The admission requirements to study at Sofia Medical University are:
Your ranking will depend mostly on your entrance exam score. Applications must be sent as early as possible before the September deadline to maximise your chances of entry. The medical school has only one intake in October every year.
The average acceptance rate for students who apply to Sofia Medical University through us is 81%, meaning 4 out of 5 get in.
The tuition fees for medicine and dentistry at Sofia Medical University are around £6,700 per year or around £40,200 in total for 6 years.
Living costs for students in Sofia are between £420 - £500 per month, including rent.
| Yearly Tuition fee difference between the UK and Sofia Medical University (approx) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Medicine | Dentistry |
| in the UK | £9,250 | £9,000 |
| at Sofia MU | £6,700 | £6,700 |
| Difference | -38% | -34% |
| Monthly living cost difference between the UK and Sofia, Bulgaria (approx) | |
|---|---|
| Country | Budget |
| UK | £1,200 |
| Sofia, Bulgaria | £500 |
| Difference | -58% |
The medical degree obtained from Sofia Medical University is recognised globally and will enable you to practice medicine or dentistry anywhere in the world.
The General Medical Council in the UK and other major health organisations recognise degrees from Sofia Medical University. Their programme covers the minimum course duration of 5,500 hours over a period of at least 3 years.
Sofia Medical University is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools which is also an indication of its high teaching standards.
According to statistics from the GMC, there are currently over 350 active UK doctors who have graduated from this medical school in Sofia.
The 6-year medicine programme at Sofia University is taught in English. The first 2 years include pre-clinical subjects and theory, and the last 3 focus on clinical practice. The programme concludes with a year-long medical internship, during which students must pass state licencing exams.
The entire curriculum, including lab work and research tasks, meets EU standards. Summer internships are required for students in years 2, 3, and 4. Upon successful graduation, students obtain Medical Doctor (MD) degree that is recognised by the UK’s General Medical Council and other major councils worldwide.
Sofia Medical University teaches dentistry in English as well. The course lasts 6 years and ends with a 6-month internship. The first 2 years include fundamental medical and biological theory. Clinical training takes place from the third through the fifth year of the course.
The clinical training includes training in pre-clinical and post-clinical dentistry procedures. Internships are required in the second, third, and fourth years. Graduates receive a master's degree and a dentist qualification that is recognised worldwide.
Years 1-3 - Preclinical training
The first stage of the programme provides students with fundamental biological and medical knowledge, offering the basis for their clinical training.
Years 3-5 - Clinical education
The clinical training aims to provide knowledge and skills in diagnostics and treatment. Students go through various modules.
Year 6 - Internship
Pre-graduation practice is carried out in the form of rotations at the University hospital departments. Students apply their knowledge and skills at the patient bedside and at the outpatient clinics.
End of year 6 - State exam
The examination comprises five exams in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Hygiene and Ecology. Graduates who pass successfully are conferred the “Master” degree and qualification “Physician”.
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria with a population of about 1.4 million. Students describe Sofia as a lovely place to live and study, and newcomers can expect to have a high standard of living as well as an active social life.
British students in Sofia ofter prefer private accommodation over student dormitories, as the prices are still affordable. For example, you can rent a 1-bedroom apartment for £260 - £350 per month, depending on how close you are to the city centre.
Your spending habits will determine how much you will need for food, leisure, and utilities. At most, international students spend no more than £600 per month including rent.
In terms of student safety, Sofia and Bulgaria as a whole are safe for international students coming from every part of the world. Bulgarians are very welcoming and friendly towards British people and can speak English well.
The UK Government website states that crime rates in Sofia are low, and general rules against petty crimes in high traffic/tourist areas apply.
