Dive into Film Scoring in Sofia, Bulgaria
Dive deep into the heart of Sofia's vibrant film scoring community, where creativity and passion collide. In Sofia, the film scoring scene isn't just thriving; it's a dynamic ecosystem of talented composers, visionary filmmakers, and innovative sound engineers—all connected by their love for cinematic storytelling through music.
Costs of Living in Sofia
When compared to other cities, the cost of living in Sofia is:
If you are interested in comparing prices between cities, you can visit www.numbeo.com for more information.
Named one of the 15 friendliest cities by
The Film Scoring Academy of Europe understands the importance of finding suitable accommodation for MFA students in Sofia. That's why we have partnered with real estate agents in the city who are dedicated to helping students find housing options that meet their needs and budget.
- MFA Students who wish to live together will be able to find shared accommodation for as low as €150 - €200 per month.
- MFA Students who wish to live alone will be able to find accommodation for as low as €350 - €400 per month.
Discover Sofia, Bulgaria – the dynamic capital known for its rich history, thriving film industry, and diverse cultural scene. If you're passionate about film scoring and considering a master's degree, Sofia offers a vibrant environment for your aspirations. Collaborative creativity thrives here, allowing composers to work alongside talented professionals.
The city's cultural diversity and affordability make it an enticing choice for your music education. Sofia is where your journey as a film composer begins.
Many renowned musicians and composers as as Pancho Vladigerov, Emil Tabakov, Vasil Kazandzhiev, Milcho Leviev and Dobrinka Tabakova have started their music careers in Sofia making this city an excellent choice for aspiring composer looking for a career development.
Furthermore, Sofia provides a conducive environment for musical development. The city hosts numerous cultural events and concerts throughout the year, allowing students to immerse themselves in the local music scene.
Not to mention, the cost of living in Sofia is relatively affordable compared to many other European cities. This factor can be appealing for international students seeking a quality music education and comfortable standard of living without breaking the bank.
What does Sofia have to offer for aspiring film composers?
Collaborative Environment
Sofia's film community fosters a collaborative environment where professionals from different disciplines come together to create outstanding films. This provides composers with the chance to work alongside talented directors, cinematographers, and editors, gaining a deeper understanding of the creative process and honing their skills in film composition.
Cultural Diversity
Sofia's rich cultural heritage and history contribute to a diverse film scene. The city's setting, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere can serve as inspiring backdrops for creating unique film compositions. Additionally, the blending of different cultural influences in Sofia's film industry can provide composers with opportunities to explore and experiment with a wide range of musical styles and genres.
Film Industry Growth
Sofia has seen significant growth in its film industry over the years. The city has become a hub for film production and has attracted international filmmakers and production companies. This growth opens up ample opportunities for aspiring film composers to collaborate on diverse projects and gain practical experience.
Film Festivals
Sofia hosts several film festivals, including the Sofia International Film Festival and the Sofia International Animation Film Festival. These events provide a platform for emerging filmmakers and composers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. Participating in or attending these festivals can lead to networking opportunities and exposure to different styles of film and music.
Have questions about this programme?
Speak with our Admissions Department. Submit our enquiry form to receive personalised answers to your questions.
Additional Information: Master of Fine Arts
Tuition and Fees
2025-2026 MFA Program Tuition: €36,950
Program Deposit: €2,000 (Due Immediately to Enroll)
Tuition Downpayment: €5,000 (Due June 1, 2025)
Payment 1: €11,950 (Due September 1, 2025)
Payment 2: €9,000 (Due December 1, 2025)
Payment 3: €9,000 (Due March 1, 2026)
The MFA program at the Film Scoring Academy of Europe is the most affordable full-time Masters program in film & game scoring available today, while simultaneously offering more recording sessions than any other program in the world, thanks to our partnership with the European Recording Orchestra (ERO).
Be sure to check out the "Costs of Living in Sofia" dropdown to see how much more affordable Sofia is compared to other major European and American cities.
Financial Aid
Students from the United States can take advantage of the FAFSA Federal Student Aid program. For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
More Financial Aid Programmes:
All students searching for scholarships should search this website: https://www.wemakescholars.com
Norway: Lanekassen - https://www.lanekassen.no/
Colombia: Colfuturo - https://www.colfuturo.org/
South Africa: National Film and Television Foundation (NFVF) - https://www.nfvf.co.za/home/
South Africa: Oppenheimer Trust - https://www.omt.org.za/
2025-2026 Academic Calendar
Two semesters of course work with a third semester dedicated to the Major Project.
2025-2026 Academic Calendar
Semester 1 - Full-time, presence in Sofia required
Sept. 15, 2025 - Semester 1 commences
Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec. 19 - Final day of classes
Dec. 22 - Winter break
Semester 2 - Full-time, presence in Sofia required
Jan. 12, 2026 - Semester 2 commences
May 29 - Final day of classes
May 31 - Semester 2 ends
Semester 3 - Presence in Sofia Optional
June 1, 2026 - Semester 3 commences
Aug. 31 - Semester 3 ends
Costs of living in Sofia
Costs of living in Sofia are extremely low in comparison to other major European and American cities. Exponentially cheaper than LA, NYC, London, Valencia, or Boston, while maintaining a comfortable standard of living.
Sofia, Bulgaria compared to other cities that are home to Film Scoring Masters degrees:
73% lower than New York City
65% lower than London
64% lower than Los Angeles
66% lower than Boston
30% lower than Valencia
For more information on comparing prices between cities, visit www.numbeo.com
The Film Scoring Academy of Europe has real estate agents in Sofia that work to help MFA students find accommodation that fits their needs and budget.
MFA Students who wish to live together will be able to find shared accommodation for as low as €150 - €200 per month.
MFA Students who wish to live alone will be able to find accommodation for as low as €350 - €400 per month.
Technology Requirements
Technology Requirements:
- Avid Pro Tools 12
- DAW (Logic Pro X, Cubase, Digital Performer, etc.)
- NI Kontakt Full
- Serum by Xfer Records
- High Quality Reference Headphones
- Industry Standard Orchestral Sample Libraries
Technology Recommendations:
- Apple Macbook Pro (minimum quad-core, 16GB ram, internal SSD)
- Cinematic Studio Series samples (CS Strings, CS Brass, CS Woodwinds)
- NotePerformer Playback Engine
- Spectrasonics Omnisphere
- Fabfilter Mixing Suite
- Minimum 1TB External SSD for Sound Libraries
- MIDI Keyboard with mod wheel (for home use)
All students will receive a copy of Steinberg's notation and scoring software, Dorico Pro. Students will also have access to a hardware station in the Film Scoring Academy of Europe headquarters that is equipped with a Nektar 61-key MIDI keyboard (with sustain pedal), a 24" curved external display, a Scarlett Solo Audio Interface, ethernet and power connectivity and a powered USB hub.
Visa Requirements
Accepted students from the EU do not need a Visa. They will simply need to establish residency upon arrival in Sofia, which our team will assist with.
Accepted students from outside the EU will require a Type-D Student Visa. Assistance on this process will be provided by our Visa Officer after a student officially enrols. It is advisable that accepted students from outside the EU begin preparing the Student Visa requirements listed on the Bulgarian Embassy website in their country as soon as possible, as this process can take a substantial amount of time.