Dreaming of a medical career in Europe but not sure where to study? For years, studying medicine in Bulgaria was the go-to option for international med students. But let’s be real — times have changed. Before you set your heart on studying medicine in Bulgaria, you might want to check out some better options that are emerging in places like Latvia and Georgia.
The Reality of Studying Medicine in Bulgaria Today
Those Brutal Entrance Exams When Studying Medicine in Bulgaria
Let’s talk about the first major hurdle: entrance exams. It’s not just about passing—it’s about outscoring everyone else applying. You could study for months, do pretty well on the exam, and still get rejected simply because there weren’t enough spots. Talk about a confidence killer.
Meanwhile, in Latvia and Georgia? The process is refreshingly straightforward. Most unis there look at your high school grades and conduct a basic interview. That’s it. No complicated ranking systems or cutthroat competition before you even start your education.
Competition is Getting Insane
Every year, more and more international students are eyeing those limited Bulgarian med school spots. The acceptance rates keep dropping while the number of heartbroken applicants keeps rising.
Imagine spending months preparing, flying to Bulgaria full of hope, only to be told “sorry, not this year.” Why put yourself through that when there are places that will welcome you with open arms?
The Money Talk
Let’s be honest—med school isn’t cheap anywhere. But in Bulgaria, tuition has jumped from around €8,000 to €10,000 per year in just two years. That’s a 25% increase!
For that same amount (or even less), you could be studying at top Latvian universities such as Riga Stradins University with excellent English programs or saving significant cash in Georgia without compromising on education quality. Alte University has tuition fees as low as $5,500 per year. Your bank account will thank you later.
Life as an International Student
The Support System (or Lack Thereof)
Picture this: You’ve just moved to a new country. You need to register your residency, find somewhere to live, figure out visa renewals, and navigate a ton of paperwork—all while preparing for your first semester of med school.
In Bulgaria, many students find themselves pretty much on their own with these challenges. Latvian and Georgian universities, on the other hand, tend to have much better support systems for international students. They actually recognise that you’re new to the country and might need a hand!
The Daily Language Struggle
Sure, your classes will be in English, but what about everything else? In Bulgaria, simple things like opening a bank account or seeing a doctor often require knowing Bulgarian.
Latvia has much higher English proficiency, especially among younger people, while Georgian universities are generally more accustomed to working with international students. These little things make a huge difference when you’re trying to build a life abroad.
Campus Life and Facilities
Let’s talk about where you’ll be spending the next 6+ years of your life. Many Latvian and Georgian medical universities have invested in new campuses with modern labs and cutting-edge learning platforms.
While Bulgaria has some good institutions, many are housed in older buildings that haven’t seen significant updates in years. When you’re paying that much for your education, shouldn’t you expect decent facilities?
Is Studying Medicine in Bulgaria Still a Good Option?
Studying medicine in Bulgaria isn’t a bad choice—it just isn’t the obvious first choice it used to be.
With tougher competition, higher fees, and limited support for international students, it makes sense to explore other options. Latvia and Georgia offer more straightforward paths to your medical degree, often with better support, similar or lower costs, and equally respected qualifications.
If you’re serious about studying medicine abroad in 2025, don’t limit yourself to just one country. Look into all your options, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the path that sets you up for success from day one!
Need help navigating your med school options? Gateway Medics offers free guidance to students looking to study abroad. Reach out today to explore your possibilities!