Pleven Medical University
Country: Bulgaria
Tuition Fees: €7,500
Entrance Exam: Yes
Graduate Entry: No
Pleven Medical University is a top choice for international students, particularly from the UK, who seek to study medicine in Europe. As one of the oldest medical universities in Bulgaria to offer English-taught programmes, Pleven Medical University has become a preferred destination for students aiming to pursue a career in medicine. Known for its February intake and strong international community, the university provides excellent medical education, combining traditional values with modern medical practices.
About Pleven Medical University
Established in 1974, Pleven Medical University has a long-standing tradition of excellence in medical education. In 1997, it became the first Bulgarian university to introduce an English course for international students, making it one of the most sought-after institutions in Bulgaria for studying medicine.
The university is equipped with state-of-the-art educational and therapeutic facilities, including a pre-clinical base and a university hospital with over 1,000 beds. This extensive infrastructure supports students’ learning and practical training in all major medical fields. With specialised clinics and research units boasting modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, the university ensures that students receive top-quality training and hands-on experience throughout their medical education.
Over the years, Pleven Medical University has trained more than 6,000 Bulgarian and international students from over 30 countries. Its alumni include a significant number of British graduates, many of whom are now working in the NHS, demonstrating the global recognition of its degrees.
The university offers a degree in medicine that is recognised worldwide, which means graduates do not need to sit the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) test upon returning to the UK—a key benefit for UK students.
Reasons to Study at Pleven Medical University
There are several compelling reasons to choose Pleven Medical University for your medical education:
- Pioneering English-Taught Programmes: Pleven Medical University was the first in Bulgaria to offer an English-taught medical programme for international students, making it a top choice for students from the UK and other countries.
- World-Class Facilities: The university boasts an extensive hospital network with more than 1,000 beds, specialised clinics, and state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. This infrastructure supports students in gaining hands-on experience from the very start of their education.
- Strong International Community: With students from over 30 countries—including the UK, USA, Turkey, Japan, and Nigeria—the university has a vibrant and diverse student community, fostering a global learning environment.
- Affordable Tuition and Living Costs: Pleven Medical University offers an affordable education with tuition fees that are much lower than in Western Europe. Additionally, the cost of living in Pleven is very reasonable, with average monthly expenses of around £400–£450, including rent, utilities, and general living costs.
- Recognition of Degree: The medical degree from Pleven Medical University is globally recognised, allowing graduates to practise medicine in the UK, EU, and beyond. With its international accreditation, the university’s degree holders can seamlessly return to the UK to begin their medical careers without the need for additional testing such as the PLAB.
- Modern Sporting and Leisure Facilities: The university encourages students to participate in various sports activities. It has an indoor sports centre with basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, and other facilities to ensure students maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Pleven Medical University Application Process | Admission and Entry Requirements
Applying to Pleven Medical University is a simple and structured process, designed to attract students from all over the world. For UK and international applicants, MedConnect Europe provides assistance throughout the application process, ensuring that all documents are properly submitted.
Admission Requirements:
- Educational Qualifications: Students must have completed their secondary education and provide a Diploma/School Leaving Certificate. This is the basic requirement for applying to the university’s English-taught medical programme.
- Entrance Exam: Aspiring students must pass an admission test in Biology and Chemistry. This test ensures that applicants have the foundational knowledge required to succeed in medical school.
- Minimum Academic Performance: For non-EU students, a minimum of 62% in both Biology and Chemistry is required for admission to the university.
With its February intake, Pleven Medical University provides flexibility for students who may miss the September intake in other universities, allowing them to start their medical studies early in the year.
Pleven Medical University Accreditation
Pleven Medical University offers degrees that are fully recognised internationally. Accredited by Bulgaria’s Ministry of Education and Science, the university’s degrees are acknowledged by medical councils across the EU and globally, allowing graduates to practise medicine without additional qualifications or testing in many countries.
Pleven Medical University also offers its students the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ programme, enabling them to study abroad at partner universities across Europe during their medical studies.
Accommodation at Pleven Medical University
Pleven Medical University offers affordable accommodation options for its students, including on-campus dormitories and private apartments within the city.
- Student Dormitories: Dormitories are available near the university campus and provide cost-effective housing for students. Rent is approximately €70 per month, including utilities such as electricity, heating, and WiFi. Each dorm room typically accommodates two students, offering a comfortable and affordable living arrangement.
- Private Accommodation: For students seeking more independence, renting a private apartment is a viable option. Average rent for a private apartment in Pleven is around €350 per month, making it an affordable alternative. MedConnect Europe assists students in finding suitable private accommodation close to the university.
Entrance Exam Dates 2025
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City of Pleven
Pleven, located in central and north-western Bulgaria, is a modern city that serves as the academic, economic, and cultural hub of the region. Just a two-hour drive from Sofia, the capital, Pleven is well-connected and offers a relaxed yet engaging lifestyle for students.
What to Expect in Pleven:
- Cultural and Leisure Opportunities: Pleven is a vibrant city with a variety of cultural activities and entertainment options. It boasts numerous museums, galleries, cinemas, and theatres, providing ample opportunities for students to enjoy their free time. The city also hosts regular music, drama, and dance performances, making it a lively place to live.
- Sporting Facilities: Pleven has excellent sporting facilities, including parks, a pedestrian street, and indoor sports complexes, ensuring students can maintain an active lifestyle.
- Ecologically Clean: Pleven is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Bulgaria. It is surrounded by a 25,000-acre green zone consisting of parks and forests, which help reduce air pollution and create a refreshing atmosphere for residents.
- Affordable Living: Living expenses in Pleven are considerably lower compared to the UK. Monthly expenses for students, including rent, bills, groceries, and entertainment, generally range from £400–£450. Public transport is very affordable, with bus fares costing only 40p per ride, and a monthly bus pass priced at around £6.
- Food and Dining: Pleven has a wide range of restaurants and cafes, offering everything from international cuisine to local Bulgarian dishes. For students missing a taste of home, fast food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King are also available.
With its affordable lifestyle, cultural richness, and proximity to major cities, Pleven provides a unique and enjoyable experience for international students studying at the university.
Apply Today To Study Medicine At Pleven Medical University
Pleven Medical University offers a world-class medical education in a vibrant and affordable city. With its rich tradition of medical excellence, modern facilities, and globally recognised degrees, it is an ideal choice for UK students looking to study medicine abroad. Whether you are drawn to its pioneering English-taught programmes, affordable tuition fees, or strong international community, Pleven Medical University is the perfect place to pursue your medical education.
Ready to start your medical journey? Contact MedConnect Europe today to begin your application process and secure your place at Pleven Medical University.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Medicine At Pleven Medical University
- High/secondary school education (12-years education) and to have obtained a Diploma/School Leaving Certificate/GCE A-2.
- To have studied, completed and obtained grades in Biology and Chemistry in high school. – at least one of these two subjects at their A2 level , and the other one – either in A2, A/S or in GCSE level.
- Must have a passing grade or above in Chemistry and Biology for EU citizens.
- Must have 62% average or above in Chemistry and Biology for Non-EU citizens.
There is a simple entry test in Biology and Chemistry, which must be written by all students intending to study at Pleven Medical University. If you have performed well in the test, your admission to the university is guaranteed.
MedConnect Europe will provide you with all the necessary materials and past papers to ensure that you are successful in the test. Although this test is in English it must be taken in Bulgaria.
MedConnect Europe will help arrange hotel accommodation for the duration of your stay and will be on call throughout your stay to guide you through the process. MedConnect Europe will also arrange a tour both of the university and city so you have a chance to see first-hand what the course is all about as well as the city life in general.
Pleven Medical University offers a 6 Year MD course that is taught in English throughout the entire duration.
Bulgarian language is compulsory to learn during the first two years of studies.
- The first 2 years are non-clinical years and includes the following subjects: Anatomy, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry and Physiology.
- The next 3 years are the Clinical years where you spend more time in the hospitals gaining practical and first-hand experience into life as a doctor.
- In your final year, you will take the State Exam in order to achieve your licence to practice. After successful completion of the exam, you will achieve the professional qualification of Doctor of Medicine (MD) and be awarded a Master’s degree.
- The course is GMC recognised and meets the EU requirements throughout its duration. The teachers have long standing experience and you have access to modern facilities aiding your success in the degree.
Yes, the medical degree from Pleven Medical University is fully recognised in the UK, meaning graduates can return and practice medicine without the need to sit the PLAB test.
Tuition fees at Pleven Medical University are very affordable, typically starting from around €8,500 per year, which is much lower than medical programmes in Western Europe.
Yes, Pleven Medical University offers a February intake, providing flexibility for students who may have missed the standard September intake.
Living costs in Pleven are relatively low, with students typically spending £400–£450 per month, including rent, utilities, groceries, and entertainment.
UK students can apply through MedConnect Europe, which provides assistance with the application process, including gathering and submitting required documents. Applicants must pass an entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry to be considered for admission.