To study at Bulgarian universities, international students are required to obtain a Student Visa to legitimize their stay in Bulgaria. Instead, you simply need to register your stay with the Office of Migration and Foreign Affairs. The streamlined process allows for greater ease and flexibility for students from these regions, enabling them to pursue their education in Bulgaria.

Bulgarian Student Visa Requirements

• Visa Application Form;
• Valid Passport/Travel Document;
• Photocopies of Passport;
• Recent Passport-Size Photo;
• Travel Itinerary/Flight Ticket;
• Travel Insurance;
• Proof of Accommodation;
• Invitation Letter;
• Financial Proof;
• Police Clearance Certificate.

How to Apply

• Complete the application form online;
• Schedule an appointment with the Bulgarian embassy;
• Collect the required documents. Gather all necessary documents for your visa application, including a university acceptance letter;
• Submit the application. Visit the Bulgarian embassy, consulate, or visa office in your country to submit your completed application
• Attend the visa interview. Expect to participate in a brief interview at the embassy or visa office. The interview will cover questions about your background and your reasons for wanting to study in Bulgaria, ensuring that you intend to return to your home country after your studies;
• Wait for an answer. Your application will be processed over several weeks, after which you will receive a decision on your visa.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Bulgaria student visa generally takes about 20 days. However, the timeframe can be extended for several reasons. High volumes of applications or incomplete submissions can cause delays. Furthermore, if the embassy requires additional documents, they will notify you, potentially extending the processing period even further. It’s important to ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly to avoid delays. Alfred Education Group supports international students on each step of their admission and visa-obtaining process to make it fast and easy!

After Arriving

Upon arriving in Bulgaria, securing your temporary residence permit is essential. Your initial student visa (D-long stay visa) only covers the settling-in period, usually up to six months. To obtain your residence permit, you must register your address at the Migration Service. The required documents for the process include identification documents, proof of residence (such as a rental agreement or dormitory acceptance letter), and payment of the state fee. This ensures your stay in Bulgaria is fully authorized and compliant with local regulations.