Educational System in Bulgaria
Summary: The one tip that you hear expats living in Bulgaria repeatedly sharing with newcomers is not to buy a home when you first move to Bulgaria. Rent for a few months or longer so that you have time to find the right neighborhood. Give yourself time to ensure that Bulgaria is right for you for the long term. If you've already taken time to do those things and are ready to take the plunge and become a property owner, here are tips about buying a home in Bulgaria.
Relocating to a new country can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to understanding the educational system for your children. This guide aims to provide expats with a comprehensive overview of the educational system in Bulgaria. It covers the main stages of education, the process of enrolling children in school, language requirements, the availability of bilingual schools, types of private schools, homeschooling, and online schooling options. The goal is to help you make informed decisions about your children's education in Bulgaria.
What are the main stages of education in Bulgaria?
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How does a newcomer from a different country enroll their kids in school?
To enroll a child in a Bulgarian school, parents or guardians must provide a birth certificate, proof of immunizations, and proof of residence. If the child has previously attended school in another country, academic transcripts or records may also be required. It's advisable to contact the school directly for specific enrollment procedures as they may vary.
Can my children enroll in a public school if they are still learning Bulgarian?
Yes, children who are still learning Bulgarian can enroll in public schools. However, they may need additional language support. Some schools offer Bulgarian as a Second Language (BSL) programs to help non-native speakers. It's important to check with the school about their language support services.
Are there public bilingual schools in Bulgaria?
Yes, there are public bilingual schools in Bulgaria, particularly in larger cities like Sofia and Plovdiv. These schools offer instruction in both Bulgarian and a foreign language, typically English, German, or French. Admission requirements vary, so it's best to contact the school directly for information.
What types of private schools are common in Bulgaria?
Private schools in Bulgaria often offer international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British GCSE and A-levels. There are also bilingual private schools and those that focus on specific languages or religious education, such as Catholic schools. These schools typically have smaller class sizes and more diverse extracurricular activities.
Do expats typically send their children to public or private school?
Many expats in Bulgaria choose to send their children to private international schools due to the language of instruction and the international curricula. However, some expats prefer public schools to immerse their children in the local culture and language.
How expensive are Private schools in Bulgaria?
Private school fees in Bulgaria can vary widely, depending on the school and the curriculum. On average, annual tuition fees can range from 3,000 to 10,000 Euros. It's advisable to contact the school directly for accurate fee structures.
Are you allowed to homeschool while living in Bulgaria?
Homeschooling is not officially recognized in Bulgaria. All children are required to attend school from the age of 7 to 16. Exceptions may be made for children with special educational needs, but these are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
May kids attend online school instead of a local school while living in Bulgaria?
Online schooling is not widely recognized in Bulgaria. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools have adapted to online learning. It's best to check with the Ministry of Education or the local school for the most current regulations regarding online schooling.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Bulgaria Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Bulgaria
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Bulgaria
- Best Places to Live in Bulgaria
- Real Estate in Bulgaria
- Guide to Real Estate in Bulgaria
- Pros & Cons of Living in Bulgaria
- Cost of Living in Bulgaria
- Getting a Driver's License in Bulgaria
- How to Navigate the Health System in Bulgaria
- Guide to Residency in Bulgaria
- 7 Things to Know Before You Move to Bulgaria
- 2024 Guide to Living in Bulgaria
- Pros and Cons of Living in Bulgaria 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Bulgaria