site.btaVeliko Tarnovo University Starts Academic Year with 3,700-Plus First-Year Students

The St Cyril and St Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo began the 2025-2026 academic year with over 3,700 first-year students, the Rector of the educational establishment, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, said in a statement on Wednesday.

He emphasized that the quota for state-subsidized admissions has been fully fulfilled and that there is a significant interest in the University's master programmes. According to Prof. Dimitrov, higher education requires a secure and predictable government approach. "This implies no sudden changes, so that a clear horizon can be established for at least 5-10 years," he argued.

The Rector said further that the University's financial position is stable and will guarantee its employees the salary size required by law. From January 1, 2026, salaries will be adjusted, with assistant professors drawing a monthly pay of over BGN 3,000. Prof. Dimitrov said the lev/euro changeover will be a challenge next year, and he hopes that the State will react quickly and adequately by new funding after the introduction of the new currency. This year, the most sought-after majors are psychology and several courses offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, as well as pedagogical studies. There is also a new major, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, where all openings have been taken.

Welcoming the undergraduates and faculty, the Rector said that the University, with its 60-year history, has always combined tradition with new trends and innovations.

Veliko Tarnovo Regional Governor Yulia Likomanova-Mutafchieva also greeted the students.

Prof. Antoaneta Ancheva, Chair of the University Committee, read the freshmen's pledge, written by the poet Radko Radkov in 2004, which ends with the words "I swear to uphold with by student honour the honour of the University not only today but throughout my life, for the triunity of God, Fatherland, and People!". Metropolitan Grigorii of Veliko Tarnovo performed a blessing of the waters and blessed all students and faculty. The University bell was sounded to mark the start of classes in all faculties. On Wednesday evening, there will be a student party in front of the rector's office, hosted by DJ Emo.