This is a crucial question that we get at Foreigner BG very often, is important that you keep in mind whether you want to study or you are planning to apply for a job in Bulgaria.
There are many almost 15.000 foreign students in Bulgaria and this number is increasing every year.
And with the intention of clarifying the doubts on this area, we have decided to ask the experts, and today we speak with Kristiana Angelova, the Admission coordinator of Varna University of Management.
Are academic degrees from other countries valid in Bulgaria?
Regardless of whether the applicants from EU, EEA and NON-EU countries, the degree they have obtained can be recognized in Bulgaria. The requirement is for it to comply with the rules and regulations applying to Bulgaria’s educational system.
Which is the institution that validates foreign degrees in Bulgaria?
Generally said the Ministry of Education in Bulgaria. In particular cases, depending on the country where the educational diploma had been issued there might be a slight difference.
How’s the process?
The procedure towards the preparation of the documents involves a few institutions. Depending on the issuing country, different procedures for preparation/legalization apply.
For the applicants, citizens of EU and countries in the EEA the procedure includes just translation and legalization of the required documents.
However, for the applicant coming from NON-EU countries, the process is a bit different mainly in terms of the legalization process – there are three types of legalization procedures.
The applicants can check information about the specifics for their country on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bulgaria (English version is available)
Any idea how much the whole process cost?
We cannot estimate a specific cost. Due to the different procedures involved in the preparation of the documents and the various institutions involved, different charges apply for the services. Additionally, those charges can also vary for different countries.
How long takes the whole process?
This also depends on the citizenship of the student. For the EU and EEA citizens, the whole procedure can take one to two months (could be even less). However, this mainly depends again on the institutions involved.
The candidates from NON-EU countries need to obtain a student Visa D in order to be able to travel to Bulgaria. In order for this to happen, the student is applying to the Ministry of Education, as well (in a separate procedure).
Non-EU Students studying in Bulgaria for more than 3 months period are required to apply for a student visa in the D visa category. A student who receives a Bulgarian D visa should also apply for a residence permit when he/she arrive in Bulgaria.
In order for their documents to be submitted there, again a procedure of legalization and translation of their documents apply (the time frame for this again depends on the institutions involved).
However, there is an additional Visa D application. Although the estimated time for receipt of the visa is at least 40 business days (upon successful application), this varies on the Bulgarian embassy servicing the country of the applicant.
Does VUM help students with the process?
We give them detailed instructions on the whole procedure; we answer additional questions during the procedure is done; we contact the relevant institutions if needed. We guide them through every step as much possible. However, we have no control over the other institutions involved in this whole process.
Are degrees from Bulgaria valid in the whole EU?
Yes. VUM is accredited by the MOE in Bulgaria, therefore, our diplomas can be recognized in EU and in some NON-EU countries (exceptions are the specialized degrees in the fields of Medicine, Aviation and Military)
Last but not least, upon the successful completion of their studies, all of our students receive a second British diploma from our academic strategic partner in the UK – Cardiff Metropolitan University. As known, the British diplomas are not only recognized in many countries but are also very valuable and highly appreciated worldwide.
What would be your advice for somebody that wants to validate their degree and study in Bulgaria?
First inform yourself, collect all your documents and consider that this process will take some time and effort from your side, but the effort will be rewarded by the experience that you will get by studying in Bulgaria.
If you want to apply for a job in Bulgaria:
Normally in Bulgaria in the private sector, it’s the employer who decides if it will require validation of your diploma.
But in the public sector, the situation can be different and there are many professions may require you to do some convalidation or special test, like for example lawyers, teachers and etc.
We want to thanks Varna University of Management for their support in this article.
If you still have doubts, write your question in the comments and we will try to answer you!
