site.btaBulgarian Students’ Interest in Pursuing Education Abroad Rises Ahead of Annual Forum

Bulgarian students’ interest in pursuing education abroad is increasing and reflects the logic of digitalization trends and anticipated changes in the labour market. Data provided by the organizers of the country’s largest education forum, the World Education exhibition due later this month, reveal an interesting dynamic. Traditional destinations maintain their presence, but new economic and technological factors are bringing certain countries and fields of study to the fore. For an increasing number of Bulgarian families, education abroad requires careful long-term planning, say the organizers from the consultancy firm Integral.

The Netherlands is emerging as a leading destination for higher education. While 27 % of enrolled students chose the country last year, by March 2026 already 39 % of applicants are heading to the land of tulips. The heightened interest is linked to the sustained active participation of leading Dutch universities in the World Education forum organised by Integral Bulgaria. The Netherlands has also taken steps to address accommodation challenges, with the technology hub of Eindhoven securing 1,000 new student apartments for September 2026.

Following the Netherlands in popularity among Bulgarian applicants are Spain, Italy, Belgium, and Austria.

One of the most notable trends in 2026 is the sharp increase in applications to Belgium, which saw a 38 % rise. With an annual tuition fee of €1,181, the country is becoming one of the most accessible educational destinations in Europe. Belgian universities emphasize strong practical training and offer more affordable accommodation compared with the overcrowded campuses of other countries.

Spain (14 %) and Italy (13 %) also report stable growth. Interest in the Iberian Peninsula extends beyond traditional humanities programmes, with students seeking courses in business, technology, and the creative industries. Italy attracts applicants with a wide range of English-taught programmes at public universities, while prestigious private institutions such as Bocconi University and the NABA Academy of Arts continue to offer scholarships for the most talented students.

The United Kingdom is also returning to the focus of Bulgarian applicants, after the country announced its intention to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange programme from 2027. Data from the centralized UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) system already show a 3.2 % increase in applicants from EU countries this year.

Among countries attracting attention for early application procedures are Germany and Austria. Universities of Applied Sciences in Austria accept documents between March and June, enabling students to secure both a place and accommodation much earlier.

Alongside the choice of destination, the profile of sought-after fields of study is also changing. The most popular programmes for Bulgarian students are those linked to technology and innovation. Leading areas include business and economics, computer and engineering sciences, and the creative industries. Interest is increasingly strong in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital media. This trend is clearly visible at the regional level within Bulgaria.

In parallel with the growing interest in universities, more Bulgarian families are considering secondary education abroad as a long-term investment in their children’s future. Parents are approaching school selection increasingly pragmatically, seeking an optimal balance between academic results, environment, and financial accessibility. The UK remains the top destination for boarding education, recognized as the most direct route to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. Switzerland holds second place, offering a combination of geopolitical stability and high academic reputation with a choice of educational systems (IB, A-Levels, American High School Diploma, and Swiss Matura).

Summer language courses continue to be one of the most popular first steps towards international education. The UK remains the leading destination, attracting around 26 % of enrolments, thanks to its traditionally strong language centres and university campuses hosting students in summer. English remains the dominant choice, preferred by about 75 % of participants. At the same time, growing interest is being observed in Italy and Spain, mostly as preparation for future higher education in those countries.

Interest in the Work & Travel USA Program remains high. The number of Bulgarian participants in the summer of 2026 is expected to remain around 3,700. Alaska remains the most popular state, chosen by approximately 25 % of participants. The eastern US seaboard, California, and Maryland are also popular. US employers anticipate a strong tourist season in 2026, based on incoming reservations.

Visitors to the World Education exhibition will have the opportunity to meet representatives from over 64 elite educational institutions from 13 countries and receive personalised guidance on studying abroad. The forum will take place in Sofia on March 21, in Plovdiv on March 22, in Burgas on March 23, and in Varna on March 24.