Top 10 in Informatics and Computer Science

According to Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, the best Universities for studying Informatics and Computer Science are:

1. Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" - 74 points out of 100
2. American University in Bulgaria - 62 points
3. New Bulgarian University - 56 points
4. Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski" - 52 points
5. Rousse University "Angel Kanchev" - 50 points
6. "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Tarnovo - 48 points
7. South-West University "Neofit Rilski" - Blagoevgrad - 48 points
8. Burgas Free University - 47 points
9. Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" - 45 points
10. EU - Varna - 44 points

FA1: National Academy of Art

The State Drawing School was opened on 1 October 1896 by Decree signed by Prince Ferdinand. This Act made legitimate the oldest institution for higher education in Bulgaria. The archive documents for the setting up of the present Academy reveal the names of outstanding public figures, artists Anton Mitov,  Ivan Markvichka and Boris Shats and men of letters Konstantin Velichkov and Ivan Shishmanov.

In 1911 the teaching staff submitted a plan for development to the Ministry of Education in which they also put forward their request the School to be renamed to Academy of Art. Ten years later in 1921 following a proposal by Stoyan Omarchevski, Minister of Education, the State Drawing School was renamed to Academy of Art.

Today the former Drawing School is called National Academy of Art, which till this very day is still considered to be the most prestigious Bulgarian institution for training professional artists in the field of fine and applied arts, design, conservation and restoration and history and theory of art (in BA, MA and DA degrees).

FA2: New Bulgarian University

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Fine Arts Department is a new department that came into existence in December, 2006.

The Department has united teachers who previously worked in different art departments with those who teach major art disciplines such as Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Graphic Technique, Ceramics, Perspective, Plastic Anatomy and more. The teachers’ community in the department works in the fields of Painting, Graphic Art, Sculpture, Ceramics, Graphic Design and Stage Design.

The Department has been attracting distinguished Bulgarian artists popular at both the national and international level to work as full-time teachers and lecturers, thus achieving high quality education using alternative teaching methods.

FA3: South-West University "Neofit Rilski" - Blagoevgrad

 

The South-West University is a state institution that offers training in Bulgarian and English in 67 Bachelor's, 86 Master's and 43 specialized PhD programmes.
With its 36-year history the South-West University "Neophyte Rilsky" has subjugated a leading position in the scientific and educational space both in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe. Located in Blagoevgrad, the economic, cultural and educational centre of South-Western Bulgaria, it is situated only 90 kilometers southwards from Sofia, 20 kilometers from the border with Macedonia and 80 kilometers from the Greek border.  This strategic location naturally facilitates the academic cooperation with a number of Universities in the Balkan region. It also allows a direct and easy access to numerous attractive destinations among which Bansko, Sandanski, the Medieval Rilsky Monastery, Melnik, the Rila and Pirin National parks, Thessaloniki, Serres, Shtip, Bitola are only a few worth mentioning.

FA4: Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts - Plovdiv

Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts in Plovdiv began its existence in 1964 as a subsidiary of the former Bulgarian State Conservatory in Sofia. At the core of this initiative stands the famous Bulgarian musician and energetic Plovdiv cultural activist Professor Asen Diamandiev. Major contribution to the realization of the idea have the rectors of the Bulgarian State Conservatory Professor Vladimir Avramov and professor Neinski.In 1972, Branch was transformed into an independent Higher Musical Pedagogical Institute. At that time started the education in folk music majors with which the mission of the new university acquires a unique character. For its first rector was elected Professor Asen Diamandiev.In 1975, training and choreography courses, which naturally led in 1995 to rename the new high school - this time at the Academy of Music and Dance. He soon began training and courses in the field of visual arts. This completely natural forms present outlook of the Academy as the Academy of Arts. Rectors successively during this period were: Professor Nedyalcho Todorov (1979-83), Professor Georgi Kanev (1983-89) and Professor Ivan Spassov (1989-96).

FA5: "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Tarnovo

ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF ST. CYRIL AND ST. METHODIUS UNIVERSITY OF VELIKO TURNOVO

         Our university was founded in 1963, as Brothers Cyril and Methodius Higher Institute of Education and on 14 October 1971 it was established as Bulgaria’s second university under its current name St Cyril and St Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo. The year was deliberately chosen: 600 years earlier, in the fall of 1371, Euthymius, the renowned theologian and writer and later Bulgarian Patriarch, returned from Mount Athos to establish the medieval Turnovo Literary School in the Holy Trinity Monastery near Turnovgrad, an institution whose reputation as a prestigious medieval seat of learning spread the rich repository of Bulgarian literary traditions far beyond the borders of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The Turnovo Literary School had a powerful influence on the development of the literature and literary language in Russia, Serbia, and Romania and also greatly influenced the philosophy and practice of the religious institutions in those countries. For these reasons, despite its relatively short history as a university, Veliko Turnovo University is the rightful heir to centuries-old traditions dating back to the mission of Constantine-Cyril and Methodius among the Slavs. 

FA6: Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar"

Chernorizets Hrabar Free University of Varna was established in 1991. On 21 July 1995, by resolution of the 37^th National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, the University was officially granted the status of Higher Education Institution. The University provides full-time and part-time education in all academic degrees regulated by the Bulgarian Act on Higher Education, i.e. BA, MA, and PhD.

In 2001, the University was granted its first institutional accreditation for a five-year period. On 27 July 2006, Chernorizets Hrabar Free University of Varna was granted its second institutional accreditation by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency for a six-year period, deserving the highest of all marks, "Very Good". Today, the University is well-renowned as a major academic and research centre, teaching Bulgarian and international students in nationally significant academic fields, guaranteeing a globally competitive academic and research product. Currently, the University provides education for over 12 thousand students in 67 B.A. and M.A. programmes, as well as in 20 accredited PhD specialities.

The Bulgarian Black Sea Capital’s youngest university is a dependable partner preferred by any academic institution in Europe, the USA and Asia. Among VFU’s well-established academic traditions are the exchange programmes and partnerships with numerous offshore universities and institutes.
The University is among the initiators and most active members of the Black Sea University Network. VFU’s lecturers and students take an ever more significant part in diverse international projects, such as Tempus, Erasmus, Leonardo, and other research and education dedicated programmes funded by the EU.
VFU’s long-term partners, which include numerous research, economic and business organisations, are always ready to provide their facilities for the practical training of our students and applied scientific needs of our lecturers, and above all, with regard to our active involvement in different national and international public projects, in response to the challenges of an ever-globalising information society.
Varna Free University is the only Bulgarian university to have been awarded an ECTS and a DS Label, the education provided by it being recognised everywhere in Europe.
All these characteristics make Varna Free University an integral part of the European and global education space.

Top 6 in Fine Arts

According to Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, the best Universities for studying Fine Arts are:

1. National Academy of Art - 64 out of 100 points
2. New Bulgarian University - 52 points
3. South-West University "Neofit Rilski" - Blagoevgrad - 48 points
4. Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts - Plovdiv - 46 points
5. "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Tarnovo - 45 points
6. Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" - 42 points

As you can see, this time we don't have enough Universities for Top 10, but I think these 6 are good and they deserve our attention.

E1: American University in Bulgaria

 AUBG is a private American-style liberal arts university located in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. The University has assumed a unique and critical educational role in the dynamic region of Southeastern Europe through its emphasis on preparing students for leadership, community involvement, careers, and advanced study. The liberal arts education encourages students to develop critical thinking and creative problem solving. AUBG is accredited both in the US and in Bulgaria, and academic credits are fully transferable in Europe and in the United States. 

AUBG students are energetic, enthusiastic, and highly intelligent. The multicultural student body includes 40 nationalities. Diversity is honored, inclusiveness is nurtured, and academic excellence is always the intellectual goal. Courses are taught by a high-quality, international faculty experienced in teaching in a multicultural, learner-centered environment. The interactive teaching found at AUBG fosters the development of intellectual reflection, effective communication, personal initiative, individual self-expression, and civic responsibility.

Many AUBG graduates continue their education at prestigious universities in the United States and Europe. Others have already made an important mark in the private and public sectors in the region. Educated in the spirit of the liberal arts tradition, AUBG graduates become competent professionals with a broad and integrated vision of contemporary society that enhances their capacity as citizens and primes them for ethical leadership in the service of their countries and the world.  

E2: Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"

The Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski is the first higher educational institution in Bulgaria. Its history is an embodiment and a continuation of centuries of cultural and educational tradition in this country.
Public teaching activities in Bulgaria date back to the second half of the 9th century.
During the Bulgarian Renaissance, a new idea for opening a School of Higher Education was conceived.
The prestige of the School of Higher Education grew rapidly with the cultural and educational mission it acquired after the Liberation in 1878.
Year by year the Sofia University has developed into an important academic and scientific centre on the Balkans, a well developed academic institution with European dimensions. Today Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski is the largest and most prestigious educational and scientific centre in the country.
Its main building is situated at 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. The Faculties of Mathematics and Informatics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Journalism and Mass Communication, Theology, Economics and Business Administration, and Preschool and Primary School Education are spread over several campuses around Sofia.

E3: University of National and World Economy - Sofia

The University of National and World Economy (UNWE) is established in 1920. It is the oldest, the most prestigious and the largest economic university in Southeastern Europe, a leader in Bulgarian and European higher education.
The efforts of the academic Managing body are orientated to the major purposes of the university - to prepare the elite of our country as it has always done so far, to be a leader in Bulgarian higher education, an integral part of European educational and research area, to hold out competitive educational services and to be a preferable place for the young people who want to acquire modern education.
 UNWE envisages itself in the future as a leader among the universities of Southeastern Europe which educate students and conduct researches in the field of Economics, Management and Administration, Law and Politics.
In  2006  the UNWE  has  been given  the  highest  institutional  estimation  among  all  Bulgarian  universities by the  National  Agency  for  Assessment  and  Accreditation, in  2007  the  professional  field  of  Economics  and  in  2008  the  professional  field  of  Administration  and  Management  have  also been given  the  highest  possible assessment - 5.00.

UNWE is at the first place in the rankings of Bulgarian and foreign universities with economic specialities. In 2011 it took the 1^st place in Bulgaria, 13^th place in Europe and 31^st place in the world in the global ranking of the world business higher schools worked out by the Supreme Consortium consisting of 126 Research Centers and Institutes to the Ministry of Education of Spain.
UNWE is an absolute leader by its prestige among students in the professional fields of Economics and Administration and Management. By that standard,  according  to  the  ranking  system  of  the  Ministry  of  Education, Youth and Science  and  the  Open  Society  Institute,  UNWE  is №1.
Ranked  by  its  social  insurance  income  and  by the  number  of  the registered  unemployed  UNWE occupies  the  top  positions again: the professional  field  of  Informatics  and  Computer  Science  (with  an  average insurance income of  1615.68 BGN)  is  at  the  8^th place  followed  by  the  professional  field  of  Economics  (with an insurance income of 1264.80 BGN).  0.00 %  graduates   of  the  professional  field  of  Tourism  are  registered  as  an  unemployed! Professional fields of Administration and Management, Law and Political Science of UNWE are the next at the front positions. It  means  that  all  of  the  six  professional  fields  of education  at the UNWE  are  at  the  first  positions  in  the  ranking.  It is  the  rating  of 112  professional  fields of the universities in our country,  which  give  the students  an opportunity  to  achieve  the  highest  level of  material  earnings.
 Traditionally  there is  the  highest  number of  prospective  students as  well  as  a record  number  of  excellent  students  at the UNWE compared  to  the  other  universities  in  the  country. The admission of students at the university is by a unified admission exam (tests on paper sheets and in electronic format) on professional fields in similarity to SAT tests.

The university is at the first place in Bulgaria by the realization of its graduates and the prevailing part of them has extremely high positions at the labour market. State and private employers accept UNWE as a synonymous with the excellent education and high professionalism of its graduates. It is not a coincidence that the UNWE is known as the Bulgarian Harvard – the university which prepares the state, political and business elite of Bulgaria.
Since its establishment 92 years ago and so far lecturers and graduates of UNWE have been prominent scientists, state figures, four Prime Ministers (including the First Woman-Prime Minister), Vice-Prime Ministers, ministers, deputies, politicians, the First Bulgarian European Commissioner since the Lisbon Contract has been operating, a Manager of Bulgarian National Bank, a Chairman of Bulgarian National Audit Office, a Prosecutor General, ambassadors, representatives of our country in authoritative international organizations, mayors, public figures, businessmen, bankers and many others.
Awarded by the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE are authoritative scientists from Europe and USA and among them are: Prof. Joseph Stiglitz, laureate of the Nobel Prize for Economics, Franz Fischler, Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Prof. Danuta Hubner , European Commissioner, Prof. Francis Gurry , Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, Jean-Claude Trichet, Governor of the European Central Bank and many others.
There are 8 faculties at the UNWE: General Economics Faculty, Faculty of Finance and Accountancy, Business Faculty, Faculty of Economics of Infrastructure, Faculty of International Economics and Politics, Management and Administration Faculty, Faculty of Applied Informatics and Statistics and Law Faculty. There are also 34 Departments, Divisions for educational degree of Master of Science and Institute of Post-Graduate Qualification; Center for Distance Learning, Institute for Economic Politics, Institute of Entrepreneurship, Center for Intellectual Property (the only one in Bulgaria), Inter-University Center for Career Development, etc.

There are more than 500 lecturers at the UNWE and 285 of them are Professors and Associate Professors.
More than 20 thousand students are educated at the UNWE in regular and distance form of education. There are 40 specialities for educational degree of Bachelor of Science (in four of them – Economics, International Economic Relations, Finance and Accountancy and Business the education is only in English) and there are also more than 70 Programmes for educational degree of Master of Science including the Joint Master Programme with the Nottingham Trent University, one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom. Now at the UNWE more than 300 Bulgarian and foreign students are educated for acquisition of Doctoral degree. 
The  implemented  credit  system  allows  the foreign  students from all over the world  at  the UNWE  to  take  credits  from  the  University  as  well  as all the  students  of  UNWE  to graduate with a diploma from foreign universities. The University has been given the Certificate for Quality of Education according to ISO 9001:2000.
UNWE is the coordinating university for Bulgaria in the Central European initiative for relations between universities and it collaborates with more than 100 universities of USA, Europe and Asia.
The University publishes an Almanac, an Annual Book and Scientific Works as well as the scientific magazine "Economic Alternatives" and the “UNWE Newspaper".
The material facilities have been completely renovated in the recent years. The  building  of  UNWE  is  a  41  thousand  square  meters  built  up  area and there are 120  auditoriums, a  lot  of  computer halls, offices, laboratories,  367  study rooms,  a  modern  library  where  100  computer workplaces  with  free  Internet  access  are located,  a Test Center with 200 computers, a  Ceremonial  Hall,  some  modern  conference  halls, a central university archive, a center for reception of the students and prospective students documents, an  electronic  system for information  service of students,  a  Publishing  House, a  Printing  House, a  bookshop,  a website,  a  sports  center, dormitories  for more than 5 000  students,  educational and rehabilitation facilities in Ravda  and  many  others.

E4: New Bulgarian University

The New Bulgarian University is the exclusive representative for Bulgaria of The Open University (United Kingdom) in the field of distance education.

The New Bulgarian University is a full member of the Francophone University Agency (AUF) – a world organization with a network of many educational and cultural institutions from Europe, Africa, the USA, and Canada aimed at supporting the development and exchange in the field of education and culture. As a result of this membership, a Francophone Unit has been established within the NBU offering a BA Program in Political Sciences. Membership in AUF enables students and lecturers to improve their qualification in the many academic institutions included in the Francophone network of the Agency.

Also, the New Bulgarian University works on programs of the European Union – SOCRATES, TEMPUS, LEONARDO, etc. One of the greatest partners of the NBU is the Higher Education Support Program of Open Society Institute, Budapest (HESP). It contributes to research and educational initiatives, exchange of students, lecturers and administrative staff and provides funding for students and equipment for the University complex.

The New Bulgarian University organizes annual summer international schools – semiotics, cognitive science, mass communications, archeology and theater. It offers a master class in opera singing and initiates many seminars and conferences where students meet with distinguished scholars from other countries.

 

The New Bulgarian University is member of competent international organizations and it plays an important role for the comparison of studies at the University with the world standards: the European University Association (EUA), the International Education Institute (IET), the European Association of International Education (EAIE), the International Association of Semiotic Studies (IASS), the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), the network of Institutes and Schools on Public Administration in Central and Eastern Europe (NISPASee), the European Consortium on Political Studies, the International PR Organization (IPRA), Leonardo international network for academic mobility (LEO-NET), the Informal European Theatre Meeting (IETM), the European Association of Students in Theater (EAST), the European League of Institutes of Arts (ELIA), etc.

The strategy for enrollment of foreign students is part of the process of internationalization in universities. The strategy of the NBU for enrollment of foreign students is updated every year and supplemented by new proposals and options. More and more programs attract students from abroad who are taught in Bulgarian, English or French. The greatest number of applicants comes from Macedonia, Cyprus, Russia, Greece, Germany, Poland, etc.

 

Е5: University of Economics - Varna

On the eve of the new millenium University of Economics - Varna celebrated its 80th anniversary. As an educational institution it is one of the oldest schools of higher education in this country. Established on 14 May 1920 as a Higher School of Commerce, thanks to the vision and generosity of the tradesmen and industrialists of the town of Varna, with the intellect, detrmination and talent of eminent Bulgarian and foreign scientists, University of Economics - Varna has travelled a long way full of creativity and awareness which gives us all the right to be proud. Eighty years turned out to be enough to create lasting academic traditions, which uphold and promote its unity, vitality and advancement.

University of Economics - Varna is a cultural institution with a place and style of its own. With all its wealth - both modern and historical, with the power of its academic staff, the University is quickly and successfully adapting to the needs of the country's transition towards a market economy and the connection of science with the global economy.

The global aim of the University is its further development as an educational and research institution and centre for the development of the student's personality. The University has been working on asserting the achievements that have already been recognized and on gaining new ones in conformity with the European standards and criteria for higher education in the area of economics; multiplying the achievements in the quality of University activities and maintaining "the brand" of the end-product; keeping its place on the market of educational services; widening the scope of national, regional and international research projects, raising the competitiveness of the University. 

The most valuable capital of the University are its staff. Throughout its significant 80 years of existence, over 50 thousand higher education degree holders, eminent scientists, entrepreneurs, public figures and politicians have graduated the University of Economics. We can note with a sense of pride that our students are among the best and in great demand and they have been successful both in this country and abroad.
All major subjects have been accredited, University of Economics - Varna has been awarded the status of an accredited institution. This shows that the University guarantees a high level of higher education, it is adequate to the most progressive trends in the area of science and education.

All this requires that in the following years we all - lecturers, students and administrative personnel - direct our efforts towards the creation of an institution, which would be integrated into the global context, adapted to the rhythm of contemporary life, to the characteristic features of the region and the country itself.

Е6: "D. A. Tsenov" Academy of Economics - Svishtov

The foundation of the Higher School of Commerce in Svishtov is strongly bound with the town’s history. During the period of the Bulgarian National Revival Svishtov gained recognition as an important commercial centre, where a number of educational and cultural institutions were founded through the bright years of the Bulgarian Renaissance. The town is the birthplace of patriotic Bulgarians and a centre of beneficiary traditions for the benefit of the people’s progress. Progressively-minded merchants and intellectuals cherished in their hearts a wish to measure and compare the economic, cultural and intellectual growth of the town with European standards and development.

This greatly roused the zeal for renewal. “The great flames” of patriotism and renaissance enthusiasm gave rise to noble beneficiary traditions, serving the needs of education. Mentioned in an article in the Tsarigradski newspaper from July 1858, the town of Svishtov was the, “renowned capital of education in Bulgaria!”

Dimitar Apostolov Tsenov, with his invaluable contribution to the community and the country, stands out among the noble figures of the benefactors from Svishtov. “Dimitar Tsenov is a great Bulgarian, a continuator of the glorious deeds of his predecessors”, said the Bulgarian Academician, Georgi Danailov. The Academy of Economics vindicates the name of the Benefactor and the pride of Svishtov as a recognized academic centre.

A decree signed by Tsar Boris III in November 8th 1936 reads: “A higher Education School of Business is being established in the town of Svishtov under the name “D. A. Tsenov” with purposes to provide theoretical and practical knowledge in the specific areas of the economic science.” (State Gazette, vol. 200, Sep. 5th 1936).

Е7: "Todor Kableshkov" University of Transport, Sofia

As a modern university, Todor Kableshkov University of Transport successfully defends its mission to participate actively in the formation and implementation of the state policies for the development of higher education and research in the areas of land transport, transport infrastructure and telecommunications.

   The Todor Kableshkov University of Transport’s mission is:

• To leverage its interdisciplinary approach and excellent academic, professional and innovation capabilities to develop highly qualified specialists for the transport and telecommunication sectors;
• To provide its students with up-to-date knowledge and skills suitable for the modern marketplace
• To create opportunities for rapid and efficient personal development, preparing its students for success;
• To incorporate into its education the values of civic society and democracy;
• To harmonize the processes of globalization and introduction of new technologies with societal capabilities and interests;
• To guarantee the integration of education and research;
• To create new knowledge and knowledge-based marketable products;

With more than 30,000 alumni since 1922, the Higher School of Transport prepares highly qualified professionals for the fields of land transport, transport infrastructure and telecommunications. Our graduates occupy important positions in the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, public transport services, consulting firms and, research institutes. In 2001, Todor Kableshkov University of Transport was among the first Bulgarian universities to take advantage of changes in Higher Education Law and enroll students in Masters programs immediately after completion of their Bachelor degrees. These students successfully completed their Masters degrees in 2003. In Todor Kableshkov University of Transport, we also encourage continuity – many of our students are children of alumni.

E8: Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski"

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and the largest administrative, economic, cultural and scientific center in Southern Bulgaria. It was founded in the 2 nd millennium BC as a Thracian settlement, and has centuries-old cultural and archaeological heritage. The city which is much older than Athens or Rome, treasures its architectural artifacts located in its Old Town. The unique Renaissance atmosphere of Old Plovdiv charms visitors to the city, and the seven hills on which this part of the city is situated have their own special charisma.

Plovdiv University , named in honor of the Bulgarian historian Paisiy Hilendarski, is the city’s leading cultural and scientific institution. It is the largest institution of higher education in Southern Bulgaria, and the second largest Bulgarian university, after St. Kliment Ohridski  University of Sofia. The year 2001 marks the university’s fortieth anniversary. 

The University of Plovdiv is built on the foundation laid by the Higher Teacher-Training Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, which opened in July 1961. The Institute was promoted to university status by government decree on 12 January 1972, when it took its present name “Paisiy Hilendarski” Plovdiv University.

In 1973, it became the first higher institution in Plovdiv to offer language and literature studies, offering the B.A. degreee in Bulgarian Language and Literature and Russian Language and Literature. Soon after, a program in Slavonic Languages and Literature (with Specialization in Czech Language and Literature) was added. A degree in Education was offered for the first time in 1984, Law degree programs were introduced in 1992, and Economics degree programs were launched in 1994. Today the University of Plovdiv is a true university by international standarts, since it provi des training to students in the four major fields of higher education: natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and economics. “ Paisiy Hilendarski” Plovdiv University has been institutionally accredited by National Certification and Accreditation Board (Protocol No. 1 of 15 February 2001). Over 7,500 full-time and 5,000 part-time students are enrolled in the programs and courses by the university’s eight faculties. The full-time teaching staff consists of 34 Full Professors, 167 Associate Professors and 360 Assistant Professors.

 

E9: Higher School of Insurance and Finance (VUZF University)

VUZF University is the first private university specialized in the area of finance, insurance and social insurance, management and marketing. The university was founded by Resolution of the National Assembly dated 25.07.2002 (Prom. In the “State Newspaper” issue 75/02.08.2002) for the training of students in a Bachelor degree economic specialization and opens its doors to its first students at the beginning of the 2002/2003 academic year. VUZF was approved in 2007 by the National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation for the maximum six-year period and from 2008/2009 academic years it conducts studies in a Master degree program.

The university has incorporated an educational system of the quality management of training and research, which has been certified by "Moody International" in accordance with the international quality standard ISO 9001:2000. In 2007 VUZF took 9th place in the Business Week ranking of the fifteen (15) best Business BA programs in Bulgaria. During the same year the university received an expanded Erasmus University Charter, which allows students to learn or practice in universities and institutions in member countries of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area.

In 2013 The VUZF University received International Higher Education Accreditation by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) for the maximum period of 4 years. This proves that the educational programmes in The VUZF University cover the standards for higher education in the UK.
Mission and educational philosophy
VUZF’s  mission is to prepare highly qualified specialists in economics and to develop economic science in accordance with the needs of the contemporary practice. The academic policy of the university is aimed at implementing the best educational practices in Europe and the world. Its main purpose is to provide high quality studies and career success of students by maintaining a very good cooperation with the business community. About 90 per cent of the graduates start work in the field of the acquired major in banks, insurance, social insurance or commercial companies. To help its students VUZF provides free consultancy services relating to training in various majors, as well as opportunities for professional and personal development.

VUZF University offers high level training, commensurate with the leading universities in Europe. Evidence and one of the main priorities in the development policy of VUZF is the implementation of cooperation with foreign universities within different bachelor, master and post-graduate programs, as well as the grant of innovative and flexible forms training methods.
Lecturers have an important contribution for the high quality studies. The faculty members are among the most outstanding scientists, with extensive training and practical experience, being current or former heads of state institutions.

Official website of the "VUZF University"

E10: "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Tarnovo

The St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo (Великотърновски университет „Св. св. Кирил и Методий“) is a Bulgarian university based in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. It was established on 15 September 1963 as a pedagogical institute. The university is the second largest in Bulgaria after Sofia University. It is named after the creators of the Bulgarian alphabet St. Cyril and St. Methodius. The first four disciplines were Bulgarian Philology, Russian Philology, History, and Arts. Since then, the university has grown to become the largest one outside Sofia, with over 60 different disciplines in 8 faculties being available to students, as well as two colleges in Pleven and Vratsa.

Official website of "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Tarnovo

Top 10 in Economics

According to Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, the best Universities for studying Economics are:

1. American University in Bulgaria - 73 out of 100 points
2. Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" - 73 points again, alphabetically second
3. University of National and World Economy - Sofia - 67 points
4. New Bulgarian University - 57 points
5. EU - Varna - 55 points
6. "D. A. Tsenov" Academy of Economics - Svishtov - 54 points
7. "Todor Kableshkov" University of Transport, Sofia - 53 points
8. Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski" - 51 points
9. Higher School of Insurance and Finance - 50 points
10. "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" University of Veliko Tarnovo - 49 points

In my next posts I will write more information about these universities. Keep reading!

Welcome to my Blog!

Hello and welcome to my place on the Internet. The main purpose of this blog is to collect and organize the information about Bulgarian Universities and help future students to choose the best University for them. I hope you'll find useful information and links here. Good luck in building your future!

Bulgarian University Ranking System

The Bulgarian University Ranking System has been developed to support education service users in their choice of a university. The 2012 updated version of the system contains information on 51 accredited universities in Bulgaria, which offer education in a variety of majors, which have been grouped into 52 professional fields. Depending on the individual priorities and needs of each user, the system allows for producing rankings of different scope and type in each professional field.

Official Website of The Bulgarian University Ranking System