Universities in Bulgaria

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 48 Universities in Bulgaria

The Republic of Bulgaria is divided into 28 provinces (Bulgarian: области), which are further subdivided into 265 municipalities (Bulgarian: общини). The vast majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Sofia City province (Bulgarian: Sofia-grad), situated in the western part of the country. Sofia City, as the capital, is Bulgaria's largest urban center and a hub of political, cultural and economic activity. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all provinces that include at least one Bulgarian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Blagoevgrad (3)  
Burgas (2)  
Gabrovo (1)  
Pernik (1)  
Pleven (1)  
Plovdiv (8)  
Ruse (1)  
Shumen (1)  
Sofia City (20)  
Stara Zagora (1)  
Varna (6)  
Veliko Tarnovo (3)  

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The Higher Education System in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian higher education system is regulated by the 1995 Law on Higher Education and the Law for the Development of Academic Staff. It includes universities, specialized higher schools (such as academies and institutes), and independent colleges, some of which are private institutions. The system provides a structured academic path aligned with the Bologna Process.

Types of higher education institutions in Bulgaria

There are several types of higher education institutions in Bulgaria:

1. Universities: Universtiteti offer a wide range of programs and research opportunities at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
2. Specialized Higher Schools: Spetsializirano Visshe Uchilishte are institutions focused on specific fields of study, such as arts, medicine, or technology.
3. Colleges: Kolezhi offer professional bachelor degrees, typically in specialized areas.

Access to higher education in Bulgaria

Students gain access to higher education after completing secondary education (grades 8 to 12) and obtaining the Diploma za Zavurcheno Sredno Obrazovanie (Diploma of Secondary Education). They must also pass entrance exams or meet additional admission requirements set by individual institutions.

Languages of instruction in Bulgaria

University programs are primarily taught in Bulgarian, but many institutions also offer courses in English, French, and German, especially for international students.

Stages of higher education in Bulgaria

1. First stage: the bachelor's degree (Bakalavr) typically lasts four years and requires at least 240 credits.
2. Second stage: the master's degree (Magister) follows the bachelor's degree, usually lasting one to two years.
3. Third stage: the doctoral degree (Doktor) is the highest academic level and generally requires several years of research.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Bulgarian universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Bulgaria
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Bulgarian post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Bulgaria
  Search for Bulgarian higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Bulgarian Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Bulgarian town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Bulgaria
  Discover Bulgarian public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Bulgaria
  Find out about Bulgarian private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Bulgaria
  Explore Bulgarian not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Bulgaria
  Look for Bulgarian for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Bulgarian Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Bulgaria have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Bulgarian Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Bulgaria that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Bulgarian Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Bulgaria are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Bulgarian Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Bulgaria with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.