Bulgarian Student Visa:the second step to study in Bulgaria, after getting acceptance letter, is to apply for Bulgarian Student Visa (D-type Visa) valid from 3 to 6 months. Bulgarian student Visa can be obtained from any Bulgarian Diplomatic Mission abroad and it is required to all non EU/EEA students in Bulgaria.

Required documents for Bulgarian student visa application:

Photocopy of Passport valid at least for one yea (the first page of the foreign travel document)

Acceptance letter (certificate stating that the applicant is admitted as a student in Bulgarian university plus the Certificate from the University stating that the applicant will be accommodated in the student hostel);

Medical insurance valid for the EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa.

Bank document issued on the name of the applicant to prove that tuition fee has been paid (in generally for half of annually tuition fee).

Colourful photograph 3,5 cm ? 4,5 cm against Wight background (the same holds for a child entered in the passport) – a full-face photo with clear, large enough face which takes up 70-80% of the photo; eyes must be red; the following is ineligible: photos with dark glasses; non-professional photos or cut out of amateur photos

Photocopy of the last Bulgarian and Schengen visas or visas for the UK and the US, if any.

Even if visas are not required by visitors from same countries for visit up to 90 days, all students from non-EU / EEA and Switzerland must have entry visa to study in Bulgaria. After the arrival in Bulgaria, the applicant with Bulgarian student visa must apply for a long-term stay (residency permit) in Bulgaria, valid for one year maxim and renewable every year for the whole period of the studies. Application for residency permit is only be submitted in Bulgaria after final registration at University. UK, Suisse and all EU/EEA students do not need visa to study in Bulgaria. However, after their arrival in Bulgaria, the must register with the police, after which they will be issued with a national identity card and temporary residence lasting up to five years

The higher education system in Bulgaria was changed in 1995 following the passage of the Higher Education Law. Under this law, universities, specialised institutions and colleges are all considered part of the higher education system.

Currently, there are 51 higher education institutions in Bulgaria. This comprises 42 universities and higher education institutions, 41 colleges within the higher school system and 9 independent colleges.

The country’s higher education system acquired a new structure at the end of 1995, when the National Assembly passed the Higher Education Law. The following multiple-level structure of academic qualifications was introduced by this law:

• Three-year education at institutes and colleges, after its completion graduates receive a higher-education certificate and a professional qualification;
• Four-year education at university, after its completion graduates receive a Bachelor’s degree;
• Five- or six-year course at a university, after its completion graduates receive a Master’s degree; and
• Three-year post-university training leading to a Doctorate.

Under the Higher Education Law, universities, specialised institutes, and colleges are classified as higher educational institutions in Bulgaria. They offer educational programmes of various types, as well as degrees, thus offering students opportunities for higher education in different ways.

There are generally two options for students looking for accommodations in Bulgaria. Dormitories on campus or apartments or condos off campus.

On – Campus Housing:

Dorms in an Bulgarian college or universities are large buildings equipped with the latest facilities where the majority of the students share a room,bathroom and a common area with a roommate.Dorms vary hugely in design, but typically, two students share a room in a hall of about forty students;there are separate bathrooms for men and women and an area where you can all cook and hang out together. Some Universities have pods, in which 6 or so students have their own room, but share a bathroom and common area. Honestly,dorms come in all shapes and sizes, so until you see it it is hard to know exactly what you are going to get.Many colleges and universities provide on campus housing for freshman, and some can provide it throughout all the academic years of your studies. Your university should provide more information on dorm life during your orientation.

Off – Campus Accommodations:

Off campus accommodation is a great option for international students, since it gives you the chance to really make space of your own, become part of a wider community, but also get some peace and composure whenever you might need it,unlike the crowded dorms. Living away from campus gives you the chance to build your perfect home away from home. The students can either use UA admissions for procuring such off campus accommodations or have university liaisons officer to help you out to find a new place and settle down.As off campus housing is a popular option, especially with larger universities it is advisable to start your search early.Contact your universities International Student Office and ask for their advice on how you should go about your search. Do not be afraid to ask for help. People will understand that you are new to the process and will want to make it easy and transparent for you. Prioritize your needs,such as proximity to campus,a nice pool, budget, and then stick to it. Do not be afraid to be picky but it is advisable to be realistic. Finally do not be panicked, even if you do not have something set up by the time you arrive, keep in touch with your university officers and university admissions Bulgaria, let us know where you stand and you will be always assisted.

Foreign citizens are enrolled in higher educational institutions, providing they pay 100% of the tuition fees. Tuition fee payment is waived for students studying for a doctorate and for postgraduate students in various fields accepted for a course of studies by a resolution of the Bulgarian Council of Ministers or under relevant governmental agreements. If you are interested in studying in Bulgaria and if you are looking for financial support, we strongly recommend that you reach our counselor who would assist you to find all the information on available scholarships (section Study & Research in Bulagria). Our aim is to make it easier for those interested in studying in Bulgaria as well as those providing assistance and advice in ESC’s office to find details of existing grant programmes and to guarantee that the information about these programmes is always up to date.

The types of higher education institutions are Universities,Colleges and Specialized Higher Schools.Universities, as in most countries worldwide,have three stages:Bachelor (undergraduate),Master (graduate),and Doctoral degrees.Undergraduate stage lasts for at least four years and graduate stage lasts for five years after completion of secondary education or one year after obtaining a bachelor degree.The third stage of higher education results in obtaining a Ph.D. Degree.Specialized higher schools offer degrees in one or more areas of science, arts, sports, and defense.Usually,the names of these institutions indicate the area of specialization.Colleges are former semi-higher institutes.Some of them are part of universities and use their equipment and facilities.At universities,undergraduate programs take at least 4 years to complete, and may be complemented by masters degrees and even doctorates.

Bologna Process

The Bologna Process is a series of ministerial meetings and agreements between European countries to ensure comparability in the standards and quality of higher-education qualifications.The process has created the European Higher Education Area under the Lisbon Recognition Convention. It is named after the University of Bologna, where the Bologna declaration was signed by education ministers from 29 European countries in 1999. The process was opened to other countries in the European Cultural Convention[1] of the Council of Europe, and governmental meetings have been held in Prague (2001), Berlin (2003), Bergen (2005), London (2007) and Leuven (2009).

The educational system of Bulgaria composes of the basic, secondary, and higher levels. Basic education is divided into 2 categories – elementary (grade 1 to 4). Secondary education has 2 types -comprehensive (high school) and vocational (technical school). The higher education on the other hand has 3 kinds -Universities, Colleges, and Specialized Higher Schools. Bulgaria uses the numerals grading system of which 6 is the highest grade while 2 is the lowest.

The Bulgarian educational curriculum gives priority on the following subjects: Bulgarian language and literature, mathematics, information technologies, natural sciences and ecology, social sciences and civics, music and art, and foreign languages.

As a result of the active participation in the Bologna process the following key characteristics have been introduced in Bulgaria:

3-degree higher education system

Bachelor-comprises two levels – professional bachelor in all the subjects and bachelor

Master

Doctor

A credit accumulation and transfer system

European diploma supplement

The land that gave birth to the legendary Orpheus and Spartacus,Bulgaria is a country with a long, tumultuous and fascinating history. It has been invaded, conquered and settled by Greeks, Scythians, Romans, Byzantines and Turks, all of whom left their indelible marks on the landscape. Bulgariaa medieval Golden Agea, when the Bulgar Khans ruled over one of the largest empires in Europe, was bright but brief, while 500 years of subsequent, brutal Turkish domination isolated the country from the rest of Europe. More recently, Bulgaria spent four decades as a totalitarian Soviet satellite, again leaving this small Balkan nation in the shadows as far as the Western world was concerned. Ita no wonder, then, that Bulgarians are so passionate about preserving their history and their culture, which has survived so often against the odds. In the last years of the 20th century Bulgaria began opening up, and is one of the newest members of the EU.

From about 400 BC a race called the Thracians lived in parts of what is now Bulgaria. The Thracians were a tribal society and they were superb horsemen. They were also known for making beautiful gold and silver jewelry.By 100 AD the Romans conquered Bulgaria.The Romans founded the city of Timontium.They also built the city of Serdica on the site of Sofia. In 395 the Roman Empire split in two. Bulgaria became part of the Eastern Roman Empire, also called as the Byzantine Empire. However Byzantium grew weaker and about 500 AD Slavs settled in Bulgaria. Then in 680 the Bulgars where invaded,led by their ruler Khan Asparukh.They were descended from the Huns from Central Asia. They crossed the Danube and founded the state of Bulgaria. They then intermarried with the Slavs. In 716 the Byzantine Empire recognized the state of Bulgaria. The Byzantines ruled Bulgaria until 1185. From the 9th century to the 15th century a religious section called the Bogomils flourished in Bulgaria. The Bogomils were probably named after an 8th century priest named Bogomil. In the 14th century the Ottoman Turks were a rising power in the region. In 1393 they captured Turnovo. All Bulgarian resistance to the Turks ended in 1396. Bulgaria was under Turkish rule for nearly 500 years.

Bulgarian national identity is evolved from the comprehension that, the Bulgarian nation was developed with a distinct ethnic identity right from the Middle Ages. This identity, preserved throughout the Ottoman rule, formed the basis for an independent nation state. The history of this struggle for a Bulgarian state provides key symbols of their national identity. Another premise is the overlapping of the ethnic and territorial boundaries. This has at times lead to territorial conflicts with neighboring states. Moreover, this renders the ambivalent traits of the minorities, since they do not share the same ethnic and historical ties with the Bulgarian lands and state.

Urbanization and Architecture in Bulgaria

Till the end of World War II, the Bulgarian economy survived majorly on agriculture. The states socialism brought rapid industrialization, leading significant share of the population to shift to the towns and cities. Architectures quiet similar to the soviet styles where prominent in the cities and towns. This includes concrete apartment buildings and industrial developments with traditionally styled homes and apartment buildings within the urban area limits. Educational and administrative facilities are spread across the major cities in Bulgaria. Streets are wide, and often cobbled, with public parks, gardens, and playgrounds all around the town vicinity. Economic collapse in the 1990s has adversely affected the infrastructure and the maintenance of public spaces in Bulgaria. Traditional houses in villages and towns serves the real traditional architecture styles with woods surrounded by high fences and latticed windows.Interiors often include carved wooden ceilings. Dwellings whether apartments or traditional houses, are very much private spaces,with interiors hidden from public view and often decorated in highly individual manners.Churches are prominent,many dating from the National Revival,and many Revival era cultural centers are preserved. Many mosques were destroyed following liberation and also during the state socialist period. Mosque restoration and rebuilding began after 1989 in major Muslim areas in Bulgaria.

Social Strata

During the state socialist period, elite status highly depended on the maintenance of right relationships and entailed privileges of access to better housing, best schooling, scarce commodities, and travelling to foreign destinations. Following the fall of state socialism, this status began to be measured more in terms of monetary wealth, all the while the gap between the rich and the ordinary citizens kept on growing. Despite a general aversion to it, conspicuous consumption by the elite has become considerably more visible in the form of imposing dwellings and imported luxury goods and motor vehicles.Many women entered paid employment during the socialist era, while an ideology of gender equality was promoted, and they contributed nearly half the workforce in the late twentieth century. Women in Bulgaria are frequently employed as teachers, nurses, pharmacists, sales clerks, and laborers and less often involved in management, administration, and technical sciences. Women are also largely responsible for household tasks like child care, cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Agricultural labor is divided according to the gender, with men working along with animals and machinery, while women doing more hand labor in crop production. But there is a scope for lot of flexibility these days in Bulgaria.

Politics

The constitution of Bulgaria in the year 1991, established a parliamentary republic, which provides for a multiparty parliamentary system and free elections with universal adult suffrage. Bulgaria chief of state is an elected president, and the head of government is a prime minister selected by the largest parliamentary group. To enter the National Assembly, parties and electoral coalitions must receive at least 4 percent of the popular vote

Bulgarian higher education has a long tradition and is recognized in the EU countries since 2007. Different type of institutions that offer Master programs in Bulgaria includes the universities, colleges and specialized educational institutions. Living cost and tuitions are quiet affordable in Bulgaria unlike other EU countries.

PG academic Tenure

A Master study in Bulgaria normally lasts between one and two and a half years.If a student applies for a program, different than the Bachelor studies, one should always prepare for additional pre-semester, which will gear up the candidate with the relevant discipline.

Different PG programs

Very popular among international students are the medical degrees in Bulgaria,because of the high education level, reasonable costs and the opportunity for the medical students to obtain internship and work across other EU member states. Other popular fields of study in Bulgaria are science,mathematics and computer science.Bulgaria is very popular with its IT specializations and the related business.

Medium of Studies

Many courses in Bulgarian universities are fully thought in English, German and French.Moreover,there are many collaborations between Bulgarian and foreign universities.If a student decides to choose some of those double or triple Masters Programmes,they will probably study one semester or one year in Bulgaria and be given a double degree from a Bulgarian and a foreign educational institution.

Admission and Tuition

As an international student one will always have different admission requirements, which will have to be checked with the chosen university as the criteria varies between institutions.To sum it up, in order for one to get an admission for PG, the student will have to submit their Bachelor degree, language certificate, recent photographs and filled in application form.Usually,international students pay higher tuition fee and are not funded by the Bulgarian government.Nevertheless,one could get a financial help if studies are in Bulgarian language.

Essential credentials to clear through for Bulgarian PhD admissions

Diploma or High school certificate

Finance security

Health report

Passport

A bachelor degree is the first phase of education that needs to be covered under the Bulgarian academic structure. A bachelor degree in Bulgaria generally takes up to four years to be completed.In some realms of academic studies,bachelor degrees do not exist, instead students study longer and proceed directly to a master program. Bulgarian study courses are available in various fields such as medicine, mathematics, computer sciences, engineering, chemistry, biology, linguistics etc. International students intending to do bachelors in Bulgaria generally have to take up a one year preparatory course.

Teaching Methodology

Courses with Bulgarian universities are career oriented and the major shares of the lectures delivered are interest driven for these course. They normally follow a study group strategy to cover up the curriculum. Extracurricular activities incorporated into these courses allow the students to attain essential practical knowledge while enjoying their free time. Tutoring is a common practice in Bulgaria, supporting personal and professional improvements.

Grading System

The grading system in Bulgarian education typically works with GPA.The grade scale in Bulgarian education system is based on 2 to 6, where in the grades below 3 are considered to be failing grades.

Academic Tenure

The academic year for most of the Bulgarian universities and schools begins around October 1 and the tenure would comprise of a Fall and Spring semester, spanning around 30 weeks.The classes usually happen over weekdays with either 75 minutes classes or two 45 minutes periods with a 15 minute break. Each program has their own specifications with relevance to laboratory hours and theoretical application in labs and clinics.

Due to the soaring unemployment rates in Bulgaria, finding work for any international students can be a little too difficult initially. But as per the trends set in this country,there has been always an opportunity for any candidate that has specific linguistic skills backed by experience and technical knowhow in relevant verticals. Finding work in Bulgaria can be a challenge as the country is plagued by corruption, organized crimes and it still continues its struggle to recover from this downturn. Unemployment levels have reduced from previous heights and inflation is under control,but the standard of living still remains low. But this does not mean that they have a high cost of living. The routine comparative expenses are comparatively very low in Bulgaria making it quiet affordable place to survive for someone with a secured job.

Job opportunities in Bulgaria are highly prevalent in large cities,especially for those with linguistic capabilities, specific job experience and IT skills.Most opportunities will be for specialists working for multinational companies located in Bulgaria. Local companies usually recruit Bulgarian graduates before considering those from overseas.Speaking Bulgarian (the official language) is useful and many jobs will require a good command of one or more foreign languages. English is ther most popular, followed by German, French and Russian even for work. Major industries that provide job opportunities in Bulgaria consists of Machinery and equipments sector, chemicals and plastics, food and beverages, gas, water, tobacco, base metals, coke, refined petroleum and nuclear fuel.

Other relevant job prospect vertical with Bulgaria include IT,Telecom and BFSI.The normal working hours in Bulgaria is eight hours and people work five days a week. Workers tend to get an annual leaves of twenty days in a year apart from the public holidays. All the employees working in Bulgaria are subject to 10% flat tax rate.The majority of the job prospects to sum up in Bulgaria will be with MNC, which normally follow a recruitment procedure just like in UK.

Rila Monasterry

Known as the Jerusalem of Bulgaria. This picturesque Eastern Orthodox monastery in the forested mountains is less than two hours south of Sofia and is definitely worth a pilgrimage visit. Named for St. Ivan of Rilski, a tenth century hermit who lived in a nearby cave. The monastery has been built, burnt, and rebuilt over the centuries, with the latest construction dating to the 1800s. Enter the courtyard and a visitor will be stunned by the perfect harmony of the church, with its graceful arches in bold stripes of black and white set under a row of sculpted gargoyles, tiled roofs, and five domes reaching towards the sky. In the distance are the peaks of the Rila Mountains, complimenting an oasis of serenity perfect for religious hermits and modern visitors alike.

Sozopol

One of the oldest towns on Bulgarias Black Sea coastline, Sozopol is a popular fishermen village and seaside resort. Located 35 kilometers south of Burgas, Sozopol was known in the 6th century BC as Apollonia, completed with a temple dedicated to Apollo. The town is small enough for a casual strolls. Visitors can walk along the quays as the day catch is unloaded or through the old town with its wooden houses calling out in desperation for repair. In case if you find the sea too deep or rough for swimming, you can always sunbathe on the rocks along the shore in Sozopol.

The Black Sea Beaches

A good place to start is the countrys famous coastline.Bulgaria is known for its Black Sea coastline which has long stretches of sandy beaches dotted with hotels, traditional fishing villages and historical sites.

Tourists flock to the glitzier resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, but the city beaches in Varna and Burgas are just as beautiful as the black sea beaches.

Plovadiv Old Town

Plovdiv,the second largest city in Bulgaria, has something that Sofia does not have – an old town on a hill. The city was founded some 6,000 years ago and was developed on seven hills, but one of them was destroyed at the beginning of the 20th century.The Old Town towers over the city centre with structures from different eras, including a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater. The Old Town is best known for its Bulgarian Renaissance architectural style, with colorful houses displaying the National Revival unique exterior characteristics on every corner. Walking up the hill is a delight, with the many galleries and house museums all worth a visit..

Internships is an opportunity for the undergraduates, or the post graduates to get hands on experience with the corporate life handle, which is better served by an experienced set of consultants with the right companies and the right opportunities. We ensure that the students with the relevant credentials are always paved into the right path to experience what they have learned in an actual work environment. As a study platform or a job orientation program, internships abroad have always been useful for students to relocate, set a firm hold on a job offer and move forward for a better life. We as consultants, makes it better for you by giving the right guidance, recommendations and processing to ensure that you do not stumble at any point.

Why Internship in Bulgaria?

Being a student who has already graduated or pursuing a graduation or someone who wish to be placed abroad, doing an internship will be the best option to straighten their goals for a better career. Such internships, if based on the relevant learning, tagged with sheer performance and spirit from the candidate can always lead to a prospective employment with a company. This will fire up your career in a better way than you can ever imagine.Once such an opportunity as a newbie in the corporate world is unraveled, the options are always endless and colorful.The student or visit visas with such opportunities are likely to be converted into a job visa with prospects of permanent residence in the residing country without incurring much of expenses. The stay back option for such a student will never be underutilized with the help of experts in the industry to help them get into their relevant field of learning as an intern.The internship programs promoted by various universities and corporate in Bulgaria may at times require office works,while others require hands on work with the sites, schools or fields.

Such program varies from institutions and corporate with their provisions ranging from internship expenses, flight, visa, housing, food etc. It always allows the candidates to apply their academic knowledge in actual work environment while indulging themselves in diverse international cultures across international borders contributing to very valid international work experience. Internship programs in Bulgaria, like any other education program can be flexible according to what the student wants. It can be an eight weeks summer internship program in the field of student choice or a part time internship program as part of the study curriculum or to supplement a semester or it can be a summer course work abroad. Everything, if treated with the right seriousness, passion, delivered with smart and relevant effort can always lead to bright offers for the candidates.

Bulgaria is one of the few exotic nations of Europe, due to the fact that it boasts sublime beaches, lovely churches, winter sport opportunities and great hiking,to name a few.Although it has traditionally not been regularly visited by Westerners compared to other European nations, this is beginning to change.It is a beautiful place,with a wide range of activities for a traveler to enlist.

Prospective International students are welcome to apply to study in Bulgaria. Bulgarian universities have culture of receiving international students from years.Although during the communist time most international students were attracted mainly by Bulgarian scholarships,to day, most international students appreciate to study in Bulgaria not only because good quality of education but also of safe and friendly environment,cheap tuition fees and cost of live,system of education centred on practice, English, Germany and French or Bulgarian programs,diplomas recognised in all EU countries and beyond, etc.

Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic.The Narodno Subranie,consists of 240 deputies who are elected for 4 year terms through a mixed electoral system. 209 members of parliament are elected according to the classic proportional representation system and 31 majority members are elected individually under the majority representation system in each and every district Parliament selects and dismisses government ministers,including the prime minister,exercises control over the government, and sanctions deployment of troops abroad.

Bulgaria is traditionally a Christian state since 865. But during the Ottoman rule, even the Sunni Muslims has taken roots in this country.Even though the country typically follows orthodox Christianity, being a part of Europe the country ensures that every single soul in the nation gets the right to exercise free religion,according to their wish.