International schools in Bulgaria 2026: fees & curricula

International schools in Bulgaria

International schools are concentrated almost entirely in Sofia, which hosts nearly all of Bulgaria's IB World Schools (a few, such as a British School of Sofia campus, also operate in Plovdiv). The main options offer the IB (PYP/MYP/Diploma), the British curriculum (IGCSE and A-Level) and American programmes. Long-established names include the Anglo-American School of Sofia (an authorised IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC) and the American College of Sofia, alongside the British School of Sofia and other IB schools such as Zlatarski and Uwekind. Choice is narrower than in Western Europe, so places at popular schools fill quickly — apply early.

Fees are low by EU standards. Annual international tuition commonly falls between roughly €5,000 and €21,000 depending on school and age, with IB places often cheaper than British-curriculum ones. Published tuition usually excludes application and registration fees, a refundable deposit, uniforms, buses, meals, trips and exam entry, so budget for those on top. Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026 at the fixed rate of 1.95583 leva to the euro; schools that previously quoted in leva now invoice in euros.

State schools and homeschooling

Everyone living and working in Bulgaria, including EU/EEA citizens and foreign residents, has the right to free education in state and municipal schools. Education is compulsory from ages 7 to 16, and the language of instruction is Bulgarian — younger children adapt quickly, but older teens generally do better in an international school. Homeschooling is legal only as an 'independent' (samostoyatelna) form of education under the 2015 Pre-school and School Education Act: children must be enrolled through a formal school, register with the regional education inspectorate, follow the national core curriculum and sit annual assessments. Rules for foreign families can be ambiguous, so confirm with the Ministry of Education or a local adviser before relying on it.

At a glance

Where it fits in a borderless plan

Bulgaria pairs some of the EU's lowest tuition with a low cost of living and a flat 10% income tax, which makes Sofia attractive to families who want an English-language IB or British education without Western-European price tags. The trade-off is a thin market outside the capital. Weigh schooling alongside where you are tax-resident, plus healthcare and banking. Compare options in our international-schools guide.