Quick Summary
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a public that has shaped higher education since 1888. Ranked #661-670 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 21500 students including 8% from outside Bulgaria. Known for strengths in Classics & Ancient History, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the oldest and most prestigious higher education institution in Bulgaria, offering high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of Western European universities.
Subject Strengths
Classics & Ancient HistoryMathematicsPhysics and AstronomyModern Languages
Founded1888
TypePublic
Total Students21500
Intl Students8%
Faculty Ratio11
CampusUrban/Distributed
Campus SizeUrban
Affiliated HospitalsUniversity Hospital Lozenets, Alexandrovska University Hospital
AccreditationNational Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) of Bulgaria
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#661-670
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Post-doctorate
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
National Center of Polar Research, Center of Excellence in Humanities, Big Data for a Smart Society (GATE)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) of Bulgaria
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline ยท September 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline ยท January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International students should focus on early legalization of documents via the Bulgarian Ministry of Education. Entrance exams are mandatory for Medicine and Law.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Bulgarian Lev
UG Tuition
ะปะฒ6,800/yr
per year ยท BGN
Living Cost
ะปะฒ12,500/yr
per year ยท BGN
PG Tuition
ะปะฒ7,500/yr
per year ยท BGN
Application Fee
$50
one time ยท USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
ะปะฒ19,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials ยท BGN
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyLimited
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Master, PhD, Post-doctorate programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Computer Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| International Relations | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$18,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with local IT and government sectors
Industry Connections
IBMVMwareSAPBulgarian Academy of Sciences
Notable Alumni
Zhelyu Zhelev, Georgi Parvanov, Rosen Plevneliev, Kristalina Georgieva
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
University Sports Center, swimming pools, tennis courts
Student Clubs
Student Council, Erasmus Student Network, University Theater
Library Resources
Sofia University Library (over 2.5 million volumes)
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, CEEPUS, Utrecht Network
Summer Programs
International Seminar on Bulgarian Language and Culture