Schools and Universities: A six-point grading system is employed in both school and higher education, ensuring uniformity in assessment across all levels of education.

Academic Qualification

 

High School Diploma: The candidate must have a document confirming the completion of full secondary education, which grants the right to enter higher education institutions in the country where the diploma was obtained.

 

Grade Point Average: For undergraduate programs, the average grade of the diploma should be no less than 62% of the maximum, and for graduate (master's) programs, no less than 72%.

 

Language Requirements

 

Bulgarian Language: If the study program is conducted in Bulgarian, a STBFL (Standard Test of Bulgarian as a Foreign Language) certificate of level B2 or above is required.

 

English Language: For programs in English, IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL (minimum 550) certificates are required.

 

Necessary Documents

 

Application: A completed and signed university application form indicating the level of language proficiency in which the program is offered.

 

Diploma and Transcript: Certified copies of the high school completion diploma and individual grades in major subjects.

 

Certificate of Right to Enroll: A document confirming the applicant's right to enroll in a university in their home country.

 

Medical Certificate: Proof of good physical and mental health, as well as the absence of infectious diseases.

 

Copy of Passport: A valid passport with sufficient validity period.

 

Photographs: 4 photographs sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm, taken within 3 months of the application submission.

 

Financial Guarantees

 

Foreign students study on a paid basis. The cost depends on the chosen specialty and level of education. The applicant must have the means to support themselves during their stay in Bulgaria.

 

Visa Requirements

 

After receiving an admission letter, it is necessary to obtain a national visa category D.

 

Document Submission Deadlines

 

Document submission deadlines vary depending on the university. It is recommended to check the information on the official website of the selected institution.

 

Bulgaria has a number of prestigious universities that offer quality education for both local and international students. Below is a list of the most well-known universities in the country:

 

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia: established in 1888; specializations: humanities; natural sciences; economics and law; languages and philosophy.

 

Technical University of Sofia, Sofia: established in 1945; specializations: engineering sciences; computer technologies; electronics and automation.

 

Medical University of Sofia, Sofia: established in 1917; specializations: medicine; dentistry; pharmacy.

 

University of National and World Economy, Sofia: established in 1920; specializations: economics and finance; management; international relations.

 

American University in Bulgaria, Blagoevgrad: established in 1991; specializations: international relations; business administration; computer science.

 

Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", Plovdiv: established in 1961; specializations: pedagogy; natural sciences; information technologies.

 

Varna University of Management, Varna: established in 1996; specializations: tourism and hospitality; business administration; information technologies.

 

Ruse University "Angel Kanchev", Ruse: established in 1945; specializations: transport and logistics; mechanical engineering; computer science.

 

New Bulgarian University, Sofia: established in 1991; specializations: social sciences; art and design; business administration.

 

Varna Medical University, Varna: established in 1961; specializations: medicine; pharmacy; public health.

 

All these universities offer quality education, many programs in English, and a wide range of disciplines. International students receive support during the process of adaptation and integration into the Bulgarian educational system.

To enroll in a Bulgarian university with a foreign diploma or certificate, you need to undergo the recognition (nostrification) procedure of these documents. This process confirms that your education meets Bulgarian standards and grants you the right to further study in the country.

 

Recognition of foreign educational qualifications in Bulgaria is carried out by various bodies depending on the purpose of recognition:

 

For further education: If you plan to enroll in a Bulgarian university, the recognition of your diploma is carried out directly by the chosen higher education institution.

 

For professional activities: If you intend to work in a specialty requiring certain qualifications, recognition is conducted by the relevant professional organizations or the Ministry of Education and Science.

 

To apply for recognition, you need to provide the following documents:

 

- Application: A completed application form in the prescribed format.

 

- Original or certified copy of the diploma: A document confirming your receipt of a corresponding degree of education.

 

- Diploma supplement: A document with a list of studied subjects and obtained grades.

 

- Certificate of eligibility for admission: A document confirming your right to continue education in higher education institutions in the country where the diploma was issued.

 

- Medical certificate: Confirmation of your physical and mental health.

 

- Copy of passport: Page with personal data.

 

- Photographs: Several photographs in the prescribed format.

 

All documents must be

 

Legalized: If your country is a participant of the Hague Convention, documents must be notarized with an apostille. Otherwise, they must undergo consular legalization.

 

Translated into Bulgarian: The translation must be done by a certified translator and notarized.

 

After preparing all necessary documents, they should be submitted to the appropriate body:

 

For further education: To the admissions committee of the chosen university.

 

For professional activities: To the National Center for Information and Documentation or the relevant professional organization.

 

Additional requirements

 

Some universities or professional organizations may require taking additional exams or courses to confirm qualifications. It is recommended to clarify these requirements in advance with the chosen institution.

In Bulgaria, a variety of additional courses and programs are available for adults aimed at skill enhancement, learning new professions, and studying foreign languages. These educational opportunities are provided by both public and private institutions, as well as online platforms.

 

Language courses

 

English language: Educational centers offer English language courses for adults, conducted both in-person and online.

 

Bulgarian language for foreigners: Language schools offer Bulgarian language learning for all age groups, including adults. Individual courses or lessons are available from the beginner level (A1) to expert level (C2).

 

Online courses: The platform Preply offers the opportunity to study the Bulgarian language with private tutors at convenient times, which is especially useful for busy adults.

 

Online education

 

With the development of technologies, many educational institutions offer online courses that allow adults to learn at convenient times. This is especially relevant for those who combine work with studies or live in remote regions.

 

Government initiatives

 

The Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria implements a policy of inclusive education, providing equal access to quality education for all, including adults. Within this policy, additional classes and courses are organized aimed at skill enhancement and retraining of specialists.