Bulgarian Education Path

The education system in Bulgaria is managed by the Ministry of Education. The educational system encompasses school education that consists of 12 grades, organized in two levels-basic and secondary, and higher education.Basic education is subdivided into two stages: primary/elementary and lower secondary/junior high school. Secondary education is imparted by different types of secondary schools: comprehensive/general, vocational and specialized secondary education. 

Preprimary in Bulgaria is offered by nurseries (detski yasli) for children up to the age of 3, and kindergartens for children aged 3 to 7. There are public, private or municipal kindergartens available in Bulgaria.  Before going in for formal school education, a one-year preparatory pre-primary education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 7. 

Education in Bulgaria is mandatory for children aged 7 and 16.

Basic education in Bulgaria is compulsory and is divided into two stages: primary/elementary education and lower secondary/junior high school.

Primary education in Bulgaria is offered by elementary schools (nachalno uchilishte) and covers grades 1 to 4. This educational level last for 4 years and is for children aged 7 to 11. Elementary education provide basic mathematics and language knowledge and skills. 

Lower secondary education is imparted by junior high schools, and covers grades 5 to 8. Children aged 11 to 15 may attend lower secondary education. 

Students who have completed lower secondary education are eligible for secondary education. Secondary education in Bulgaria is optional and is offered by comprehensive/general secondary schools, specialized schools and vocational secondary schools. This educational level prepares students for higher education or labour market. 

This education level provides general studies and prepares students for higher education. 

This educational level is profile-oriented and provides education in a particular area. It mainly focuses on mathematics, arts, science, sports, and humanities.

Language schools: In Bulgaria, there are specialized schools with focus on foreign languages.

This educational level is offered by vocational and technical schools, and technical schools.  This level provides practical training and prepares students for labour market. 

At the end of secondary education, students must sit for a school-leaving exam-Matura that consists of two examinations:

Students who pass the examination are awarded a Maturity certificate.

Higher education in Bulgaria is offered by universities, independent colleges and specialized higher schools and institutes.