Study at New Bulgarian University: Courses, Fees, Eligibility & Admission
New Bulgarian University was established in 1991 based on a resolution by the Bulgarian Parliament. The university aims to offer quality education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and it pioneered the Bulgarian credit system. It is an autonomous institute dedicated to advancing university education through affordable and high quality programs in many interdisciplinary fields. The university wants quality education to be accessible to everyone, irrespective of caste, race and culture.
The academic staff is experienced and well trained to prepare graduates for the challenges of modern democratic life. The learning and practical atmosphere also builds critical thinking, creativity and problem solving skills. If you study at New Bulgarian University, you can explore subject areas like arts, human sciences and humanities, and natural sciences and modern technologies. It is also a popular choice for New Bulgarian University for Indian students, as the English taught programs and the cost are quite reasonable. If you think New Bulgarian University Sofia can give you the kind of intellectual growth you are looking for, then this guide is for you.
In this guide, we are going to explore the highlights, courses, eligibility, English language requirements, fees, admission process, Erasmus+ exchange, work options, accommodation, cost of living and career support of the university, all you need to know before you take admission into New Bulgarian University.
Read on to explore more!
New Bulgarian University: Key Highlights
- Year of Establishment – 1991
- Total Number of Students – 12,000
- Number of Undergraduate Programs – 54
- Number of Post-graduate Programs – 100
- Total Academic Employees – 1000-1500
- Subject Areas of Study – 3
Student Facilities at New Bulgarian University
- Sports complex
- High-tech laboratories
- Recreational Facilities
- International University Guest Center
- Language center
- Publishing House
- Information Resource Center
- Hostels
Why Study at New Bulgarian University?
The New Bulgarian University, located in Sofia, offers quality education in Bulgaria at affordable rates to everyone. Here’s why you should study at New Bulgarian University-Sofia:
- New Bulgarian University pioneered the introduction of a credit system in Bulgaria for professional bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and distance learning programmes.
- The university believes that education should be accessible to everyone; thus, it charges minimum tuition fees in Bulgaria for its courses.
- The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency has granted maximum accreditation to New Bulgarian University.
- New Bulgarian University is also an accredited partner of the Open University UK.
- Beyond the theoretical classroom lessons, New Bulgarian University works on a philosophy to instil modern societal values in its students.
- New Bulgarian University offers distance learning programmes to students who cannot reside in the country permanently.
- New Bulgarian University is one of the few Bulgaria universities offering courses for professionals who want to continue learning amidst their lives’ responsibilities.
- The National Bulgarian University maintains high academic standards and continues to improve the quality of its learning, teaching, and research provisions.
- The quality assurance system is based on the job placement rates of New Bulgarian University graduates, standardised testing results at graduation, and the overall grade point average.
- The university offers complete placement assistance so that you can land yourself a comfortable yet rewarding job in the future.
New Bulgarian University Rankings and Recognition
New Bulgarian University is one of the renowned yet modern universities in Bulgaria. The following are the ranks it has been awarded with:
- 4th in Bulgaria
- 3rd in Sofia
- 862nd in Europe
- 2865th in the World
Courses and Programmes at New Bulgarian University
Here are the programmes taught in English, whether you want to study bachelors in Bulgaria or continue to a master’s:
- Human Resource Management and Development
- Politics and Society
- Philosophy
- Psychology
Scholarships and Financial Support at New Bulgarian University
New Bulgarian University doesn’t offer direct scholarships to its students, but it does have an on-campus student employment program. However, you can also look for other scholarships in Bulgaria for international students from external sources. Admission to this programme happens twice a year, at the start of each semester
Students are paid on an hourly basis, and they must meet the following criteria:
- They must be registered for the current semester.
- You are not already receiving a stipend or scholarship from the university.
- Your entrance examination or GPA from the previous semester is not less than 4.5.
Eligibility criteria to study in New Bulgarian University
It is important to understand the eligibility criteria and the admission requirements of Bulgaria universities follow to secure admission in detail:
- You should complete your secondary school education with a minimum of 62% when you intend to take admission into any of the undergraduate courses.
- You should show your bachelor’s certificates when you want to seek admission into one of the master courses in Bulgaria at New Bulgarian University-Sofia. The marks should be no less than 62%.
- You should clear subject-wise entrance exams conducted by the university.
- You should prove your command of the English language by submitting an internationally recognised, valid certificate of English proficiency. You can appear for IELTS and TOEFL and achieve marks of no less than 6 and 80, respectively.
- If you cannot submit your English proficiency certificates, you must pass a computer-based online test conducted by the university.
- A health certificate.
- All the documents submitted may need to be notarized by the government of Bulgaria.
- Passport-size photographs
New Bulgarian University Admission Process for Indian Students
New Bulgarian University makes sure that all the students applying to its courses get fair chances of admission. Here’s how you can secure your admission through Bulgaria admission procedure:
- Explore all the courses you can apply for at the New Bulgarian University website.
- Filter courses as per your interests and eligibility.
- Fill out all the admission forms accurately with your personal and professional details.
- Ensure that you submit your application fees on time.
- Stay updated with the application deadlines for all the courses you apply for.
- Gather all the documents required to be submitted along with the application form.
- Prepare yourself for the entrance tests, English proficiency tests, and interviews likely to be conducted by the university.
- Ensure that you submit your Bulgaria student visa application form beforehand because the visa procedure takes 2-3 months for approval.
- Find yourself comfortable accommodations within the university premises.
- Let our education consultants for Bulgaria help you navigate the admission process easily.
Documents Required for New Bulgarian University Admission in Sofia
Here is the list of documents required to be submitted along with the admission form:
- Academic Records
- Entrance Exam Certificates
- English Proficiency Scores
- Health Certificates
- Financial Proof
- Letter of Recommendation
- Valid passport
- Passport size photographs.
What Is the New Bulgarian University Admission Essay?
The New Bulgarian University admission essay is a short piece of an introduction in which you need to explain your interest and career goals to the team.
You can write about your school life, your interests and the career you want to build after your degree. You can also explain why you want to study at New Bulgarian University in Sofia. Try to use honest and clear language. The topic and the word limit may also change, so it is good to confirm them on the official website before you submit your application.
English Language Requirements at New Bulgarian University
New Bulgarian University offers global courses where students from all countries can seek admission. The main language of training is English, but students not coming from native English-speaking countries must prove their command over the language.
You can prove your command of the English language by submitting an internationally recognised, valid certificate of English proficiency. You can appear for IELTS and TOEFL and achieve marks of no less than 6 and 80, respectively. If you cannot submit these scores, you can appear for a computer-based online test in English conducted by the university. You can also consider preparatory courses in Bulgaria to improve your English before the test.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at New Bulgarian University?
Here is a detailed table showing tuition fees charged by New Bulgaria University for its different courses, so you can compare Bulgaria university fees:
| PROGRAMS IN ENGLISH | FEES PER YEAR |
|---|---|
| Human Resource Management and Development | 3500 EUR |
| Politics and Society | 3500 EUR |
| Philosophy | 3500 EUR |
| Psychology | 3500 EUR |
These fees keep the overall cost of studying in Bulgaria budget friendly.
Student Life at New Bulgarian University
Your campus life at New Bulgarian University is anything you would always dream of. All the students studying and residing at New Bulgarian University-Sofia have access to modern technologies and sophisticated training methods, combined with academic resources from around the world. The university believes in offering all of its students a stimulating experience with modern techniques of learning.
Beyond the theoretical sessions, students are offered ample opportunities for cultural and social enrichment with the UniArt Gallery, New Bulgarian University Museum, sports facilities, research centres, and so on. Studying at New Bulgarian University will call for holistic development. You will acquire knowledge from some of the renowned academic staff and inculcate societal values like humility, love, and empathy.
Is New Bulgarian University Accredited?
The New Bulgarian University believes in imparting quality education to everyone. In the pursuit of being an effective educational institute at all times, it continuously makes efforts to enhance the abilities of its students and academic staff.
The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency has accredited New Bulgarian University three times with maximum reward points, placing it among the top universities in Bulgaria. The university is also accredited with the Open University UK. Additionally, the New Bulgarian University Centre for Foreign Languages is a co-founder and an accredited member of the OPTIMA Bulgarian Association for Quality Language Services.
New Bulgarian University Placement and Job Opportunities
New Bulgarian University offers all kinds of career assistance services to its students. Students can take part in various paid and unpaid internship programmes. The academic staff is always on their toes to help students make a decision about pursuing their career.
The university is known for different career development programmes that help students get acclimatised to the professional world. The simulation and research activities conducted at the university help students develop skills that are required to survive in their respective jobs. Participating in such activities lets students feel liberal, and they get used to the atmosphere beyond the walls of the university.
Can New Bulgarian University Students Study Abroad Through Erasmus+?
Yes, students at New Bulgarian University can study abroad through Erasmus+. The university has partnerships with many universities across Europe. This New Bulgarian University student exchange programme is open to every student from Bulgaria and other countries. Here are the key points you can keep in mind:
- Eligibility: You usually need to complete your first year with a good academic record.
- Duration: You can usually go for one semester or a full academic year, depending on the partner university.
- Credits: The courses you study abroad can be transferred to your degree at New Bulgarian University.
- Grant: Erasmus+ may offer a monthly grant to help you cover your travel and living costs abroad.
- Language: The partner university may ask for proof of English or the local language.
As an New Bulgarian University student, you can also gain international exposure and build a wider career network.
Can International Students Work While Studying at New Bulgarian University?
Yes, international students can easily work while studying at New Bulgarian University. If you are planning to support your own living expenses, then a part time job can be a helpful choice for you. NBU also runs a student employment programme that may offer part time roles within the university.
If you belong to a European country, you can get to work freely in Bulgaria without any separate work permit. Meanwhile, students from outside Europe, including Indian students, can generally work part time, often up to 20 hours a week during the academic year. Some universities may still ask for a work permit or an extra approval for the residence permit.
If you want to gain some experience in your own field, you can also apply for internships at New Bulgarian University. It can also help you find a job after your degree. If you are planning to take up any part time job in Bulgaria, get your basics clear before you accept an offer. This way, you can prioritize your studies well while adding job experience to your profile.
New Bulgarian University Accommodation and Housing Options
The campus of New Bulgarian University consists of two buildings housing the library, the Aula, the University Theatre, the UniArt Gallery, the Medical Centre with a first-aid room, the sports complex, coffee shops, and so on.
Different campus facilities at New Bulgarian University are built and maintained to ensure modern teaching and learning conditions. You can find a comfortable apartment nearest to the university premises and ensure that you spend most of the time within the walls of the university to acquire more knowledge and practical skills.
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Cost of Living in Sofia, New Bulgarian University
Staying in Bulgaria is quite affordable as compared to staying in any other European country. Besides, Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria and life can be quite exciting here. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in Bulgaria for students, with monthly expenses you shall incur in Pleven:
| Living Expenses | 400 EUR/month |
| Food | 200-300 EUR/month |
| Hostel | 70-80 EUR/month |
| Student’s travel card | 10 EUR/month |
| Shopping | 100 – 200 EUR/month |
New Bulgarian University Admission Timeline
Students applying to NBU should ensure that they stay on top of the application deadlines. The enrolment process is completed by June, and the new term begins in October.
Things Indian Students Should Check Before Applying to New Bulgarian University
Before you start the New Bulgarian University admission process, it is important to keep these points in mind:
- Check your eligibility: Always make sure you meet the New Bulgarian University eligibility for Indian students, including your Class 12 marks and any subject requirements for your chosen course.
- Choose the right course: Make sure the program you choose is offered in English, so you can study comfortably from the first day.
- language proficiency test: You may need to add proof of IELTS or TOEFL score. Some programs may also conduct their own online English test.
- Stay updated: Do not wait till the last date, as the New Bulgarian University application deadline and intakes may change every year.
- Update your documents: Always keep your school certificates, passport and photographs ready, which also helps with the Bulgaria study visa requirements. Some programs may also ask for an admission essay.
- Look for scholarships: Always check the scholarships and financial support offered by the university as they can reduce your yearly cost.
- Use only official channels: Do not pay any fee to an unknown person or website. Always confirm the payment details on the university’s official website.
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If you want a European degree at a budget friendly cost, then New Bulgarian University can be an ideal choice for you. This university in Sofia started in 1991 and has received the highest accreditation in Bulgaria. It is widely known for its top notch education with experienced professionals and a student friendly environment. Along with this, you can also go on an Erasmus+ exchange and join the student employment programme. This guide has the complete information you need before taking admission into New Bulgarian University.
Still have any doubts? We are happy to help, so get in touch with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The New Bulgarian University, Sofia, was founded in 1991. It is one of the most high-tech and modern universities in Bulgaria.
The admission acceptance rate is close to 50%.
Yes, you can submit the scores of these exams and prove your command of the English language.
Yes, depending on the course you choose to study at NBU, you may have to attempt an entrance exam to seek admission to the university.
New Bulgarian University is a private university working on a mission to become an autonomous institute.
Yes, the university operates a student exchange programme under Erasmus policy.
Last Updated: October 15, 2026