Bulgaria Higher Education System Prof. Milen Baltov, PhD Burgas Free University

Higher education framework in Bulgaria Higher education is provided exclusively by colleges and universities In accordance with the Higher Education Act They are all self-governing and autonomous institutions

Composition Currently the tertiary education system includes 51 higher schools which under the Higher Education Act are state owned and private, including universities, specialized higher schools and self-contained colleges. 37 are with public assets properties 25 universities, 11 specialized higher schools and 1 self-contained college 14 are with private assets properties 5 universities, 2 specialized higher schools and 7 self-contained colleges

Bologna process characteristics introduced in Bulgaria The 3-degree higher education system: 1.Bachelor – comprises two levels – “professional bachelor in ….” and “bachelor” ; 2.Master 3.Doctor • A credit accumulation and transfer system; • European diploma supplement.

Bachelor Programmes The normal length of a Bachelor programme is four years in accordance with the curriculum and requires acquisition of at least 240 ECTS. Bachelor programmes are offered by universities and specialized higher schools in all fields of study. The instruction for the bachelor's degree in accordance with the curriculum shall provide comprehensive training or specialised professional training in professional areas and specialties.

Curriculum Under the provisions of the Higher Education Act Higher schools in Bulgaria enjoy academic autonomy which includes academic freedom, academic self-government and inviolability of the territory of the higher schools. Besides other characteristics the academic self-government finds expression in independent choice of faculty, admission requirements and forms of training students and postgraduates.

Curriculum Overall state requirements are set for acquisition of the different degrees – Professional Bachelor in…, Bachelor and Master There are also state requirements set for certain regulated professions (Health Care for example). The subjects are taught in Bulgarian but there are certain programmes taught in foreign languages, mainly English, French and German.

Teaching Methods The forms of higher-school instruction are full-time, part-time, evening attendance and correspondence (distance) courses. Organizational matters are subject of the Academic autonomy and shall be treated in higher school's Rules of Operation (Rulebook) in compliance with the Law. Teachers are supposed to use their own teaching methods in accordance with the certain discipline/module.

Teaching Methods Usually the organisation forms vary from formal lectures for the entire course and practical exercises for smaller groups to seminars, self-preparation (at laboratories, libraries, through papers, homework, and others), projects work; etc. Typically the teaching is structured in disciplines and/or modules and different materials such as books, audio-visual and other assistant materials are used. The new technologies in class (such as computer-assisted teaching, e-learning, etc.) are increasingly being used.

Progression of Students Employability This field is subject of the Academic autonomy and shall be treated in higher school's Rules of Operation (Rulebook) in compliance with the Law. There are student on-spot internships and practices implemented in the curricula of certain specialties.

Progression of Students Employability Student internships and practices are also organized and conducted under projects funded by For the 2007-2013 period, the Operational program “Human Resource Development” For the 2014-2020 period the OP “Science and Education for Intelligent Growth”, both co-financed by the European Social Fund. Centers for Career Development have been established in 47 out of 51 higher schools.

Student Assessment The basic form of knowledge assessment at higher schools is the written examination, unless the specific features of the subject and/or module require otherwise. The written materials from the checking of the knowledge and skills shall be stored for at least a year after the conduct of the assessment.

Student Assessment Students' knowledge and skills shall be graded on the basis of a six-grade system comprising of: Excellent (6.00), Very Good (5.00), Good (4.00), Fair (3.00) and Poor (2.00).

Credit transfer and accumulation system for grading the knowledge and skills acquired by the students The system is based on 60 credit points per academic year or 30 credit points per semester, allocated by subjects and/or modules in accordance with the curriculum of the specialty and the educational and qualification degree, or another number of credit points compatible with this system.

Credit transfer and accumulation system for grading the knowledge and skills acquired by the students The objective of the system is to provide students with an opportunity to choose subjects, self-preparation and mobility on the basis of mutual recognition of certain periods of studies, which correspond to elements of the curriculum of the specialty and the educational and qualification degree.

Certification Higher schools shall issue the following documents for education and training: 1. Diploma degree in higher education "professional bachelor in ..."," bachelor " or " master" and annexes thereto; 2. European Diploma Supplement; 3. Certificate of qualification;

Certification 4. Certificate recognized specialty in the health care system for post-graduate education; 5. Certificate of successful completion of preparatory course for professional and language training in Bulgarian for foreigners - undergraduate and graduate students; 6. Certificate of professional qualification; 7. Certificate of professional teaching specialization; 8. Certificate for additional training or specialization.

Second Cycle Programmes Instruction at the second level, up to the master's degree, provides profound fundamental training in combination with specialization in a particular major. The completion of the following requirements is needed for the acquisition of Master's educational and qualification degree: at least 300 credits in accordance with the curriculum with a minimum length of studies of five years

Second Cycle Programmes At least 120 credits after the acquisition of a professional bachelor's educational and qualification degree; At least 60 credits after the acquisition of a bachelor's educational and qualification degree.

Organisation of Doctoral Studies Doctoral Studies are offered in all fields of science and can be performed by universities, specialized higher schools or research organizations accredited for the certain program. There are full-time, part-time and independent doctoral programmes.

Organisation of Doctoral Studies The full-time study and independent study have a duration of up to 3 years; The part-time study and distance learning have a duration of up to 4 years.

Organisation of Doctoral Studies In exceptional circumstances which are regulated in the statutes of the relevant institution of higher education or academic organisation The duration can be extended, but by no more than a year. There is no differentiation in the length of study between different branches and no specific distinctions in the structure exist

Organizational Variation If there are any differences in the provision of alternative structures of education, e.g. admission requirements progression of students from one year to the next certification or qualifications the author should divide this section into different sub-sections.

Organizational Variation Third Cycle (PhD) organisation forms can be in the form of full-time study, part-time study, independent study or distance learning. Full-time study and independent study have duration of up to 3 years; part-time study and distance learning have duration of up to 4 years. In exceptional circumstances which are regulated in the statutes of the relevant institution, the duration can be extended, but by no more than a year.