Bulgarian Language and Literature MA
    Facts & figures
    Degree
    Philologist in Bulgarian Language and Literature
    Type
    Degree program
    Academic Level
    Master
    Accreditation number
    OH-FNYF/120-2/2019
    Language of instruction

    Bulgarian

    Duration
    4 semesters (2 years)
    Area of interest
    Humanities
    ECTS Credits
    120
    Minimum number of new students
    2
    Maximum number of new students
    5
    Short description

    The aim of the program is to prepare students for well-trained specialists in Bulgarian philology. Students acquire comprehensive knowledge of Bulgarian literature from its early period to the modern age in a European context, as well as extensive knowledge of Bulgarian grammar and the history of Bulgarian. Moreover, they are acquainted with the latest linguistic theories, sociolinguistics, textology, lexicology, stylistics and phraseology. Developing both oral and written proficiency in Bulgarian is an important component of our program. The program ends with a thesis on a chosen subfield of Bulgarian philology.

    This program is recommended to applicants who have a special interest in the Bulgarian language and literature and wish to work in an area that requires Bulgarian language skills or is related to the Bulgarian culture. The MA program does not provide teaching qualifications.

    This program enables students to work as specialists of Bulgarian philology in the fields of economy, culture, politics or social sciences. There are many opportunities for young professionals with an excellent command of Bulgarian and a good understanding of Bulgarian culture, as well as historical, economic and social trends in contemporary Bulgaria.

    Strength of program

    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.)

    Find the structure of the program on the webpage of the Faculty.

    Career opportunities

    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.

    Job examples
    • Scholar in Bulgarian Studies
    • Organizer in various fields of Bulgarian culture
    • Expert on Bulgarian culture
    • Journalist
    • Literary translator
    • Specialist in diplomacy
    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 01/10/2025 - 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
    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
    Other cost 100 EUR (entrance exam fee) 100 EUR (entrance exam fee)
    Offered for the next academic year
    Yes
    Start program
    Deadline for applications – September intake
    Is there a February intake?
    No
    Admission requirements

    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).

    Documents to submit with application
    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 procedure

    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): 01/10-30/11/2025 23:59 (CET)
    Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03/2026 23:59 (CET)
    Period 3: 01/04-31/05/2026 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

    When the university receives the full application package and it is checked by the Department of International Affairs 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.The applications are examined by the Admission Board no later than after each application period and applicants are notified of the outcome of the selection in the online application system after the decision is official. Admission letters are sent out in the online application system within a few days.

    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 English 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.

    Program leader

    Dr. Maria DUDAS PhD
    Associate professor
    Head of Bulgarian Studies

    Admission
    Department of International Affairs
    International admission coordinator
    E-Mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
    Address: Múzeum krt. 4, Room 32
    1088 Budapest