Facts & figures
Philologist in Bulgarian Language and Literature
Bulgarian
Program
The ELTE Master’s Program in Bulgarian Language and Literature is an excellent choice for students who wish to further develop and enrich their Bulgarian language skills, deepen their knowledge of Bulgarian language and literature, and expand their expertise in the field.The program is particularly suitable for those who would like to learn an additional Slavic language, study at a Bulgarian university through a scholarship program, and actively participate in the cultural life and community activities of the Bulgarian minority in Hungary.
Interesting Facts About the Program
The Bulgarian Studies program at ELTE has been continuously operating since 1951, and students learn Bulgarian from the native-speaking lecturer assigned at the time. The program maintains close cooperation with several Bulgarian universities, including the University of Sofia, Plovdiv University, Veliko Tarnovo University, Burgas Free University, and Shumen University. Through the Erasmus+ program, students have the opportunity to spend a semester in Bulgaria to further develop their language skills in an authentic linguistic environment. Each year, 2-3 students may also participate in summer university programs supported by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education.
Within the Institute of Slavic and Baltic Philology, the tradition of the “Slavic Christmas” has a long history. It takes place during the final week of the autumn semester. Each department prepares a festive performance, and Bulgarian Studies students traditionally present Bulgarian folk dances in traditional costume, which are met with great success. The program also celebrates important Bulgarian holidays, such as Baba Marta Day on March 1 and the May 6 tradition of erecting a “flower gate.”
Program Details
Graduates of this program acquire advanced academic and practical expertise in the field of Slavic Studies, with a particular focus on Bulgarian language and literature.They are equipped to carry out independent research and applied professional work in the teaching and study of the Bulgarian language. In addition, they are prepared to contribute to the operation and development of institutional and research systems, undertake tasks in research and innovation, and communicate Hungarian achievements in Bulgarian language and literature-as well as in Slavic Studies more broadly-at both national and international professional forums.The program also provides a solid foundation for students who wish to continue their studies at the doctoral level.
Language Outcome
Passing the final examination in Bulgarian language certifies the fulfillment of the requirements for a complex, advanced-level (C1) language examination.
Students graduating from our university with an MA degree in Bulgarian Studies have general knowledge of philology with a specialization in Bulgarian literature and linguistics. The structure of our MA program is flexible and meets the needs of students with various interests. The strength of the course is also indicated by the scholarly achievements of the department staff (eg. regular participation in national and international conferences, regularly organized international conferences on Slavonic Studies, numerous books and other national and international publications.)
Structure
Career
Students graduating from our university with an MA degree in Bulgarian Studies can work for Bulgarian or/and Hungarian joint companies, in the field of culture or the educational sector, in the tourist industry, or to find employment related to cooperation between Bulgaria and Hungary in a broader context. Our graduates can also engage in an academic career and after completing the doctoral training and a successful defense of the doctoral dissertation obtain a PhD degree.
- Scholar in Bulgarian Studies
- Organizer in various fields of Bulgarian culture
- Expert on Bulgarian culture
- Journalist
- Literary translator
- Specialist in diplomacy
Admissions
| EU/EEA students | Non-EU/EEA students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee/semester | 2,500 EUR | 2,500 EUR |
| Application fee |
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2026 - 30/11/2026 and between 01/02/2027 - 31/03/2027;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2027-31/05/2027
|
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025 - 30/11/2025 and between 01/02/2026 - 31/03/2026;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2026-31/05/2026
|
| Entrance exam fee | 100 EUR (non-refundable) | 100 EUR (non-refundable) |
| Other cost |
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold a university bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent college degree) in the fields listed below. Full credit acknowledgement is only given for a bachelor’s degree in Slavonic Studies, Specialized in Bulgarian Studies.
In the case of any other degree, each diploma will be considered individually. The applicant must have 30 credits in the field of Bulgarian language, linguistics, literature or culture studies which might be acquired during the MA studies according to the Academic Regulations of the university.
Transcripts from your bachelor's degree as well as course descriptions will be requested.
The educational and outcome requirements are defined by the Ministry of Human Capacities, Regulation No. 18/2016. (VIII. 5.). Details of the application and admission process are defined by the Organisational and Operational Regulations of ELTE.
Language requirements
Medium level language competence in Bulgarian (B2 level).
| Document | Comment |
|---|---|
| Secondary school certificate (graduation certificate) | Notarized copy only on request. |
| Bachelor-level degree | An official copy of your completed Bachelor degree |
| Transcript of records | |
| CV | |
| Motivation letter | A maximum of 500 words |
| Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid) | Scanned, in colour all personal details and expiry date must be shown. Passport must be valid. |
| Copy of application fee payment receipt | |
| Copy of the Entrance exam fee payment receipt | |
| Language certificate | Official test result or certificate must be provided; see program specific proficiency requirements |
Optional documents for admissions
- Curriculum Vitae in English
- In MS Word format with one low resolution photo
- Research Proposal
- Please consult the coordinating department for more information
- Letter of Reference
- Also called "Letter of recommendation." From a former instructor and/or employer.
Application deadlines
The deadline for application means the deadline of submission of the full and complete application package in the online system.
Period 1 (with Early Bird discount): 01/10-30/11/2026 23:59 (CET)
Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03/2027 23:59 (CET)
Period 3: 01/04-31/05/2027 23:59 (CET)
The application procedure includes 3 periods in order to give the applicants the freedom to submit their application when it’s most suitable for them. The applicants of each period have the same chance to get admittance for the programme. However, please note, that the Faculty of Humanities ELTE reserves the right to cancel the entrance periods in case the number of the admitted applicants reaches the limit during the previous entrance periods.
Procedure of the application
The application starts in the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
Applications will only be processed if the application fee (non-refundable) has been paid on the University’s online payment platform.
Before making the payment please visit the Faculty’s website (go to section Application and Entrance Exam fees) for detailed guidance on how to use the payment platform.
Payment platform: https://epay.elte.hu/
Entrance examination and selection process
After the university receives the full application package and it is checked by the Department of International Affairs, applicants will be invited to an oral entrance exam. An entrance exam date option will be sent no later than the application deadline for the relevant period. Please, check your messages in the application system, and the e-mail address that is linked to the account regularly.
Procedure of the entrance examination
The entrance exam contains a discussion about the motivation of the applicant. Successful applicants must have a good command of Bulgarian to pass the entrance exam. The format of the entrance exam is an online interview. Ranking is based on the overall evaluation of academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam.
Results and the official decision will be announced in the application system. Admission letters are sent out also in the online application system within a few days.
For more information about the application procedures, please visit the Faculty’s website
Oral Exam Stage
Entrance examination based on the specified reading list and list of topics
List of Topics:
I. Linguistics
1. Periods of the Bulgarian language
2. Sound changes in the Bulgarian language
3. The verb system in modern Bulgarian (tense, aspect, mood)
4. The nominal system in Bulgarian (noun, adjective, numeral, pronoun, use of the definite article)
5. Invariable parts of speech in Bulgarian (adverb, conjunction, preposition, particle, interjections)
6. The sentence. Types and definition of sentence constituents. Types of sentences
7. Compound sentences: coordination and subordination. Their types
II. Literature
1. Periods of Bulgarian literature and their characteristics
2. The beginnings of the National Revival period (Paisiy Hilendarski, Sofroniy Vrachanski)
3. Literature of the National Revival: the 1860s-1870s (drama, poetry, prose)
4. Ivan Vazov – patriarch of Bulgarian literature
5. Periods of Bulgarian modernism
6. Prose literature of the interwar period
7. The Bulgarian novel in the second half of the 20th century
Recommended literature:
• Т. Бояджиев-Ив. Куцаров-Й. Пенчев: Съвременен български език. София, 1998.
• Граматика на съвременния български книжовен език 1-3. София, 1998.
• Ц. Карастанева-В. Маровска: Практическа граматика. Пловдив, 2001.
• Л. Андрейчин: Основна българска граматика. София, 1978.
• Ст. Стоянов: Граматика на българския книжовен език. София, 1977.
• П. Пашов: Българска граматика. Пловдив, 1999.
• Граматика на съвременния български език. София, 1982.
• Енциклопедия на българската възрожденска литература. Велико Търново. “Абагар”, 1996.
• Речник на българската литература. Т. I – III. С., БАН. 1976-1982.
• Пенев, Б. История на новата българска литература. Лекции в 4 т. С., Бълг. писател. 1976-1978.
• Радев, Ив. История на българската л-ра през Възраждането. В. Търново, Абагар, 1997.
• Топалов, К. Възрожденци. Сб. статии за бълг. възрожденски писатели. С., Ч. I-II. С., Унив. изд. “Климент Охридски”, 1988-1989.
• История на българската литература в четири тома. Т. 3. С., 1971; Т. 4. С., БАН, 1976.
• Речник по нова българска литература. 1878-1992.
• С., “Хемус”, 1994. Речник по българска литература. Ч. 1-2. Пловдив, ИК “Хермес”, 2000.
Contacts
Admission
Department of International Affairs
International admission coordinator
E-Mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
Address: Múzeum krt. 4, Room 32
1088 Budapest
Dr. Maria DUDAS PhD
Associate professor
Head of Bulgarian Studies
Find the structure of the program on the site of the Faculty.