Varna University of Management (VUM)
Study Business, Hospitality, and IT in Europe:
Are you looking for an affordable, high-quality university degree that opens doors across the globe?
Varna University of Management (VUM) is one of Bulgaria’s leading private international business schools. Located in the beautiful coastal city of Varna, VUM delivers premium higher education taught entirely in English. It has become a premier choice for international students—especially from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region—who want to jumpstart a career in Business, Tourism, Hospitality, or Information Technology.
Why Choose Varna University of Management?
Choosing where to study abroad is a massive decision. VUM stands out by combining Western academic standards with Eastern European affordability.
Dual-Degree Advantage: Thanks to strategic partnerships with top UK institutions like Cardiff Metropolitan University, you can graduate with two diplomas—one from Bulgaria (EU) and one from the United Kingdom.
Top Regional Ranking: VUM ranks 1st in Central and Eastern Europe for international orientation among business schools, according to U-Multirank.
A Global Community: Work alongside students from over 50 countries in a highly diverse, safe, and welcoming environment.
Practical, Modern Learning: VUM pioneered Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Case-Based Learning (CBL) in Bulgaria, ensuring you gain hands-on, real-world project experience.
Academic Programs
Whether your passion lies in coding the future, launching a startup, or managing a 5-star resort, VUM has a program tailored to your career goals.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Business Administration
International Hospitality and Tourism Management
Software Engineering
Marketing and Management
International Business and Law
Gastronomy and Culinary Arts (via the Culinary Arts Institute)
Master’s Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master in Software Systems and Artificial Intelligence
MSc in International Hospitality and Tourism Management
MSc in Strategic Management and Leadership
Tuition & Fees (2026)
Investing in your education shouldn’t mean taking on overwhelming debt. Bulgaria offers one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union, coupled with competitive university tuition.
Tuition per Semester
| Program Type | EU / EEA Citizens | Non-EU / EEA Citizens |
| Standard Bachelor’s Programs | €1,500 / sem | €1,950 / sem |
| Culinary Arts Bachelor’s | €1,500 / sem | €2,440 / sem |
| Distance Learning Bachelor’s | €1,200 / sem | €1,500 / sem |
| MBA Program (Semesters 1-3) | €1,500 / sem | €2,400 / sem |
| International Tourism Master’s | €1,500 / sem | €1,950 / sem |
Financial Aid Note: Scholarships are available for high-performing academic achievers. Students applying from Arab countries may also qualify for custom relocation assistance and merit-based financial aid. Contact our admissions office to check your eligibility.
Mandatory & Variable Administrative Fees
Application Fee (Non-refundable): €120 (EU) / €150 (Non-EU)
VUM Student Status Fee (Full-Time): €100/sem (EU) / €450/sem (Non-EU)
Cardiff Met University Registration Fee: €475 per registered semester (applicable to final Bachelor’s semesters and Master’s semesters 1–3).
Document Translation Fee: €200 (Bachelor’s) / €250 (Master’s)
Culinary Uniforms & Knives Kit: €725 (Culinary Arts students only)
4 Simple Steps to Apply
VUM makes the transition to studying in Europe smooth. For international and Arab students, the admissions team provides comprehensive, dedicated guidance through the visa, documentation, and relocation processes.
Step 1: Initial Digital Application
Send an email to admissions@vum.bg with scanned copies of your valid passport, secondary school certificates/transcripts (provide both lower and upper secondary if applicable), a signed Data Collection Declaration, and any English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL are recommended, but not mandatory).
Step 2: Review & Obligatory Interview
The admissions team will assess your files and schedule a friendly, mandatory online interview. If you do not have an official IELTS/TOEFL certificate, you will take VUM’s internal online English exam at this stage.
Step 3: Acceptance & Seat Reservation
Upon passing your interview and language requirements, you will receive an official conditional acceptance offer to reserve your spot.
Step 4: Visa & Document Preparation
VUM handles the legal and state recognition requirements (such as the NACID procedure for €100). Non-EU students will pay a refundable €500 visa deposit to begin the formal D-type visa application process.
