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Affordable International Schools in Bulgaria

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About international schools in Bulgaria

Affordable international schools in Bulgaria range from low-fee franchise preschools and bilingual private schools to full-line international campuses, with the deepest market and the most options in Sofia. English is the dominant medium in international schools, while Bulgarian-language or bilingual tracks and other languages such as Russian, German and French are commonly available; many schools offer British, American or International Baccalaureate programmes. Since Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, fees are now commonly quoted in euros; families can find very low-cost options that start around a few thousand euros a year, while many established international schools cluster in the mid-to-high price bands. The school year and admissions cycle follow the typical European pattern with a main September intake and frequent mid-year entry points; individual schools set application windows, assessments and any one-off entry fees, so relocating families should contact schools early and expect in-person or online assessments and document checks as part of enrolment.

Compare 20 Affordable international schools in Bulgaria. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 7,442), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 20 schools · avg fee EUR 7,422
Schools listed
20
Curricula
19
Average annual fee
EUR 7,422
Fee range
EUR 100 – 19,313
Most common curriculum
IB (DP) (9 schools)
Average school size
352 pupils
Largest by enrolment
St. George International School & Preschool
Oldest
Cosmos International School (1930)
With boarding
1

16 international schools in Sofia

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2 international schools in Varna

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1 international school in Plovdiv

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1 international school in Veliko Tarnovo

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FAQs for Bulgaria

What curricula and languages can we expect at affordable international schools in Bulgaria?
Affordable international schools commonly use internationally recognised curricula such as the British (Cambridge/IGCSE), American-style programmes and, in some schools, the International Baccalaureate; others operate bilingual models that combine the Bulgarian national curriculum with enhanced English or German instruction. English is the most frequent language of instruction in private international settings, but many schools also maintain strong Bulgarian-language provision and offer additional modern languages depending on the school’s profile and student community.
How much do ‘affordable’ international schools in Bulgaria actually cost?
At the low end, franchise or smaller private international programmes and several bilingual schools list annual tuition in the low-thousands of euros (examples around €2,500 per year for some preschool and early years programmes), while mainstream international schools in Sofia commonly sit in a mid range that can be several thousand to low tens of thousands of euros a year depending on age and programme. Expect additional one-off registration or capital fees in many schools and extra charges for transport, lunches and extracurricular activities, so compare total cost-of-attendance rather than headline tuition alone.
When should we apply and how flexible are start dates?
The principal intake for most international schools in Bulgaria is the start of the academic year in late August or early September, and many schools also accept students at mid-year points (commonly after the winter break or at the start of the calendar year). Application windows, assessment requirements and places available vary by school and by year group, so families relocating should begin enquiries several months before the intended start date to secure assessments, submit records and, if required, meet scholarship or testing deadlines.
Can our child attend a free Bulgarian state school instead of an international school?
Yes, legally resident children can attend Bulgarian state schools free of charge, and Bulgaria also has selective or specialised state gymnasia and bilingual programmes that teach enhanced English or other languages; these are a route to local qualifications at no tuition cost. However, state schools follow the Bulgarian national curriculum and selection procedures differ from private international schools, so families who need continuous international-style qualification pathways (for example IB, Cambridge IGCSE/A-levels or a US high-school transcript) often choose a private international option.
What paperwork and visas are typically needed to enrol a foreign child in Bulgaria?
Foreign families should be prepared to show passports, birth certificates and school records or transcripts for previous schooling, and longer stays normally require appropriate immigration status or a residence permit; schools will outline the exact documentation they need as part of admissions. For non-EU nationals intending to live in Bulgaria while a child attends school, immigration and visa procedures are governed by national rules and may require proof of enrolment or an acceptance letter for certain types of residence applications, so allow extra time to arrange permits after you receive an offer.