Bulgaria Student Visa

It is a country in southeastern Europe, well-known for its fascinating climate, beaches, mountain ranges, classical culture and friendly environment.

Every year more than 6000 outsider students come to Bulgaria for their higher education. Bulgaria is gradually becoming a well-known destination for Higher Education because of its affordable study and living costs, and superior quality education.

Why study in Bulgaria?

There are various reasons to study in Bulgaria; some of them are: 

1. Highly developed educational system

In Bulgaria, the education system is well structured, and its degrees are valuable globally. Here, you will have a broad range of programmes in the fields of sciences, technical, research, medicine, linguistics, and health care. Several institutions of higher education In Bulgaria offers double degree programmes. Medicine is the most prefered course offered here.

2. Reasonable cost of studying and living

It is one of the least costly European countries known for its affordable cost of study and living, food and accommodation. 

3. Exceptional study and living environment

You will enjoy a friendly environment and hospitality in Bulgaria. It is a quiet, peaceful state to study and live with helpful people. 

4. Job opportunities

In Bulgaria, you are allowed to work while studying. If you are enrolled as a full-time student, you are allowed to work during vacations. After completion of education, you can also apply to work in Bulgarian companies.

Note that if you are considering Bulgaria as a destination for your higher education, the first thing you need to check whether you need a visa or not. 

Who needs a Bulgaria Student Visa?

If you are a national of any UK, Swiss or EU/EEA country, you do not need to have a visa to study in Bulgaria. Just after you arrive in Bulgaria, you have to register with the police; you will be provided with a national identity card and temporary residence that lasts for up to five years. Check out the list of countries who do not need a study visa for Bulgaria. 

Keep in mind if you are a Non-EU/EEA resident or your country is not in the given list, you need to obtain a Bulgaria Student Visa.

How to get a Bulgaria Student Visa?

To study in Bulgaria, all you need is to apply for a Bulgaria Student Visa (D-type Visa). It is valid from 3 to 6 months. Before applying for a Bulgarian Student Visa, you must have an acceptance letter from any Bulgarian Institution. To live in Bulgaria until the completion of your study, you have to apply for a Bulgaria Residence Permit after you arrived in Bulgaria.

What will be the requirements for a Bulgaria Student Visa?

You need to have the following document to get a Bulgaria Student Visa (D-type Visa).

1. Bulgaria Student Visa Application Form

2. Travel document or Valid Passport

3. Passport size Photos

4. Police clearance report from native country

5. Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria

6. Travel Insurance from the resident country 

7. A document that shows private Health Insurance 

8. Evidence that shows enough financial means 

9. Acceptance Letter by Ministry of Education Bulgaria (original)

10. Academic certificates

11. Proof of educational institution fee payment

12. Proof of enough financial means for a student

What will be the processing time for a Bulgaria Student Visa?

It will take around 10-14 days for visa processing.

How to get a Bulgaria Residence Permit?

After the arrival in Bulgaria with a Bulgarian Student Visa, you have to apply for a residency permit (Long-Term stay) after final registration at University. It is valid for a year, and every year it can be renewed until the completion of your studies.

You can apply for a residence permit at the nearest Bulgarian Migration department office of the National Migration Directorate in Bulgaria. You will need to obtain the following documents to get a residence permit in Bulgaria.

1. Completed Application form

2. Valid national passport

3. Criminal record

4. Proof that shows accommodation in Bulgaria

5. Health Insurance 

6. Evidence that shows enough financial funds 

7. Registration document by Bulgarian educational institution 

8. Acceptance letter by the Ministry of Education

What will be the fee of residence permit in Bulgaria?

You have to pay the fees of student residence permit to the Migration office bank in Bulgaria.

• Application fee 

It will cost 5 EUR

• Fee for a year 

It will cost 250 EUR

• Fee for a Bulgarian identity card 

It will require 22.5 EUR

What will be the cost of study in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria, the cost of the study is less as compared to many other EU countries. The studying cost usually varies depending on the level of the study program (undergraduate or graduate) and the type of educational institution. But, you can assume to pay around 2,500 EUR to 8,000 EUR in a year.

What will be the student living cost in Bulgaria?

The living expenses of a student are quite affordable in Bulgaria. Usually, it will cost around €17,000 in a year, including the costs of food, accommodation, transportation and other utilities.