From Ireland or the UK · 2027 entry · Updated 27 October 2026
What documents do I need to study medicine in Europe?
Your school certificate, made official with an apostille; a translation where the country asks for one; recognition of your qualifications where the country requires it; and your passport. Bulgaria asks the most, Poland much less. Here is each step, from the official sources.
From Ireland
- Apostille: Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, in Dublin or Cork, apostilles the original Leaving Certificate from the SEC directly. A provisional statement of results needs a solicitor's or notary's certification first. The DFA issues paper stamps only.
- For Bulgaria: NACID asks for a notary or solicitor to verify that the Leaving Cert is genuine, with the apostille on their signature. It recognises the Leaving Certificate with at least six subjects.
- For Poland: the apostille is enough. No recognition decision is needed, and Silesia takes documents in English without translation.
From the UK
- Notary first: school certificates aren't public documents, so a UK notary or solicitor certifies them before the FCDO Legalisation Office adds the apostille.
- Wording matters for Bulgaria: the notary must state that the document is genuine, or certify the official's signature on it. NACID says a plain "certified true copy" doesn't count.
- Timing: the paper apostille usually takes up to 25 working days, plus post; an e-Apostille, up to 2 working days. NACID wants the paper originals for apostilles from England, Wales and Scotland, so check before choosing the e-Apostille.
Translations
- Bulgaria: everything goes into Bulgarian, with the translator's signature certified by a notary in Bulgaria or at the Bulgarian embassy.
- Poland (Silesia): documents in English need no translation.
Recognition
- Bulgaria: NACID, in Sofia. It decides within one month of a complete file, and the clock stops while anything is missing. You file in person, through someone you authorise, or online with a Bulgarian qualified e-signature. Apostilled originals from Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland have to be handed in, because NACID can't check those apostilles online.
- Poland: none needed. School certificates from EU and OECD countries, Ireland and the UK included, are recognised automatically for applying (NAWA).
UK passports going to Bulgaria: the visa
Students need a long-stay type D visa, applied for once the university admits you. It needs the Ministry of Education's certificate of acceptance, plus insurance, proof of accommodation and money, and a police certificate. Irish citizens need no visa anywhere in the EU.
How long does it all take?
From the UK to Bulgaria, add up the official maximums: up to 25 working days for the paper apostille, the translation, up to a month at NACID, then the Ministry and the visa. That's well over two months, so start as soon as you've chosen a country.
Why do families get help with this?
Small things cause the delays: the wrong notary wording, a provisional statement sent without certification, a translation certified in the wrong place, a missing original at the NACID counter. I handle this chain for families, including filing at NACID in Sofia.
Not sure what you need?
Message me on WhatsApp. I'll tell you where you can apply and what your documents need, free, before you pay anything. If you'd like help, I handle the application and every document.
Ask me where you can apply — free
Rather talk? Say when suits you and I'll ring. Or email wadimedicine1@gmail.com