EEA citizens are eligible for state-backed student loans in Bulgaria

The government has approved a state guarantee of up to EUR 15 million for student and doctoral loans in 2026. The initiative aims to widen access to higher education by allowing not only Bulgarian citizens but also nationals of other European Union member states, countries within the European Economic Area, and Switzerland to apply for bank loans.

Next year, 138,170 full-time students and 2,489 doctoral candidates at 38 public universities and 14 private higher education institutions across the country will have the opportunity to take out a loan. The state has signed standardised lending agreements with six banks for student and doctoral financing.