The Netherlands and Belgium are top destinations for Bulgarian students

Interest among Bulgarian students in studying abroad is increasing, reflecting the digitalization trends and the anticipated changes in the labor market, show data from the country’s largest educational forum — the World Education Fair due later this month. 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 advance planning, reported BTA.

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 Netherlands.

One of the most notable trends in 2026 is the sharp increase in applications to Belgium, which saw a growth of 38%. With an annual tuition fee of EUR 1,181, the country is becoming one of the most affordable educational destinations in Europe.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov