About the Medical University of Plovdiv
The History of the Medical University of Plovdiv
The Medical University of Plovdiv was established in 1945, initially as a Medical Faculty within the Plovdiv University. Five years later, in 1950, it became an independent institution known as the Higher Medical Institute. In 2002, after a decision by Bulgaria’s National Assembly, it was officially renamed the Medical University of Plovdiv – a status that reflects its growth into one of the most respected medical institutions in Southeast Europe.
Over its eight decades, the Medical University of Plovdiv has continuously expanded its academic infrastructure. A modern building for the Faculty of Dental Medicine was constructed in 2005, with a floor area of 14,770 m² housing 27 clinical educational rooms, 8 seminar rooms, and 2 auditoriums. In 2011, the Medical University of Plovdiv completed a new auditorium complex at a cost of €5.5 million – nominated for Bulgarian Building of the Year in the Culture category. Today, the Medical University of Plovdiv trains over 3,800 Bulgarian and international students each year, supported by a teaching staff of more than 130 professors and 600 assistant professors.
Four Faculties and a Purpose - Built Campus at the Medical University of Plovdiv
The Medical University of Plovdiv is organized into four faculties, each housed in dedicated modern facilities. The Faculty of Medicine is the oldest and largest at the Medical University of Plovdiv, currently training 2,862 students in medicine with instruction in both Bulgarian and English. The Faculty of Dental Medicine operates from a purpose-built facility completed in 2005 – one of the most modern dental training centers in the region. The Faculty of Pharmacy at the Medical University of Plovdiv provides training in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, and drug development. The Faculty of Public Health offers programs in healthcare management, nursing, and public health.
Beyond the four faculties, the Medical University of Plovdiv operates a Medical College and a Department of Languages and Specialized Training. The department provides Bulgarian language courses and preparatory programs for international students – including the Preparatory Course that allows automatic admission to Medicine upon successful completion, without sitting the entrance exam.
2,000-Bed University Hospital - Clinical Training at the Medical University of Plovdiv
One of the strongest advantages of the Medical University of Plovdiv is its own university hospital – UMHAT “St. George” – with 2,000 beds, making it one of the largest teaching hospitals in Bulgaria. Unlike universities that rely on affiliated external hospitals, the Medical University of Plovdiv gives students direct access to clinical training within an integrated hospital environment from the early stages of their studies.
Students at the Medical University of Plovdiv work in high-tech diagnostic and therapeutic units equipped with modern medical equipment, under the supervision of experienced clinicians who are also university faculty members. Beyond St. George Hospital, the Medical University of Plovdiv collaborates with additional hospitals, clinics, and healthcare institutions across Plovdiv and the surrounding region – giving students exposure to a wide range of medical specialties and real-world patient care scenarios.
The Medical University of Plovdiv also houses laboratories, specialized research centers, and a Central University Library with over 170,000 volumes in multiple languages, along with access to Medline and Micromedex databases. The university publishes its own academic journal – Folia Medica – which is indexed in Medline and exchanged with over 326 partners from 54 countries.
International Students at the Medical University of Plovdiv
The Medical University of Plovdiv attracts students from 47 countries across 5 continents. Approximately 1,721 international medical students are currently enrolled at the Faculty of Medicine alone, with the largest groups coming from Great Britain, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Belgium, France, Austria, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Each year, over 450 international students are admitted to the English-taught programs at the Medical University of Plovdiv.
The university campus is located on Vasil Aprilov Boulevard, one of the main boulevards in the city. All key facilities – the Anatomy building, main lecture halls, and sports hall – are within the campus. Unlike many European medical universities where facilities are scattered across the city, the Medical University of Plovdiv offers a compact, walkable campus where everything is within reach.
One unique advantage of the Medical University of Plovdiv for international applicants is flexibility: the university offers six entrance exam dates between April and August each year, giving students multiple opportunities to sit the exam rather than depending on a single date. This is significantly more flexible than most other Bulgarian medical universities.
Studying in Plovdiv - One of the Oldest Cities in Europe
Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe – older than Rome and Athens. Named European Capital of Culture in 2019, the city offers a unique blend of ancient history, vibrant arts, and affordable student life that few European university cities can match.
The Old Town, the Roman Amphitheatre (which still hosts live performances today), and the creative Kapana district are all within walking distance of the Medical University of Plovdiv campus. The city’s main pedestrian street is one of the longest in Europe, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. International students at the Medical University of Plovdiv typically spend between €400 and €500 per month on living expenses including rent – significantly lower than Sofia and most Western European cities. Apartments near the campus average between €260 and €350 per month.
Student dormitories are also available at approximately €70 per month including utilities, though most international students prefer private accommodation closer to the city center and campus.
Internationally Recognized Degrees - Medical University of Plovdiv and the GMC
Degrees awarded by the Medical University of Plovdiv are fully recognized across the European Union. The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) awarded the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University of Plovdiv a programme accreditation score of 9.49 out of 10. The Faculty of Medicine has ranked first among medical faculties in Bulgaria for multiple consecutive years in the national university ranking system.
For graduates planning to practice in the United Kingdom, the Medical University of Plovdiv is listed by the UK General Medical Council (GMC). According to GMC statistics, over 340 active UK doctors are graduates of the Medical University of Plovdiv – a strong indicator of the quality and international acceptance of the degree. The Medical University of Plovdiv is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools by the World Health Organization (WHO), and its degrees are accepted by medical licensing bodies worldwide.
The Medical University of Plovdiv uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and participates actively in the Erasmus+ exchange program. During the period 2015–2019, 178 student and 65 teaching Erasmus+ mobility agreements were signed at the Medical University of Plovdiv, along with 45 outgoing mobility agreements with the Open Medical Institute in Salzburg.
Why choose studying in the Medical University of Sofia?
Programs and Tuition Fees
The Medical University of Plovdiv offers four undergraduate programs taught entirely in English. All programs lead to a nationally and internationally recognized degree, and tuition is payable in two equal installments per academic year. An administrative fee of EUR 30 applies upon submission of application documents.
Medicine at the Medical University of Plovdiv
The Medicine program at the Medical University of Plovdiv is an integrated course leading to a Master of Medicine degree. The first two years focus on preclinical studies and theory – anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology, and histology. The following three years shift to clinical training, conducted primarily at UMHAT “St. George” – the university’s own 2,000-bed teaching hospital. The final year consists of a 310-day clinical internship with medical rotations, after which students must pass state licensing exams.
Compulsory summer practical internships are required during years 2, 3, and 4. The program follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), and graduates receive a professional qualification of Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Master’s degree recognized across the EU, the UK (GMC-listed), and worldwide.
Annual tuition fee: €10,000
Dental Medicine at the Medical University of Plovdiv
The Dental Medicine program at the Medical University of Plovdiv leads to a Master of Dental Medicine degree. Students train in the Faculty of Dental Medicine – a purpose-built modern facility completed in 2005, with 27 clinical educational rooms and dedicated dental clinics. Clinical practice begins early in the program, with students treating patients under supervision.
The curriculum covers oral surgery, prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontology, pediatric dentistry, and other dental specialties. The program includes a clinical internship and concludes with state exams. Graduates of the Dental Medicine program at the Medical University of Plovdiv are qualified to practice across the EU and internationally.
Annual tuition fee: €9,000
Pharmacy at the Medical University of Plovdiv
The Pharmacy program at the Medical University of Plovdiv leads to a Master of Pharmacy degree. The Faculty of Pharmacy provides training in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, toxicology, drug development, clinical pharmacy, and pharmaceutical legislation. Students gain practical experience through laboratory work and internships at pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.
Graduates of the Pharmacy program at the Medical University of Plovdiv are qualified to work in community and hospital pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, research institutions, and regulatory agencies across the EU and beyond.
Annual tuition fee: €6,200
Nursing at the Medical University of Plovdiv
The Nursing program at the Medical University of Plovdiv combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical placements across the university’s hospital network, including UMHAT “St. George”. Students develop core competencies in patient care, clinical assessment, emergency response, and healthcare management.
Annual tuition fee: €4,500
Tuition Fees Overview - Medical University of Plovdiv
| Program | Annual Tuition | Exam Subjects | Exam Fee | Diploma Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | €10,000 Year 2–3: €9,200 · Year 4–6: €8,200 | Biology, Chemistry + English Diagnostic | €300 | Biology & Chemistry (both obligatory, min. 62% average) |
| Dental Medicine | €9,000 Year 1–2: €9,000 · Year 3–6: €8,200 | Biology, Chemistry + English Diagnostic | €300 | Biology & Chemistry (both obligatory, min. 62% average) |
| Pharmacy | €6,200 | Biology, Chemistry + English Diagnostic | €300 | Biology & Chemistry (both obligatory, min. 62% average) |
| Nursing | €4,500 |
Biology, Chemistry + English Diagnostic or Documents only |
€300 | Biology & Chemistry (both obligatory, min. 62% average) |
Admission Requirements at the Medical University of Plovdiv
Applying to the Medical University of Plovdiv requires meeting specific academic and documentary requirements. The admission process is open to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens as well as to applicants from third countries (non-EU), with different deadlines for each group. One of the key advantages of the Medical University of Plovdiv is the flexibility of its admission timeline – with six entrance exam dates between April and August, applicants have multiple opportunities to sit the exam.
Academic Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Medical University of Plovdiv, applicants must have completed secondary education (high school or equivalent) that gives them the right to apply to higher education institutions in the country where they completed their studies.
The high school diploma must include grades in both Biology and Chemistry – both subjects are obligatory. For applicants from countries with different grading scales, Academica Bulgaria can help assess how your grades translate to the requirements of the Medical University of Plovdiv.
Required Documents
All documents submitted to the Medical University of Plovdiv must be legalized and officially translated into Bulgarian. Required documents typically include: a completed application form, a certified copy of the high school diploma, a transcript of grades showing subjects studied and marks obtained, a certificate confirming the right to continue education at a university, a valid medical certificate, a copy of the applicant’s passport or ID card, and passport-sized photographs.
Academica Bulgaria handles the entire documentation process on behalf of the student – including translation, notarization, legalization, and correct formatting – ensuring that all paperwork meets the requirements of the Medical University of Plovdiv and is submitted within the official deadlines.
Entrance Exam
All applicants to the Medical University of Plovdiv must sit an online entrance exam in English, Biology, and Chemistry. Unlike most other Bulgarian medical universities that offer only one or two exam dates per year, the Medical University of Plovdiv provides multiple exam dates for the 2026/2027 academic year:
- 15 April 2026
- 15 May 2026
- 16 June 2026
- 17 July 2026
- 18 August 2026
- 4 September 2026 (retake only)
Exam fee: €270 (+ €30 administrative fee). Retake fee: €400. Exam fees are non-refundable.
This flexibility is a significant advantage for international applicants – if you do not achieve the result you want on your first attempt, you can retake the exam at a later date without waiting an entire year.
Key Deadlines
EU students: Document submission from 1 March 2026
Non-EU students: Document submission from 1 March 2026
UK students: Document submission from 1 March 2026
Preparatory Course at the Medical University of Plovdiv
The Preparatory Course at the Medical University of Plovdiv offers something no other Bulgarian medical university does – automatic admission to Medicine, Dental Medicine, or Pharmacy upon successful completion, without sitting the entrance exam. For €3,500, you get a full academic year to master Biology, Chemistry, and medical terminology in English, taught within the same university where you will continue your studies.
You train in the same facilities, learn from the same faculty, and enter your first year already adapted to the environment and the academic expectations. For international students who want the strongest possible start to their medical career in Europe, this is the most direct pathway.
How Academica Bulgaria Helps You Apply to the Medical University of Sofia?
Applying to the Medical University of Plovdiv involves multiple steps – from evaluating your eligibility and preparing your documents to navigating entrance exams, visa procedures, and enrollment. Academica Bulgaria manages the entire process on your behalf, so you can focus on your preparation while we handle the logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Medical University of Plovdiv
What programs does the Medical University of Plovdiv offer in English?
The Medical University of Plovdiv offers four programs taught in English: Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing.
What are the tuition fees at the Medical University of Plovdiv?
Annual tuition fees at the Medical University of Plovdiv are €10,000 for Medicine, €9,000 for Dental Medicine, €6,200 for Pharmacy, and €4,500 for Nursing. All fees are payable in two equal installments per academic year.
What is the entrance exam format at the Medical University of Plovdiv?
The entrance exam at the Medical University of Plovdiv is conducted online and covers English, Biology, and Chemistry for all programs.
How many entrance exam dates are available at the Medical University of Plovdiv?
All applicants to the Medical University of Plovdiv must sit an online entrance exam in English, Biology, and Chemistry. Unlike most other Bulgarian medical universities that offer only one or two exam dates per year, the Medical University of Plovdiv provides multiple exam dates for the 2026/2027 academic year:
- 15 April 2026
- 15 May 2026
- 16 June 2026
- 17 July 2026
- 18 August 2026
- 4 September 2026 (retake only)
What are the entrance exam fees at the Medical University of Plovdiv?
Exam fee: €270 (+ €30 administrative fee). Retake fee: €400. Exam fees are non-refundable.
What are the application deadlines at the Medical University of Plovdiv?
EU students: Document submission from 1 March 2026
Non-EU students: Document submission from 1 March 2026
UK students: Document submission from 1 March 2026
Is there a Preparatory Course at the Medical University of Plovdiv?
Yes. The Medical University of Plovdiv offers a one-year Preparatory Course for €3,500. Students who complete the Preparatory Course successfully are admitted automatically to Medicine, Dental Medicine, or Pharmacy – without sitting the entrance exam. This is a unique advantage not offered by most other Bulgarian medical universities.
Are degrees from the Medical University of Plovdiv recognized internationally?
Yes. Degrees awarded by the Medical University of Plovdiv are recognized across the European Union. The university is listed by the UK General Medical Council (GMC), with over 340 active UK doctors who graduated from the Medical University of Plovdiv. It is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Faculty of Medicine holds a NEAA accreditation score of 9.49 out of 10.
Start Your Application to the Medical University of Plovdiv
Whether you are applying for Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, or Nursing – Academica Bulgaria is here to guide you through every step of the admission process at the Medical University of Plovdiv. Fill in the form below and our team will assess your eligibility, answer your questions, and help you prepare a complete application within the official deadlines.