Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
About Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” founded in 1888, is the oldest and largest higher education institution in Bulgaria, named after the 9th-century scholar St. Kliment Ohridski. It has evolved into a prestigious academic and scientific center in the Balkans with a strong European dimension.
The university offers a wide range of faculties, including Medicine, Mathematics and Informatics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Journalism, Theology, Economics, and more—spread across several campuses in Sofia.
Its Medicine program is a 6-year integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s course taught in English, combining pre-clinical studies, clinical rotations, and a final internship. The program is globally recognized, and the university also provides a pre-medical course in Biology and Chemistry to help international students prepare for admission exams.
Why Indian Students Choose Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” for MBBS
Indian students choose this university for MBBS due to its affordable tuition fees and lower living costs compared to Western countries, making it economically attractive. The MBBS program is fully taught in English, removing language barriers for Indian students.
The university follows a globally recognized curriculum aligned with European Union standards, ensuring the degree is valid in India and recognized by the NMC (National Medical Commission), enabling graduates to practice in India after clearing the licensing exam.
Students benefit from strong clinical exposure through affiliated hospitals and modern infrastructure, providing practical experience from the early years. Being Bulgaria’s oldest and most respected university, it is known for its quality education and experienced faculty.
The supportive environment, including Indian-friendly hostels and the availability of Indian food, helps students adjust comfortably. No capitation or donation fees are required, and the admission is strictly merit-based.
The degree awarded is a Master’s in Medicine (MD), recognized worldwide, allowing graduates to pursue careers globally or return to India.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Minimum 17 years old on or before December 31 of the admission year; no upper age limit. |
| Educational Qualification: | Completion of Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB), and English from a recognized board in India. |
| Entrance Exam | Applicants must pass an entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry, conducted in English. The exam lasts 3–4 hours and includes multiple choice and short-answer questions. Both sections must be passed. |
| Application Documents: | Completed application form Secondary education certificate (legalized and recognized by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education) Academic transcripts with grades in Biology and Chemistry (recalculated to Bulgarian grading system) Valid ID or passport copy Two recent passport-sized photographs Declaration of authenticity of documents |
| Ranking: | Admission is based on a combination of 12th-grade scores in Biology and Chemistry and entrance exam results. |
| Additional: | Preparatory courses in Biology and Chemistry are available before the entrance exam. |
| MBBS Intake: | October |
| University Fee Details (MBBS Program) | Tuition Fee: Approximately €9,000 per year Living & Food Expenses: Around $250–$300 per month |
Advantages of Studying MBBS at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
- Affordable Tuition and Living Costs: Tuition fees range from €7,700–€9,000/year with low monthly expenses (€250–300).
- International Recognition: Degree recognized by WHO, NMC (India), ECFMG (USA), and GMC (UK), enabling global practice.
- English-Medium Instruction: Entire MBBS course taught in English—ideal for Indian and international students.
- Strong Clinical Exposure: Hands-on training through affiliated hospitals from early years.
- High Academic Standards: Curriculum aligned with EU and Bologna Process, with simulation labs and research opportunities.
- EU Degree Advantage: Graduates can work or study anywhere in Europe with ease.
- Easy Admission Process: Based on NEET + entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry; no donation or capitation fees.
- Supportive Environment: Multicultural campus, Indian student communities, Indian food, and safe accommodation options.