The interest of young Bulgarians in studying abroad has risen sharply, with a 30% increase compared to last year. In addition, the number of students leaving for the academic year 2024-2025 has increased by about 11%. This is what Kristina Bozhilova, head of the largest education consultancy in Southeast Europe, told BNR's Hristo Botev programme.

According to her, the Netherlands remains the top destination for Bulgarian students, accounting for 38 per cent of this year's departures. In 2023, some 5,300 Bulgarian students studied in the Netherlands. Bulgarians are among the top 5 most successful students in this country.

Belgium follows as the second most popular destination for higher education, with 12 per cent of all Bulgarian students abroad going there, followed by Italy and the UK with 10 per cent each.

Since Brexit, the number of Bulgarian students going to the UK has fallen from around 2,000 in 2014 to just 300-400 in 2021. 

The most attractive fields for Bulgarian students include innovation, artificial intelligence and digital media.