Official grade-group enrollment data.
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Education in Bulgaria
DATA2025/26
712,273 school students · 215,443 pre-primary children · 2,319 schools
Bulgaria's National Statistical Institute reports 712,273 students in grades I to XII in the 2025/26 school year, alongside 215,443 children in kindergartens and preparatory groups. As of 31 December 2025, 2,319 schools were operating in the country.
Grades I-XII
712,273*
Pre-primary
215,443*
Schools
2,319*
Grades VIII-XII
295,391*
Bulgaria Education System
| Stage / measure | Structure or value | Current interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Grades I-IV | 236,894* students | NSI 2025/26 |
| Grades V-VII | 179,988* students | NSI 2025/26 |
| Grades VIII-XII | 295,391* students | NSI 2025/26 |
| Pre-primary | 215,443* children | Kindergartens and preparatory groups |
* Reference period is shown with the figure.
Current school enrollment
NSI counted 712,273 students in grades I through XII in 2025/26. The largest of its published grade groups is grades VIII to XII with 295,391 students.
Pre-primary education
There were 215,443 children enrolled in kindergartens and preparatory groups in 2025/26. The NSI table includes children from age two upward, so this is an enrollment count rather than a compulsory-age measure.
School network
As of 31 December 2025, Bulgaria had 2,319 operating schools according to the annual NSI education survey.
Programme orientation in upper grades
Among grades VIII to XII, NSI reports 125,867 students in general-education programmes and 169,248 in vocational programmes, with a small remainder in special schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students were enrolled in grades I to XII in 2025/26?
712,273.
How many children were in pre-primary education?
215,443.
How many schools were operating?
2,319 as of 31 December 2025.
How many students were in grades VIII to XII?
295,391.
How many of those were in vocational programmes?
169,248.
Who publishes these figures?
Bulgaria's National Statistical Institute.
Sources and Methodology
Official annual education release.
Official pre-primary enrollment table.