Study Medicine in Bulgaria as an American

The most affordable English-taught MD in the European Union, universities with long international traditions and a Black Sea coast on your doorstep. What US Americans should know about medical school in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is where a lot of international doctors quietly got their start. Its medical universities have taught in English for decades, the degree is recognized across the EU, and tuition sits well below what Central Europe charges. For US Americans who want a solid MD without the price tag, it deserves a serious look.

We know the country first-hand. Marcel Kloos, who founded Medschool Experts, studied dentistry in English at the Medical University of Sofia and graduated in 2021.

English-taught medical schools in Bulgaria for US students

University	City	Program	Tuition per year
Medical University of Varna	Varna	6-year MD	approx. 8,000 €
Medical University of Sofia	Sofia	6-year MD	approx. 8,000 €

Why Americans pick Bulgaria

Lowest tuition for an English-taught MD in the EU
Living costs of about 500 € to 800 € per month
EU degree that qualifies you for the USMLE
Varna on the Black Sea, Sofia in the mountains: two very different, very livable cities

What studying there is actually like

Expect a traditional, exam-heavy European program. Oral exams are common, professors expect you to know your anatomy cold and the clinical years take place in large state hospitals with a lot of patients. Bulgarian lessons start early so you can talk to patients later. Many US students say the oral exams were the best preparation they had for presenting on rounds.

Admission

Bulgarian universities usually look at your high school grades in biology and chemistry and hold an entrance test or interview in these subjects. We prepare you for it and take care of apostille, application and residence permit.