EDUCATION IN BULGARIA

Educational System of Bulgaria

Education in Bulgaria is mainly supported by the state through the Ministry of Education and Science. School education is compulsory for children from seven to sixteen years of age.

The Bulgarian educational system falls within the continental European tradition. The main types of secondary schools are: general educational, vocational, language schools and foreign schools. Private schools are also being established and they are beginning to compete successfully with state schools.

There are fifty-one higher educational institutions in Bulgaria offering degrees at undergraduate and graduate levels. The academic year for most Bulgarian universities begins around October 1 and consists of fall and spring semesters. The academic year covers up to 30 weeks. Classes usually meet once a week for 75 minutes or for two 45-minute periods with a 15-minute break in between.

Grading System

Main Grading System Used by Education Institutions in Bulgaria

• All academic courses receive grades of 2-6 according to the following standards:
  • 6 (A) – Excellent (91.5 -100%)
  • 5 (B) – Very Good (80.5 – 91.4%)
  • 4 (C) – Good (70.5 – 80.4%)
  • 3 (D) – Sufficient (59.5 – 70.4%)
  • 2 (F) – Poor (0 – 59.4%)
• 6.0 (US 4.0) is the highest possible GPA
• Pass/fail level: 3.5
• Lowest on scale: 2
• To convert GPA from the Bulgarian 6.0 system to the American 4.0 system, subtract two points from the Bulgarian system. For example, a 6.0 in the Bulgarian system is a 4.0 in the American system.
• As a matter of policy, the Bulgarian education institutions do not rank or rate their students.
• The Bulgarian counselors and teachers do their best to distinguish applicants in recommendations, and you should not hesitate to contact them if you have questions.