Turkey becomes top destination for Bulgarian students studying abroad

Bulgarian students are increasingly seeking higher education abroad, with a 9% increase in the number of individuals departing to study in foreign countries. According to data from an OECD report, Turkey has emerged as the top destination for Bulgarian students in 2024, accounting for 24% of those studying abroad. This marks a shift from previous years when Germany and the United Kingdom were the primary choices.

Other notable destinations include the Netherlands (23%) and Germany (21%), followed by the United Kingdom and Austria at 6% each. There is also a growing interest in Spain.

In contrast to the OECD average, where developed nations typically receive more international students than they send abroad, Bulgaria experiences a net outflow. Approximately 12% of Bulgarian students go abroad, compared to an OECD average of 6%. Meanwhile, international students in Bulgaria account for about 8%, below the OECD average of 12%. Greece is the leading source of foreign students studying in Bulgaria, representing 20% of the incoming student population.