Study Finance in Bulgaria: A Complete Guide
Study Bachelors in finance – accredited by ACCA, ICAEW, and CIMA in Bulgaria to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of finance in Bulgaria. The decision to study for a Bachelor of finance degree has many benefits. Bachelors in finance will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful career progression in the industry. Also, a degree from an accredited university will give you the credibility you need to secure well-paid jobs. The course in finance is designed to prepare professionals for positions in analysis of investment decisions, banking, manager of finances, auditing, etc. Up till now, the only prevalent course was Business Administration, where, in addition to the insights about finance and accounts, one also had to know about managing business, human resources or organisations. Today, the areas of managing business and administration can be separated from the areas of finance. In this guide, you will explore the eligibility, universities, fees, scholarships and much more about finance in Bulgaria. Get ready to discover the captivating reasons to choose this course in the sections below.
Why Study Finance in Bulgaria?
If you are thinking about a finance degree in Bulgaria, here are some benefits you will surely like:
- Schengen country: Bulgaria is a part of the European Union and the Schengen area. Once you get your residence permit, you can visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180 day period so, if you study abroad in Bulgaria, you can also explore Europe during your holidays.
- English taught programs: You can find English taught programs in Bulgaria for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. For example, the University of National and World Economy in Sofia offers its finance bachelor’s degree in English.
- Low cost of living: Life in Bulgaria is comparatively affordable than in northern Europe. A full meal in the Sofia University canteen costs only around EUR 2 to EUR 4 s, you can easily manage the cost of living in Bulgaria for students without much financial stress.
- Affordable fees: Several universities in Bulgaria have reasonable tuition fees such as Varna Free University charges around EUR 1250 per semester and University of Economics Varna charges around EUR 1350. However, finance fees in Bulgaria can differ from one university to another, you can compare them and choose the one that fits your budget.
- Safe country: Bulgaria stands at the 29th position out of 163 countries on the 2025 Global Peace Index. This means you can live and study in a student friendly environment while pursuing your degree.
- Work while studying: After you get your residence permit, you can work up to 20 hours per week during your studies. After your course, you can also stay up to 9 months to look for a job, so a finance course in Bulgaria can help you gain work experience too.
- Career opportunities: Sofia has many companies that give audit, tax and financial advice to investors. This creates wide career opportunities to begin your career as a finance graduate.
Finance Eligibility in Bulgaria
You must now be aware of the duration, deadline and benefits of this degree. But what about the eligibility criteria for pursuing finance in Bulgaria from a Bulgarian university? Let us help you understand these:
- Educational Requirement: A minimum of 62% of a secondary education degree is required along with at least 62% in specific subjects that are relevant to the desired course.
- Entry Level Tests: Technical universities also mandate you to take compulsory entry tests mostly in Maths and English and qualify them with a good score. These tests are a common part of the finance admission in Bulgaria process, so you should prepare for them early.
- English Entry Level Tests: The English entry test requirement is optional. In some universities, the English entry test is waived, if the student presents a proficiency level certificate of any of the following tests:
- IELTS Academic (Overall Band Score 6.5) or higher
- ESOL International (CPE 180-199, CAE score of 190, FCE score of 180-190) or higher
- TOEFL iBT (computer-based test), minimum score of 80
- TOEFL PBT (paper-based test), minimum score of 550
- PTE Academic (60 overall score) or higher
English Taught Finance Programs in Bulgaria
Bachelor’s in finance courses are completely taught in English in most of the Bulgarian universities as students are joining this course from different countries. English is used as a medium to teach students from different languages and regions which makes English taught programs in Bulgaria a comfortable choice for Indian students too.
Finance Course Duration in Bulgaria
Students wishing to study bachelor’s degrees in finance in Bulgaria at accredited universities must generally apply by 30 September, though some universities set their own dates. The top ranked finance schools in Bulgaria are all accredited by ACCA, ICAEW and CIMA. With strict standards governing how their accredited programs must operate, these schools are among the best options for students seeking a finance degree in Bulgaria that is internationally recognised. The application process can be detailed, but it is worth it to gain a world class education at one of Bulgaria’s top rated universities.
Documents Required to Study Finance in Bulgaria
The list below mentions some essential documents you should have at the time of Bulgarian university application form:
- Application Documents: Completed university application form for your chosen finance universities in Bulgaria.
- Educational Documents: Secondary education degree and mark sheets, or your bachelor’s degree and transcripts if you are applying for a master’s programme.
- Eligibility Documents: Eligibility certificate, issued by the respective education institution, stating that with the obtained degree, you can continue to higher education studies in India.
- Migration Certificate: Paperwork assuring the completion of an educational qualification in one institute and allowing you to join another.
- Equivalence Certificate: Issued by any of the Bulgarian Regional Department of Education for your finance degree in Bulgaria.
- Financial Documents: A declaration by the applicant’s parent(s) for financial support during their studies in the Republic of Bulgaria.
- International Documents: A valid copy of the applicant’s international passport.
- Identification Documents: 6 recently taken colour photos in passport size.
- Change of Name Document: If the applicant’s name on any document differs from their passport, a document confirming the change, such as a name affidavit legalised and translated into Bulgarian, must be submitted.
How Long Does It Take to Study Finance in Bulgaria?
The duration of a finance course in Bulgaria depends on the university and the level you choose. A bachelor’s degree usually takes 2 to 4 years, divided into 4 to 8 semesters, while a master’s degree in Bulgaria generally takes 1 to 2 years. Shorter programmes may be available if you complete your coursework quickly. The length of your finance degree in Bulgaria depends on your educational goals and your chosen field of study.
Cost of Studying Finance in Bulgaria
It should be noted that the fees listed below are for full-time students. Therefore, if you are planning to study at one of these finance universities in Bulgaria part-time, your fees will likely be lower.
| UNIVERSITY NAME | FEE |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Sofia | EUR 3000 to EUR 4730 per year |
| University of Economics Varna | EUR 1350 per semester |
| University of National And World Economy (Unwe) – Sofia | EUR 1900/semester |
| Tsenov Academy of Economics | EUR 5000 |
| American University in Bulgaria | EUR 6450 per semester |
| Varna Free University | EUR 1250 per semester |
Want help comparing these fees for your budget? We can guide you.
Top Universities for Finance in Bulgaria
Pursuing a finance degree in Bulgaria from an accredited university will give you the credibility you need to secure well-paid jobs. Let us have a look at some of the most renowned finance universities in Bulgaria:
| UNIVERSITY NAME | RANK |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Sofia | 33 |
| University of Economics Varna | 129 |
| University of National and World Economy | 76 |
| American University in Bulgaria | 156 |
| Varna Free University | 351 |
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Bulgaria as a Student?
The cost of living in Bulgaria for students is quite low as you generally need around €500 to €900 per month. This makes it easy to study in Bulgaria without a big budget. Here is a simple breakdown of your monthly expenses:
- Accommodation: Try to share an apartment with other students or use student dormitories. A one bedroom apartment in Sofia can cost around €500 a month while other cities are generally cheaper.
- Food: If you cook at home and eat at university canteens, you can save your cost on food. Several Bulgaria universities also offer canteens with cheap meals for students.
- Transport: Cities like Sofia have metro, buses and trams where students can generally get discounted monthly passes. A student pass can cost around €7.50 a month.
- Other expenses: Always keep some extra money aside for other additional expenses such as mobile plan, internet and health insurance.
ACCA, ICAEW and CIMA Accreditation for Finance
Some Bulgaria universities have their finance programmes accredited by global professional bodies. It means you may get exemptions from a few of their exams. Here is a quick look at each one:
- ACCA: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a global qualification for accountants and finance professionals. If you complete an accredited finance degree in Bulgaria, then you may be exempted from some ACCA papers.
- ICAEW: The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) offers the ACA qualification. An accredited degree can give you credits towards it.
- CIMA: The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) focuses on management accounting. An accredited degree may exempt you from some of its exams.
Therefore, these exemptions can ultimately save your time and exam fees during your finance course in Bulgaria.
Scholarships for Finance Students in Bulgaria
If you are still worried about the tuition fees in Bulgaria, then there are a few good scholarship options you can explore. Here is the breakdown of the scholarships in Bulgaria for international students:
- Erasmus+ exchange: If you study finance in Bulgaria and want to experience another European country, then this is an ideal choice for you. It is an exchange programme that lets you study for 3 to 12 months at a partner university abroad while staying enrolled in your original degree. This can provi de a mobility grant for living and travel costs.
- Erasmus Mundus master’s scholarships: These master’s courses are organised by a group of universities in different European countries. If you want to experience your master’s in more than one country, then you can apply for this scholarship directly to the course you like. It can give you good financial support, including your tuition fees and extra living costs.
- University support: Some finance universities in Bulgaria may also offer cheaper dormitory places, transport discounts and lower cafeteria prices to students from outside Europe, including Indian students. It helps you keep your cost of living in Bulgaria low for students.
Thus, these discounts differ from one university to another, so you can ask the international office of your chosen university before you apply.
Can You Work While Studying Finance in Bulgaria?
Yes, you can easily work part time while you study finance in Bulgaria. If you want extra income to manage your monthly expenses, this is a good option for you.
Students from the European Union can work freely without a separate work permit but Indian students generally work up to 20 hours a week. Some universities may still ask for extra approval, so this depends on your residence permit. Once you get your Bulgaria student visa and residence permit, check the work rules on it before you accept any job.
A finance course in Bulgaria gives you skills that suit part time roles like accounts assistant, data entry or maths tutoring. These roles can add real experience to your profile. However, make sure that your studies should stay your first priority, so plan your work hours accordingly. Talk to your university about the work rules before you start any job.
How to apply for a Finance course in Bulgaria?
Let us walk you through the steps you need to follow to get admission to the best finance universities in Bulgaria, at bachelor’s, master’s or any other level. We will also tell you how the consultants can be helpful every step of the way:
- Start by shortlisting the top universities in Bulgaria that offer finance courses. Our experts can help you do this by understanding your goals and preferences.
- The next step involves checking whether you are eligible to pursue the programme in terms of education qualifications, language proficiency and a lot more.
- Once this is checked, our specialists ensure that you fill out the application forms of your chosen universities. They keep an eye on the minute details, ensuring that your application gets successfully accepted.
- As part of your application process, you are also required to submit numerous documents required to study finance in Bulgaria. We understand that this can feel overwhelming, so we provide you with a detailed checklist of the documents required.
- Once your application is complete, we also help you with the Bulgarian student visa process as well as accommodation.
Ready to begin your finance course in Bulgaria? We are here to guide you at every step.
Career Options After a Finance Degree
After you complete your finance degree in Bulgaria, you can start your career in amazing fields such as:
- Accountant or junior accountant in a company finance team.
- Accounts payable or accounts receivable specialist in a shared services centre.
- Audit consultant in an audit firm.
- Tax consultant in corporate tax
- Financial analyst in a company or an advisory firm.
After your bachelor’s degree, you can also continue with masters in Bulgaria in areas such as international finance, accounting and financial control. If you want to plan your monthly budget during these years, you can read our guide on Cost of Living in Bulgaria for Students.
Curious which finance or accounting role suits your profile best? Connect with us and plan your career path with an expert.
Related Courses
Therefore, Bulgaria is an affordable and English friendly way to study finance. As an EU and Schengen member, it also opens the door to a broad career opportunities for Indian students. A finance degree in Bulgaria can give you a rewarding future.
We have already guided thousands of students through this journey! Then why not you? Reach out to us today and get closer to studying in Bulgaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bachelor’s degree usually takes up to 4 years, which means 8 semesters. The duration may change from one university to another.
The finance fees in Bulgaria are around EUR 1250 to EUR 1900 per semester at several universities. Please check the latest fee before you apply.
Some popular finance universities in Bulgaria are UNWE in Sofia, University of Economics Varna, Varna Free University and Tsenov Academy of Economics.
Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week with your residence permit. After your course, you can stay up to 9 months to look for a job.
You need to complete your 12th and get an eligibility certificate from your school. Some universities may also ask for English proof.
Core subjects in bachelors in finance in Bulgaria include financial accounting, investment analysis, corporate finance, and financial mathematics.
According to The Economist, the median salary for a finance graduate in Bulgaria is around EUR 35000.
Last Updated: October 16, 2026