Medical University Sofia

Medical University – Sofia is Bulgaria's oldest and largest medical school, in the capital city. It teaches medicine in English to international students and trains them in Sofia's major university hospitals. Here is what Indian students should know for the 2027-28 intake.

Key facts for 2027-28

Location	Sofia, Bulgaria
Faculty of Medicine founded	1917
Type	Public medical university
Programme	Medicine — Master degree, qualification "Physician"
Duration	6 years
Admission	Entrance exam or document review (check the 2027-28 rules)
Intake	Autumn 2027

Always check fees, dates and rules for your intake on the official university website before you apply or pay.

About Medical University – Sofia

The university's Faculty of Medicine was founded in 1917 as part of Sofia University and became the core of the independent medical university. Today it has faculties of medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy and public health, and it works with many university hospitals in Sofia. Many of Bulgaria's leading doctors trained here.

The Medicine programme

The university describes a complete medical education of six years in three stages:

• Pre-clinical stage: anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, biology and other basic sciences.
• Para-clinical stage: pathology, microbiology, pharmacology and related subjects.
• Clinical stage: internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, neurology and other specialities, ending with pre-graduation rotations in university hospitals.

Graduates receive a Master's degree in Medicine with the professional qualification "Physician". Bulgarian language classes are part of the programme because you need Bulgarian for patient contact.

Why students choose Medical University – Sofia

• Bulgaria's oldest medical school, in the capital.
• Clinical training in large university hospitals.
• An EU medical degree at a moderate cost.
• Life in a capital city that is affordable by European standards.

Things to think about

• Exams are strict, especially in the first years.
• You must learn Bulgarian, which uses the Cyrillic alphabet.
• Entrance rules can change, so read the 2027-28 admission page carefully.

How admission works

The university publishes admission rules for international students on its "Admission of foreign citizens" page, and fees on its "Financial information" page. Bulgarian medical universities usually select international students through an entrance exam (commonly biology and chemistry) or a document review. Contact the admissions office for the 2027-28 dates, exam format and documents. After admission, enrolment approval allows you to apply for a long-stay (D) visa.

Fees and costs

Tuition for international students is set by the university and quoted in euros, Bulgaria's currency since January 2026. Get the official 2027-28 fee in writing. Also plan for hostel or rent, food, insurance, residence permit, documents and travel.

Life in Sofia

Sofia is Bulgaria's capital, set at the foot of Vitosha mountain. It has a metro, parks, historic churches and a busy café culture. Living costs are among the lowest of any EU capital. Winters are cold with snow, and summers are warm. Sofia airport has connections across Europe and the Middle East, with onward flights to India.

Preparing for the entrance exam

Most Bulgarian medical universities test biology and chemistry at a level close to the Indian Class 11 and 12 syllabus, sometimes with an English check. Revise NCERT biology and chemistry carefully, practise multiple-choice and short-answer questions, and ask the university for sample tests. Students who are not ready can ask about a preparatory course before the first year.

Arriving in Sofia

Plan your arrival with the university's international office. In the first weeks you will register your address, apply for your residence permit, open a local bank account if needed, and join Bulgarian language classes. Keep copies of every document and receipt.

Student life at Medical University – Sofia

International students at Sofia come from many countries, so you will find student associations, sports activities and cultural events through the year. Indian students often celebrate festivals together and help new arrivals settle in. Make time for rest and exercise: medical study is demanding, and a healthy routine helps you pass strict exams. Sofia's parks and the nearby Vitosha mountain are popular for weekend walks.

Before you apply to Medical University Sofia

To practise in India later, you need a qualifying NEET-UG result before you join, and the course must meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021: at least 54 months of study, a 12-month internship at the same university, teaching in English and eligibility for a medical licence in Bulgaria. NMC does not approve or list foreign universities, so ask Medical University Sofia to confirm these points in writing and read the latest notices on nmc.org.in. After graduating you will need to clear the licensing exam (currently FMGE) and a 12-month internship in India. Our MBBS abroad guide covers eligibility, documents, FMGE preparation and careers in detail.

2027-28 intake timeline

• October 2026 – January 2027: shortlist Medical University Sofia and other options, read the official 2027-28 admission rules and check that the course meets the NMC conditions.
• February – April 2027: register for NEET-UG 2027 and get your passport and documents ready.
• May 2027: appear for NEET-UG 2027 (NTA will announce the date; recent exams were on the first Sunday of May).
• March – July 2027 (document submission and entrance exams): apply to Medical University Sofia through its official international admissions channel.
• July – October 2027: admission letter, visa, travel and joining.

Related guides

For the bigger picture beyond Medical University Sofia, read these guides:

• MBBS in Bulgaria: living costs, visa, climate, student life and the full admission process in Bulgaria.
• MBBS abroad guide: eligibility, recognition in India, costs and choosing a country.
• Compare other universities by country, course and city.

How PSP Education can help

PSP Education has guided Indian students since 1992 and can help you decide whether Medical University Sofia suits you and apply before the 2027-28 deadlines. Book a free counselling session using the form on this page.

Summary and official sources

Medical University Sofia describes six years of medical study covering pre-clinical learning, clinical modules and pregraduation rotations at university hospitals. Graduates receive a Master degree and Physician qualification. Confirm the current English admission route, science examination and patient-contact language requirements.

Courses and official information

• Medicine — Master degree, Physician qualification — 6 years. Official programme information. Explore this course.

Visit the official university website for current admission rules, fees and application dates.

Indian medical applicants should check the current NMC requirements, NEET bulletin, internship structure and local licensing conditions before applying. Admission alone does not give permission to practise medicine in India.