1 : Izsledovatelski universiteti : Research universities

2 : Universitet : University

3 : Spetzializirano Visshe Uchilishte : Specialized Higher School

4 : Kolej : College

entry:7

exit:19

Basic First Stage : Natchalni utchilischta (grade I to IV)

Length of program:4

Age level from:7

Age level to:10

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Udostoverenie za zavarshen natchalen etap na osnovnoto obrazovanie (Certificate for completed primary stage of basic education)

Basic Second Stage : Osnovni utchilichta (grade I to VII)

Length of program:7

Age level from:7

Age level to:13

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Svidetelstvo za osnovno obrazovanie (Certificate for basic education)

Secondary : High schools (Sredni uchilishta) (from I to XII)

Length of program:12

Age level from:7

Age level to:19

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Diploma za Zavurcheno Sredno Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Secondary Education)

Secondary : Combined schools (Obedineni uchilishta) (from I to X)

Length of program:10

Age level from:7

Age level to:16

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Students, having finished successfully X grade shall receive a certificate for a finished first high school stage of high school education (Udostoverenie za zavarshen parvi gimnazialen etap na sredno obrazovanie)

Secondary : Profilirani Gimnazii (form VIII to XII)

Length of program:5

Age level from:14

Age level to:19

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Diploma za Zavurcheno Sredno Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Secondary Education). This is one of the two types high schools (Gimnazii).

Secondary : Gimnazii (form VIII to XII)

Length of program:5

Age level from:14

Age level to:19

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Diploma za Zavurcheno Sredno Obrazovanie (Diploma of Secondary Education). According to the contents of the preparation, high schools are two types: profile high schools (profilirani gimnazii) and vocational high schools (profesionalni gimnazii).

Vocational Secondary : Professionalni gimnazii (from VIII to XII)

Length of program:5

Age level from:14

Age level to:19

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie (Diploma of Secondary Education) / Certificate of Professional Qualification. Professionalni gimnazii are one of the two types high schools (Gimnazii)

Basic education comprises two stages: basic education first stage - primary education (nachalno obrazovanie) from grade 1 to 4 and basic education second stage- pre-secondary education (progymnasiya) - from grade 5 to 7. School children who have successfully completed the first stage of basic education are awarded a Udostoverenie za zavarshen natchalen etap na osnovnoto obrazovanie (Certificate for completed primary stage of basic education). Completion of basic education is attested by a final certificate -Svidetelstvo za osnovno obrazovanie (Certificate for basic education ) for the completion of basic education at the end of grade 7.

Secondary education comprises two stages: secondary education first stage from grade 8 to grade 10, and secondary education second stage from grade 11 to grade 12. School children who have successfully completed grade 10 are awarded a Certificate for a finished first high school stage of high school education (Udostoverenie za zavarshen parvi gimnazialen etap na sredno obrazovanie).
It lasts for five years after completion of the basic education course, studies lead to the Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie after successful passing of two state matriculation examinations (and optionally to a certificate of professional qualification awarded by professional schools) in the school subject "the Bulgarian Language and Literature" and a compulsory state matriculation examination in a profile school subject.
According to the type of preparation, the school are non-specialized and specialized.
According to the stage or level of education, the non-specialized schools are the following types:
1. primary schools (1 - 4 grade included) (nachalni uchilishta);
2. basic education schools (1 - 7 grade included) (osnovni uchilishta);

3. high schools (8 - 12 grade included) (gimnazii). Based on the contents of studies they are two types:
3. 1. profiled high schools (profilirani gimnazii);
3. 2. professional high schools (profesionalni gimnazii).

4. combined schools (1 - 10 grade included) (obedineni uchilishta);
5. high schools (1 - 12 grade included) (sredni uchilishta).

Specialized schools are preparing children in the area of sports, art, culture and for the needs of religions. They are the following types: sports schools (sportni uchilishta), fine arts schools (uchilishta po izkustva), schools for culture (uchilishta za kultura), religious schools (religiozni uchilishta).
Special education schools (spetsialni uchilishta) are preparing children with special education needs.

Higher education is provided by higher schools - universities, specialized higher schools (academies, institutes etc.) and independent colleges. Some universities and colleges are private. Higher education is regulated by the 1995 Law on Higher Education (latest amend. and suppl. SG. 98/27 Nov 2018) and the Law for the Development of Academic Staff (May 2010,amend. SG. 17/26 Feb 2019).

Pre-school and school education act Prom. SG. 79/13 Oct 2015, amend. SG. 100/20 Dec 2019, amend. SG. 101/27 Dec 2019 (2016)

Law for the Development of Academic Staff Prom. SG. 38/21 May 2010, amend. and suppl. SG. 30/3 Apr 2018, amend. SG. 17/26 Feb 2019 (2010)

Vocational Education and Training Act/ latest amend. SG. 100/20 Dec 2019 (1999)

Higher Education Act/ suppl. SG. 86/18 Oct 2018, amend. and suppl. SG. 98/27 Nov 2018 (1995)

Bulgarian, English, French, German

Non-university level : Profesionalen bakalavr po… /Professional bachelor in

Description:Educational qualification degree of professional higher education, awarded by colleges/ kolezhi after not less than three years of regular study with credits not less than 180. One national credit is equal to one ECTS credit. The “Professional Bachelor in …” degree is a first cycle degree in terms of the Bologna process and corresponds to Level 6 of the EQF. The former “Specialist in…” degree which used to be conferred from 1995 to 2007 has been replaced by the “Professional Bachelor in…” degree with the same academic rights without issuance of a new diploma. Students who obtain educational and qualification degree "Professional Bachelor in…" can proceed with their education to educational and qualification degree "master" only in the same professional field and obtaining not less than 120 credits after obtained educational and qualification degree of "Professional Bachelor in…"

University level first stage : Bakalavr (Bachelor)

Description:This stage of higher education lasts for at least four years of regular study of at least 240 credits and leads to the Bachelor's degree (Bakalavr) in many fields. It is a first cycle degree according to the Bologna process and corresponds to level 6 in the EQF. This is a degree created by the Higher Education Act of 1995. However, there are some fields where the Bachelor does not exist and where studies lead directly to the second stage of studies (Master's degree level) e.g. Law, Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, Architecture, and Veterinary Medicine.

University level second stage : Magistr (Master)

Description:This stage of study accounts for at least 300 credits and lasts for five to six years of regular study following secondary education or one year after a Bachelor's degree. Students must (usually) complete a thesis and pass a state examination. It is a second cycle degree according to the Bologna process and corresponds to level 7 in the EQF. The former Diplom za Visse Obrazovanie, awarded before the 1995 law, is officially regarded as equivalent to the Master's. The holders of a Professional Bachelor degree have to cover a study load of not less than two years and 120 credits up to the overall 300 credits and an overall duration of study at least five years for the Master’s degree. Holders of a Bachelor’s degree have to cover a study load of not less than one year and 60 credits to the overall 300 credits and an overall duration of study of at least five years for the Master’s degree.

University level third stage : Doktor (Doctor)

Description:This stage is the third cycle of the higher education system and leads to the title of Doctor. It corresponds to level 8 in the EQF. It is obtained on the basis of individual research and after the defence of a thesis. It replaces the former Kandidat na Naukite (Candidate of Sciences). The Higher Education Act of 1995 grants all Kandidat na Naukite holders the same rights as a holder of a Doctor's degree.

Higher education teachers are trained at universities.

Distance education is a form of education, subject to specific requirements and accreditation

CEEPUS III

ERASAM +

UNESCO-Culture of peace

VIFAX-ACCT-FRANCOPHONIE

LEONARDO

SOCRATES II

UNESCO Chair for Civic Education/CEPES

PHARE

Blue Danube Project in Secondary Education

2000+ Project

UNEVOC

CEEPUS

Ministerstvo na obrazovanieto i naukata

Role:Executive body in charge of the implementation of the national higher education policy.

Street:2A Knyaz Dondukov Bld.

City:Sofia

PostCode:1000

Tel:+359(2) 921-7799

Fax:+359(2) 988-2485

www:http://www.mon.bg

Contacts:Krasimir Velchev (Head), Job title : Minister

Bulgarian Rectors' Conference

Street:c/o Agrarian University 12, Mendeleev Bld.

City:Plovdiv

PostCode:4000

Tel:+359(32) 633-232

Fax:+359(32) 633-242

www:http://www.au-plovdiv.bg

Contacts:Dimitar Grekov (Head), Job title : President

Natzionalna agentzia za ozeniavane i akreditatzia - NAOA

Role:NEAA is the specialized national body for quality assurance, evaluation and accreditation of the activities of Higher Education Institutions: teaching, research, artistic, etc. that correspond to their specific features. There are two types of accreditation: institutional accreditation and programme accreditation (for all educational degrees). NEAA developed and adopted evaluation and accreditation criteria in accordance with the Higher Education Act and adopted state requirements. NEAA also evaluates projects for the establishing or transforming of higher schools or colleges and their main units, as well as the opening of new specialities.

Street:125 Tsarigradsko shose Blvd, bl. 5,fl. 4, north wing

City:Sofia

PostCode:1113

Tel:+359(2) 807-7811

Fax:+359(2) 971-068

www:http://www.neaa.government.bg

Contacts:- Petya Lyubomirova Kabakchieva (Head), Job title : President
- Mila Nencheva Penelova (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : General Secretary

Natzionalen tzentar za informatzia i dokmentatzia

Role:National ENIC-NARIC centre for Bulgaria. Competent academic recognition authority for facilitating access to the unregulated labor market.

Services provided and types of students dealt with:NACID is national competent academic recognition authority for facilitating access to the unregulated labour market for 1st and 2nd cycle degrees in terms of the Bologna Process (Bachelor and Master). National ENIC-NARIC centre for Bulgaria.

Recognition for institution:no

Recognition for profession:yes

Street:52 A, Dr. GM Dimitrov Blvd.

City:Sofia

PostCode:1125

Tel:+359(2) 817-3824

Fax:+359(2) 971-3120

www:http://www.nacid.bg

Contacts:Vanya Grashkina (Head), Job title : Executive Director

Natzionalen studentski dom

Street:10 Narodno Sabranie Sq.

City:Sofia

PostCode:1000

Tel:+359(2) 987-2286

Fax:+359(2) 987-2284

www:http://www.studenthouse.bg

Contacts:Khristian Daskalov (Head), Job title : Director

Natzionalno Predstavitelstvo na Studentskite Saveti v Republika Bulgaria

Role:The national statutory body which protects the rights and interests of students and postgraduates. The organization works to improve the quality of education, improving the teacher-student relationship, creating conditions for the growth of young scientific talent of the country, and increasing the degree of self-government, adoption of good practices in the area of ​​mobility and career development.

Street:Narodno Sabranie Sq. 10

City:Sofia

PostCode:1000

Tel:+359(2) 4414-990

www:http://www.npss.bg

Contacts:Jana Vangelova (Head), Job title : Chairperson

Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie

Yes

For less demanded specialities, candidates may enrol on the basis of document submission, graded according to academic record.

Definition:Students who are not Bulgarian citizens.

Admission Requirements:Foreign students must hold a Secondary School Leaving Certificate equivalent to the Bulgarian Secondary School Leaving Certificate and must be officially admitted by the Ministry of Education and Science.

Quotas:Quotas are defined each year according to the needs of the higher education institutions.

Language Proficiency:A pre-university year of studies in the Bulgarian language is required. Examinations take place after 1 year of studies in the Bulgarian language at the Institute for Foreign Students.

Bulgarian higher education institutions, NACID (Nacionalen centar za informacia i dokumentacia), Bulgarian scientific organisations, and competent recognition authorities in the respective regulated professions are all responsible for recognition.

For Access to Non-University Post-Secondary Studies:All Bulgarian higher education institutions for access to their non-university post-secondary programmes.

For Access to University Level Studies:All Bulgarian higher education institutions for access to their university level programmes. The Regional managements of education by place of residence in Bulgaria are competent for recognition of secondary education for access to higher education.

For Access to Advanced Studies/Research:All accredited Bulgarian scientific organisations and higher education institutions as well as the Minister of Education and Science for access to their advanced studies/research programsmes. NACID for Master's degree holders, wishing to be admitted to PhD studies in scientific organisations which are not HEIs.

For the Exercise of a Profession:The academic recognition procedure in NACID (Nacionalen centar za informacia i dokumentacia) is for facilitating access to the non-regulated segment of the labour market. Competent recognition authorities in the respective regulated professions - for the regulated segment of the labour market.The same division applies to the European professional card too.

Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region - CETS 165 (2000)

Is there social security:Yes

By Road:Yes

By Rail:Yes

By Air:No

Available to Foreign Students:Yes

National Students - Min Tuition Fees:154 Bulgarian Lev

Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie

Description:The diploma za sredno obrazovanie is conferred after a total of twelve years' study and two national matriculation exams. It is required for entry to higher education and is awarded by all secondary schools.

Profesionalen Bakalavr

Description:The Professional Bachelor requires a period of study of not less than three years with no fewer credits than 180 ECTS. It corresponds to Cycle 1 of the Bologna process, Level 6 of the EQF and NQF of Bulgaria. Holders of a Professional Bachelor can proceed with further studies to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in any university accredited to offer educational programmes leading to Bachelor’s degree in the same field of study with the following requirements: not less than 60 credits up to the overall 240 credits and overall duration of study at least four years for the Bachelor’s degree. Holders of a Professional Bachelor can proceed with their further studies for obtaining Master’s degree in any university accredited to offer educational programmes leading to Master’s degree in the same field of study with the following requirements: not less than 120 credits up to the overall 300 credits and overall duration of study at least five years for the Master’s degree.The former Diploma za Poluvisše Obrazovanie/Diploma za zavyrsheno Poluvisše Obrazovanie which used to be conferred prior to 1995 after three years of study is now officially regarded as equivalent to the Profesionalen Bakalavr. The former Specialist degree was conferred from 1995 to 2007, after which it was replaced by the Professional Bachelor with the same academic rights without issuance of a new diploma.

Entrance exam test at Institution level:yes

Credential required for entry:Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie

Type of institution where credential is offered:Kolej (College)

Bakalavr

Description:The Bakalavr (or Bachelor) requires a period of study of not less than four years with no fewer than 240 ECTS. It corresponds to the 1st cycle of the Bologna process, Level 6 of the EQF and NQF of Bulgaria. Holders of a Bakalavr can proceed to further studies at Master's level in any university, which is accredited to offer educational programmes leading to a Master’s degree with the following requirements: not less than 60 credits up to the overall 300 credits and overall duration of study at least five years for the Master’s degree.

Entrance exam test at Institution level:yes

Credential required for entry:Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie
Profesionalen Bakalavr

Type of institution where credential is offered:Universitet (University)

Magistr

Description:The Magistr (or Master's degree) in Bulgaria requires no less than 300 ECTS credits, and a duration of study of not less than five years. The holders of a Professional Bachelor degree have to cover a study load of not less than two years and 120 credits up to the overall 300 credits and an overall duration of study at least five years for the Master’s degree. Holders of a Bachelor’s degree have to cover a study load of not less than one year and 60 credits to the overall 300 credits and an overall duration of study of at least five years for the Master’s degree. The Master’s degree corresponds to Cycle 2 of the Bologna process and to Level 7 of the EQF and NQF of Bulgaria. “Long” Master’s degrees are offered in a limited number of majors (mostly leading to sectoral regulated professions) like Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Architecture, and Law. The former Diploma za Visše Obrazovanie/Diploma za zavyrsheno Visše Obrazovanie which used to be conferred prior to 1995 after at least four years of study (generally five) and which required the presentation of a thesis is now officially regarded as equivalent to the Magistr.

Entrance exam test at Institution level:yes

Credential required for entry:Profesionalen Bakalavr
Bakalavr

Type of institution where credential is offered:Universitet (University)

Doktor

Description:The Educational and Scientific Degree of Doctor requires a Master's degree. Studies last for at least 3 years in regular and at least 4 years in extra-mural form of training. No educational credits are awarded. It corresponds to Level 8 of the EQF and NQF of Bulgaria. Holders of a Master’s degree can proceed with their further studies for obtaining the educational and scientific degree of Doctor in any university or scientific organisation, which is accredited to offer educational programmes leading to the educational and scientific degree of Doctor.This new degree has replaced the Kandidat na Naukite which used to be confered after three years’ study after the (first) diploma of higher education (Diplom za Visše Obrazovanie) and the presentation of a thesis.

Entrance exam test at Institution level:yes

Credential required for entry:Magistr

Type of institution where credential is offered:Universitet (University)

From:2019

To:2020

IAU from the National Center for Information and Documentation (NACID), Sofia, January 2020.