Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The Netherlands remains the most attractive study destination for Bulgarian students

Photo: iStock

The interest of young Bulgarians in studying abroad has risen sharply, with a 30% increase compared to last year. In addition, the number of students leaving for the academic year 2024-2025 has increased by about 11%. This is what Kristina Bozhilova, head of the largest education consultancy in Southeast Europe, told BNR's Hristo Botev programme.

According to her, the Netherlands remains the top destination for Bulgarian students, accounting for 38 per cent of this year's departures. In 2023, some 5,300 Bulgarian students studied in the Netherlands. Bulgarians are among the top 5 most successful students in this country.

Belgium follows as the second most popular destination for higher education, with 12 per cent of all Bulgarian students abroad going there, followed by Italy and the UK with 10 per cent each.

Since Brexit, the number of Bulgarian students going to the UK has fallen from around 2,000 in 2014 to just 300-400 in 2021. 

The most attractive fields for Bulgarian students include innovation, artificial intelligence and digital media.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini with President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska

Slovak Ambassador summoned to Ministry of Foreign Affairs over statements made in Skopje

Slovak Ambassador Vasil Grivna was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over official statements made by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini during his visit to Skopje on October 14. There were unacceptable assessments made..

published on 10/16/25 10:40 AM

Vice President presents the most famous Chinese scholar of Bulgarian studies with an order

On behalf of the Head of State Rumen Radev, Vice President Iliana Iotova presented the Order of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, first degree, to Professor Ma Sipu, the press office of the president reported. The award was presented at..

published on 10/16/25 8:50 AM

Bulgarian Air Force celebrates its holiday

On the occasion of the Aviation and Air Force Day on October 16, at 09:00, flowers and wreaths will be laid at the Aviators Monument near the National Assembly in the capital city, the Ministry of Defense reports. The solemn..

published on 10/16/25 6:10 AM