Last Updated on March 15, 2023 by MBA Gateway Team
Bulgaria has not been in the limelight but that does not mean that it has nothing to offer. Bulgaria became a country in the 7th century. People from this country share unique cultures and histories. It turn into a democratic republic in 1991 and joined the European Union in 2007 which is when it started developing.
Bulgaria is bordered by Romania, Serbia, north Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey as well as the black sea from the east. Citizens of this country together with the capital of Sofia and other cities like Burgas, Varna, and Plovdiv are focused on enlarging an economy based on services.
Studying in Bulgaria gives a person a better opportunity for an international career. They are working on developing a more modern education system depending on the demand of society and business.
The academic year of almost all the universities teaching masters starts in September/October. A year has two semesters. The master’s degree takes between one and two years to complete.
Why MBA in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is one country that has the most respected and recognized universities in the Balkans. They have set aside a holiday in December known to be a student’s day whereby students are free from the institutions. Studying in this country comes with some benefits. These are:
- Schools from this area offer the cheapest tuition fee in the whole European Union
- Schools from Bulgaria offer high-quality education that involves both theory and practical
- The certificates issued in schools from Bulgaria come from the UK
- The certificates issued are internationally recognized
- Universities in Bulgaria teach in English
- The area has the lowest cost of living in the whole European Union.
According to our own MBA Gateway research MBA salary in Bulgaria is approximately$42,000. MBA programs in this country have become the best when a worldwide degree is required.
Requirements for application and admission for a Master in Bulgaria
According to research, there is no online application in Bulgaria for any higher education. Opportunities in universities in that are limited depending on a person’s previous qualifications.
When international students decide to study there they are advised to contact the facility directly and get all the required information and guidelines for the application process from the administration of the university. This also happens to students who come from the neighboring states of the European Union.
For a Bulgarian student to continue with a master’s degree they are required to revert a strong bachelor’s degree and turn up for an admission test. A language certificate is provided for programs that are delivered in other foreign languages or the student takes another admission exam in the same language.
Mostly the master’s exams take place during the spring and after in the autumn before the academic year starts.
After all the eligibility criteria the student is either accepted or denied. These eligibility criteria include;
- Bachelor of diploma grade
- State exam/dissertation thesis grade
- Admission exams
Deadlines for applications are different depending on the school. Most master’s degrees are available in three languages; English, French, and German.
Those who prefer not to attend any academic language examinations can use their bachelor’s diploma based on the study of one of these languages or previously acquired recognized certificates provided they exceed the requirements.
These certificates are such as:
- French-DELF/DALF
- English-IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge certificates
- German-TestDAF, Goethe Zertifikat
Tuition fees
In Bulgaria, fees are paid each semester. National, EU/EEA students pay a fee of EUR116-1000 per semester. In most universities, the fee range for international students is between EUR1500-2000.
The fee adds up to EUR3000-5000 for postgraduate programs and 8000 for programs like pharmaceuticals annually.
There is a catalog that explains the ways in which national and international students can experience the Bulgarian education system. These are; grants, scholarships, and exchange programs.
They have a grading system that ranges from poor (2) to excellent (6). They also have a system of awarding their best performers with a monthly scholarship.
There are loans for students to help them in financing their studies. These loans are paid after completion of the course when one graduate and after securing employment.
How is life as a student in Bulgaria?
There are some universities in Sofia that offer public accommodation to students in an area known as a student’s city. Those that are publicly funded offer halls for accommodation that are paid around EUR20-30 monthly. There are those students that prefer rentals that are well furnished, these students pay around EUR300 monthly.

In Bulgaria most lecture sessions are scheduled in the evening this favors those students that study and work at the same time.
An international student is also allowed to work part-time for 20 hours only. They use the student’s permit.
Top universities in Bulgaria that offer MBA programs
- American University in Bulgaria
- New Bulgarian University
- Varna University of Management
American University in Bulgaria MBA Program (offered in Sofia, Bulgaria)
The American University in Bulgaria offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in Sofia, Bulgaria. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in business, with a focus on preparing them for leadership roles in both the private and public sectors. The curriculum includes courses in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management, as well as electives that allow students to customize their education to their specific interests and career goals.
The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields and emphasizes hands-on learning, case studies, and group projects. Students also have opportunities to participate in internships and study abroad programs to gain practical experience and exposure to different business environments.
The American University in Bulgaria is a highly respected institution of higher education, accredited both in the United States and Bulgaria. Its MBA program is one of the most highly regarded in the region, and provides students with a solid foundation in business theory and practice, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly-changing business landscape.
If you’re interested in learning more about the American University in Bulgaria’s MBA program, you can visit their official website at https://www.aubg.edu/mba. Here, you can find more information about the curriculum, faculty, admissions requirements, and application process. You can also find information about the university as a whole, its history, and its mission to provide students with a world-class education in Bulgaria.
New Bulgarian University (offered in Sofia, Bulgaria)
New Bulgarian University (NBU) is a private university located in Sofia, Bulgaria. Founded in 1991, NBU is one of the newest universities in Bulgaria, but has quickly established itself as a leading institution of higher education in the region. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as humanities, social sciences, economics, law, and natural sciences.
NBU is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education, and is committed to providing its students with a challenging and rewarding academic experience. The university’s faculty members are experts in their respective fields, and are dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.
In addition to its strong academic programs, NBU is also known for its vibrant student life, with a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations for students to get involved in. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, which conduct cutting-edge research in fields such as political science, history, and environmental studies.
If you’re interested in learning more about New Bulgarian University, you can visit their official website at https://www.nbu.bg/en/. Here, you can find more information about the university’s academic programs, faculty, research centers, and student life. You can also learn more about the admissions process, tuition and fees, and scholarship opportunities.
Varna University of Management (offered in Varna and Sofia, Bulgaria)
Varna University of Management (VUM) is a private university located in Varna and Sofia, Bulgaria. Established in 1995, VUM offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of fields, including business, tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts.
VUM is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers in the global marketplace. The university’s faculty members are experts in their respective fields, and many have extensive industry experience. In addition, VUM has partnerships with a number of international universities, giving students the opportunity to study abroad and gain valuable cross-cultural experience.
VUM’s location in Varna, one of Bulgaria’s most popular tourist destinations, offers students unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the hospitality and tourism industries. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a culinary arts center and a hotel management training center, provide students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in these dynamic fields.
If you’re interested in learning more about Varna University of Management, you can visit their official website at https://vum.bg/en/. Here, you can find more information about the university’s academic programs, faculty, facilities, and partnerships. You can also learn more about the admissions process, tuition and fees, and scholarship opportunities.