Bulgaria student visa

Short study or training visits can use a Schengen visa. Longer study normally needs a long-stay visa or residence permit.

Ways to get a Bulgaria student visa

Short-stay Schengen visa for study or training
Visa needed
Travellers who need a visa and are visiting for study, educational training or scientific research.
Stay
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
Valid for
Depends on the visa issued.
Entries
One, two or multiple entries.
Fee
Visa application fee waived. An external application centre may charge a service fee.
Processing
15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues.
1. Apply to Bulgaria's embassy or consulate if Bulgaria is your main destination.
2. Apply no earlier than six months before entry.
3. Submit the relevant supporting documents.
4. Attend your first application in person and provide biometric details if required.
Long-stay study visa or residence permit
Other permit
Students from outside the EU single market who need permission for a stay longer than 90 days.
Stay
Generally a long-stay visa for stays of less than a year, or a residence permit for longer periods.
Visa-free supervised school trip
No visa needed
School pupils who are not EU single market citizens but legally live in the EU single market and meet the school group requirements.
Stay
A short stay or transit.

Who needs it

Students who are not exempt need a visa for a short visit. Nationals from outside the EU single market generally need long-stay permission for stays over 90 days.

Who doesn't

Some school pupils legally resident in the EU single market can join a supervised school trip without a visa.

What to bring

Relevant supporting documents, including when the visa fee is waived.

Good to know

Long-stay procedures depend on national rules.
A school trip exemption has specific group, teacher and document requirements.

Questions

Do I need a student visa for Bulgaria?

Students who are not exempt need a visa for a short visit. Nationals from outside the EU single market generally need long-stay permission for stays over 90 days. Some school pupils legally resident in the EU single market can join a supervised school trip without a visa.

What are the ways to get a student visa for Bulgaria?

There are 3 options: Short-stay Schengen visa for study or training (a visa from an embassy); Long-stay study visa or residence permit (a special permit); Visa-free supervised school trip (no visa at all).

Who can go to Bulgaria without a student visa?

School pupils who are not EU single market citizens but legally live in the EU single market and meet the school group requirements.

How long can I stay on a Bulgaria student visa?

Short stays: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Longer stays require separate permission.

How much does a Bulgaria student visa cost?

The Schengen visa application fee is waived for study, educational training and scientific research. Long-stay fees are not specified.

What documents do I need for a Bulgaria student visa?

Relevant supporting documents, including when the visa fee is waived..

Does my passport change whether I need a student visa for Bulgaria?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Bulgaria visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a student visa for Bulgaria be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Bulgaria student visa rules?

On Bulgaria's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my student visa once I am in Bulgaria?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

Reviewed by @snuck