site.btaOver 10% of Students, 20% of PhD Candidates at Burgas Free University Foreign Nationals, Including from Western Europe, Rector Baltov Says

Burgas Free University (BFU) continues to pursue its policy of internationalization by attracting an increasing number of foreign students and PhD candidates, BFU Rector Prof. Milen Baltov told BTA on Tuesday. In his words, over 10% of all students at the university are from abroad, and the share among doctoral students reaches approximately 20%, including students from Western Europe. Currently, students come from countries such as Germany, Israel, as well as from Asia and Africa, Baltov noted.

Some of the international PhD candidates hold leadership or expert positions in their home countries but choose to pursue their academic careers in Burgas due to the high quality of education, modern approach, and international recognition of the university’s degrees, Baltov said.

“The fact that young professionals from Western Europe are choosing to complete their doctoral programmes here is clear recognition of the level of education offered at BFU,” BFU Rector emphasized. He added that Bulgaria’s EU membership and participation in the Bologna Process ensure that the university’s diplomas are recognized across Europe. Baltov also pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic led many Bulgarians living and working abroad to reconsider their education options and choose BFU for its flexibility and the opportunity to combine study with professional development.

Since November 2024, BFU has been part of the European University Alliance for island, port, and coastal territories, which further facilitates international academic cooperation and mobility, Baltov noted.

German PhD students enrolled at BFU told BTA they chose to continue their education in Bulgaria because of the high level of teaching and the flexibility of the programmes, which allow them to balance their academic pursuits with their professional responsibilities back home.

“I’m completing my PhD at BFU while working as the person responsible for the marketing strategy at Mercedes in Germany. The programme I chose, Economics and Management in Industry, allows me to successfully combine work and education,” said Vanesa Sosieto.

“I currently hold a managerial position in the chemical industry. I chose to complete my doctoral programme in Business and Industrial Economics in Bulgaria. I previously studied in Germany and the UK. The programme at BFU is very professional and flexible, it allows me to continue my work in Germany,” said Christian Ruckoldt.

“I’m completing my PhD in Economics and Management in Industry. I chose Bulgaria because I was looking for an international programme. I’ve studied in Australia and wanted to continue in an international context. I had no hesitation in making the choice, here I found hospitality and a very professional approach,” said Stefan Rothers.