Medical University Pleven
About Pleven Medical University in Bulgaria
Established in 1974, the Medical University of Pleven is currently home to 2044 students. The faculty comprises a dedicated team of 60 to 300 professors and assistant professors. The university's library, established in the same year, boasts an impressive collection of medical resources in both English and Bulgarian. Among the six medical universities in Bulgaria, Pleven is highly regarded for its excellence in medicine.
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Pleven, the seventh most populous city in Bulgaria with a population of 106,000, plays a significant role in the country's robust industrial economy. Positioned as a major economic hub in the Bulgarian Northwest and Central North, Pleven's history also holds importance. Events in the late 18th Century in Pleven were pivotal in Bulgaria's liberation from the Ottoman Empire. Monuments scattered across the city pay homage to this history, particularly the Siege of Plevna where Russian and Romanian forces made sacrifices.
The city's modern and rapid economic growth is matched by its strategic location at the heart of the Danube plain, just two hours away from the capital Sofia. Pleven offers a vibrant blend of cultural, leisure, and sporting facilities, making it an endlessly engaging city. From music, drama, opera, and dance to numerous galleries and cinemas, Pleven offers a diverse range of experiences.
Courses Offered at Pleven Medical University
Pleven Medical University provides a comprehensive six-year Medicine course, including two years of pre-clinical study, three years of clinical study, and one year of state clinical practice or internship. It's important to note that Pleven Medical University does not offer graduate-entry pathways or accept student transfers. However, other Bulgarian medical universities do accommodate transfer applications.
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For any inquiries or correspondence, you can reach Pleven Medical University at its address: 1, Saint Kliment Ohridski Street, 5800, Pleven, Bulgaria.
Courses Offered at Pleven Medical University
Pleven Medical University takes an active role in both national and global academic discourse. The university arranges and engages in notable events such as the National Congress of the Bulgarian Anatomical Society, the International Medical Scientific Conference for Students and Young Doctors, and the New Approaches in Public Health and Health Policy conference.
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Furthermore, the university provides an array of workshops designed to enhance students' learning experience. For international students, the International Student Centre plays a pivotal role by facilitating their integration and fostering social connections.
Medical University of Pleven Admission & Entry Requirements
The application period for the February intake commences on June 1st and concludes on October 1st annually. To ensure your spot, it's recommended to submit your application without delay.
In order to gain admission to the Medical University of Plovdiv, successfully passing the entrance examination in Biology and Chemistry is mandatory.
The ranking score is determined by combining:
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The Chemistry and Biology grades from your high school Diploma, adjusted to the six-point system used officially in Bulgaria.
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The outcome of the Biology and Chemistry Entry tests, each multiplied by a factor of 2.
The maximum achievable ranking score is 36.
University Accreditation
Upon successful completion of your studies, you will be awarded an international degree in medicine.
The General Medical Council (GMC) acknowledges the credentials of the Medical University of Pleven. To meet their acceptance criteria, you must have successfully completed a program that encompasses a minimum of 5,500 hours of study over a period of at least three years.
The university fulfills the requirements necessary for approval by the General Medical Council.
Student Accommodation
While the university offers accommodation in the form of student hostels, it may not be easy to reserve your spot there because Bulgarian students are given priority. If, however, you are willing to try and secure a room there, prices are really low, but so is the quality.
A student hostel will cost you around €70 – €100 per month, with amenities. All rooms are standard with 2 beds, 2 desks, and 1 bathroom. Student dormitories are also far from the university – about 20-30 minutes of walking distance.
Renting an apartment would be the best option because it’s still a low-cost option, but you will have the comfort of privacy and a kitchen. A flat will cost you around €150 per month, and you can find one close to the university.
Other expenses include food which will cost you around €150 - €200 per month, and utilities averaging roughly €78 per month. A student’s travel card is €8/month. You can expect to pay approximately €400 per month for everything, excluding rent.
There’s much to do in Pleven during your free time. Numerous parks, museums, historical monuments, and other cultural attractions await your visit. The city of Pleven also has an active nightlife if you’re the party type.
Life as a Medical Student in Pleven, Bulgaria
While Pleven may be a compact city, its historical significance spans nearly 2,000 years. Its origins trace back to the Roman fortress known as Storgosia. Later, with the arrival of the Slavs, the city adopted its current name.
Today, echoes of the Roman fortress endure in the Kailaka park, situated on the southeastern outskirts of the city. Folklore suggests that within Kailaka, the treasure of the final tsar of the Second Bulgarian Empire is concealed. Allegedly, a clandestine chamber was constructed by local monks to house Tsar Ivan Shishman, his war chariot, and the royal riches.
Though seeking treasure within the park is discouraged, a plethora of other recreational pursuits beckon. Scenic trails meander along the river and ascend the cliffs, revealing breathtaking vistas. The park offers avenues for leisurely strolls, boating, and swimming. Moreover, students have access to the zoo, tennis courts, as well as bars and clubs nearby.
Furthermore, a vibrant assortment of bars and clubs line the central thoroughfare, Vasil Levski. This street serves as a hub for much of Pleven's cultural attractions, making it an ideal starting point for daytime explorations or nighttime escapades.
Pleven boasts an opera house, theater, cinema, and a philharmonic orchestra. The city's rich historical tapestry is unveiled through numerous museums and art galleries, catering to the curiosity of inquisitive minds.
Last but certainly not least, Pleven proudly stands as the most budget-friendly city in Bulgaria. Prices here tend to be 20% to 30% more economical than those in the capital city.
Term Dates and Fees
The academic calendar kicks off around mid-September and wraps up towards the conclusion of May the following year. This period is segmented into two semesters, each spanning 16 weeks. Notably, there's a dedicated one-week break for both Christmas and Easter.
Considering the extended duration required for the processing of essential documents, including visas, for international applicants, the General Assembly of MU-Pleven has made the strategic choice to tailor the academic timeline for international students pursuing the English-language course. This adjustment means that their academic year will commence around mid-February and draw to a close by the end of December.
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The tuition fee is £7,800 per year.