It’s no coincidence that medical students from the United Kingdom are flooding to study medicine in Bulgaria in record numbers. They are lured by the longer course lengths, opportunities for hands-on experience and English-language programs available in those locales. Nineteen-year-old Freya Mandapalli from Preston is currently studying medicine in Bulgaria. She is accompanied by Mohammed Adnaan Patel, born in Bolton, who is in his fifth year at Plovdiv University.
Meanwhile, the UK is grappling with an artificial limit on the number of medical school slots. Consequently, a growing number of would-be physicians are scrambling to find other options overseas. Bulgaria’s six-year medical programs offer a rich and deep fundamental education that includes rigorous clinical training. These programs are even one year longer than comparable programs in the UK. Alumni like Dr. Muhammad Hamza, another Plovdiv graduate, are working hard to help every new student acclimate to the Magic City. He has found this practical, on-the-job training to be incredibly valuable.
“It’s probably because of the vast practical experience we get in Bulgaria,” – Dr. Hamza.
Plovdiv University trains students in English, making it particularly accommodating for international students interested in higher education in the nation. In fact, Bulgarian medical students are required to learn the local language. This requirement furthers their ability to communicate empathetically with patients during their last three years of study and practice. This requirement helps guarantee that our graduates are prepared to address the needs of their future, multilingual patient communities.
Freya Mandapalli, whose parents work at a local hospital and whose sister studied medicine at Edinburgh, reflects on her journey. Though sheeding to be a little intimidated at the thought of relocating to Bulgaria, she was soon reassured by her expat residential project.
“I was really nervous to start with, but the city’s beautiful and I’ve found some great friends,” – Freya Mandapalli.
Mohammed Adnaan Patel’s decision to study in Bulgaria was heavily influenced by Dr. Hamza’s experiences. While he did notice an anxiety in general about the transition, he found comfort in talking with his fellow students and mentors.
“It’s quite scary. It does raise a lot of anxiety within the students and myself,” – Mohammed Adnaan Patel.
Patel points out the key effect of word-of-mouth in drawing students to Bulgarian medical schools.
“One of my friends told me that his brother already studies within Bulgaria and he was planning on going himself,” – Mohammed Adnaan Patel.
In recent years, the UK has seen a rising number of international medical graduates joining the National Health Service (NHS). In 2023, three in five—68%—of new doctors starting work in the NHS were IMGs, with a sharp year on year uptick clearly evident. This increasing dependence on international talent highlights the importance of creating flexible pathways into the medical profession.
Veselina Goranova, the vice-rector for Education at Plovdiv University, came up with an eye-opening figure. Only around 40% of their student body comes from across the UK. The university attracts a diverse student body from countries such as Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Canada, and the United States.
Dr. Hamza spends the majority of his time on his new role as a private dentist based in Chorley. He recently opened up about his career path since graduating from Plovdiv with us. That’s why rigorous training like the kind they provide in Bulgaria prepares their graduates to hit the ground running in their careers.
“So going and starting as a dentist in the UK, I already had somewhat of a solid foundation,” – Dr. Hamza.
He was bullish on the further developing trend of UK students going abroad for medical education.
“I see it growing because the demand for doctors and dentists, not only in the UK is a lot but all over the world,” – Dr. Hamza.
He foresees more room to expand for this industry in the future. Increased competition at home means more students will perceive international options as their primary avenue toward medical careers.
“I don’t see it slowing down. It’s going to expand further and further,” – Dr. Hamza.
The international student community in Bulgaria is enriched by the support of alumni such as Dr. Hamza. He assists newcomers with settling in, helping them navigate essential tasks such as shopping for necessities and understanding local customs.
“We help them with shopping – buying bedding, cutlery… wifi, mobile sims, setting them up. Because they don’t know the language and we have representatives in each country which do know the language it becomes so much easier,” – Dr. Hamza.
New UK students, such as Freya Mandapalli, Mohammed Adnaan Patel, and plenty of others, are increasingly choosing Bulgarian medical schools to get their degree. This trend is obviously changing the face of medical education for future physicians in the United Kingdom. Quality training, practical experience, and supportive communities abroad stand in stark contrast to an attractive alternative. This strategy is particularly notable given the highly competitive admission processes at play back home.
