About the Medical University of Sofia
Four Faculties at the Medical University of Sofia
The Medical University of Sofia is organized into four faculties, each dedicated to a core area of healthcare education. The Faculty of Medicine – the oldest and largest at the Medical University of Sofia – trains students in general medicine across a six-year program. The Faculty of Dental Medicine offers a five-and-a-half-year program combining theoretical coursework with extensive hands-on clinical practice. The Faculty of Pharmacy provides a five-year program covering pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, and clinical pharmacy. The Faculty of Public Health completes the academic structure with programs in nursing, kinesitherapy, and public health management.
Beyond these four faculties, the Medical University of Sofia also operates a Medical College that trains paramedical professionals – including X-ray technicians, dental technicians, and assistant pharmacists – as well as a Language Training and Sports Department that supports international students through preparatory programs in English and Bulgarian.
14 University Hospitals for Hands-On Clinical Training
One of the strongest advantages of studying at the Medical University of Sofia is access to its network of 14 affiliated university hospitals. These are not just teaching facilities – they are active, fully operational hospitals that serve patients from across Bulgaria. Students at the Medical University of Sofia begin clinical rotations early in their studies and gain practical experience at the bedside of real patients, under the supervision of experienced clinicians.
The university hospital network includes some of the most prominent medical centers in the country: Aleksandrovska University Hospital (one of the oldest and largest hospitals in Bulgaria), UMHAT “St. Ivan Rilski”, UMHAT “St. Anna”, the University Hospital for Emergency Medicine “N. I. Pirogov”, and USHAT “St. Ekaterina” – a leading center for cardiac surgery. This clinical infrastructure gives Medical University of Sofia students exposure to a wide range of specialties, from cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery to ophthalmic surgery, high-tech diagnostics, and oncology.
The Medical University of Sofia also houses 30 specialized laboratories for preclinical training, simulation centers equipped with modern diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and the Central Medical Library – one of the largest medical libraries in the region.
A Century of Medical Excellence
The Medical University of Sofia is the oldest institution for higher medical education in Bulgaria. Founded in 1917 as a Medical Faculty within Sofia University, following a decree by King Ferdinand, the Medical University of Sofia has grown through more than a century of transformation – from the Medical Academy of Sofia in 1950 to its current status as an independent university, established by resolution of the Bulgarian Parliament in 1995.
Through two world wars, political changes, and the modernization of Bulgarian healthcare, the Medical University of Sofia maintained its commitment to training physicians, dentists, and pharmacists to international standards. Today, it is the highest-ranked medical university in the country and a recognized name across Europe and beyond. More than 82,000 medical professionals have graduated from the Medical University of Sofia since its founding – including over 10,500 international students from more than 80 countries.
International Students at the Medical University of Sofia
The Medical University of Sofia attracts students from more than 72 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse medical universities in Bulgaria. Approximately 15% of international students at the Medical University of Sofia come from Germany, 20% from Greece, 15% from the United Kingdom, and the rest from Italy, Scandinavia, Switzerland, the Middle East, India, and other regions. Each year, up to 300 international students are admitted to the English-taught Medicine program, with additional places in Dental Medicine (around 150) and Pharmacy (around 65).
The central location of the Medical University of Sofia – near the National Palace of Culture, the main pedestrian boulevard Vitosha Street, and two of the city’s largest parks (South Park and Borisova Garden) – means students are never far from the cultural and social life of Bulgaria’s capital. Since 2020, the campus has been directly connected to Sofia’s metro system through the dedicated Medical University metro station on Line M3.
Sofia itself offers a combination that few European capitals can match: modern infrastructure, international restaurants, and vibrant nightlife – all at a cost of living significantly lower than Western Europe. International students at the Medical University of Sofia typically spend between €450 and €550 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transport.
Internationally Recognized Degrees
Degrees awarded by the Medical University of Sofia carry full recognition across the European Union, as Bulgaria is an EU member state. The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) awarded the Medical University of Sofia an institutional accreditation score of 9.56 out of 10 – the highest among medical universities in Bulgaria. The university has held the first-place ranking in Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, and Public Health in Bulgaria’s national university ranking system for nearly a decade.
For Medical University of Sofia graduates planning to practice in the United Kingdom, the university is listed by the UK General Medical Council (GMC). Graduates who have completed at least 5,500 hours of training over a minimum of three years can apply for GMC registration without sitting additional licensing exams such as PLAB. The Medical University of Sofia is also recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and by medical licensing bodies across the Middle East, Asia, and other regions worldwide.
The Medical University of Sofia uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and participates in the Erasmus+ exchange program, with over 140 inter-institutional agreements signed with partner universities across 25 EU countries and 8 partner countries. In 2021, the Bulgarian Ministry of Education selected the Medical University of Sofia as one of only 7 research universities in the country, based on its scientific output in Scopus and Web of Science, development of academic staff capacity, and social and economic impact.
Why choose studying in the Medical University of Sofia?
Internationally recognized EU Degrees
Programs and Tuition Fees
The Medical University of Sofia offers five 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 – one at the beginning of the winter semester and one at the beginning of the summer semester.
Medicine at the Medical University of Sofia
The Medicine program at the Medical University of Sofia is an integrated course leading to a Master of Medicine degree. The curriculum is divided into preclinical and clinical phases. During the initial years, students focus on foundational subjects such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology, and histology. As the program progresses, clinical training begins across the university’s 14 affiliated hospitals, covering internal medicine, surgery, neurology, obstetrics, orthopedics, pediatrics, and other core specialties.
The program follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The final stage includes a comprehensive internship where students work alongside physicians at the patient’s bedside.
Annual tuition fee: €9,950
Dental Medicine at the Medical University of Sofia
The Dental Medicine program at the Medical University of Sofia leads to a Master of Dental Medicine degree. Students receive both theoretical and practical training at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, one of the most well-equipped dental faculties in Southeast Europe. Clinical practice begins early in the program, with students treating patients under supervision in the faculty’s dental clinics.
The curriculum covers oral surgery, prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontology, pediatric dentistry, and other dental specialties.
Annual tuition fee: €10,000
Pharmacy at the Medical University of Sofia
The Pharmacy program at the Medical University of Sofia 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 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: €8,000
Nursing at the Medical University of Sofia
The Nursing program at the Medical University of Sofia combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical placements across the university’s hospital network. Students develop core competencies in patient care, clinical assessment, emergency response, and healthcare management.
Unlike the Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy programs, the entrance exam for Nursing at the Medical University of Sofia covers only Biology (not Chemistry), and the exam fee is €100 instead of €200.
Annual tuition fee: €5,000
Kinesitherapy at the Medical University of Sofia
Kinesitherapy – also known as physical rehabilitation therapy – trains students in therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy, and rehabilitation techniques for patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
As with Nursing, the entrance exam for Kinesitherapy at the Medical University of Sofia covers only Biology, with an exam fee of €100. Graduates work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports clinics, and private practices across the EU and internationally.
Annual tuition fee: €4,900
Tuition Fees Overview - Medical University of Sofia
All programs are taught entirely in English. Tuition is payable in two equal installments per academic year.
| Program | Annual Tuition | Exam Subjects | Exam Fee | Diploma Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | €9,950 | English, Biology, Chemistry | €200 | Biology & Chemistry grades ≥ Good (4) |
| Dental Medicine | €10,000 | English, Biology, Chemistry | €200 | Biology & Chemistry grades ≥ Good (4) |
| Pharmacy | €8,000 | English, Biology, Chemistry | €200 | Biology & Chemistry grades ≥ Good (4) |
| Nursing | €5,000 | Biology (in English) | €100 | High school diploma |
| Kinesitherapy | €4,900 | Biology (in English) | €100 | High school diploma |
Admission Requirements at the Medical University of Sofia
Applying to the Medical University of Sofia requires meeting specific academic and documentary requirements. The admission process applies to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens as well as to applicants from third countries (non-EU), though deadlines and procedures differ between the two groups.
Academic Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Medical University of Sofia, 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.
For applicants to the Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy programs, the Medical University of Sofia requires that the high school diploma includes grades in both Biology and Chemistry. Both subjects are obligatory, and both grades must not be less than “Good 4” according to the Bulgarian grading system. For applicants from countries with different grading scales, Academica Bulgaria can help assess how your grades translate to the Bulgarian system.
For Nursing and Kinesitherapy applicants, a completed high school diploma is required.
Required Documents
All documents submitted to the Medical University of Sofia 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.
The document preparation process – including translation, notarization, legalization, and correct formatting – is one of the most common reasons for application delays or rejections. Academica Bulgaria handles the entire documentation process on behalf of the student, ensuring that all paperwork meets the requirements of the Medical University of Sofia and is submitted within the official deadlines.
Entrance Exam
All applicants to the Medical University of Sofia must sit an online entrance exam.
For Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy, the exam covers English, Biology, and Chemistry. For Nursing and Kinesitherapy, the entrance exam follows a separate schedule and format – Nursing includes a written test and an oral interview, while Kinesitherapy includes an online Biology test.
Exam dates for 2026/2027 admission:
Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy (all applicants) – 3 September 2026
Nursing and Kinesitherapy (all applicants) – 17–18 September 2026
Exam fees: €200 for Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy. €100 for Nursing and Kinesitherapy. Exam fees are non-refundable.
How the Admission Score Is Calculated
For the Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy programs, the final admission score at the Medical University of Sofia is calculated as follows:
3 × Biology exam mark + 3 × Chemistry exam mark + English exam mark = Final score (max 42)
Applicants are ranked according to their final score, and admission is granted based on the ranking and the number of available places confirmed by the Academic Council of the Medical University of Sofia for that academic year.
For Nursing and Kinesitherapy, the entrance exam covers only Biology. The specific scoring criteria for these programs may differ – contact Academica Bulgaria for details.
Key Deadlines
Document submission (Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy):
27 July – 31 August 2026
Document submission (Nursing, Kinesitherapy):
27 July – 11 September 2026
Entrance exam (Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy):
3 September 2026
Entrance exam (Nursing, Kinesitherapy):
17–18 September 2026
Preparatory course deadline (Non-EU):
25 September 2025
Preparatory Course at the Medical University of Sofia
Starting medical studies in a new country is a serious commitment. The Preparatory Course at the Medical University of Sofia gives you a full academic year to master Biology, Chemistry, and medical terminology in English – taught by the same university where you will study Medicine, Dental Medicine, or Pharmacy.
You train in the same environment, learn the exam format from the inside, and build the confidence to perform at your best when it matters. Students who complete the Preparatory Course consistently enter their first year better prepared, better adapted, and ahead of those who jumped in without it. This is not a delay – it is the strongest start you can give your medical career in Europe.
How Academica Bulgaria Helps You Apply to the Medical University of Sofia?
Applying to the Medical University of Sofia involves multiple steps – from evaluating your eligibility and preparing your documents to navigating 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 Sofia
What programs does the Medical University of Sofia offer in English?
The Medical University of Sofia offers five programs taught in English: Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Kinesitherapy.
How is the admission score calculated at the Medical University of Sofia?
For Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy at the Medical University of Sofia, the admission score is calculated as follows: 3 × Biology exam mark + 3 × Chemistry exam mark + English exam mark. The maximum possible score is 42.
What are the minimum grade requirements for the Medical University of Sofia?
For Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy, applicants must have grades in both Biology and Chemistry on their high school diploma. Both grades must not be less than “Good 4” in the Bulgarian grading system.
When is the entrance exam for the 2026/2027 academic year at the Medical University of Sofia?
Exam dates for 2026/2027 admission:
Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy (all applicants) – 3 September 2026
Nursing and Kinesitherapy (all applicants) – 17–18 September 2026
Are degrees from the Medical University of Sofia recognized internationally?
Yes. Degrees awarded by the Medical University of Sofia are recognized across the European Union. The university is listed by the UK General Medical Council (GMC), recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), and accepted by medical licensing bodies worldwide. The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency awarded the Medical University of Sofia a score of 9.56 out of 10.