Take an IELTS test in or nearby Bulgaria
Explore the most popular universities and programmes to study abroad in Bulgaria.
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British Council Sofia Bulgaria - Professional School of Information and Computer Sciences "Acad. Blagovest Sendov"
Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.
| Test date | Type | Results by | Test fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 07, 2026 | Academic | February 20, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| February 07, 2026 | General Training | February 20, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS |
British Council Sofia (UKVI test location)
This test centre is specifically authorised by UK Visas and Immigration and offers the UKVI exam. Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.
| Test date | Type | Results by | Test fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 12, 2026 | UKVI General Training | February 25, 2026 | BGN 543 DETAILS | |
| February 12, 2026 | UKVI Academic | February 25, 2026 | BGN 543 DETAILS | |
| March 12, 2026 | UKVI General Training | March 25, 2026 | BGN 543 DETAILS | |
| March 12, 2026 | UKVI Academic | March 25, 2026 | BGN 543 DETAILS | |
| April 02, 2026 | UKVI General Training | April 15, 2026 | BGN 543 DETAILS |
British Council Sofia
Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.
| Test date | Type | Results by | Test fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 17, 2026 | General Training | January 30, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| January 17, 2026 | Academic | January 30, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| January 24, 2026 | General Training | February 06, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| January 24, 2026 | Academic | February 06, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| February 07, 2026 | Academic | February 20, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS |
British Council Sofia Bulgaria - American University Elieff Centre
Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.
| Test date | Type | Results by | Test fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 21, 2026 | General Training | February 03, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| January 21, 2026 | Academic | February 03, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| January 27, 2026 | General Training | February 09, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| January 27, 2026 | Academic | February 09, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| February 04, 2026 | Academic | February 17, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS |
British Council - Hotel Bulgaria Burgas
Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.
| Test date | Type | Results by | Test fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 20, 2026 | Academic | July 03, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| June 20, 2026 | General Training | July 03, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS |
British Council Sofia Bulgaria - Hotel Primoretz
Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.
| Test date | Type | Results by | Test fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 28, 2026 | Academic | March 13, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| April 23, 2026 | Academic | May 06, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS |
British Council Sofia Bulgaria - School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences "Acad. Nikola Obreshkov"
Test dates are subject to availability. Please check real-time availability on the British Council Online Registration System.
| Test date | Type | Results by | Test fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 07, 2026 | Academic | February 20, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS | |
| February 07, 2026 | General Training | February 20, 2026 | BGN 499 DETAILS |
About Bulgaria
There are two British Council test centres in Bulgaria's capital Sofia. Besides the capital, there are several other IELTS test centres across the country.
IELTS data
Several universities in Bulgaria require IELTS as proof of English proficiency to enrol in an English-taught programme
- Lowest IELTS score required: 6.0
- Highest IELTS score required: 6.5
- Average IELTS score required: 6.2
- Number of universities accepting IELTS: 5
- Number of studies accepting IELTS: 44
Background of Bulgaria
Bulgaria, while perhaps a less common study destination, provides high-quality education with increasing international connections. After its higher education system was reorganized in the mid-1990s, the number of graduates grew significantly. Since joining the European Union in 2007, Bulgarian higher education degrees are fully recognized across EU member states.
Higher education institutions include Universities, Colleges, and Specialized Education Schools. All are autonomous and responsible for program design and quality. Most hold Bulgarian accreditation, and some have double accreditation from foreign institutions. Bulgarian universities have extensive experience teaching in international languages like English, French, and German, with some offering fully English-taught programs and double degrees through international partnerships. In the 2024/2025 academic year, over 200,000 students were enrolled in tertiary education, including over 5,000 doctoral candidates.
English requirements in Bulgaria
To study in English at one of the universities in Bulgaria you may need proof of English proficiency. There are several standardised English tests that you can take to prove your English level, such as the PTE (Pearson Test of English), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), CAE (Cambridge Advanced English) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System), offered by British Council and IDP. IELTS is the most popular of these tests, with British Council offering more than 1,000 test locations and being accepted by more than 11,500 organisations worldwide.
4 most popular study destinations for students in Bulgaria
1. Netherlands
Find Bachelor’s programmes in Netherlands
Find Master's programmes in Netherlands
Find PhD programmes in Netherlands
2. Germany
Find Bachelor’s programmes in Germany
Find Master's programmes in Germany
Find PhD programmes in Germany
Student insurance for students studying in Bulgaria
To make sure students in Bulgaria have access to the best insurance out there, Studyportals found a reliable partner in Aon. You can easily get advise and insight in costs based on your personal needs.
