Many students who want to study dentistry in Europe, looks at cheap dentistry schools in Bulgaria due to the seemingly lower tuition fees compared to other European countries. At first glance, €9,000 per year in Bulgaria looks like a bargain when compared to one of the lowest €13,500 per year in Central Europe. Because of this, some students see Bulgaria as the “cheapest way” to start their dentistry degree abroad.

But here is the hidden reality: dentistry courses in Bulgaria take 6 years, while most programmes in other European medical universities are only 5 years. That extra year of tuition, living expenses, flights, and — most importantly — a full year of lost salary as a qualified dentist makes Bulgaria a far more expensive choice in the long run.

In addition, studying in Central Europe often comes with better facilities, modern teaching, and structured clinical practice where students don’t need to find their own patients. So the real question is: is it really worth it?

Why Students Consider Studying Dentistry in Bulgaria

Many students who end up choosing to become a doctor in Bulgaria do so because of what they hear from friends, acquaintances, or fellow students. Word of mouth often plays a big role, and when someone shares their experience or says they know others going there, it can sound like a reliable and safe option.

In addition, some study abroad agencies strongly push Bulgaria as the “only available” or “best” option, especially for students who may have struggled with entrance exams elsewhere or who are told their grades won’t be enough for Central Europe. This creates pressure and gives the impression that Bulgaria is the last chance to secure a place in dental school.

Another reason often mentioned is the lower initial cost. On paper, €9,000 per year in tuition fees for dentistry may appear much more affordable compared to €13,500 in Central Europe. At first glance, this difference can feel decisive for parents and students weighing their choices. However, what many fail to consider is that Bulgaria’s dentistry course is six years instead of five, meaning an extra year of tuition, accommodation, flights, and living expenses plus lost income. When all these factors are added up, the supposed “cheap place to study dentistry” becomes far less economical than it seems at the beginning.

Tuition Fees and Total Cost Comparison: Bulgaria vs Central Europe

When comparing programs, it’s important to look at the full financial picture.

We summarized all key differences between Bulgaria and Central Europe, and the calculation compares the to one of the lowest tuition fees in central Europe - Pavol Jozef Safarik University and living costs in Slovakia.

• Tuition fees: Central Europe is more expensive (€13,500/year vs. €9,000/year), so over 5 years it totals €67,500 compared to Bulgaria’s €54,000.

• Living Costs: Both have €6,000/year, but since Bulgaria’s program is 6 years, the total is €36,000 vs. €30,000 in Central Europe.

• Travel based on 4 home visits a year: Bulgaria has €1,200 set, Europe €600.

• Lost Income: Bulgaria assumes €40,000 lost, Europe €0.

• Total Cost: Bulgaria €131,200 vs. Central Europe €98,100 — Bulgaria is about €33,100 more expensive overall, largely because of the longer program length and lost income.

While Bulgaria may appear cheaper on a per-year basis, the extra year of study and associated costs quickly diminish the financial advantage.

Study Dentistry in Bulgaria for 6 -Years

When you study dentistry in Bulgaria, it takes 6 years to graduate as there are no five years degree courses. The additional year in Bulgaria brings more than just extra tuition and living costs. Students face an extended period of study, which delays starting their careers and earning potential. This lost income can amount to tens of thousands of euros over time.

Students Need to Find Patients in Bulgaria

One of the biggest challenges for dentistry students in Bulgaria is the responsibility of finding their own patients to meet the university’s clinical requirements. In order to complete procedures such as fillings, root canals, and extractions, students must independently recruit patients, which can be both stressful and time-consuming, especially in a foreign country. This often takes focus away from academic learning and structured clinical development.

By contrast, many universities in Central Europe typically assign students to clinics and provide access to patients as part of a well-organized training system. This ensures consistent exposure to a wide range of cases and allows students to concentrate on developing the necessary clinical skills without the added burden of searching for patients on their own.

Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Slovakia – 5-Year Dentistry Programme

At Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, dentistry students graduate in five years, not six. This shorter study duration not only reduces overall tuition and living costs but also allows graduates to enter the workforce a full year earlier than those studying in Bulgaria. That extra year can make a significant financial difference, as new dentists often earn tens of thousands of euros annually once qualified.

The program is designed with modern clinical facilities and a clear structure for patient access. Unlike in Bulgaria, where students often have to search for their own patients to complete required treatments, at UPJS students are provided with systematic patient assignments. This ensures that clinical practice is both reliable and efficient, enabling students to spend more time developing their practical skills and less time worrying about administrative hurdles.

Quality of Education and Facilities

The quality of education and clinical facilities in Central Europe generally surpasses what is available in Bulgaria. Students benefit from modern equipment, well-organized clinical training, and more support from faculty. Administrative processes are also smoother, and students can focus on developing practical skills rather than managing logistics.

This difference in educational quality has long-term implications for career readiness and professional development. Graduates from Central European programs are often better prepared to work internationally, pass licensing exams, and gain hands-on experience efficiently.

Is Bulgaria Worth It?

Studying dentistry in Bulgaria may only be a viable option if the primary goal is to reduce upfront tuition costs. However, the extra year, additional living costs, travel, and lost income significantly reduce the financial benefit.

For students who prioritize high-quality education, clinical experience, and efficient career development, Central European programs are generally a better investment. They provide a five-year course, structured clinical practice, modern facilities, and smoother administration.

Final Advice for Parents and Students

If your child wants the best chance of becoming a skilled dentist with strong qualifications, a Central European dentistry course is likely the better choice. Bulgaria may appear attractive for cost reasons, but the hidden expenses, extra year, and extra responsibilities make it less practical for most students.

Ultimately, the decision depends on individual priorities. If the course length or cost is the only concern, Bulgaria may be an option—but for career readiness and quality education, we recommend exploring other medical schools in Europe taught in English,

Study Dentistry in Europe with Desire2Study

Choosing the right country and university for studying dentistry is one of the most important decisions for your future career. At Desire2Study, we guide students through every step of the process, from choosing the right programme to preparing for entrance exams, applications, and settling abroad.

We work directly with some of the most respected medical and dental universities in Europe, including Slovakia, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, Cyprus, Germany, Italy and more.

In addition to Pavol Jozef Safarik University, here are a few other dentistry schools which offer five year dental degree in English:

• Lithuanian University of Medical Sciences - from €13,600 per year

• University of Ostrava - €14,000 per year

• Riga Stradins University - €15,500 per year

If you’re serious about your future as a dentist, book consultation with Desire2Study today to explore your options and secure your place at one of the best medical universities in Europe.

Why Apply to Medical Schools in Europe with Desire2Study?

• Experience and Trust – we’ve helped many students secure places at the right universities with 100% admission rate record last year.

• Transparency – honest advice, highlighting both pros and cons of each university.

• Student-First Approach – guidance is tailored around the student’s needs, goals, and wellbeing.

• Individual Support at Every Step – from application, university selection to relocation.

• Focus on Diploma Recognition – we ensure the universities we recommend are widely recognised, so you can practise medicine or dentistry in your home country or abroad after graduation.

• No-Pressure Decision Making – students are encouraged to think carefully and apply only when they feel ready.

👉Visit https://www.desire2study.com  to find out more.