Edited by Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
Bulgaria has emerged as an attractive destination for expatriate families, combining a low cost of living with a growing international education sector concentrated in the capital, Sofia. Since joining the European Union in 2007, the country has seen steady growth in its expat community, drawing diplomatic staff, corporate transferees, and digital nomads alike. International schools here offer curricula ranging from IB and Cambridge to American programmes, with many institutions blending Bulgarian national qualifications alongside internationally recognised diplomas. The country's rich history, mountain landscapes, and proximity to other European capitals make it a compelling base for families seeking quality education within a culturally vibrant setting.
Compare 9 international schools in Bulgaria. Filter by curriculum, fees (average BGN 11,330), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Anglo-American School of Sofia is a Pre-K through 12 international school serving students aged 3–18. The High School core is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), delivered in English, with a comprehensive AAS High School Diploma pathway. The Pre-K–12 program is bespoke and emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on, experiential learning, aligned to CCSS, NGSS, CEFR, and other standards. In Elementary, Bulgarian, French, and Spanish are offered as world languages, with EAL support as needed. The campus sits on about 8 hectares near Mount Vitosha, with most land preserved as green space, and features a 350-seat Rila Renaissance Centre theatre, a large on-site library with over 30,000 titles, and CEESA- and ECIS-affiliated athletics and arts programs. The school holds CIS and NEASC accreditation, is an IB World School, and operates LEED-design buildings with water recycling, solar hot water, and a wastewater treatment plant. Extracurriculars include robotics, MUN, debate, drama, community service, and service projects.
Change the World Schools International School and Kindergarten is an American-owned international school based in Sofia, Bulgaria, serving students aged 4 to 14. The curriculum blends American standards with IB frameworks across Elementary and Middle levels, plus a Bespoke curriculum. In Elementary, core subjects follow the American Common Core while pursuing alignment with the IB Primary Years Programme through project-based learning that emphasizes social-emotional development. In Middle School, the program uses Common Core within the IB Middle Years Programme and features community-based projects to apply learning beyond the classroom. The school focuses on 21st-century teaching techniques and practical education, including budgeting and basic DIY projects to prepare students for high school and beyond. Facilities include technology-enabled classrooms and access to state-of-the-art equipment, digital tools, and e-learning resources that support a technology-rich learning environment. A diverse student body and tutoring options accompany a culture of collaboration and cross-cultural exchange and belonging.
The American College of Sofia is a preparatory school offering American, Bulgarian Diploma, and IB pathways. English is language of instruction for ages 13–18. In grades 9–10 Bulgarian and international students share the ACS framework; grades 11–12 Bulgarian students pursue the Bulgarian Diploma Programme with advanced profiles, while international students enter the IB Diploma Programme. International students completing ACS coursework and the CAS portfolio can earn the American High School Diploma alongside the IB. The IB Diploma Programme has been offered since 2005. Bulgarian Diploma Profiles cover Humanities, Foreign Languages, Mathematics and Physics, Software & Hardware, Natural Sciences, and Entrepreneurship, with advanced courses and a 75-hour CAS portfolio requirement. The campus includes seven academic buildings, 62 classrooms, four computer labs, three science labs, Gipson Library, Jim Clayton Writing Center, a 380-seat theater, and an 180-seat concert hall. There are over 120 clubs, including Robotics, 3D Printing, and TEDxYouth@ACSofia.
Cosmos International School offers a Cambridge curriculum from preschool to upper secondary, including Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and options for A‑Levels or IB Diploma. The school serves ages 3 to 18 and uses English‑medium instruction alongside Bulgarian language studies. In Primary, students study Cambridge Primary English, Cambridge Primary Mathematics, Cambridge Primary Science and Art & Design, with Bulgarian language and literacy; additional languages include German, Spanish, Russian and Italian. Lower Secondary (grades 5–7) covers Cambridge English, Mathematics, Science, Art & Design, Digital Literacy and ICT, plus Bulgarian language, History and Civilization, Geography, Chemistry, Physics and Biology, with sports, theatre, yoga, gardening and camps; German, Spanish, Russian and Italian remain available. Upper Secondary (grades 8–12) centers on IGCSE, with pathways to IB or A‑Levels; core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and ICT, with Wellbeing and options like Economics, Travel and Tourism and Foreign Languages. Curriculum runs across ages.
Discover International School in Sofia, Bulgaria, offers an IB continuum anchored in Montessori principles for ages 1 to 18. Preschool through Grade 12 spans Primary (1–4), Middle Years (5–10) and High School (11–12). The school provides IB PYP, MYP and DP, with the Diploma available in Grade 11. As a flagship institution of the Montessori Society Bulgaria, affiliated with AMI, it blends Montessori methods with IB inquiry-based learning. The school operates on two Sofia campuses, with core hours 8:00 am–4:30/5:00 pm and Extended Day to 5:30 pm. A licensed kitchen serves a nutritionally balanced menu. Students engage in daily outdoor activity year-round—nature walks, park and mountain trips, and seasonal camps. Graduates earn an internationally recognized IB Diploma alongside the Bulgarian diploma, supporting access to universities worldwide. The MAGIC Programme fosters leadership and global collaboration. Languages are a strength, with English and Bulgarian instruction supporting multilingualism. Its bilingual environment supports learners.
Uwekind International School is a private IB World School in Sofia, Bulgaria, serving students aged 3 to 18. It offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum—Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme—across Kindergarten/Preschool through Grade 12. The Primary Years Programme aligns with the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) for early years, with IB curricula in the later years. Graduates may earn both the IB Diploma and a Bulgarian national diploma. The Career-related Programme is in candidate status and the school is pursuing IB authorization. The school is licensed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science. Founded in 1997, Uwekind educates more than 500 children in Sofia. Signature activities include UweSPORT sports teams, UweARTS arts and dance workshops, UwePROJECTS cross‑age clubs and UweCLUBS projects, plus annual Uwekind CAMPS. These offerings foster teamwork, creativity and civic-mindedness, while clubs cover academic, cultural, service and wellbeing themes across the primary to secondary years.
Zlatarski International School of Sofia offers an integrated international curriculum for students aged 11 to 18. English is the language of instruction. The school blends the Bulgarian national programme with Cambridge Secondary, IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme, and also provides A Levels for senior students. The three-stage structure runs Cambridge Secondary (grades 5–8), IGCSE (grades 9–10), and International Baccalaureate or A Levels (grades 11–12). Graduates receive both the Bulgarian Diploma and an international qualification. The school is fully authorised by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education, the IBO and Cambridge Assessment International Education; IB World School since 2003 and Cambridge International School since 2010. Founded in 1995 as an English-language secondary school, it operates across two buildings in Darvenitsa, Sofia, with laboratories, a library, computer facilities, a gym, and outdoor sports fields. Extracurriculars span sports, arts and drama, and community service, including exchanges, global events and charitable campaigns for students.
Meridian 22 High School is a private, English-language institution in Bulgaria offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside a bespoke curriculum for students aged 2 to 18. The school joined the IB in 2009/2010 and is among fourteen cohorts to graduate IB diplomas, alongside Bulgarian high school diplomas. The maximum IB score is 45. In 2024 Meridian 22 moved to a four-story building (1500 sq m) and a renovated campus (3000 sq m) with six-decare yard in an ecologically clean area; the campus houses a library with over 10,000 volumes in English, Bulgarian, and other languages, multimedia-equipped classrooms, a laboratory, spacious canteen, and on-site medical care and speech therapist. The school offers intensive English from preschool to Grade 12 and runs two-week UK language trips through Saint Andrew's College partnership. It hosts a Science Fair and clubs such as Cooking Club, InterAct Club, and music and dance activities for students.
The British School of Sofia is a British international day school with three campuses (two in Sofia and one in Plovdiv) and IB World School status. It serves ages 2 to 18 and uses IEYC in Early Years, Cambridge Primary Programme, Cambridge IGCSE, IMYC, IB PYP, DP and CP, plus IBCP. English is the language of instruction with EAL support; Bulgarian is offered as a native language option, and IB language options include English, Bulgarian, French among others. The school opened in 2009; moved to newly built premises in 2019; in summer 2025 construction began on a new campus to expand facilities. Facilities include a Main Building since 2019 with a wide multifunctional sports field, a Primary School playground, well-lit classrooms, interactive whiteboards, audio systems; a new science lab, MAC Lab and Windows Lab; Robotics Room and Lego Room; Art Room; gym; large hall; library; iPads for every student. Active after-school clubs.
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