Liberalization or emigration: new admission policies and the future of Bulgarian youth

As new university admission rules come into force in 2025/2026, Bulgaria is trying to keep young people in the country and address labor shortages in key sectors. The National Map of Higher Education has been updated to prioritize strategic programs, while many universities have expanded online learning options. But the question remains: will this be enough to reverse the long-standing trend of youth migration?

What is changing in the system?

The Ministry of Education introduced relaxed admission for STEM programs, including the option to apply with a diploma instead of national exams. Universities, especially private ones, are offering more online and English-language programs to attract both domestic and foreign students. Targeted scholarships now support fields with critical shortages like energy, IT and engineering.

Key players and reactions

Public universities are cautiously adapting, while private ones aggressively pursue international partnerships. Employer organizations support the reforms but warn that without clear job opportunities after graduation, the effect will be short-lived. Meanwhile, students remain skeptical – recent surveys show that 1 in 3 high school graduates still plans to study abroad regardless of the reforms.

Future scenarios

Scenario A – Successful reform: New options and incentives help retain more students. Links between education and the labor market improve.

Scenario B – Temporary effect: Liberalized access isn’t enough to fix deeper issues like low wages or poor academic quality. Migration continues.

Scenario C – Reputational risk: If scandals emerge around admissions or quality, trust in the system collapses and migration accelerates.

Ultimately, the success of these reforms depends not only on institutional action but also on the real outcomes graduates experience after university.

Disclaimer: This article is an analytical overview by the editorial team of BurgasMedia and reflects the opinion of an expert group based on current political, economic and social developments. The conclusions are hypothetical scenarios, not predictions or factual claims. The publication is not liable for any future discrepancies and encourages readers to form their own opinion based on verified sources.