Trakia University
About Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Trakia University, also recognized as Thrace University, stands as a compact educational institution found in the town of Stara Zagora. Its inception took place in 1982, evolving into an autonomous institution of higher learning in 1995. Within the medical faculty, approximately 600 Bulgarian and international medical students, alongside more than 200 academic faculty, are accommodated within their respective academic divisions.
Rooted in antiquity, dating back to 342 BC, Stara Zagora boasts a rich historical background. The city boasts a highly developed industrial, service-oriented, and agricultural infrastructure, with a notable emphasis on education. With an array of over 40 schools, Stara Zagora offers a diverse range of subjects for study. The city is also home to the nation's largest hospitals, Bulgaria's oldest theater, and the Balkan Peninsula's grandest opera venue. The urban landscape is adorned with numerous museums and art galleries, contributing to the city's vibrant ambiance. Notably, Stara Zagora clinched an accolade from "FDI Magazine," a division of the "Financial Times," recognizing the district's exceptional quality of life in Europe, attributed to its recent housing developments, cost-effectiveness, and cultural heritage (2004).
Situated at 11 Armeiska Street, Stara Zagora 6000, Trakia University's Faculty of Medicine finds its location within Stara Zagora. Similarly, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is situated at the Student Campus, Stara Zagora 6000.
Courses Offered at Trakia University
The duration of the Medicine Program spans 6 years, encompassing a mandatory 10-month clinical practicum. The curriculum comprises 52 compulsory courses and an additional 36 elective ones. The Master's program in Veterinary Studies entails a completion period of 5.5 years.
Trakia University does not offer a graduate-entry pathway, a feature not commonly found across Bulgarian institutions. Nonetheless, the university does welcome transfers from other institutions.
Extracurricular and Leisure Activities
The university actively engages in numerous national and international research initiatives. Locally, a significant portion of research endeavors focus on veterinary applications. On the international front, collaborative scientific endeavors often partner with EU funds and institutes, extending even to associations with China.
Among the recent projects, there's been a notable exploration of advanced nanostructures in conjunction with Chinese researchers, as well as a burnout detection initiative funded through Erasmus.
In tandem, Trakia University hosts annual conferences and seminars, which serve as valuable platforms for both learning and networking. Aspiring medical professionals also have the opportunity to partake in charitable activities and various local festivities.
Benefitting from its tranquil campus location at the city's eastern periphery, Trakia University boasts ample space to house several museums. Set amidst lush greenery, inquisitive minds can delve into the realms of the Museum of Equestrian Sport, the Museum of Agrarian Education, and the Museum of Veterinary Medicine.
Fortunately, the university is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle through its sports facilities. These encompass outdoor fields catering to football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis. Additionally, sports enthusiasts among the medical students can access multiple indoor gyms tailored for team sports, weightlifting, and aerobic exercises.
Notably, Trakia University possesses a holiday center near the coastal resort town of Obzor, recognizing the rejuvenating potential of a seaside weekend for academic spirits. Furthermore, the university is currently in the process of constructing another such center by the thermal springs of Stara Zagora, emphasizing the importance of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Trakia University Tuition Fees
Currently, the sole courses offered in English at Trakia University are medicine and veterinary medicine. The medicine program spans 6 years, with a tuition fee of £6,500 per annum. Similarly, the veterinary medicine program extends over 5.5 years, with a tuition fee of €5100 per year. However, it's important to note that Trakia University in Stara Zagora does not provide English-taught dentistry programs. Should you be interested in dentistry studies, you might explore alternative medical universities within Bulgaria that do offer dentistry programs in English.
Trakia University Admission & Entry Requirements
To gain admission to the university, prospective students need to successfully clear the following examinations:
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English language examination (applicable for non-native English speakers)
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Biology examination (conducted in English)
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Chemistry examination (conducted in English)
There are two exam sessions available: an early and a late session, with the latter designed for students receiving their high school results at a later date.
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The application timeline consists of a mid-July deadline for the early application period and a 1st September deadline for the late application period. It is advisable for students to submit their applications well in advance to ensure the creation of a robust application portfolio and ample preparation for the entrance exams.
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Competition for acceptance into Trakia Medical University is intense, and maneuvering through the application procedure might appear daunting when tackled alone. The university outlines a comprehensive list of application prerequisites and legal intricacies that necessitate fulfillment. These include the submission of specific documents, requiring translation, notarization, and legalization. Failing to meet these requisites could lead to application rejection.
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This is where our expertise comes into play. Our accomplished admissions teams possess a remarkable track record in Europe, assuring meticulous adherence to all legal requisites. Moreover, our profound rapport with Trakia Medical University equips us with comprehensive insight into the entire application process and entrance examination. We undertake the entirety of your application, ensuring a top-tier submission that significantly enhances your prospects of securing a position in this esteemed medical institution.
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Furthermore, our support extends to comprehensive preparation for the demanding entrance examination. We equip you with exceptional test materials that empower you to tackle the exam with ease. By partnering with Riga, you can circumvent the stress associated with overseas applications, enabling you to channel your focus towards excelling in the entry examination.
Trakia University Accreditation
A degree obtained from Trakia University, akin to those from other medical universities in Bulgaria, holds recognition across all European Union member states, the European Economic Area, and notably, by the General Medical Council (GMC). For acceptance by the GMC, the stipulated criteria involve graduating from a program encompassing a minimum of 5,500 hours and extending for a duration of no less than three years.
Accommodation at the Trakia University
Students have the option to utilize the university campus facilities. Accommodation within the dormitories is available at a cost ranging between €30 and €40 per month. The monthly expenses for living are estimated to be around €150. Applications for dormitory spaces should be submitted before the 19th of June.
Living costs in the region are remarkably economical. Rent for accommodations falls within the range of €190 to €250 per month, with utilities averaging about €78 monthly. Considering all expenses, an approximate monthly expenditure of €400 can be anticipated. If you prioritize solitude and tranquility, it's recommended to consider renting a private apartment.
For leisure activities, the city of Stara Zagora, although modest in size, offers a diverse array of attractions. These encompass historical landmarks, monasteries, museums, parks, excursions, and more. The city also boasts a notable selection of restaurants and clubs for those seeking entertainment options.
Life as a Medical Student in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Stara Zagora, while holding a place among Bulgaria's oldest cities, possesses a unique duality that also positions it among the more youthful ones. With a history spanning over 2,500 years under various names, the city experienced a significant juncture almost 150 years ago, when it was ravaged by war and essentially razed to the ground. In the aftermath, the locals undertook the Herculean task of rebuilding the city from the ground up, resulting in a new urban plan characterized by orderly, straight, and perpendicular streets. This distinctive layout has earned Stara Zagora the affectionate moniker of the "City of Straight Streets."
Another popular sobriquet attributed to the town is the "City of Lindens." The entire cityscape is adorned with linden trees, casting a spellbinding atmosphere that becomes truly unforgettable during the blossoming season. From May to mid-June, the city exuberantly celebrates the Linden Holidays, coinciding with the trees' vibrant blossoms. Festivities during this period encompass various events, allowing locals to revel in the scent and allure of blooming lindens while partaking in communal gatherings.
Among the city's annual highlights is the Festival of Opera and Ballet Arts. The local opera house stands as the largest in the Balkans, and its magnificent acoustics harmoniously enhance the stellar performances by both local and international luminaries. Further enriching the city's cultural landscape is a thriving theatre scene and a multitude of art galleries.
Downtown, young residents of Stara Zagora designate meeting spots colloquially known as the "mushrooms." These are humble structures consisting of poster columns topped with mushroom-like caps, yet they've served as the starting point for countless memorable adventures.
From there, students typically embark on journeys through local bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Nevertheless, tales also circulate of intrepid explorers who venture to the city's numerous museums and historical sites. Owing to its tumultuous history, Stara Zagora bears the imprint of various epochs, evident in the plethora of ruins from ancient times, notably remnants from Thracian, Roman, and Ottoman eras.
Adding to the city's allure, Stara Zagora boasts one of the most enchanting landscaped parks in the Balkans - Ayazmoto. Legend attributes tsar Boris' conversion to Christianity to this very location, marking the commencement of Bulgaria's Christianization. Today, Ayazmoto stands as a serene sanctuary, inviting individuals to reconnect with nature. Within the park's expanse lies Bulgaria's largest zoo, the local observatory, and a botanical garden, collectively contributing to the city's multifaceted charm.
Term Dates
The inaugural semester typically commences in mid-September, extending until the culmination of the calendar year. Following this period, a brief interlude of approximately 2 weeks is allocated for Christmas Holidays.
Examinations for the first semester are scheduled between mid-January and mid-February. Shortly thereafter, the second semester commences and runs until the conclusion of May. Evaluation processes for the second semester transpire throughout the month of June.
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