About Trakia University of Stara Zagora
The History of Trakia University
Trakia University of Stara Zagora was established in 1995 by a decision of the Bulgarian National Assembly, through the merger of two existing institutions – the Higher Institute of Zootechnics and Veterinary Medicine (HIZVM) and the Higher Institute of Medicine (HIM) in Stara Zagora. The university was named after the ancient region of Thrace, reflecting the deep historical roots of the city and the surrounding area.
Today, Trakia University of Stara Zagora encompasses 9 structural units, including the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with a University Veterinary Hospital, the Faculty of Medicine with a University Hospital, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Economics, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, a Medical College, and a branch in Haskovo. Trakia University of Stara Zagora has received full institutional accreditation with a score of 9.20 out of 10 from the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) – rated “very good” – with the right to award Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in both Bulgarian and English.
Two English-Taught Medical Programs at Trakia University of Stara Zagora
Trakia University of Stara Zagora offers two programs taught in English – Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Both lead to a Master’s degree recognized across the European Union and internationally.
The Faculty of Medicine at Trakia University of Stara Zagora hosts around 600 Bulgarian and international students, supported by over 200 academic staff across fully equipped departments. The Medicine program lasts six years and includes a mandatory 10-month clinical training period. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Trakia University of Stara Zagora operates from the Student Campus and includes its own University Veterinary Hospital – one of the few in Bulgaria that combines teaching, research, and active clinical veterinary practice in a single facility.
University Hospital and Clinical Training at Trakia University of Stara Zagora
Students at Trakia University of Stara Zagora gain clinical experience at the university’s own hospital – one of the largest in the region. The medical departments include 20 research laboratories and 16 diagnostic clinics, providing hands-on training across a wide range of medical specialties.
For Veterinary Medicine students, Trakia University of Stara Zagora offers the unique advantage of a fully operational University Veterinary Hospital on campus. This integrated facility allows veterinary students to work directly with animals under the supervision of experienced clinicians – combining academic training with real clinical practice from the early years of their studies.
International Students at Trakia University of Stara Zagora
Trakia University of Stara Zagora welcomes international students from across Europe and beyond, with the largest groups coming from the United Kingdom, Greece, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. The university’s affordable tuition fees – starting at €5,520 for Veterinary Medicine and €7,500 for Medicine – combined with low living costs in Stara Zagora, make Trakia University of Stara Zagora one of the most cost-effective options for medical and veterinary studies in the EU.
The Faculty of Medicine at Trakia University of Stara Zagora is located in the city of Stara Zagora itself, at 11 Armeiska Street, while the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is situated in the Student Campus, about 20 minutes by bus from the city center. Student dormitories are available on campus at approximately €50 per month, and private apartments in Stara Zagora typically cost between €200 and €300 per month – significantly lower than Sofia or Plovdiv.
Studying in Stara Zagora - One of Bulgaria's Oldest Cities
Stara Zagora is the fifth-largest city in Bulgaria, with origins dating back to 342 BC – making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the country. The city offers a unique combination of rich history, affordable living, and a growing international student community.
Students at Trakia University of Stara Zagora can explore the city’s cultural landmarks, including Bulgaria’s oldest theatre, the largest opera house in the Balkans, several museums and art galleries, and beautiful parks. The city has a well-developed infrastructure with international restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, and sports facilities. In 2004, Stara Zagora was recognized by FDI Magazine for its high quality of life in Europe. Trakia University of Stara Zagora also owns a holiday center at the coastal resort town of Obzor, offering students a retreat by the Black Sea.
Internationally Recognized Degrees from Trakia University of Stara Zagora
Degrees awarded by Trakia University of Stara Zagora are fully recognized across the European Union. The university is listed by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) and in the World Directory of Medical Schools by the World Health Organization (WHO). Graduates of Trakia University of Stara Zagora can practice medicine and veterinary medicine across Europe and internationally.
Trakia University of Stara Zagora was among the first Bulgarian universities to receive full institutional accreditation, with a NEAA score of 9.20 out of 10. The university uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and participates in national and international research programs, including collaborations with EU institutions and international partners.
Why choose studying in the Medical University of Sofia?
Veterinary Medicine and Medicine in English
Tuition from just €5,520/year with an exam fee of only €75 and no administrative fee
Three entrance exam sessions between June and August
The entrance exam for Veterinary Medicine covers only Biology
Programs and Tuition Fees
Trakia University of Stara Zagora offers two undergraduate programs taught entirely in English – Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Both programs lead to a Master’s degree recognized across the EU and internationally. Tuition is payable in two equal installments per academic year. There is no administrative fee upon document submission at Trakia University of Stara Zagora.
Veterinary Medicine at Trakia University of Stara Zagora
The Veterinary Medicine program at Trakia University of Stara Zagora is one of the few English-taught veterinary programs available in Bulgaria. Students train at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which operates its own University Veterinary Hospital on the Student Campus – combining academic instruction with real clinical veterinary practice.
Unlike the Medicine program, the entrance exam for Veterinary Medicine at Trakia University of Stara Zagora covers only Biology – not Chemistry. This makes it a more accessible option for students whose academic background is stronger in biological sciences.
Annual tuition fee: €5,520
Medicine at Trakia University of Stara Zagora
The Medicine program at Trakia University of Stara Zagora is an integrated course leading to a Master of Medicine degree. Students gain clinical experience at the university’s own hospital, which includes research laboratories and diagnostic clinics. The program includes a mandatory clinical training period, after which students must pass state licensing exams.
The entrance exam for Medicine at Trakia University of Stara Zagora covers English, Biology, and Chemistry. With an exam fee of only €75 – the lowest among Bulgarian medical universities – and three exam sessions between June and August, applicants have multiple opportunities to sit the exam each year.
Annual tuition fee: €7,500
Tuition Fees Overview - Trakia University of Stara Zagora
| Program | Annual Tuition | Exam Subjects | Exam Fee | Diploma Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine | €5,520 | Biology only | €75 | Biology & Chemistry (both obligatory) |
| Medicine | €7,500 | English, Biology, Chemistry | €75 | Biology & Chemistry (both obligatory) |
Admission Requirements at Trakia University of Stara Zagora
Applying to Trakia University of Stara Zagora requires meeting specific academic and documentary requirements. The university offers three entrance exam sessions between June and August, giving applicants multiple opportunities to sit the exam – a significant advantage compared to universities with only one exam date per year.
Academic Requirements
To be eligible for admission to Trakia University of Stara Zagora, 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 admission to Trakia University of Stara Zagora. For applicants from countries with different grading scales, Academica Bulgaria can help assess how your grades translate to the Bulgarian system.
Required Documents
All documents submitted to Trakia University of Stara Zagora 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 Trakia University of Stara Zagora and is submitted within the official deadlines.
Entrance Exam
All applicants to Trakia University of Stara Zagora must sit an online entrance exam. The exam subjects differ depending on the program:
Medicine: English, Biology, and Chemistry (three separate exam days) Veterinary Medicine: Biology only (plus English for non-native speakers)
Exam dates for 2026/2027 admission:
23 August 2026 – English / 24 August 2026 – Biology and Chemistry
Exam fee: €75 – the lowest among all Bulgarian medical universities. Exam fees are non-refundable.
Key Deadlines
Document submission (EU/EEA applicants): by 21 August 2026
Document submission (Non-EU applicants – English programs): by 1 July 2026
Document submission (Non-EU applicants – Preparatory course): by 1 August 2026
Entrance exam (all applicants): 22–23 August 2026 First ranking announcement: 28 August 2026
Preparatory course deadline (Non-EU): 25 September 2025 → Document submission (Non-EU applicants – Preparatory course): by 1 August 2026
How Academica Bulgaria Helps You Apply to Trakia University of Stara Zagora?
Applying to Trakia University of Stara Zagora 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 - Trakia University of Stara Zagora
What programs does Trakia University of Stara Zagora offer in English?
Trakia University of Stara Zagora offers two programs taught in English: Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
What are the tuition fees at Trakia University of Stara Zagora?
Annual tuition fees at Trakia University of Stara Zagora are €5,520 for Veterinary Medicine and €7,500 for Medicine. Fees are payable in two equal installments per academic year. There is no administrative fee.
What is the entrance exam format at Trakia University of Stara Zagora?
The entrance exam at Trakia University of Stara Zagora is conducted online. For Medicine, the exam covers English, Biology, and Chemistry. For Veterinary Medicine, the exam covers only Biology. The exam fee is €75 – the lowest among Bulgarian medical universities.
How many entrance exam dates are available at Trakia University of Stara Zagora?
All applicants to Trakia University of Stara Zagora must sit an online entrance exam. The exam subjects differ depending on the program:
Medicine: English, Biology, and Chemistry (three separate exam days) Veterinary Medicine: Biology only (plus English for non-native speakers)
Exam dates for 2026/2027 admission:
23 August 2026 – English / 24 August 2026 – Biology and Chemistry
Exam fee: €75 – the lowest among all Bulgarian medical universities. Exam fees are non-refundable.
What are the diploma requirements for Trakia University of Stara Zagora?
Applicants must have grades in both Biology and Chemistry on their high school diploma. Both subjects are obligatory for admission to Trakia University of Stara Zagora.
What are the application deadlines at Trakia University of Stara Zagora?
Document submission runs from 1 March to 30 August for EU students, from 1 April to 1 July for non-EU students, and from 1 March to 9 September for UK students. The Preparatory Course deadline for non-EU students is 1 August 2025.
Is there a Preparatory Course at Trakia University of Stara Zagora?
Yes. Trakia University of Stara Zagora offers a one-year Preparatory Course for €3,500, designed for students who do not pass the entrance exam and need additional preparation in English, Biology, and Chemistry.
Are degrees from Trakia University of Stara Zagora recognized internationally?
Yes. Degrees awarded by Trakia University of Stara Zagora are recognized across the European Union. The university is listed by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) and in the World Directory of Medical Schools by the World Health Organization (WHO). The NEAA awarded Trakia University of Stara Zagora an institutional accreditation score of 9.20 out of 10.