Study Dentistry in Bulgaria in English

• UK and international students looking for a world-class dentistry education have a range of excellent opportunities in Bulgaria.
• Universities are among the most prestigious in Europe with heritage programmes that extensively develop core clinical and medical dentistry training.
• Bulgarian dentistry programmes qualify graduates with an international Masters of Dentistry whereas most British dental schools offer only a Bachelors of Dentistry.
• Once qualified, graduates’ degrees are globally recognised including by the UK’s General Medical Council (GMC).
• There are many advantages for international students when they choose to study dentistry in Bulgaria — affordable programmes, consistent with European and North American curriculum standards, and all modules are taught in English.
• Bulgaria’s higher education system is renowned for core principles of best practice through the modern curriculum and new managerial models for international standards of medical and dental universities.
• Three accredited world-class dentistry schools to choose from to study at in the capital of Sofia, the charming regional city of Plovdiv, or the historic coastal city of Varna.
• University campuses mix heritage buildings with modern facilities for classrooms, tutorial and study spaces, laboratories, digital precincts, and extracurricular zones.
• Students can establish themselves for a global dentistry career from early in their programme with local and international postgraduate training opportunities available.
• Students seeking accessible, high-quality education benefit from tuition fees that are at least 16% lower than UK tuition fees.
• Bulgarian clinical training pathways are extensive with comprehensive rotations encompassing dental clinics and hospitals followed by elective rotations and state internships.
• While studying in Bulgaria, students enjoy countless options for an inspiring, fulfilling lifestyle and it’s a peaceful, comfortable country that’s an EU and NATO member.
• Including rent, comparing Bulgaria to the UK, cost of living — including rent — is 47.7% lower than the UK despite being in the EU.
• Relocating is straightforward via British, EU, and Middle Eastern flight connections with multiple Bulgarian international airports; overland travel via train, bus, ferry, and car; and, a range of rental accommodations.

Candidates are required to submit the following documents:

1. Completed application form including brief biographical data, educational history and any courses for which the candidate is applying
2. Copy of a diploma confirming completion of secondary education, with an academic transcript stating the disciplines studied
3. Document issued by relevant authorities which certifies the right to continue education in higher schools and universities in the country of origin of the secondary school attended by the candidate
4. Health certificate issued no more than one month prior to application and verified in the country from which the candidate is applying
5. Two 4-5cm photographs

The diploma, academic transcript and health certificate must be translated into Bulgarian and legalised as per official state directives.

Additional requirements:

1. Students applying to dentistry programme in Bulgaria are required to sit entrance exams in Biology and Chemistry. Certain universities may require English entrance exams before a programme letter of offer is finalised.
   • Exams are in English
   • Students sit exams online
   • The test format is Multiple-Choice Questions
2. Students from both EU and non-EU countries must also apply for their Bulgarian Student Visa (prior to arrival) and Bulgaria Student Residence Permit (applied for in Bulgaria).

Bulgaria’s dental programmes are a fantastic opportunity for UK and international students to follow their dream of dentistry training. When students study dentistry in Bulgaria, they’ll experience every upside of completing university in the EU: location, affordability, and lifestyle.

All three Bulgarian universities offer 6-year dentistry programmes structured into a curriculum of:

• Theoretical dental modules
  • Comprising: theory modules including fundamentals of dentistry plus medicine and biology studied on-campus
  • Duration: around 2 years
• Clinical training
  • Comprising: clinical modules undertaken in Bulgarian dental hospitals and dental clinics with professors and dental specialists
  • Duration: around 3 to 3.5 years
• Internship
  • Comprising: a clinical apprenticeship covering specialist areas including paediatrics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, denture dentistry, conservative dental treatment, paradontology, and orthodontics
  • Duration: around 6 months
• State examinations
  • Passed in order to receive a Masters of Dentistry degree

Key facts about the programme structure at the best Bulgarian dental schools:

• Sofia Medical University
  • SMU offers 6-year dentistry programmes.
  • The programme has the following curriculum:
    • Years One to Two: theoretical, fundamentals of dentistry modules
    • Years Three to Five: clinical practice and training, plus summer practical internships (Years Two to Four)
    • Year Six: internship and state exams
• Plovdiv Medical University
  • MU-Plovdiv offers 6-year dentistry programmes.
    • Years One to Two: theoretical, pre-clinical modules
    • Years Three to Five: clinical training and apprenticeships in Bulgarian hospitals and clinics, plus summer practical internships (Years Two to Four)
    • Year Six: internship and state exams
• Varna Medical University
  • MU-V offers 6-year dentistry programmes studied over 11 semesters followed by internships.
    • Years One to Two: theoretical modules covering general medicine and biology
    • Years Three to Five: clinical training for general practice, apprenticeships, and specialist training, plus summer practical internships (Years Two to Four)
    • Year Six: internship and state exams

• Bulgaria’s dental schools attract a vibrant, international student community who live in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.
• Every university and city is unique so students are immersed in university life and the local region’s highlights and culture.
• Students study full-time each academic year which includes two 15-week semesters and most class timetables cover Monday to Friday lectures, laboratories, and seminars.
• Most students have contact hours for around 8-9 hours per day, then, after hours, student life is easygoing and low-pressure so it’s easy to dedicate the necessary hours to study while balancing extracurriculars, personal wellbeing, and friendships.
• The curriculum progressively incorporates more and more complex modules to build theoretical knowledge and ready for clinical application, internships, and apprenticeships.
• At the end of each semester, students sit exams then enjoy a well-earned break before the next round of classes.
• Every university has a distinct lifestyle and a strong heritage of traditions, Student Council, extracurricular organisations, alumni networks, sport and activities:
  • While studying in each city, students can live on-campus or in off-campus accommodation like affordable apartments and studios.
  • SMU — students enjoy a strong Student Council culture, there’s opportunities for Erasmus+ EU exchange, and a range of associations for competitive and social sport, Bulgarian travel, and special interest clubs.
  • MU-P — students can join both the Student Council and the Medical Students associations that includes forums, international projects, and collaborations with fellow Bulgarian universities, plus social clubs, activities, sport, and languages.
  • MU-V — while studying, students can get involved in sailing, tennis, swimming, athletics, table tennis, and charity initiatives. There’s also a dental medical students in Varna organisation and the Students Union.
• Local student life reflects the distinct culture students experience when they’re based in that region:
  • Sofia — the small but mighty capital city is rich in culture, cuisine, history, entertainment, and close to nature. Attractions are easily accessed on foot and there’s extensive overland connections to neighbouring countries. As a European capital, Sofia combines the best of Bulgaria with EU conveniences and diversity.
  • Plovdiv — a stunning regional city that retains its traditional and historic charms without compromising on everything students need. Students can embrace an active lifestyle with cycling culture, walkability, yoga, parks and hiking. Then, there’s cafés, clubs, and bars that are affordable and it has a strong international community.
  • Varna — unifying Bulgaria’s extensive ancient and modern history with a youthful, buzzing metropolis, students adore Varna’s laidback, convenient charms. A small coastal city, there’s plentiful international connections giving it a distinctive, cosmopolitan character. The city’s singular architecture, seafront attractions, green spaces, and arts scene make student life inspiring.

• Dentistry programmes in Bulgaria are highly affordable for international students and tuition fees are as low as €9,000 per year.
• The advantages to dentistry study in Bulgaria extend to all parts of student life as it’s easier, more relaxed, the climate is great, and there’s multiple options for affordable programmes in a safe, peaceful region.
• Even with the lower tuition fees compared to UK dental schools, universities, student hospitals, and and dental clinics are modern with high-tech resources and it’s a world-class education for less.

• Above all, students enjoy how much less pressure there is studying in Bulgaria — they get the best EU dental school training without the stress of hefty living costs.
• Because rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, health insurance, and transport is far less than London — and UK university cities — life’s easy.
• Even with the varying living costs between Sofia and smaller regional cities, Bulgaria is at least 30% cheaper for personal expenses for international dentistry students.
• It’s important for students to be prepared that Bulgaria is a foreign country so some luxury and import goods might have tax added or they’ll be buying from speciality stores.

In a 2024 side-by-side comparison, living costs are almost 50% lower in Georgia than in the UK (Numbeo).

Additionally, rent prices are 55% lower than the UK and grocery prices are 37.8% lower.

Other essential bills are lower for monthly transport and utility bills as well at 82.5% cheaper and 78.4% cheaper respectively.

For study preparations, a fast home internet connection is highly reliable and affordable at around €17 per month — 52.8% lower per month than the UK.

In terms of discretionary spending, students living in Georgia can expect that some luxury and imported goods may be more expensive than the UK. This is due to different tax systems, duties, and availability of items.

• As authorised recruiters for the best dental and medical schools in Europe and the Caribbean, Study Medicine Europe has created the standard for supportive, personalised, and professional student services.
• Because Bulgaria is one of the world’s top dental education destinations, successfully gaining a programme place is incredibly competitive.
• Graduates from these programmes are in demand as they’re highly qualified dentists and it’s a global headstart for any student planning on an international medical career.
• Working with SME’s specialists, UK and international students are personally supported to understand the range of Bulgarian dental programmes and what each university has to offer.
• Then the SME recruitment team works personally to prepare applications, translate and personally submit applications, and simplify the entry exams process.
• SME transforms all parts of the dental school journey from intimidating to exhilarating — their services cover every aspect of moving abroad to graduating and working internationally — so dentistry careers are a dream for every student!