Study at Trakia University (Stara Zagora): Complete Student Guide
Looking for a world-class EU medical or veterinary degree in a peaceful, budget-friendly European city? Trakia University in Stara Zagora is one of the most cost-effective and highly regarded higher education institutions in Southeastern Europe.
Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, modern university hospitals, and world-renowned Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University attracts hundreds of international students every year from the UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Greece, India, and beyond.
At Study Medicine in Bulgaria, we manage your entire application process—from document translation and legalizations to online entrance test tutoring and local housing support.
Why Choose Trakia University?
Trakia University combines accredited European healthcare education with the lowest overall cost of living among Bulgarian university towns.
Key Highlights:
Globally Recognized EU Diploma: Graduate with a Master’s degree in Medicine () or Veterinary Medicine () fully compliant with European Union directives. Graduates qualify for direct registration with the GMC/RCVS (UK), USMLE eligibility (USA), and veterinary/medical licensing across the EU/EEA and globally.
Affordable Tuition & Low Living Expenses: Trakia University provides one of the most affordable pathways to study medicine or veterinary science in Europe without sacrificing educational quality.
Integrated Campus Environment: The Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine feature extensive modern classrooms, specialized laboratories, and student facilities.
Safe & Welcoming Atmosphere: Stara Zagora offers a friendly, close-knit international community where students easily balance academic rigor with an active social life.
English-Taught Programs & Tuition Fees
Trakia University offers two flagship healthcare study programs taught 100% in English:
| Program | Degree Granted | Course Duration | Annual Tuition Fee | Academic Intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study Medicine | Master’s () | 6 Years (12 Semesters) | €9,000 / year | September / October |
| Veterinary Medicine | Master’s () | 5.5 Years (11 Semesters) | €8,200 / year | September / October |
📌 Note on Payments: Tuition fees are paid directly to the university in two equal installments at the beginning of each semester (Winter and Summer).
Comparing medical schools across Bulgaria? Explore our guides to Sofia Medical University, Plovdiv Medical University, Varna Medical University, and Pleven Medical University on our medical universities directory.
Admission Requirements & Entrance Exams
Getting accepted into Trakia University requires meeting secondary school subject thresholds and passing an online entrance test.
1. High School Credentials
Medicine: High school diploma with solid passing marks in Biology and Chemistry.
Veterinary Medicine: High school diploma with strong marks in Biology.
2. Mandatory Online Entrance Exam
Medicine Applicants: Multiple-choice online assessment covering Biology and Chemistry.
Veterinary Medicine Applicants: Multiple-choice online assessment covering Biology.
English Language Requirement: An online English assessment is required unless you hold a recognized language certificate (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) or completed secondary school in a native English-speaking country (UK, Ireland, US, Canada, Australia, NZ).
3. Application Legalization & Dossier Submissions
All application documents—including academic transcripts, medical health checks, and passport copies—must undergo official Bulgarian translation, apostille legalization, and validation by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education.
💡 Ace Your Entry Exam: Access specialized study guides, sample tests, and online mock exams designed specifically for Trakia University through our Entrance Exam Preparation hub.
Student Housing & Living Costs in Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora is widely celebrated among international students for offering the lowest living costs among all Bulgarian medical university towns.
Student Accommodation Options:
University Dormitories: Dormitory beds are available on campus for approximately €50/month. Places are limited and rooms are typically shared with a roommate.
Private Apartments: Most international students prefer renting modern private or shared apartments near the city center or medical campus. Rent ranges from €200 to €300/month for a private single-bedroom apartment. Sharing a 2-bedroom apartment with a flatmate further reduces individual housing costs. Read our complete Student Accommodation Guide.
Monthly Expense Breakdown:
Estimate your personal student budget using our interactive Living Costs & Budget Calculator, or learn more about student life on our Living in Bulgaria page.
Student Life & Exploring Stara Zagora
Situated in central Bulgaria, Stara Zagora is a vibrant, ancient city known for its straight tree-lined avenues, parks, and historical landmarks.
Safe & Walkable City: Main avenues, shopping centers, cinema complexes, study cafes, and Ayazmo Park are all easily accessible on foot, by bicycle, or via cheap local taxis (~€3 per ride).
Active Student Life: Stara Zagora hosts international restaurants, sports centers, and historic museums (such as the Regional History Museum and Neolithic Dwellings).
Excellent Travel Connections: Stara Zagora’s central location allows easy travel to three major international airports:
Sofia Airport: ~3 hours away by highway or train.
Plovdiv Airport: ~1.5 hours away.
Burgas Airport (Black Sea Coast): ~2 hours away.
How Study Medicine in Bulgaria Secures Your Admission
Navigating international applications, document legalizations, and university filings alone can be daunting. Study Medicine in Bulgaria manages every step so you can transition smoothly into university life.
Explore all our student assistance packages on Our Services page.
Take the First Step Toward Trakia University
Ready to earn your medical or veterinary degree at Trakia University? Contact our admissions team today to evaluate your qualifications and start your application.
Schedule Your Strategy Session: Book a Free Consultation
Have Questions? Get in touch directly on our Contact Page or learn more about studying in Europe on Why Study in Bulgaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about studying Medicine or Veterinary Medicine at Trakia University (Stara Zagora).
1. Are medical and veterinary degrees from Trakia University recognized internationally?
Yes, 100%. Trakia University (Stara Zagora) is fully state-accredited and complies strictly with European Union Directive 2005/36/EC. Graduates receive Master's degrees in Medicine (MD) or Veterinary Medicine (DVM) recognized across all EU/EEA countries. Degrees are listed in WDOMS and qualify for GMC/RCVS registration in the UK, USMLE pathways in the USA, and medical/veterinary council registrations worldwide.
2. Which English-taught programs are offered at Trakia University and how long do they take?
Trakia University offers two primary 100% English-taught study options: Study Medicine in Bulgaria (6 years / 12 semesters leading to an MD) and Veterinary Medicine (5.5 years / 11 semesters leading to a DVM). Both lead directly to an integrated Master's degree upon graduation.
3. How much are annual tuition fees at Trakia University and how are they paid?
Annual tuition fees for English-taught programs are €9,000 per year for Medicine (MD) and €8,200 per year for Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Fees are paid directly to the university in two equal semester installments (Winter and Summer). To compare costs with other universities like Sofia Medical University, Plovdiv Medical University, or Pleven Medical University, explore our Medical Universities Directory.
4. What is the entrance exam format for applying to Trakia University?
Medicine applicants sit an online multiple-choice test covering Biology and Chemistry, while Veterinary applicants take a test covering Biology. An online English evaluation is also conducted unless you hold a recognized language qualification. You can prepare using our specialized Entrance Exam Preparation hub featuring past paper pools and mock tests.
5. What are the student accommodation options and monthly living costs in Stara Zagora?
Most international students rent modern, private single or shared apartments near the city center or campus for €150 to €280/month. Campus dormitories cost around €50/month. Stara Zagora is celebrated for having the lowest living costs among university cities in Bulgaria, with total monthly student budgets averaging between €340 and €560. Calculate your budget with our Living Costs & Budget Calculator or read our Student Accommodation Guide.
6. How does Study Medicine in Bulgaria assist with applying to Trakia University?
We provide full end-to-end admission and relocation management. Our team manages transcript evaluations, official document translations, Ministry apostille legalizations, entrance test prep, housing searches via our Relocation & Settling-in Support, airport pickups, bank account setup, and residence permit legalities. Learn more about Why Study in Bulgaria or explore Our Services.