Veterinary Medicine in Bulgaria: The Most Affordable, No-Entrance-Exam Option in the EU
17.09.2026
Why Bulgaria for veterinary medicine
Veterinary medicine is one of the most heavily restricted subjects in Germany: around 1,100 study places are available nationwide, spread across five locations. Anyone who does not get a place has good alternatives within the EU, and the most affordable of them are in Bulgaria.
Two universities offer veterinary medicine in English: the University of Forestry in Sofia and Trakia University in Stara Zagora. Both programmes last five and a half years and lead to a Master of Veterinary Medicine, which is recognised under EU Directive 2005/36/EC. Registration as a vet in Germany, Austria and Switzerland is therefore possible without additional examinations.
University of Forestry Sofia
The university was founded in 1925 and is the only institution in the Bulgarian capital offering veterinary medicine in English. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has existed since 1994 and has modern laboratories, clinics and teaching farms.
- Duration: 5.5 years, ten semesters plus one placement semester
- Tuition fees: currently around 4.500 to 5.200 Euro per year, payable in two instalments in September and February
- Cohort size: around 50 international students, hence small groups
- Entrance exam: multiple-choice test in biology and English, available online
- Qualification: 300 ECTS credits, a dissertation and a state examination
Trakia University Stara Zagora
The second option lies in central Bulgaria and has a stronger agricultural character, with correspondingly more hands-on work with farm animals. Tuition fees are higher in the first year and fall considerably thereafter, most recently to around 5.500 Euro per year. The entrance exam covers biology and English and likewise takes place online. Living costs in Stara Zagora, at around 350 to 500 Euro a month, are lower still than in the capital.
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Course content
The degree begins with the fundamentals: animal anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries follow, along with the applied subjects of animal husbandry, animal nutrition, animal hygiene, animal welfare and food safety. Practical training takes place in the university clinics and on teaching and partner farms. The degree concludes with a scientific dissertation and a state examination.
Requirements and application
You need your school-leaving certificate with adequate grades in the sciences and proof of English proficiency. There is no central selection procedure as in Germany; what decides is passing the entrance exam. Application deadlines are typically in late summer for the winter semester, and individual programmes also start in the summer semester.
Which of the two locations fits your situation is something we clarify in a free consultation.
Living in Sofia
Sofia has around 1.3 million inhabitants and lies at the foot of the Vitosha mountains. Living costs run to about 500 to 700 Euro a month, and a flat in the centre costs 400 to 600 Euro depending on location. Since 1 January 2026 the euro has been the official currency, so there is no longer any exchange rate risk. Direct flights to Germany take two to three hours.
Is the qualification recognised in Germany?
Yes. Both universities are state institutions and EU-accredited. Recognition follows Directive 2005/36/EC; no equivalence assessment or knowledge test is required.
Can I transfer to Germany later?
Transferring into a higher semester is possible in principle, but because of the small number of places in veterinary medicine it is considerably harder than in human medicine. It is more realistic to complete the degree abroad and then work in Germany.
Do I have to learn Bulgarian?
The degree is taught in English. Basic knowledge is helpful for everyday life and for the practical phases, and both universities offer courses accordingly.
The author’s view
Veterinary medicine is often overlooked in consultations, even though the starting position in Germany is almost identical to that in human medicine: very few places, very high demands on the grade average. Anyone who genuinely wants this profession should at least look at the European route.
What I value about Sofia for veterinary medicine: the fees are considerably below what human medicine and dentistry cost, the city is well connected, and there is an established German-speaking student community. Only one thing matters to me here: before applying, look closely at the structure of the degree and the placement requirements. This programme is more hands-on than many people expect.
Conclusion
Whatever your situation, you don't have to figure out the best path alone. At Medschool Experts, we work with the largest network of official partner universities, and we individually assess the highest possible year of entry for every student. In many cases, entry is even possible in the final two years of medical studies. Book a free consultation with our team and let's map out your personal path together.
Frequently Asked Questions about studying veterinary medicine in Bulgaria
Can I study veterinary medicine in Bulgaria without a numerus clausus?
Yes. Admission runs through your documents and an entrance exam in biology and English, which can be taken online. The school-leaving average is not a disqualifying criterion.
What does the degree cost?
At the University of Forestry in Sofia, tuition fees are currently around 4.500 to 5.200 Euro per year, payable in two instalments in September and February. At Trakia University Stara Zagora it was most recently around 5.500 Euro per year, higher in the first year.
How long does the degree take?
Five and a half years: ten semesters plus one placement semester, 300 ECTS credits in total. It ends with a dissertation and a state examination, and the qualification is a Master of Veterinary Medicine.
Is the qualification recognised in Germany?
Yes. Both universities are state institutions and EU-accredited, and recognition follows Directive 2005/36/EC. No equivalence assessment or knowledge test is required; the licence is granted by the competent authority in your federal state.
What language is used for teaching?
English. Bulgarian courses are offered alongside the degree and are helpful in everyday life and during the practical phases with animal owners.
How large are the cohorts?
At the University of Forestry there are around 50 international students per year group. That means small groups in the practical subjects and direct access to teaching staff.
Can I transfer to Germany later?
In principle yes, but in practice it is considerably harder than in human medicine because there are only around 1,100 veterinary study places nationwide. It is more realistic to graduate abroad and then start your career in Germany.
What did the 2026 euro changeover change?
Since 1 January 2026 payments in Bulgaria are made in euros. Tuition fees, rent and everyday spending therefore run in a familiar currency, and exchange rate risk and conversion fees no longer apply.
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About the author
Marcel Kloos
Swiss-licensed dentist and founder of Medschool Experts
Marcel Kloos founded Medschool Experts while studying abroad; since then, over 500 study places have been secured. The Stuttgart-born dentist studied dentistry from 2015 to 2021 in Sofia and holds a Swiss dental licence.
Today he lives in Bern and runs Medschool Experts full-time as its owner.
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