Universities in Bulgaria ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 48 Universities in Bulgaria

The Republic of Bulgaria is divided into 28 provinces (Bulgarian: области), which are further subdivided into 265 municipalities (Bulgarian: общини). The vast majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Sofia City province (Bulgarian: Sofia-grad), situated in the western part of the country. Sofia City, as the capital, is Bulgaria's largest urban center and a hub of political, cultural and economic activity. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all provinces that include at least one Bulgarian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Blagoevgrad (3)  
Burgas (2)  
Gabrovo (1)  
Pernik (1)  
Pleven (1)  
Plovdiv (8)  
Ruse (1)  
Shumen (1)  
Sofia City (20)  
Stara Zagora (1)  
Varna (6)  
Veliko Tarnovo (3)  

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Overview of Bulgaria Universities

Bulgaria's higher education system comprises universities, specialized higher schools and colleges. Institutions are categorized as public (state-funded) or private (independently operated). Academic programs follow the Bologna Process, offering Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees. Bulgarian universities provide instruction in Bulgarian, English and other languages, attracting international students with affordable tuition and EU-recognized degrees. Key disciplines include medicine, engineering, economics and humanities. The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) ensures quality standards across all institutions.

Top 10 Bulgaria Universities

1. Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski (Софийски университет "Св. Климент Охридски"): Acronym: SU
   Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 1039 | Location: Sofia, Sofia City | Founded: 1888 | Public | Research Status: Active | Type: Comprehensive | Fields: Humanities, STEM, Social Sciences | Levels: Bachelor–Doctorate | SU Profile
2. New Bulgarian University (Нов български университет): Acronym: NBU
   Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 2256 | Location: Sofia, Sofia City | Founded: 1991 | Private | Research Status: Active | Type: Comprehensive | Fields: Arts, Business, IT | Levels: Bachelor–Doctorate | NBU Profile
3. Technical University of Sofia (Технически университет - София): Acronym: TU-Sofia
   Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 2724 | Location: Sofia, Sofia City | Founded: 1945 | Public | Research Status: Active | Type: Specialized | Fields: Engineering, Computer Science | Levels: Bachelor–Doctorate | TU-Sofia Profile
4. Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" (Варненски свободен университет "Черноризец Храбър"): Acronym: VFU
   Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 3305 | Location: Varna, Varna | Founded: 1991 | Private | Research Status: Active | Type: Comprehensive | Fields: Law, International Relations | Levels: Bachelor–Doctorate | VFU Profile
5. University of Plovdiv Paisii Hilendarski (Пловдивски университет "Паисий Хилендарски"): Acronym: PU
   Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 3338 | Location: Plovdiv, Plovdiv | Founded: 1961 | Public | Research Status: Active | Type: Comprehensive | Fields: Natural Sciences, Education | Levels: Bachelor–Doctorate | PU Profile
6. Angel Kanchev University of Ruse (Русенски университет "Ангел Кънчев"): Acronym: RU
   Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 3420 | Location: Ruse, Ruse | Founded: 1995 | Public | Research Status: Active | Type: Comprehensive | Fields: Engineering, Communications | Levels: Bachelor–Doctorate | RU Profile
7. St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo (Великотърновски университет "Св. св. Кирил и Методий"): Acronym: VTU
   Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 3570 | Location: Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo | Founded: 1963 | Public | Research Status: Active | Type: Comprehensive | Fields: History, Theology | Levels: Bachelor–Doctorate | VTU Profile
8. American University in Bulgaria (Американски университет в България): Acronym: AUBG
   Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 3603 | Location: Blagoevgrad, Blagoevgrad | Founded: 1991 | Private | Research Status: Active | Type: Comprehensive | Fields: Liberal Arts, Business | Levels: Bachelor–Master | AUBG Profile
9. University of National and World Economy (Университет за национално и световно стопанство): Acronym: UNWE
   Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 3604 | Location: Sofia, Sofia City | Founded: 1920 | Public | Research Status: Active | Type: Specialized | Fields: Economics, Business | Levels: Bachelor–Doctorate | UNWE Profile
10. Medical University-Varna (Медицински университет - Варна): Acronym: MU-Varna
    Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 4365 | Location: Varna, Varna | Founded: 1961 | Public | Research Status: Active | Type: Specialized | Fields: Medicine, Dentistry | Levels: Bachelor–Doctorate | MU-Varna Profile

Analysis of University Types

Bulgaria has 48 accredited universities. Public institutions dominate, comprising 35 universities (72.9% of total). Private universities account for 13 institutions (27.1%). This distribution reflects Bulgaria's state-led higher education tradition, while private universities have grown significantly since the 1990s.

Global Ranking and Standing

No Bulgarian universities currently rank among the global top 200 institutions. Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 worldwide. This highlights opportunities for Bulgarian universities to enhance international competitiveness through research output and global partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many universities are in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has 48 accredited universities, including 35 public and 13 private institutions.

What is the oldest university in Bulgaria?
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski (founded 1888) is Bulgaria's oldest higher education institution.

Are English-taught programs available?
Yes, many universities offer programs in English, particularly in medicine, engineering and business.

What are tuition fees like?
Annual fees range from €2,000–€8,000 for international students, with medical programs at the higher end.

Is Bulgaria good for medical studies?
Yes, Bulgarian medical degrees are EU-recognized and popular among international students.

Do universities offer student housing?
Most public universities provide affordable dormitories, while private institutions often assist with private accommodation.

What is the academic year structure?
The year runs October–June, divided into winter (Oct–Feb) and summer (Feb–Jun) semesters.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Bulgarian universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Bulgaria
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Bulgarian post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Bulgaria
  Search for Bulgarian higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Bulgarian Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Bulgarian town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Bulgaria
  Discover Bulgarian public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Bulgaria
  Find out about Bulgarian private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Bulgaria
  Explore Bulgarian not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Bulgaria
  Look for Bulgarian for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Bulgarian Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Bulgaria have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Bulgarian Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Bulgaria that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Bulgarian Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Bulgaria are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Bulgarian Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Bulgaria with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.