The National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) has officially received 10-year international recognition from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). This is an outstanding achievement for Bulgarian higher medical education, ensuring the international recognition of medical degrees and providing graduates with the opportunity to practise medicine and pursue postgraduate specialisation abroad, including in the United States.
At the proposal of the expert working group established by NEAA, Medical University of Varna (MU-Varna) was selected to host and serve as a model institution for an accreditation procedure conducted by NEAA in the field of Medicine. Within this procedure, the international WFME expert panel evaluated the Bulgarian quality assurance system for medical education. During the preparation process and the on-site visit, the MU-Varna teams demonstrated a high level of expertise, responsibility and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. Currently, the University educates students from more than 50 countries worldwide.
The recognition obtained confirms that the educational standards and their implementation at MU-Varna, and consequently in Bulgaria, meet the highest international requirements.
The preparation of the documentation began in 2024, with the involvement of a dedicated inter-university working group. A key member of this group was Prof. Todorka Kostadinova, Director of the Accreditation, Quality and Projects Directorate at MU-Varna, together with representatives of the Medical Universities of Sofia, Plovdiv and Pleven, as well as experts from NEAA.
The key stage of the procedure was the visit of the international WFME expert panel in May 2025, hosted by MU-Varna. During the visit:
- The international experts observed the work of the NEAA Expert Group during the accreditation procedure for the Medicine programme.
- Inspections were conducted at the university hospitals and clinical centres where students undertake their practical training: St. Marina University Hospital – Varna, Prof. Dr. D. Stamatov Specialised Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynaecology – Varna, and the University Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Eye Diseases – Varna (SBОBAL).
- The panel attended meetings of NEAA's Standing Committee on Healthcare and Sports and its Accreditation Council.
The procedure was initiated in response to changes in US government policy regarding the recognition of medical education provided by foreign universities. Since 2024, registration in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDoMS) has no longer been sufficient. A mandatory requirement is that the accreditation agency of the respective country (NEAA in Bulgaria's case) holds official recognition from WFME or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
The impact of this accreditation is long-term and particularly significant for universities offering degree programmes in Medicine. NEAA's recognition by WFME is of crucial importance for the Bulgarian higher education system in several respects. It ensures international recognition of medical qualifications, enabling Bulgarian medical graduates to continue their education and practise abroad, including in the United States and other non-European countries whose national accreditation agencies meet WFME requirements. It also enhances the reputation of Bulgarian medical education and creates opportunities to attract more students from countries outside the European Union.
This announcement coincides with the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Medical University of Varna and brings us great satisfaction with the results achieved in the quality of education, scientific and research projects, social engagement and the institution's international reputation. Further confirmation of these high standards is the Medicine programme at MU-Varna ranking first in Bulgaria in the 2026 Ranking System of Higher Education Institutions.
