Homeschooling in Bulgaria
Legal with strict school affiliation and inspections.
Homeschooling in Bulgaria is legal only as independent form of education, requiring enrollment in a formal school and approval by regional education authorities. Governed by the Pre-school and School Education Act of 2015, it mandates oversight, curriculum alignment, and annual assessments. Parents must ensure a suitable learning environment and child development program.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Задължително училищно образование от 7 до 16 години.
- Изисква присъединяване към училище.
- Подлежи на държавни тестове и надзор.
- Следва държавна учебна програма.
- Регионални органи оценяват и издават решение.
- При неуспех - преход към редовно обучение.
Legal Framework
Закон за предучилищното и училищното образование (ДВ, бр. 79/2015 г.), регулира самостоятелна форма на обучение; отговорен орган - Министерство на образованието и науката (mon.bg). Точни членове (напр. чл. 112) и процедура не са верифицирани от официални източници в търсенията.
Filing Requirements
What to file
Заявление за самостоятелна форма на обучение
When
Before start of school year (September 15)
Where
Regional Department of Education
How to submit
In person or mail
What to include
- • Child development program, suitable learning environment description, parent commitment to curriculum
Evaluation by regional authorities required for approval
How to Get Started
- 1
Enroll child in formal school allowing independent education
- 2
Prepare child development program aligned with state curriculum
- 3
Submit application to Regional Department of Education before September 15
- 4
Await approval and begin under supervision
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Legal pathway with diploma access
- ✓Fits compulsory education requirements
Cons
- •Bureaucratic approval process
- •Strict testing and oversight
Questions about homeschooling in Bulgaria
Do I need to enroll my child in a school for homeschooling?
Yes, enrollment in a formal school permitting independent education is mandatory.
What curriculum must we follow?
The state-approved educational standards and curriculum set by the Ministry of Education.
Are there tests or inspections?
Yes, periodic evaluations, home visits, teacher exams, and end-of-year state testing are required.
What if my child fails the assessments?
Transition to regular full-time schooling is required.
Are parent qualifications needed?
No formal qualifications; authorities assess the learning environment and program.
Can foreigners homeschool the same way?
Rules apply similarly, but some flexibility for recognized international programs via school enrollment.
How do I apply?
Submit application with program details to Regional Department of Education before September 15.
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Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Bulgaria tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · BG homeschool law guide