Bulgaria's education system is structured to provide comprehensive learning opportunities from early childhood through higher education. It begins with pre-primary education – a compulsory preparatory year for children of 6 to 7 years old, followed by primary education (grades 1-7), which focuses on fundamental skills in literacy, mathematics, and science. Secondary education is divided into two stages (Grades 8-10 and 11-12) and offers both general academic tracks and specialized vocational pathways. At the tertiary level, universities and colleges provide Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. This comprehensive approach ensures a consistent educational experience, focusing on core subjects, standardized assessments, and opportunities for specialization and professional development.

In Bulgaria education is compulsory by the age of 16 and is free of charge in the municipal and state schools.

The education system is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Science, which ensures adherence to national standards and policies. The system is designed to balance general education with opportunities for specialization, catering to the diverse interests and career aspirations of students.

While the primary language of instruction is Bulgarian, the system also accommodates the educational needs of minority groups by offering instruction in or inclusion of minority languages, ensuring a degree of cultural and linguistic diversity within the educational environment.

The academic year generally begins in mid-September and ends in May or June, varying by level and institution.

Bulgaria uses a six-point grading scale, with 6 being the highest mark, and 2 being the lowest mark. Standardized exams are mostly used, especially in secondary education, where national exams determine both school completion and university admission.