Education in Bulgaria: school stages, the state matriculation exams (DZI) and university entry
A guide to schooling in Bulgaria, the DZI state matriculation exams, grading and how university admission works.
In short
Education in Bulgaria is set by the Ministry of Education and Science, and state schools are run by the municipalities and the state. Children go through preschool, a primary stage, a lower secondary stage and an upper secondary stage that ends in the national school-leaving examinations, the state matriculation exams, known by the abbreviation DZI (Darzhavni zrelostni izpiti). A pass in the DZI, together with the final school years, earns the diploma of secondary education. This is the document that most universities ask for, so the DZI is the main bridge between school and higher education in Bulgaria.
School stages
- Preschool: Kindergarten is available from a young age, and the last years before school are part of the formal system, which prepares children for reading, writing and numbers.
- Primary stage: The first four grades. Pupils study Bulgarian language and literature, mathematics, the world around them, music, art, physical education and a first foreign language.
- Lower secondary stage: Grades five to seven. Subjects such as history, geography, biology, physics and chemistry are added, and a second foreign language is usually started.
- Upper secondary stage: Grades eight to twelve, in general schools, language schools, schools with a focus on mathematics or science, art schools and vocational schools. Students in vocational schools also gain a professional qualification, and they can still take the DZI to apply to a university.
Entry to many of the specialised schools depends on national exams at the end of the lower secondary stage and on the applicant's grades, so pupils often prepare for these in addition to their normal lessons.
Grading
Bulgaria uses a grading scale from 2 to 6. A grade of 6 is excellent and 2 means the work did not meet the requirement. Grades are given in each subject during the year, and DZI results are reported in the form set by the ministry for that year. The rules can change, so students should check the current rules for their year.
The state matriculation exams (DZI)
The DZI take place at the end of the twelfth grade, in a session in spring and summer, with a repeat session later. The first exam is Bulgarian language and literature, which tests reading, understanding of a text, grammar and the writing of an essay. Students then take a second exam in a subject they choose from a list, such as a foreign language, mathematics, history, geography, biology, physics or chemistry, depending on the rules of the year. Students may sit more exams for a stronger application, since universities often count the results of particular subjects for particular courses.
University and college entry
Higher education in Bulgaria is provided by universities, specialised higher schools and colleges. A bachelor's degree usually takes three to four years, and some courses, such as medicine, take longer. Admission to a course is based on a competitive ranking. Many universities use the DZI results, sometimes with the school grades, and other universities or courses, such as medical university entrance exams in biology and chemistry, use their own entrance exams, portfolios or interviews. Application dates, subjects and quotas are published by each university, so you should check the course page. The state offers both places funded by the state and places paid for by the students, and universities in all the other countries of the European Union recognise the Bulgarian diploma of secondary education under the usual rules for EU applicants.
Studying in Bulgaria as an international student
Students from outside Bulgaria usually need their school-leaving certificate to be recognised and must show the language of instruction, which is Bulgarian or, for many programmes, English. Several universities offer degrees taught fully in English, especially in medicine and in business subjects. Each university publishes its own requirements, fees and deadlines. It is wise to contact the admissions office early, because recognition of foreign certificates, translations of documents and visa rules can take several weeks to arrange.
Practising on GetMyMockTest
These are practice questions we wrote for study. They are not the official exams, and we do not claim they match an exam's current format. Free practice for Bulgaria:
- DZI Matura: mathematics, Bulgarian language and literature, and history of Bulgaria, in English, plus earlier mathematics practice, with timed tests and flashcards.
- Medical University Entrance Examination: biology and chemistry practice for applicants sitting medical admission tests, with timed mock tests and study flashcards.
- Bulgarian general knowledge: history and politics, geography and nature, and science, arts and culture.
- IELTS, SAT and IB Diploma: international exams that many Bulgarian and international applicants also take.