Medical University Varna
Medical University Varna (MU-Varna) is a top, technologically advanced Bulgarian state university renowned for excellence in medical education and research, attracting international students from over 45 countries. Located in the coastal city of Varna, it offers a safe, vibrant, and multicultural environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The Medical University of Varna was established as a Higher Medical Institute in 1960. It is a high-tech university and has more than half a century of history and traditions. The classical models of teaching at the university are well combined with the latest technologies – 3D anatomy training and a system for complementary e-learning rich in electronic content. The Medical University of Varna offers uncompromised quality of training and it is the first and the only university in Bulgaria which introduced the model of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM ®) for Business Excellence in 2008. The diplomas issued by the University are recognized in all European countries. The preferred University for students from 44 countries all over the world has 82 international partners from 5 continents. Over 50 000 alumni of the Medical University of Varna have lived and worked in more than 40 countries around the world since 1961. The university offers to its students modern environment with unlimited opportunities for their development – high-tech labs and training premises, a library with electronic reading rooms and access to the best world information databases, modern sport facilities and professional football, volleyball and tennis coaches, a rehearsal hall for the university rock band, a drama and folk dance troupes.MU-Varna offers training in Medicine and Dentistry in English for international students alongside the Bulgarian courses. It is a GMC-recognised course that has been accredited by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency. Students are taught lecture courses, lab classes, tutorials, clinical groups, bed-side work etc. to prepare for clinical work in the real world, with the added experience of studying in a different country. This guide addresses the needs of international students when applying to Varna. Studying in a different country comes with its challenges, but is an incredible experience.
Medical University - Varna is ranked 6th in Bulgaria overall and 2959th in the world in 2025. For Medicine specifically, it ranks 3rd in Bulgaria and 1657th globally based on research output and academic publications. It is the top-ranked university in Varna city. The university has notable research performance and recognition in various medical specializations including pathology, surgery, psychiatry, and immunology. It also holds a good position in healthcare management and dentistry rankings. The university is accredited and recognized by the World Health Organization and various national agencies, with teaching conducted 100% in English for medical programs. This places Medical University - Varna among the top medical education institutions in Bulgaria and a recognized global player in medical research.
Medical University of Varna offers a range of medical courses primarily in English and Bulgarian. The main programs include: Medicine (M.D. program) - 6 years duration (Master's) Dental Medicine (D.M.D. program) - 6 years duration (Master's) Pharmacy - 5 years duration (Master's) Nursing - Bachelor's program for 4 years Midwifery - Bachelor's program for 4 years Public Health, Health Care Management, Nursing Management, Pharmaceutical Management, Health Information Technology - various Master's and Bachelor programs Professional Bachelor programs in health care fields like Medical Laboratory Assistant, Assistant-Pharmacist, Dental Technician, X-ray Laboratory Assistant, Physiotherapy Assistant, etc. Preparatory courses in Bulgarian and English languages are also available, lasting around 9 months.A detailed curriculum is available for the MD program, which covers subjects throughout six years including Anatomy, Pathology, Surgery, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, etc., combined with internships.
The Medical University of Varna offers various types of financial aid including scholarships and tuition fee loans, primarily for full-time students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, or special achievements in science and related fields. Scholarships may be awarded based on GPA, scientific research, cultural, or sports accomplishments. Additionally, there are tuition fee loans available for EU and EEA international students, financed through cooperation with Raiffeisen bank Bulgaria, covering tuition fees with fixed interest rates repayable after graduation. Important details about scholarships at Medical University Varna: Scholarships are for full-time students with a GPA of at least 4.00 (on their scale). First-year students can apply from their second semester onwards. Scholarships are allocated per faculty and can be redistributed depending on applicant numbers. There may be special scholarships for first-year students based on merit. Tuition fee loans are available for EU and EEA students up to age 35, covering one semester at a time for the standard duration plus extra semesters, with a 7% fixed interest rate. Part-time work opportunities are allowed for students at the university. Tuition fees are approximately 5,000 Euros per semester and 10,000 Euros per year, payable in two installments. There is no fixed scholarship amount; it is determined department-wise. The university provides financial support options but full-funded scholarships (covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and health insurance) are not explicitly stated for Medical University Varna itself but are available at Varna Free University, which is a distinct institution in Varna.
The admission process for Medical University Varna in 2025 involves several key steps and requirements: 1. Application Submission: Applicants must complete an online application form through the university's application portal. Along with the form, they need to submit required documents including a high school diploma (translated and notarized), academic transcripts, passport copy, passport-sized photos, medical certificate, financial support declaration, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or higher, TOEFL 80 or higher, or equivalent) . 2. Entrance Exams: Applicants must pass compulsory online entrance tests in Biology and Chemistry. The tests include multiple-choice, gap filling, matching, true/false, and explanation questions, each lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes per subject. There are several test dates available during the year, including April, May, June, July, and September sessions .3. Eligibility: Candidates should have completed secondary education with at least 50% combined score in Biology and Chemistry. The entrance exam results combined with high school grades are used to rank applicants. Non-EU candidates generally require an average grade of at least 62% in relevant subjects.4. Application Deadlines: For the Fall 2025 intake, the deadline for submitting application documents is around early September, with entrance exams held mainly in July and September. Enrollment typically starts in mid-October.5. Fees: The application fee is around €230-330 (non-refundable). Tuition fees for Medicine and Dentistry are approximately €10,000 per year. Scholarships may be available based on academic performance and financial need.6. Medical Certificate: A medical fitness certificate confirming good health is mandatory.Summary of key documents needed: Application form Secondary school diploma and transcript (translated and notarized) Passport copy and photos Medical certificate Proof of English proficiency Financial support declaration Process overview: Submit online application and documents Register and pass Biology and Chemistry entrance exams online Admissions ranking based on exam and academic grades Receive admission decision and proceed with enrollment This process applies to Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy programs taught in English at Medical University Varna.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying to the Medical University of Varna?
Students must have completed high school with Biology and Chemistry as core subjects. They should also have a good command of English, demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL scores (if required). Additionally, Indian applicants must provide a NEET qualification.
What documents are required for the application?
The main documents include: Valid Passport High School Transcripts (with Biology and Chemistry grades) Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) NEET Scorecard (for Indian students) Medical Certificate of Good Health Police Clearance Certificate Financial Support Letter All documents will be translated into Bulgarian and legalized before submission to the university.
Do you help with the university entrance test?
Yes. We provide online resources and practice materials through our preparation platform. Each student gets a personal login to practice sample questions and simulate the test experience. We also organize mock tests and guidance sessions.