The Bulgarian system for attaining a higher educational degree

The Bulgarian system for attaining a higher educational degree

In compliance with the regulations for attaining a higher education degree in Bulgaria PU “Paisii Hilendarski” organizes tuition after completed secondary education in the following degrees: 

• FIRST DEGREE – successfully graduated students are awarded a Bachelor’s degree (an educational qualification degree) after a minimum period of study under a 4-year curriculum;
• SECOND DEGREE – successfully graduated students are awarded a Master’s degree (an educational qualification degree) after a minimum period of tuition under a 5-year curriculum or at least one year after a completed bachelor’s degree;
• THIRD DEGREE – successfully graduated students are awarded an educational and scientific degree “Doctor” (PhD) after a minimum period of preparation of 3 years after a completed master’s degree.

 There are different modes of education for students in the higher institutions – regular (full-time), part-time and distance learning. PhD programs in the higher educational institutions and scientific organizations in the Republic of Bulgaria are regular, part-time, distance-based and a self-study PhD.

Regular and self-study PhD programs require a 3-year study after a completed master’s degree.

The part-time PhD program requires a 4-year period of preparation after a master’s degree.

The study for the PhD degree is implemented under scientific specialties.

Higher education institutions may offer training for further qualification. The academic documentation for such programs is defined in each higher institution’s own regulations. Further training courses do not provide foundation for attaining an educational degree or specialty. A specializing student is the one who enhances his/her qualification under a specialized curriculum without attaining a higher educational degree or a new specialty.