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Search & filter all 3 schools Compare 3 schools in Bulgaria

International Schools in Bulgaria

Compare 3 international schools in Bulgaria. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 19,059), location, and more to find the right international school now.

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Schools listed
3
Curricula
6
Average annual fee
EUR 19,059
Fee range
EUR 10,040 – 28,600
More school facts
Most common curriculum
IB (DP) (2 schools)
Average school size
746 pupils
Largest by enrolment
The American College of Sofia
Oldest
The American College of Sofia (1860)
With boarding
1
About international schools in Bulgaria

International schools in Bulgaria are concentrated in Sofia with smaller clusters on the Black Sea coast and in larger regional cities; they typically follow internationally recognised programmes such as the International Baccalaureate, UK/Cambridge pathways and US-style or national-plus international curricula, while French- and German-language schools also serve specific communities. English is the dominant language of instruction at most international schools, but Bulgarian language lessons or mother-tongue provision are commonly offered and schools usually provide English language support for newcomers. Annual fees vary by school size and accreditation; for Sofia the typical published range is in the lower to mid tens of thousands of euros for full-time primary and secondary places, with extra charges for meals, transport, exams and activities, and many families now see fees quoted in euros after Bulgaria’s euro adoption. The main intake is for the September term and schools recommend applying several months ahead; many schools also operate waiting lists and keep limited mid-year places, and most admissions processes include an application, previous school reports, an assessment and a placement interview.

View by curriculum (3)

View by curriculum

IB (2) British (1) American (1)

Choosing an international school in Bulgaria

Curricula

There are 3 international schools in Bulgaria covering 6 curricula. The most widely offered are IB (DP) (2), Bespoke Curriculum (2), Cambridge IGCSE (1), Cambridge International AS Levels (1), Cambridge A Levels (1). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.

Fees & what they cover

Annual tuition across Bulgaria runs from about EUR 10,040 to EUR 28,600, averaging roughly EUR 19,059. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in Bulgaria run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.

Boarding

1 of the 3 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in Bulgaria we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.

Popular comparisons in Bulgaria

Anglo-American School of Sofia vs British School of SofiaBritish School of Sofia vs St. George International School & PreschoolBritish School of Sofia vs Uwekind International SchoolBritish School of Sofia vs Change the World Schools International School and KindergartenDiscover Montessori School vs Uwekind International SchoolAmerican English Academy vs Change the World Schools International School and Kindergarten
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FAQs for Bulgaria

What curricula will I find at international schools in Bulgaria?
You will commonly find the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), British/Cambridge programmes (including IGCSEs and UK-style progression) and US-style high school diplomas; some schools combine national subjects with an international programme and there are also French and German curriculum schools for francophone and German-speaking families. Check each school’s accreditation and which external examinations or diplomas they prepare students for before you apply.
How much should we budget for fees and extras?
Published tuition at international schools in Sofia typically sits in the lower to mid tens of thousands of euros per year for full-time primary and secondary places, but smaller or nationally linked schools can be cheaper and some niche options cost less; schools commonly charge separate fees for registration, meals, transport, examinations and extracurricular activities. Ask schools for a full fee breakdown and the refund policy for deposits so you can compare total cost of attendance.
When should we apply and how competitive are places?
The main intake is for the September term and families are advised to start enquiries and submit applications several months before the school year starts, since popular year groups can fill early and many schools hold waiting lists. Most schools accept mid-year transfers if there is capacity, but these places are limited and the school will usually require recent school reports, an age-appropriate assessment and a placement meeting.
Will my child cope if they don’t speak Bulgarian?
Yes - most English-medium international schools admit non-Bulgarian speakers and offer English as an additional language (EAL/ESL) support alongside Bulgarian lessons as a foreign language or mother-tongue option. If your child needs intensive language support, ask admissions for details of their assessment on arrival, the timetabled support, and whether additional paid tuition is required.
What practical checks should we make when visiting schools?
Confirm the exact curriculum and external accreditation, inspect pastoral and safeguarding arrangements, and ask for recent examples of how the school supports transfers and language learners; also request a full fee schedule and sample timetable so you can see how much time is allocated to core subjects, languages and specialist facilities. Visit when classes are in session if possible, and speak to admissions about assessment requirements and likely timelines for an offer and enrolment.