Five More Bulgarian Higher Education Institutions Join Alliances with European Universities
Five additional Bulgarian higher education institutions have joined alliances with European universities, as announced by the Ministry of Education and Science on Monday. The institutions include:
1. Veliko Tarnovo University
2. Angel Kanchev University in Ruse
3. Academy of Economics in Svishtov
4. University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy in Sofia
5. Burgas Free University
These universities were included after successfully applying for funding with project proposals under the Erasmus+ programme for 2024 and being approved by the European Commission. This brings the total number of Bulgarian universities participating in European networks to 13, with three other Bulgarian institutions serving as associated partners.
Benefits and Funding
Joining these consortia is expected to enhance the quality of education, increase the competitiveness of individual institutions, and provide students with opportunities to study in multiple countries. Over the next four years, the European Commission has allocated a total of EUR 14.4 million for the development of these alliances. The Ministry of Education and Science will cover 20% of the financing for Bulgarian state higher education institutions participating in the consortia. Additionally, a national program is being developed to ensure continued support.
Objectives and Areas of Cooperation
Higher education institutions form networks to foster long-term cooperation benefiting students, teachers, and society. These alliances can be comprehensive, covering various disciplines, or focused on specific areas such as healthcare, digitalization, art, and engineering.
Expansion and Participation
Starting from June 2024, the European alliances will expand with 14 new networks involving 130 universities. Institutions from 35 countries, including non-EU countries, will participate in the consortia.
Bulgarian Universities in European Alliances
The Bulgarian universities that are part of the European alliances include: Agricultural University in Plovdiv (UNIgreen), University of Veliko Tarnovo (OpenEU), Medical University in Sofia (INGENIUM), National Academy for Theater and Film Arts (FilmEU+), Angel Kanchev University in Ruse (Across), Sofia University (T4EU), Academy of Economics in Svishtov (KreativEU), Technical University in Sofia (EUt+), University of National and World Economy, Sofia (ENGAGE.EU), University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Sofia (BAUHAUS4EU), Burgas Free University (EUNICoast), University of Agribusiness and Rural Development (INVEST), New Bulgarian University (ERUA).
Additionally, the Southwest University in Blagoevgrad, the University of Economics in Varna, and the Medical University in Pleven are associated partners in these consortia.
This development marks a significant step forward in integrating Bulgarian higher education institutions with broader European educational networks, enhancing opportunities for collaboration and academic excellence.
