Master's programmes in Bulgaria: structure and recognition

Education · Last reviewed: 2026-10-07

Structure and length

According to the European Commission's country profile, Bulgaria has a three-cycle higher-education system aligned with the Bologna Process and ECTS credits; master's study runs from one to five years depending on the programme, and a standard master's is stated as 120 ECTS (two years). Eurydice's second-cycle page lists, for the master's degree, at least 60 credits after a bachelor's, at least 120 after a professional bachelor's and at least 300 in integrated programmes of at least five years.

Admission

• •Those who completed secondary education giving access to higher education, or who hold a bachelor's or professional bachelor's degree, may apply for master's programmes (Eurydice).
• •Higher schools announce admission terms before 31 March each year (per the November 2023 update of the Eurydice page; check the current calendar with the institution).
• •According to the European Commission profile, applications run through three routes: EU-citizen rules, bilateral agreements, or as an international non-EU student.
• •Typical documents include a diploma and transcript, proof of language proficiency, a medical certificate, a passport copy and an application form (European Commission profile); the full list is on the institution's page.

English-taught programmes and choosing an institution

The European Commission profile states that English-taught programmes exist and points to a database of higher-education institutions and their offerings. For the official register of higher schools there is a NACID register page. When choosing an institution, compare the entry there with its accreditation status.

Quality and accreditation

According to Eurydice, responsibility for quality assurance lies first with the institutions themselves; the specialised state body for evaluation, accreditation and control is the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) within the Council of Ministers, which performs institutional and programme accreditation. So ask about a programme's accreditation status before choosing it.

Recognition of diplomas

1. 1

   Open the NACID page

   NACID publishes a separate page for the recognition of foreign qualifications at bachelor's and master's level. Whether your Turkish degree needs recognition for an application, confirm with both the university and the NACID page.
2. 2

   Assemble documents by institution

   Each university publishes its own document list. Ask in advance about the diploma, transcript and, if needed, certified translation and legalisation.
3. 3

   Ask about fees and calendar

   Tuition differs by institution and programme, so this article gives no amounts; see the article on university fees.

Frequently asked questions

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