Study in Bulgaria 2027 with No or Weak English: Preparatory Courses at VUM or Sofia University

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Study in Bulgaria 2027 with No or Weak English: Preparatory Courses at VUM or Sofia University


Many students and parents want to study in Europe but worry because they have no IELTS, weak English or have barely studied English. For study in Bulgaria, this is not a barrier: SHI Global’s partner universities offer preparatory courses where students learn the language at the university before starting their degree.

SHI Global – recruitment representative of Varna University of Management (VUM) and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – announces 2027 admissions specifically for these applicants.

1. Two preparatory options

Criterion Varna University of Management (VUM) Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
Location Varna or Dobrich (Black Sea coast) Sofia, the capital
Preparatory course Preparatory English Foundation year: Bulgarian language, improved English and core subjects for the intended major
Duration 1 semester (February intake) or 2 semesters (September intake) 1 academic year
Minimum English on entry A1 – A2 (basic communication) SHI assesses each application individually
After the course Direct progression to the 100% English-taught main programme (Bachelor or Master) End-of-year exams and a certificate to apply to the chosen degree programme
Indicative preparatory fee SHI sends the official fee schedule during counselling EUR 3,500 per year (university’s 2025–2026 fee schedule)
Best for Students who want to study business, hospitality – tourism or technology in English Students who want to study in the capital at Bulgaria’s oldest and largest university

Fees may change each academic year; SHI Global will provide each university’s official 2027 fees during counselling.

2. Who can apply

  • High school graduates or Grade 12 students aged 17 to 22.
  • Bachelor’s graduates aged 22 – 30 who want a master’s degree but whose English is not yet sufficient (VUM option).
  • No IELTS, weak English or only basic communication skills.
  • Average-to-good academic results or above.

3. Why take the preparatory course at the university instead of studying IELTS in Vietnam?

  • No extra 1–2 years of waiting to pass a certificate exam.
  • Learn the language in an immersive environment, using English every day and progressing faster.
  • Get used to European study and life before starting the major.
  • An offer letter and visa file from the start – students go to Bulgaria as enrolled students of the university.

4. Your pathway with SHI Global

  1. Counselling and level check: SHI reviews academic results, current English, intended major and budget to choose the right university and intake.
  2. High school diploma recognition (NACID): SHI guides translation, legalisation and submission for recognition of the Vietnamese high school diploma in Bulgaria – a required step before university enrolment.
  3. Application and interview/entry test as required by the university.
  4. Receive the offer letter for the preparatory course.
  5. Type D visa: passport, criminal record certificate, health certificate, proof of finances; processing usually takes 4 – 8 weeks.
  6. Fly to Bulgaria, start the preparatory course and receive the student residence card.
  7. Complete the preparatory course and progress to the main programme.

5. Documents to prepare

  • Valid passport.
  • High school transcripts and diploma or temporary graduation certificate (graduates: also university degree and transcript).
  • Birth certificate, national ID card, photos with a white background.
  • Language certificate (if any – not required).
  • Visa documents: criminal record certificate, health certificate, proof of finances.

6. Key dates for 2027

  • February 2027 intake (VUM): 1-semester preparatory course – contact SHI during November 2026 to allow time for legalisation and the visa.
  • September 2027 intake (VUM and Sofia University): start preparing from early 2027; university application deadlines are usually in summer.

7. Frequently asked questions

Can I apply with no English at all?

For VUM, the minimum is basic communication (A1 – A2). If you are not there yet, SHI will advise a short English course before applying. For Sofia University, SHI assesses each case individually.

Is progression to the main programme guaranteed after the preparatory course?

Students must complete the preparatory course and meet the university’s end-of-course assessment. SHI follows each student’s progress and provides support throughout.

Do I need to learn Bulgarian?

At VUM, the main programme is taught 100% in English. The foundation year at Sofia University includes Bulgarian, which makes daily life, internships and work in Bulgaria easier.

Book a free consultation

SHI Global holds the Certificate of Registration for Study Abroad Consultancy Services No. 05/GCN-SGDDT issued by the Bac Ninh Department of Education and Training on 24/03/2026. We give honest advice, write all costs into the contract and never promise “100% visa approval”.

Read more: Bachelor admissions at VUM 2027 · Master’s in Bulgaria 2027.

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