site.btaNumber of Bulgarians Wishing to Study Abroad Increases, Top Destinations Are the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy

The destinations most preferred by Bulgarians wishing to study abroad in 2024 are Belgium, Italy, and Spain, which is a change and puts to the test the Netherlands' leadership in the last several years after Brexit, Nikolay Hristanov from the Integral educational consultancy company said here on Tuesday. He was speaking at a news conference about the forthcoming 20th World Education fair, which Integral organizes in Sofia on October 5, in Plovdiv on October 6, in Burgas on October 7, and in Varna on October 8.

The Netherlands is still the top destination for Bulgarian students (38% of those going to study abroad), followed by Belgium (11.7%), Italy, and the UK. Also preferred are Spain, Germany, Austria, France, and Sweden.

Those interested in studying in Ireland have doubled in number, Hristanov also said.

Another trend observed this year is a 30% increase in the interest in studying abroad, with 11% more students going abroad in the 2024-2025 academic year. Also, a greater number of candidates speak two foreign languages and choose to apply in more than one country.

Another trend observed this year is the interest in private universities abroad, who attract students with internships in big companies, greater attention to students, and a more practically-oriented education.

If back in 2014 the programmes in law, tourism, and politics were popular, the last years have seen an increased interest in engineering, IT, and creative programmes, which is part of the global trend where young generations seek education in fields related to innovation, new technologies, AI, and digital media. The changing needs of the job market also play a key role in students' choice of technology-related programmes, Hristanov explained. There is great dynamics in the sector, which makes the process quite interesting, he added.