EDUCATION IN BULGARIA

Basic education has been compulsory and free of charge to all Bulgarian citizens since 1835 from the age of seven to 16 or 17.  The communist government improved the education system but also integrated a communist ideology and taught Russian.  Unfortunately, education standards have slipped and wealthier students can pay to receive good marks. 

Students who can afford it also seek their education in Western and northern Europe.  Most of the universities are located in the major cities and there is an American University in Blagoevgrad, which is privately run and expensive. 

International schools are available in places such as Sofia.