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UNWE Opened the Applications for the World's Only International Master's Programme in Nuclear Security Supported by the IAEA

UNWE — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:25:00 GMT

UNWE has announced the opening of applications

for the International Master’s programme in Economics of Defence and Security with specialization in Nuclear Security –

the only programme of its kind in the world, developed with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency /IAEA/.

Applicants can submit their documents

in the period from 21 July to 28 August 2026 on site at the UNWE /Tuesday – Friday/,

as well as online from 21 July to 23:59 on 30 August 2026 /Tuesday – Sunday/.

The enrollment of newly admitted students will be carried out

in the period from 8 to 15 September - both on-site and online.

The applicants for the International Master’s Programme in Nuclear Security must demonstrate English proficiency at a minimum B2 level. Candidates who do not hold a recognized English language certificate must sit an English proficiency examination wich will be held on 1 September 2026 and the results will be announced on 2 September 2026, the ranking will be announced on 3 September 2026.

The Master's Programme has duration of 3 semesters and it is taught entirely in English. The tuition fee for students from the European Union member states is €1 099.28 per semester.

The International Master’s Programme in Nuclear Security prepares highly qualified specialists in one of the strategic and dynamically developing areas - the protection of nuclear and other radioactive materials, risk management, nuclear forensics and capacity building at national and international levels. Graduates of the Programme find professional realization in government institutions and regulatory bodies as well as in international organizations.

The applicants can submit their documents online HERE

through the UNWE electronic application system.

More information about the Programme can be found HERE.

The First Bulgarian Student Who Has Successfully Completed the Dual Master’s Programme in International Business and Governance Received Diploma

UNWE — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:25:00 GMT

During the working visit of Prof. Che and Dr. Yifeng Qin from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University to the UNWE, the Diploma was awarded to Dilyana Boyadzhieva - the first Bulgarian student who has successfully completed the Dual Master’s Programme in International Business and Governance provided jointly by the UNWE and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Dr. Milen Markov, Director of UNWE International Affairs Directorate, Dilyana Boyadzhieva and Prof. Che /from the left to the right/

Dilyana Boyadzhieva holds Bachelor’s degree in Applied Linguistics with English and Chinese from Sts. Cyril and Metodius University in Veliko Tarnovo. She shares that the Dual Master’s Programme provides an opportunity to acquire profound knowledge and practical skills in the areas of international business, business management and public administration. According to her, the Programme presents different academic approaches and educational practices, which contribute to the development of an international perspective and professional competencies.

Prof. Che and Dr. Yifeng Qin from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University took part in the working meeting at which the potential opportunities for the development of future intergovernmental research projects were discussed. Our Chinese partners presented a project proposal on creating a joint lab on the Belt and Road Initiative. The guests also donated books during their visit to the UNWE Library.

Summer School on Entrepreneurship for Indian Students Started at Our University

UNWE — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:55:00 GMT

The UNWE opened its Summer School on Entrepreneurship for students of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University /CSMU/ in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, India, organized by the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department. The initiative is carried out within the framework of the Global Immersion Program 1.0.

The participants in the Summer School and the event guests were welcomed by the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kolarov, Head of the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department and Director of the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship, Prof. Dr. Antonia Stoyanova, Director of the Education Centre at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences /BAS/, Niraj Kumar, Chairman of the Association for Development of Business and Cultural Relations between India and Bulgaria, Dr. Pallavi Dongare, Director of the Centre for International Relations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sylvia Georgieva, Deputy Director of the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship.

The Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov /in the middle/. From the left to the right: Pallavi Dongare, Prof. Dr. Antonia Stoyanova, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kolarov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sylvia Georgieva and Niraj Kumar

The Summer School is the consecutive successful initiative of UNWE for the international academic cooperation development and the exchange of knowledge and experience between the Bulgarian and Indian students. The programme provides for the participants the opportunity to get acquainted with the academic and entrepreneurial environment in Bulgaria, to collaborate on real-world business challenges and develop their innovative and critical thinking skills.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov welcomed the guests and the students from India and emphasized the significance of the international cooperation for the UNWE: “We are delighted to welcome you to this summer school, which has turned into a tradition for our university. It’s no coincidence that the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department has initiated this programme. Over the last few years we’ve had the opportunity to organize several similar initiatives with our Indian colleagues. We hope that you`ll enjoy your stay in Bulgaria and you `ll have the opportunity to discover the beautiful places of our country. The UNWE is one of the eldest and most prestigious universities in Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe with more than 100 years of history. Among its alumni are many Prime Ministers, Ministers, politicians, public figures and distinguished business leaders. The University also has a Wall of Fame where you can see the names of some of these distinguished graduates”.

The Head of the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kostadin Kolarov, Director of the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship, highlighted the significance of the international cooperation, and the programme’s practical orientation, which brings together students from various academic disciplines and representatives of the academia and the business world: “This summer school is an opportunity to bring together diverse knowledge, skills and perspectives and apply them to solve real-world problems. I believe that bringing together the Indian and Bulgarian academic and entrepreneurial experience will give students the opportunity to gain knowledge, create new contacts and discover opportunities for future cooperation”. He introduced the lecturing team that will work with the students during the programme.

The Director of Education at BAS Prof. Dr. Antonia Stoyanova greeted the organizers for the initiative and the students from India for their participation. She highlighted that the participants would have the opportunity to work on real-world challenges, related to the activities of the partner organizations. “Creating new ideas and turning them into reality requires knowledge, creativity and determination. Over the next three days, we’ll work together to solve real-world challenges through innovation and critical thinking. This is an opportunity to learn from each other”, said Prof. Dr. Antonia Stoyanova, and added: “Be curious, ask questions and share your perspective. I wish you productive and memorable summer school!”.

The Chairman of the Association for Development of Business and Cultural Relations between India and Bulgaria Niraj Kumar also greeted the students. He encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunity to get to know Bulgaria and the local business environment. “I will soon visit you at your lectures to explain how the business is done in Bulgaria. I wish you luck and have a nice time. Leave something from India here, and take something from Bulgaria to India”, said in conclusion Niraj Kumar.

On behalf of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University the participants were welcomed by the Director of the Centre for International Relations Dr. Pallavi Dongare: “I feel very proud and happy to be your mentor. I would like to express thankfulness to the UNWE International Division for this amazing opportunity. As mentors, together with the students, we would like to give our word that over the next month we will give 100% of ourselves to achieve outstanding results. The students are very excited, for some of them, this is their first international trip. Dear students, use this opportunity with responsibly. There are hundreds of thousands of students in India who wait for such an opportunity, and you are among the few who have received it”.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sylvia Georgieva, Deputy Director for Research at the UNWE Institute of Entrepreneurship, emphasized that the Summer School is an opportunity to create longlasting academic and professional relations: “Opening ceremonies are always an emotional occasion for us. We welcome you today not only to our university, but also to our vast and respected academic family. We hope this month will help you fall in love with the entrepreneurship and will inspire you to become successful entrepreneurs one day”.

During the Summer School the Indian students will take part in a diverse academic and practical programme that combines learning, teamwork, meetings with business representatives and solving real-world organizational challenges. The participants come from various disciplines, including business administration, mechanical engineering, information technologies and psychology, providing the basis for an interdisciplinary approach and the exchange of perspectives.

The programme is part of the UNWE ongoing efforts to broaden the international cooperation and to strengthen the University as a space for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and best practices between the students, academic staff, research organizations and business representatives.

In recognition of his contribution to the development of international academic cooperation, the Rector Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov was awarded the International Collaboration plaque by Dr. Pallavi Dongare.

Representatives of Our University Took Part in International Seminar under the ECO-ACT Project in Kenya

UNWE — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:10:00 GMT

University representatives took part in the Transnational Workshop for Development of the Virtual Exchange /VE/ Mentorship Guidebook, which was held at Kibabii University, Bungoma, Republic of Kenya. The event was organized within the framework of the International Project ECO-ACT – East African-European Virtual Exchange for Environmental Conservation and Climate Action, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme. The Project involves representatives of six universities from Poland, Bulgaria, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda, who jointly develop innovative educational resources and virtual exchange programmes in the field of environmental protection and climate action.

The UNWE was represented by Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Project Head and Director of the UNWE Nuclear Security Support Center and the Institute for Enhancing Research Capacity in the Field of Nuclear Industry and Nuclear Security, Dr. Evgenia Nikulina and Dr. Georgy Tasev. They actively participated in the working sessions dedicated to the development and finalization of the VE mentorship guidebook - a guide for lecturers and mentors who will work with students within the virtual exchange.

During the Seminar, the partners presented the progress of the Project and their experience in the implementation of the virtual exchange. Discussions focused on the structure and content of the mentoring guide, good practices from the participating universities were presented, as well as cases related to the climate change and environmental protection in Kenya. On the closing day, a workshop on the project management was held, at which the next tasks, deadlines and responsibilities of the partners were agreed.

UNWE’s participation contributed to the finalization of one of the key results of the Project and to the strengthening of the cooperation between the European and East African universities. The ECO-ACT Project has an objective to promote the development of knowledge, practical skills and international academic cooperation in the field of environmental protection, climate change and sustainable development through virtual exchanges.

Bulgaria Insurance Company Provides Three Scholarships for Master's Studies in Insurance and Social Work at Our University

UNWE — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:35:00 GMT

As part of the partnership between the UNWE and Bulgaria Insurance Company Ltd., the Company will finance the studies of three students who have completed Bachelor's degree in Insurance and Social Work at the University and will continue their education in the same programme for Master’s degree.

The initiative is one of the concrete steps in the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the two parties. The agreement provides for the implementation of joint educational initiatives, practical training, public lectures, academies, internship programmes and projects that strengthen the relation between teh academic education and the business sector.

The Company will provide the scholarship holders with the opportunity to begin their professional careers by gaining firsthand knowledge of the various areas of the insurance business and developing their skills under the guidance of experienced specialists. Mentoring will include regular meetings, career development guidance and sharing practical experience.

“Sustainable development begins with the investment in people - their education, practical experience and opportunities for professional development. By providing the three scholarships at Bulgaria Insurance Company we take another concrete step in our partnership with the academia, and in the preparation of motivated professionals for the insurance sector”, said Boris Boev, Executive Director and Member of the Management Board of Bulgaria Insurance Company Ltd. and Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation.

“I’m pleased that together with Bulgaria Insurance Company we successfully implement the initiatives set out in the Memorandum of Cooperation. I’m sure that the investment of the insurance company in the eductaion of Master’s students in the Insurance and Social Work Programme will make an important contribution to the motivation and training of highly qualified specialists in the insurance field”, said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Galina Dimitrova, Deputy Head of the UNWE Human Resources and Social Protection Department and Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation.

Marin Marinov, Executive Director and Chairman of the Management Board of Bulgaria Insurance Company Ltd., Assoc. Prof. Dr. Galina Dimitrova, Boris Boev /from the left to the right/

ENGAGE.EU Master's Programme in Global Sustainability Management Provides International Experience and New Horizons

UNWE — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:05:00 GMT

Participating in international education programmes provides for students the opportunity to experience different academic traditions, cultures and perspectives, build professional networks and friendships, as well as reassess their personal and career goals. This is exactly the experience shared by Alexandra Uzunova, a student at our university, included in the first class of the Global Sustainability Management /GSM/ Master`s Programme of the European university alliance ENGAGE.EU.

The training takes place at the Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki, Finland, and Alexandra talks about the academic side of the Programme and shares some practical guidelines related to the organization of the semester, accommodation, student life and adaptation to a new country. “If you want to spend an unforgettable semester, experience interactive learning and make lasting friendships with people from all over Europe, GSM is the programme for you”, said Alexandra.

Global Sustainability Management is a joint Master’s Programme developed within ENGAGE.EU. For Alexandra, it’s the unification of different academic perspectives that makes GSM something much more significant than the traditional student mobility: “The Programme is not just studying in another country. It’s an incredible opportunity to study under a jointly developed curriculum by ten European universities, focused on knowledge, skills and developing the inner potential of students”.

GSM is implemented as a one-year programme with a total workload of 60 ECTS credits. Ten partner universities, including the UNWE, participate in it. The curriculum is divided into two semesters and includes mandatory and elective courses as well as a special course. Among the main features of the programme are learning through practical challenges, working in international teams, simulations, project labs, intensive training formats and meeting with university professors and business representatives. For Alexandra, this educational model has a direct impact on the future professional development: “This could very well be the programme that will set you on the path to a career you’ll find fullfilling every day, even on weekends!”

The semester in Helsinki begins in the second week of February and ends in the second week of May. The period is intense, full of academic tasks, new teaching methods and work in an international environment. Hanken School of Economics integrates GSM into its Master’s Programme in International Strategy and Sustainability. The training places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and practical work.

In addition to the academic preparation, staying abroad involves a number of practical questions. Among the first tasks for the participants is finding a place to live. According to Alexandra, the application for a student dormitory in Helsinki is organized entirely online and does not present any difficulty. On the platform, there is an opportunity for the student to indicate that they want to be accommodated with a friend. After submitting the application, students receive one or more accommodation offers. The decision whether to accept or reject the offer must be made in a relatively short time, so it’s important for candidates to regularly monitor their e-mails, and the information on the platform. “For unclear instructions or questions, the coordinators at Hanken are always available and respond promptly”, noted Alexandra. She did not fail to note that living in Helsinki isn’t cheap, but student status provides access to a number of financial benefits that make daily expenses more bearable. Among them are the partially subsidized student canteen and discounts in UniCafe catering establishment. Students can also use a public transport card at a discounted price. Along with the cost of housing, food and transportation, an important issue for any student abroad is the access to medical care. “It’s worth mentioning that the healthcare system is of a very high standard and in unforeseen situations, you will be provided with medical care, and I did not have to pay any fees for examinations”, added Alexandra.

For Alexandra, the participation in the first course of the Programme, and the opportunity to study in Finland remain an invaluable part of her education and personal development: “I highly recommend Global Sustainability Management /GSM/ Master`s Programme. As one of the first participants to go to Finland, I was personally convinced of the invaluable experience it brings. It is a programme with huge potential, which I strongly support”.

The Commission for Public Oversight of Registered Auditors Welcomed UNWE Students for Internships

UNWE — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:10:00 GMT

The Commission for Public Oversight of Registered Auditors /CPORA/ provided internship opportunities for the UNWE students as part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the two institutions. The initiative is part of the joint efforts of our university and CPORA to build lasting relations between the higher education and the career development of future experts in the field of financial control and auditing.

Through the provision of internships and professional mentoring, the students gain a unique insight into the real work environment and the requirements for future specialists in the field of financial control and auditing. During their internships, they had the opportunity to take on a variety of professional roles - participate in the planning of inspections, review and assess the quality of inspection case files, as well as evaluate and analyze audit documents.

The cooperation between the UNWE and CPORA is a good example of successful interaction between the academic education and professional practice. The Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation is the Financial Control Department at UNWE Finance and Accounting Faculty, which consistently works to expand partnerships with leading professional organizations and institutions in the field of financial control and audit.

The implementation of student internships at the CPORA is another step towards further establishing the UNWE position as a university that successfully combines the university education with the practical preparation and creates real opportunities for professional development for its students.

Toshko Todorov, Chairman of CPORA, Antonia Andonova, 3^rd year, speciality Financial Control, Hristina Todorova, Director of the CPORA Regulatory Compliance, Methodology and Risk Assessment Directorate, Katerina Atanasova, 3^rd year, speciality Accounting, Assist. Dr. Adriana Atanasova from the UNWE Financial Control Department, Chief Expert Methodology and Internal Quality Control at the CPORA, mentor for the internship programme, Genko Nikolov, Secretary General of CPORA and Coordinator of the Memorandum on behalf of the Commission /from the left to the right/

UNWE and 24 Hours Newspaper Joint Project Is among the Winners of the Prestigious European Journalism Science Alliance Programme

UNWE — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:10:00 GMT

The joint project of the Institute of Economics and Politics and 168 Hours Ltd. /publisher of 24 Hours newspaper/, entitled The Euro Premium: An Investigation Into Hidden Price Inflation During Bulgaria’s First Year in the Eurozone, is among the 25 projects that received funding under the European Journalism Science Alliance Programme. The recognition comes after an extremely competitive selection process involving 177 project proposals from 49 countries.

The Scientific Project Head is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov, UNWE Vice Rector for International Affairs and Director of the Institute of Economics and Politics. The Leading Journalist is Stanimir Kyumyurdzhiev /Vaglenov/ from 24 Hours newspaper.

The project brings together the expertise of scholars and journalists to examine one of the most significant economic events for the country - Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone. The goal is to analyze whether the introduction of the euro on 1 January 2026 led to hidden price increases in certain sectors of the economy. In addition, the study examines whether unjustified price hikes occurred during the transition to the single European currency, a phenomenon that has also been observed and analyzed in other countries following the euro adoption.

To achieve this objective, the team will use an interdisciplinary approach combining economics, law and investigative journalism. The project includes an economic analysis of official data from the National Statistical Institute, a journalistic investigation of key market sectors and a comparative legal analysis of consumer protection mechanisms in the European countries. The results are expected to provide an objective assessment of the impact of the currency transition on consumer prices, identify any unfair practices and formulate recommendations for improving the consumer protection policies and increasing the market transparency.

Journalism Science Alliance is a European initiative that supports collaborative projects between the scientific organizations and the media aimed at conducting profound evidence-based investigations.

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov Participated in the IAEA Nuclear Security Working Group under the Initiative NHSI with Focus on Small Modular Reactors

UNWE — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:45:00 GMT

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Director of the UNWE Nuclear Security Support Center and the Institute for Enhancing Research Capacity in the Field of Nuclear Industry and Nuclear Security, participated in the 4^th Meeting of the Nuclear Security Working Group under the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative /NHSI/ of the International Atomic Energy Agency /IAEA/, which took place in Vienna, Austria.

The main focus was on issues related to the security of Small Modular Reactors /SMR`s/ - one of the most rapidly developing areas in modern nuclear energy. The discussions covered IAEA’s activities related to the development of SMR platforms as well as the issues of cybersecurity, infrastructure preparedness and regulatory approaches to the implementation of these new technologies.

During the meeting, participants discussed the development of key tools and documents aimed at enhancing the nuclear security, including the so called Threat Attributes and tools for self-assessment of national infrastructure preparedness. Special attention was given to adapting these approaches to the specific characteristics and risks associated with SMR`s, as well as to applying the Security by Design principle as early as possible in the design phase of new nuclear technologies.

In the closing sessions, the Working Group’s future priorities for the period 2027–2028 were also identified, with a focus on strengthening the international cooperation, the exchange of experts and developing common standards in the field of nuclear security.

During the visit Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov held a bilateral meeting with Mrs. Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Department, during which they discussed the future priorities for the development of the Master’s Programme in Nuclear Security at the UNWE, as well as the opportunities to expand the cooperation with the Agency in the preparation of highly qualified specialists in the field.

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov’s participation in this international expert forum highlights the UNWE’s active role in the policy and capacity-building processes in the field of nuclear security, particularly in the context of the new nuclear technologies such as the Small Nuclear Reactors /SMR`s/.

Representatives of the Economics of Tourism Department Discussed the Therme-Rose Energy Destination Initiative with the Minister of Tourism

UNWE — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:15:00 GMT

Prof. Dr. Mariana Yaneva, Head of the UNWE Economics of Tourism Department, and Prof. Dr. Elenita Velikova, lecturer at the same Department and UNWE Chief Secretary for Research, met with the Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov. They presented the Department’s concept Therme-Rose Energy Destination - a national initiative aimed at creating an innovative four-season tourism product that would position Bulgaria as a year-round destination for health, wellness and vitality tourism.

Prof. Dr. Elenita Velikova, Minister Dr. Ilin Dimitirov and Prof. Dr. Mariana Yaneva

During the meeting, the possibility of a partnership with the Ministry of Tourism in developing the initiative was discussed. Minister Dimitrov expressed interest in the proposal and emphasized that the Bulgarian tourists increasingly seek experiences related to health, wellness and vitality destinations. He also highlighted Bulgaria's rich heritage in balneology, mineral springs and healing traditions, which provides a strong foundation for the development of such a tourism product.

The concept envisages a series of annual festivals and professional forums held throughout the year, bringing together the academia, business, local communities and the tourism sector around the common goal of establishing Bulgaria as a recognizable European destination for health, recovery, wellness and hospitality.

The Economics of Tourism Department would like to express thankfulness to Minister Dimitrov for his interest and the constructive dialogue. We believe that through the cooperation between the academic community, government institutions and the tourism industry, we could create a new, sustainable model for the development of Bulgarian tourism and for extending the tourist season.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova, Vice Rector for Research, Visited the University of Bialystok, Poland

UNWE — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:40:00 GMT

During the last week of June, as part of the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Programme, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova, UNWE Vice Rector for Research, visited the Faculty of Management at the University of Bialystok, Poland.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity to deepen the academic cooperation and hold productive discussions on the research activities, the organization of the educational process and the functioning of modern higher education institutions.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova’s meetings with representatives of the University of Bialystok were focused on the exchange of experience and best practices in the scientific research, opportunities for joint research, educational initiatives as well as on the perspectives for expanding the institutional cooperation between the two universities.

Particular attention was paid to issues related to the organization of research projects, development of academic mobility and the challenges the universities face in the current rapidly changing socioeconomic environment. The participants also discussed specific activities at both institutions and potential areas for future research and educational cooperation were identified.

The visit’s programme also included a tour around the University of Bialystok’s facilities. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova toured the university campus, learned about the activities of the University’s Nature Conservation Center and met with Mrs. Anna Mai, Head of the International Cooperation Division. During the meeting, they discussed opportunities for further development of the cooperation within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme and other international initiatives.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Vodenicharova’s visit and the contacts established will contribute to further strengthening of the cooperation between the UNWE and the University of Bialystok and will lead to the implementation of future joint projects.

University Representatives Took Part in a Training Session As Part of the Intellectual Property for Open Science Project

UNWE — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:20:00 GMT

Prof. Dr. Venelin Boshnakov, UNWE Chief Secretary for Scientific Infrastructure, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miglena-Molkhova Vladova and Chief Assist. Dr. Fanny Koleva, lecturers at the UNWE Industrial Business Department, Chief Assist. Dr. Ekaterina Bogomilova from the National and Security Department, and Alexander Hubenov, Head of the Library Collections and Information Activities Division, participated in a training session as part of the Intellectual Property for Open Science /IP4OS/ project under the Horizon Europe Programme, in which the UNWE was selected as the pilot institution for Bulgaria.

The objective of the training was for a small, multidisciplinary team from the University to explore how the intellectual property and open science could be better aligned across different institutional roles and workflows to support researchers and the UNWE strategy for advancing and leveraging knowledge. To achieve the objective, in the period 19 June - 3 July 2026 Mrs. Claire Fritz /EURICE/ conducted three interactive online sessions with our university team, during which the opportunities were identified to strengthen the cross-functional collaboration, improve institutional support for scientific research and utilize the results of such research.

The training encouraged the team to consider the knowledge utilization from an institutional perspective. Rather than discussing the various types of intellectual property and measures to promote open science separately, the focus was on how the individual categories of intellectual assets could contribute to achieving the university’s strategic objectives. Participants emphasized that the UNWE produces a wide range of intellectual assets - publications, educational programmes and materials, methodologies, data, etc. - each of which requires a different management approach depending on its purpose and target audience.

The OpenLearn case study proved particularly valuable for the discussion. It demonstrated how the copyright, Creative Commons licenses and carefully selected strategies for opening up the university’s content could be used as complementary tools to maximize the visibility, social impact, educational reuse and achieving long-term sustainability, rather than being viewed as conflicting approaches. Participants discussed how such principles could influence the future development of UNWE’s institutional policy and framework and the potential creation of a unified digital repository for intellectual assets. The University’s institutional readiness in the critical area of education was highly praised and ideas were proposed for improvements in the management of intellectual assets, open science and the effective use of knowledge generated by the UNWE.

The Rector Participated in the Closing Conference on the Project Diversity and Inclusivity in Security Studies Held in Lille, France

UNWE — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:50:00 GMT

The Closing Conference on the project Diversity and Inclusivity in Security Studies, funded under the ERASMUS+ Programme and Coordinated by the UNWE, was held at the European School of Political and Social Sciences (ESPOL) in Lille, France. It was attended by all partner organizations - the UNWE /Bulgaria/, Institut Catholique de Lille /France/, Neapolis University /Cyprus/, PA Partners for Skills Development /Cyprus/, the University of Malta, the University of the Peloponnese /Greece/, and Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica /Slovakia/.

On behalf of UNWE at the event were the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, who is the Project Head, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Dimitrov, Project Coordinator and Scientific Secretary of the UWNE National and Regional Security Department.

The Rector presented to the participants the idea of the project, how it originated, the initial expectations and its significance for achieving diversity, inclusion and innovation in education - and specifically in security studies - in the current conditions of the world we live. In his remarks, he emphasized the role of UNWE in this regard at both the national and international levels.

The project Diversity and Inclusivity in Security Studies has an objective to promote the inclusivity and diversity in the field of security studies - one of the least inclusive and diverse areas of study of international politics. In this regard, the project’s activities include identifying the gaps and needs in curricula related to the security studies, introducing new approaches that will be more inclusive and ensure a better understanding of diversity, as well as developing an online learning platform and a simulation game to combat discrimination.

More information about the project can be found HERE.

Representatives of the University Visited the Science Festival “Hello, Space! Bulgaria Speaks 6.0”

UNWE — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:56:08 GMT

Assoc. Prof. D.Sc. Irena Markova, lecturer at the UNWE Human Resources and Social Protection Department, and Doctoral student Milva Lazarova from the same department participated in the first day of the Scientific Festival “Hello, Space! Bulgaria Speaks 6.0,” which took place under the motto The Moon, Mars, and Beyond: Horizons Without Borders.

They attended the inspiring lecture by Maxim Behar, Chairman of the UNWE Board of Trustees, and his wife Veneta Behar, who shared their impressions and experiences from their training for space missions and their stay at NASA’s Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, USA, earlier this year.

Maxim Behar, Assoc. Prof. D.Sc. Irena Markova, Milva Lazarova, Veneta Behar

In her presentation, Veneta Behar also emphasized the importance of space insurance in the space missions. The author of the first book on space insurance in Bulgaria is Assoc. Prof. D.Sc. Irena Markova. Her book Space Insurance /Challenges, Practices, and Solutions/ had a premiere during the April edition of University Book Week.

The presentation by Tommaso Gidini, Head of the Mechanical Department at the European Space Agency, on the topic “From Homo Sapiens to Homo Caelestis: Humanity Becomes a Multiplanetary Species” also provoked great interest among the audience.

For a consecutive year, the event brought together people of all ages at Sofia Tech Park, driven by the creativity and curiosity about the world of science, space and technology. The forum provided a wide range of activities for children and young people in the form of workshops, demonstrations and interactive booths.

Five Real-Life Cases Solved the Participants in the Summer School on Modeling, AI and Complex Systems 2026

UNWE — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:10:00 GMT

The Summer School on Modeling, AI and Complex Systems 2026 successfully concluded after 10 intensive days of lectures, workshops and applied team work in Gyulechica, Rila Mountain. The UNWE Management and Administration Faculty was among the co-organizers of the event, which brought together 25 participants from 5 different organizations, including 6 Doctoral students from the UNWE.

The programme combined methodological foundations, data analysis, artificial intelligence, complex systems and research practice. According to the published schedule, the Summer School included 15 lecturers, 20 thematic lectures and 14 workshop and teamwork blocks, amounting to over 90 study hours. The event was headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Marchev, Jr. The final day was dedicated to the presentation of solutions to five real-life cases: longevity and the labour market, forecasting electricity demand, supply and price in Bulgaria, EEG data analysis, computer vision event detection and a multi-agent system for automated data science.

Among the most important programme highlights were the sessions on the scientific method and General Systems Theory, data mining, Bayesian thinking, agentic AI and self-organizing AI. The feedback from participants emphasized the value of clear explanations, practical demonstrations, interdisciplinary links and the direct applicability of the methods to dissertation and research work.

The school followed an intensive format in which participants did not only listen to lectures, but also worked in teams, tested software tools, discussed methodological decisions and prepared analytical solutions. The practical orientation of the programme allowed young researchers to connect theoretical concepts with real datasets, models and decision-making problems.

The participation of UNWE was on the project NID NF-15/2026/B. The successful completion of the Summer School 2026 confirms the role of UNWE in the field the research capacity development in modeling, artificial intelligence and complex systems.

The First Student Campus Built under the Recovery and Resilience Plan Was Officially Opened

UNWE — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:05:00 GMT

The first completed student campus built under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, as part of investments to modernize the educational infrastructure, was officially opened.

Project partners are the UNWE, St. Climent Ohridsky University of Sofia and the Medical University of Sofia. The campus is located in the area next to the University of Sofia student dormitories near block 7, 8 and 9 in Sudents Town.

Later this year, the newly built campus of the University of National and World Economy in the area of blocks 24 and 25 is also expected to be opened.

During the ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science Acad. Nikolay Vitanov noted that the project is an example of effective cooperation between the three leading Bulgarian universities, which join forces to develop a high-quality educational and social environment. He said that the renovated student dormitories will welcome their first residents in the coming months.

On behalf of UNWE, Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice-Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies /in the picture below/, emphasized the importance of joint investments in the improvement of students’ living, sports, and social conditions. She noted that the modern infrastructure creates a better university environment, and that the project is an example of successful partnership between the higher education institutions in the interest of young people.

The renovated campus provides a modern environment for sports, cultural events and student recreation. As part of the project, an amphitheater has been built to host student events, festivals, cultural initiatives and open-air lectures, along with modern sports facilities including a football pitch, a multi-purpose volleyball and basketball court, a tennis court, and an outdoor fitness area. The project also includes new pedestrian walkways, landscaped green areas and recreational spaces developed using environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions. A strong emphasis has been placed on the accessible environment. The entire site has been designed to provide barrier-free access for people with disabilities to the sports facilities, recreational areas and building entrances.

The official opening ceremony was also attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Parvan Parvanov, Acting Rector of the University of Sofia, Prof. Dr. Boycho Landzhov, Rector of the Medical University of Sofia as well as representatives of the Academic Leaderships and Student Councils of the three partner universities.

The Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov Held an Official Meeting with the Ambassador of China H.E. Dai Qingli

UNWE — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:10:00 GMT

An official meeting was held at the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Bulgaria between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary H.E. Dai Qingli and the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. The meeting was also attended by the UNWE Vice Rector for International Affairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanko Hristozov and Mr. Yang Tian, Head of the Education Department at the Embassy.

The conversation covered topics of mutual interest related to the development of Bulgarian-Chinese relations in the higher education, science and academic exchange. Both sides shared their views on the opportunities for expanding the cooperation between the UNWE and leading Chinese universities and scientific institutions, as well as the organization of joint initiatives in the fields of education, scientific research and international academic mobility.

The Rector presented UNWE’s international policy priorities and highlighted the University’s efforts to develop strategic partnerships with leading Chinese universities. He noted that the international cooperation is among the University’s key priorities.

H.E. Dai Qingli expressed contentment with the active dialogue with the UNWE and emphasized the importance of academic relations as a basis for strengthening the friendly relations between China and Bulgaria. The Ambassador expressed the Embassy’s readiness to continue supporting initiatives for strengthening the educational and scientific cooperation.

The meeting was held in a spirit of mutual respect and constructive dialogue and reaffirmed the shared desire to develop a long-term partnership and to implement new joint projects in the fields of higher education, science and academic diplomacy.

Memorandum of Cooperation with Association More Women in Power

UNWE — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:50:00 GMT

By signing the Memorandum of Cooperation the UNWE builds on its strong working relationship with the representatives of More Women in Power Association and marks the beginning of an official partnership between the two organizations.

The agreement establishes a framework for strategic cooperation aimed at enhancing the quality of education, scientific research and innovation as well as supporting the young people by promoting youth employment, culture and innovation. The planned activities include joint initiatives to support students’ education, keep them informed about public events, training opportunities, internships and develop and implement collaborative projects under national and European funding programmes.

The Memorandum was signed by the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Evelina Tsileva, Chairwoman of the Association /in the picture below/.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov highlighted the excellent collaboration during the joint forum Between Symbolism and Reality: Women as Subjects of Power, that was hosted by the University, and added that in his opinion the currently existing prejudices against women in power are slowly eroding and the inclusion of women in all social spheres must be encouraged.

Evelina Tsileva expressed gratitude for the opportunity for the Association to partner with the largest business university in Bulgaria, of which she is an alumna, and emphasized that the UNWE is the only organization in the country advocating for greater participation of women in politics and public administration, with the goal of fostering more women leaders who will take part in decision-making processes and the governance of the country. She noted that the organization's goal is to support women through training programmes and various events in developing their talents, cultivating their own leadership style, strengthening their negotiation skills and becoming innovators and thought leaders.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Oilicies, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silvia Georgieva, lecturer at the UNWE Entrepreneurship Department and Deputy Director for the UNWE Entrepreneurship Institute, she is also a Coordinator on the implementation of the Memorandum on behalf of UNWE. The Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum on behalf of the Association is the Vice Chairwoman of More Women in Power Lyudmila Barzanova.

Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov,Evelina Tsileva and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silvia Georgieva

The Association More Women in Power aims to promote gender equality and balance in the Bulgarian Parliament and to advance these same principles across Europe. The organization seeks to provide women with opportunities to acquire the skills and competencies needed to develop and strengthen their leadership and management abilities, while also attracting young, highly educated Bulgarian women who have graduated from prestigious universities around the world, care deeply about the country's future, and are eager to contribute to its governance. The mission of More Women in Power Association is to establish centers and communities in every regional and major city across Bulgaria, bringing together accomplished women from diverse fields, where they can receive the support and additional training necessary to further their professional and leadership development.

The Cooperation Agreement with the National Real Estate Association Builds on the Long-Standing Partnership

UNWE — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:25:00 GMT

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Daniela Grozeva, Chairwoman of the Management Board of the National Real Estate Association /NREA/, signed a Cooperation Agreement. The document formalizes the long-standing partnership between the two organizations and aims to build on the achievements of their hitherto collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Daniela Grozeva

The agreement provides for the expansion of joint initiatives aimed at supporting students’ education and professional development through internships and pre-graduation placements, business academies, public lectures, meetings with industry professionals, joint research projects and expert collaboration in the development of proposals for legislative changes in the real estate sector.

“The UNWE already has well-established traditions of cooperation with business and in organizing a number of business academies with leading companies. They give students the opportunity to build on their knowledge, meet experienced professionals and make an informed choice about their future careers”, emphasized Prof. Dimitrov.

The Chairwoman of NREA Daniela Grozeva noted that the Association and the UNWE have been working together successfully for years, and that the signing of Memorandum opens new opportunities for the development of this partnership. “Every student who chooses a career in the real estate sector will have the opportunity to find their place in one of the 350 companies that are members of NREA. The University prepares future specialists and we can provide them a real professional environment”, said Daniela Grozeva, adding that the Memorandum also enables the use of the academic expertise of the university’s lecturers and their expert input in discussions on the future policies and the legislative framework in the real estate sector.

The signing of the agreement was attended by Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice-Rector for Institutional and Business Coordination and Student Policies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dragomir Stefanov, Head of the UNWE Real Estate Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yana Stoycheva, Scientific Secretary of the Department and Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum on behalf of the University as well as Ivan Semkov, Deputy Chairman of the National Real Estate Association /NREA/ and Coordinator for the implementation of the Agreement on behalf of the Association, and Nadya Antova, member of the NREA Management Board.

Доц. д-р Драгомир Стефанов, Надя Антова, проф. д-р Димитър Димитров, Даниела Грозева, доц. д-р Яна Стоенчева, Иван Семков и проф. д-р Цветана Стоянова (от ляво надясно)

The National Real Estate Association is the industry organization of real estate agencies in Bulgaria, with established international authority and publicly recognized active engagement. The Association brings together over 2 500 professionals in more than 30 locations, organized into 12 regional structures.

The National Real Estate Association is a member of international organizations such as CEPI /the European Association of Real Estate Professionals/, FIABCI /the International Real Estate Federation/ NAR /the National Association of Realtors, USA/, and the IES coalition /the International Ethics Standards Coalition for professionals in real estate, construction, infrastructure, and related fields/. It’s also a member of Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry /BCCI/ and the Bulgarian Institute for Standardization /BIS/.

Students of Health Management Qualification at the Institute of Postgraduate Studies Received Their Certificates

UNWE — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:55:00 GMT

At an official ceremony in the Ceremomial Hall the professional qualification certificates were awarded to students who successfully completed the postgraduate qualification in Health Management at the UNWE Institute of Postgraduate Studies /IPS/.

The event was attended by the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, the Vice Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, the Director of the Institute for Postgraduate Studies Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgy Nikolov as well as lecturers, postgraduates, their relatives and guests.

Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov greeted the students and encouraged them to apply the knowledge they had acquired in their professional practice. He emphasized the public importance of professions in the healthcare sector, noting the necessity of modern managers in the field to combine medical expertise with knowledge in the management, finance, administration and regulatory frameworks. “I wish you success in your profession and hope you will not forget the UNEW as well as the opportunities that the Institute for Postgraduate Studies continues to provide for professional development”, said the Rector.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgy Nikolov, Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova

“Today you receive certificates that confirm the efforts you have made. Regardless of your previous educational background, I am convinced that this qualification will open doors to new opportunities for professional development, higher positions and successful career advancement”, emphasized Prof. Tsvetana Stoyanova, adding that she is confident the knowledge acquired during the training will be a valuable resource for the graduates’ professional realization. “I wish you to be healthy, successful and always to keep the spirit of the UNWE within you. Do not forget the motto of our university – The Spirit Makes the Power - which I believe will lead you in your future development.”

The Director of the Institute for Postgraduate Studies Assoc. Prof. Georgy Nikolov emphasized the importance of continuous professional development in the dynamically changing environment of the healthcare sector. “Today is more than just a ceremony. It’s a day in which we recognize your commitment to development, professional improvement and taking on even greater responsibility toward one of the most valuable public systems - the healthcare”, said Assoc. Prof. Nikolov. According to him, the successful professionals today are defined not only by their education, but also by the willingness to continously build upon their knowledge and skills. “This is precisely the philosophy of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies - to provide knowledge that is transformed into real life professional skills and leads to positive change in practice. The healthcare management has never been so important as it is today. The investment you have made in your own development is also an investment in the development of Bulgarian healthcare. I hope you never stop developing. May the knowledge you have acquired bring you confidence, professional success and new opportunities for career growth”, added Assoc. Prof. Nikolov.

The ceremony continued with the awarding of the professional qualification certificates.

UNWE Begins Strategic Cooperation with FactSet in Support of Future Financial Specialists

UNWE — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:50:00 GMT

The UNWE and the global company FactSet marked the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at the training of highly qualified specialists in the areas of finance, capital markets and new technologies. The Memorandum was signed by the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the Director of FactSet Orlin Damyanov /in the picture below, from the right to the left/.

Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov presented UNWE as the largest and most authoritative higher education institution in Bulgaria for preparing specialists in all areas of the economy, business and the public sector. He emphasized that the University consistently develops partnerships with leading international companies because they are the ones giving students the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and build successful careers. The Rector noted that one of the University's main tasks is to spark young people's interest in new professional opportunities and to expose them to the real business environment while they are still studying.

Orlin Damyanov emphasized that the UNWE is the university whose academic profile aligns most closely with FactSet's business activities. "The earlier we identify talented individuals, the better. We strive to expand our operations in Bulgaria and work with highly qualified professionals who use sophisticated financial tools and manage multi-million-dollar financial operations every day. They possess valuable practical experience as well as desire to share it with the students. Increasing FactSet's visibility in Bulgaria is a priority for us, as many of our clients are based outside the country and we are still not widely recognized as an employer. That is also one of the reasons behind this partnership: the challenge of attracting qualified talents. We have more applications for our internship programme from students at foreign universities than from those at Bulgarian universities, and we would like to change that", said the Director of FactSet Bulgaria.

The Memorandum sets the foundation for a long-term partnership in the areas of human capital development, education and innovation, the application of evidence-based management solutions, support for entrepreneurship and economic development, the promotion of youth employment and the development and implementation of joint projects under national and European programmes.

Chief Assist. Dr. Kristian Zhelev, lecturer at the International Economic Relations and Business Department, has been appointed as UNWE’s Operational Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum, and FactSet’s Coordinators are Petya Segova and Ivo Kolarov, both UNWE alumni. The event was also attended by Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies.

Chief Assist. Dr. Kristian Zhelev, Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Petya Segova, Orlin Damyanov, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Ivo Kolarov /from the right to the left/

FactSet is a leading global provider of financial information, analytics platforms and technology solutions for the investment industry. The company delivers integrated data and software for investment management, capital markets, financial instrument analysis, and artificial intelligence-driven solutions, serving some of the world's largest financial institutions.

Our University Connects Students with Practical Experience through a New Partnership with Dr. Shterev Medical Complex

UNWE — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:40:00 GMT

The UNWE and Dr. Shterev Medical Complex Ltd. have launched a long-term partnership. The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the Executive Director of Dr. Shterev Medical Complex Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Todorov signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.

Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Todorov /from the left to the right/

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov noted that the University has been consistently developing partnerships with leading employers in order to expand students’ career opportunities and strengthen the relation between the higher education and the professional practice. “Students should be supported every step of their way. Our responsibility is not only to provide them with a high-quality education, but also to help them make a successful transition into the professional world through active partnerships with businesses and institutions”.

The Executive Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Todorov emphasized that many members of the hospital’s management team are UNWE graduates, making the partnership a natural extension of the strong relationship between the two institutions. “As hospital healthcare continues to evolve, the shortage of qualified professionals becomes increasingly evident. Public attention is often focused on the lack of medical specialists, but ensuring a sufficient number of well-trained professionals in management and administration is an equally significant challenge. We hope that this partnership will attract motivated UNWE students and help us establish a truly effective model of collaboration.”

The Memorandum expands the opportunities for students’ practical training and career development by providing access to internships and meetings with representatives from Dr. Shterev Medical Complex. The agreement also provides for the participation of the Medical Complex’s experts as guest lecturers, the development of joint projects and initiatives and the involvement of UNWE lecturers as consultants and subject-matter experts. In addition, the University will provide educational and professional development opportunities for specialists from Dr. Shterev Medical Complex through its Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Todorov, Head of the Human Resources and Social Security Department, has been appointed as the Operational Coordinator for the implementation of the Memorandum on behalf of UNWE. On behalf of Dr. Shterev Medical Complex the Coordinator will be Nina Cherneva, Human Resources Manager at the Medical Complex and a Doctoral student at the UNWE Human Resources and Social Security Department. The event was also attended by Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies.

Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Nina Cherneva, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Todorov, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Todorov

Dr. Shterev Medical Complex Ltd. is a pioneer in the fields of assisted reproduction and fetal medicine in Bulgaria. With its extensive experience, highly qualified team and advanced medical technologies, the complex provides comprehensive care for women’s and family health. At the core of its mission are continuous professional development, the implementation of the latest advances in medicine, and a personalized approach to every patient. The team’s goal is to be a trusted partner in helping patients achieve their dream of a healthy family and child.

Journalist Elena Rozberg Defended Her Doctoral Dissertation on Eurovision and Cultural Diplomacy

UNWE — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:25:00 GMT

The journalist Elena Rozberg, Doctoral student at the International Relations Department and member of the Bulgarian team for the Eurovision Song Contest, defended her Doctoral dissertation on the Eurovision as a Specific Platform for Conducting Cultural Diplomacy. The Academic Supervisor of the dissertation is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Ralchev, Head of the International Relations Department.

In presenting her thesis, the Doctoral student emphasized that the Eurovision Song Contest should be viewed not only as a musical event, but also as a significant platform for cultural diplomacy, international communication and the construction of national image.

Elena Rozberg and the Chairman of the jury Assoc. Prof. Dr. Boyko Valchev, Deputy Head of the International Relations Department

Elena Rozberg presented the academic contributions and the main conclusions of her research. “The successful international representation in the Eurovision Song Contest does not depend solely on the quality of the song and the performer. The best results are achieved when there is a professional synergy between the public broadcaster, the creative team, the performer and the communication strategy. The international recognition could be achieved through different models - by means of cultural specificity and a folklore code, through a universal emotional message, or through stage aesthetics. According to her, “there is no universal formula for success, but there are different paths to international representation. The international influence does not emerge directly from a cultural event, it’s built gradually through the accumulation of international visibility, reputation and symbolic capital”.

She noted that the research expands the political science understanding of cultural diplomacy through new analytical concepts, it develops an integrated research framework for analyzing the contest as a political-communication phenomenon and provides the first systematic political science study of Bulgaria’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest as an instrument of cultural diplomacy.

Among the main academic contributions of her work, Elena Rozberg highlighted the concept of Eurovision as a hybrid diplomatic-communication ecosystem as well as the introduction of the notion of “music as the emotional infrastructure of cultural diplomacy”. “The cultural diplomacy should be understood as a specific mechanism through which the states build their international presence. The international influence is not an event but a process.”

More Than 8 100 Prospective Students Have Applied for Admission to Our University

UNWE — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:25:00 GMT

More than 8 100 prospective students have submitted applications to participate in the admissions ranking process for the UNWE 2026/2027 academic year. The data confirms the traditionally high level of interest in studying at Bulgaria’s largest and most prestigious higher education institution in economics, which provides a wide range of Bachelor’s degree programmes in the fields of Economics, Management, Law, Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Communications and Information Technologies.

After the application document submission period ends, the process of ranking the prospective students begins. On 7 July 2026, the results of the first stage of the ranking process, including the reserve applicants, will be announced.

in the period 8 - 11 July 2026 the admitted applicants will be able to enroll in their chosen programme or confirm their desire to participate in the following stages of the ranking process. During the same period, the reserve applicants must also confirm their participation in order to keep the opportunity to be ranked in the subsequent stages.

The second stage of the ranking process will give the applicants who were not admitted to their first-choice programme, or who were not ranked during the first stage, the opportunity to take available places according to their admission score and the preferences they have submitted. The enrollment process for applicants admitted after the second stage will take place in the period 15 - 17 July 2026.

On 21 July 2026, the results of the third stage of the ranking process will be announced, which will continue the process of filling the available places in the programmes.

The prospective students should carefully monitor the announced deadlines and follow the instructions for enrollment and confirmation of their participation in the subsequent stages of the ranking process. Failure to meet the specified deadlines will result in the loss of the allocated place or the right to participate in future ranking stages.

The newly admitted students at UNWE have the right to apply for accommodation in a student dormitory. The submission of documents will take place in the period 8 July - 7 August 2026 through the information system Web-Student, and the accommodation process for the ranked students will take place in the period 1 - 18 September 2026.

The UNWE wishes all prospective students success!

UNWE and the Medical University of Sofia Signed a Memorandum of Cooperation

UNWE — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:55:00 GMT

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the Rector of the Medical University of Sofia Prof. D.Sc. /Med./ Boycho Landzhov signed a Memorandum of Cooperation marking the beginning of a new stage in their academic partnership.

The Memorandum is an expression of the shared commitment of both universities to combine their academic expertise and research potential in support of the development of higher education, scientific research and the training of highly qualified specialists capable to meet the current societal and economic demands.

“I am confident that the cooperation between the UNWE and the Medical University of Sofia will create new opportunities for the advancement of science, education and innovation. Bringing together the expertise of the two universities will be a benefit not only to our lecturers and students, but also to society at large. Together we will develop interdisciplinary projects and educational initiatives that will meet the ever-evolving demands of the job market”, said Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov.

In his turn, the Rector of the Medical University of Sofia Prof. D.Sc. /Med./ Boycho Landzhov expressed his contentment with the signing of the Memorandum and noted that the partnership between the two universities will expand the opportunities for scientific collaboration, the exchange of good practices and the implementation of shared educational and research initiatives.

By signing the Memorandum, the parties express their commitment to active cooperation in a number of areas, including the development and implementation of national and international projects; the establishment of collaborative research teams; the preparation of collaborative scientific publications; the organization of national student competitions, contests, discussions and educational forums as well as the development of joint interdisciplinary Master's degree programmes.

The partnership also provides for the organization of joint academic events, public lectures, training sessions and visits involving lecturers and students; the participation of lecturers from both universities as consultants and reviewers in the development of textbooks, teaching materials and research projects as well as the mutual promotion of jointly implemented initiatives and their achievements.

The agreement places special emphasis on the advancement of the universities’ career centers, the organization of joint career forums, the promotion of student internship opportunities and professional development as well as the active dialogue with state institutions, civic society and national and global organizations.

The signing of the Memorandum is another step towards the establishment of a sustainable academic partnership between the UNWE and the Medical University of Sofia. By uniting their research and educational expertise potential, the two institutions will work on the implementation of joint initiatives of great importance for society, aimed at developing the modern higher education, scientific research and the successful professional realization of students.

Memorandum of Cooperation with the Bulgarian Association for People Management

UNWE — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:05:00 GMT

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Emil Minev, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Association for People Management /BAPM/ – a community of HR professionals in Bulgaria with more than 20 years of experience – signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.

Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Emil Minev /from the right to the left/

“I hope that this partnership will be beneficial for our students. It could be said that the University already has established traditions and good practices when it comes to organizing business academies with various partners. These academies involve our most motivated students, giving them the opportunity, through lectures, discussions and meetings with leading professionals, to build upon their theoretical knowledge, better prepare for the challenges of the labour market and make informed choices about their future professional development”, said Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov.

The Executive Director of the Bulgarian Associationfor People Management Emil Minev, Coordinator for the implementation of the cooperation agreement, shared Association’s experience in organizing HR academies aimed at supporting young professionals and those entering the professions. “A certification programme has also been developed, involving established professionals with many years of experience. Young colleagues receive valuable practical advice, while opportunities are created for building the next generation of HR professionals based on shared values, knowledge and expertise”, outlined Emil Minev.

The signing of the agreement was attended by Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies as well as by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todor Todorov, Head of the Human Resources and Social Protection Department and Prof. Dr. Miroslava Peycheva from the same department, who are Operational Coordinators for the implementation of the Memorandum on behalf of UNWE.

Prof. Miroslava Peycheva, Prof. Dimitar Dimitrov, Emil Minev, Prof. Tsevtana Stoyanova and Assoc. Prof. Todor Todorov

The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the University and the Bulgarian Association for People Management establishes a foundation for long-term joint initiatives and new opportunities for all UNWE students and faculty members, as well as for the HR community.

The Bulgarian Association for People Management /BAPM/ is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established to promote best professional practices in human capital management and development. Through its activities, it aims to increase the value organizations create and contribute to enhancing people’s potential and professional development.

The Association also works to support and develop professionals in the field of human resource management, raise the status of the profession, and establish high standards of professional practice aligned with global trends and best practices in the field.

Currently, BAPM has more than 850 individual and corporate members working in the area of human capital management and development. They represent companies from various sectors and industries.

The Second Class of Appraisers of Cultural and Artistic Valuables Graduated from the UNWE Institute of Postgraduate Studies

UNWE — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:45:00 GMT

The UNWE Library hosted the official ceremony for awarding the certificates of professional qualification to the second class of graduates who completed the postgraduate qualification programme in Management and Valuation of Cultural and Artistic Assets organized by the UNWE Institute of Postgraduate Studies /IPS/.

The programme is the first university postgraduate qualification programme in Bulgaria leading to the acquisition of the professional qualification of Expert Appraiser of Cultural and Artistic Assets. For the second consecutive year, it has reaffirmed its position as the only university educational programme in this professional field, implemented within the professional area of Administration and Management, combining academic training, practical education and research activities. A key focus of the postgraduate qualification is the process of appraising the cultural assets and works of art, with the objective to equip the participants with methodologies for the financial and insurance valuation of artefacts. The programme is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katya Mihaylova from the UNWE Economic Sociology Department.

The ceremony was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katya Mihailova. She welcomed the graduates, lecturers and official guests and introduced the guests of the ceremony – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Geory Nikolov, Director of the UNWE Institute for Postgraduate Studies and vice Dean for Academic Affairs of the UNWE Management and Administration Faculty, and Chief Assist. Dr. Nigohos Kanaryan, Chairperson of the Chamber of Independent Appraisers in Bulgaria.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgy Nikolov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katya Mihaylova, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shteryo Nozharov, lecturer at the UNWE Economics Department and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irena Markova, lecturer at the UNWE Human Resources and Social Protection Department, who are also lecturers in the postgraduate qualification programme in Management and Evaluation of Cultural and Artistic Values, Chief Assist. Dr. Nigohos Kanaryan /from the left to the right/

“Welcome to the most beautiful place in our university – the University Library”, addressed the graduates Assoc. Prof. Mihaylova, emphasizing the symbolism of the venue. She expressed thankfulness to the University Library for hosting the event. In her welcoming remarks, she highlighted the development of the programme during its second year and emphasized the successful partnership between the Institute for Postgraduate Studies and the Chamber of Independent Appraisers in Bulgaria. As part of this collaboration, an agreement has been signed for the joint development of a course leading to the acquisition of professional certification for the valuation of movable cultural property. Specialized educational and methodological materials are already being prepared for the training and examination required to obtain appraisal certification. Assoc. Prof. Mihaylova outlined the practical focus of the training and noted that the second class of trainees works on real assignments commissioned by Bulgarian collectors and prepares expert valuations of cultural property and works of art.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgy Nikolov greeted the graduates and emphasized the importance of the knowledge they had acquired and the efforts they had made: “This is a truly ceremonial and significant finale. It is always exciting to present a diploma to someone who has dedicated effort to building upon and improving oneself in order to become even more valuable to our society”.

The Chairperson of the Chamber of Independent Appraisers in Bulgaria Chief Assist. Dr. Nigohos Kanaryan highlighted the sustainable development of the partnership between the two institutions: “I am a financier, and in the financial market there is an expression – two points are necessary to establish a trend. And we already have a trend between the two institutions”. He emphasized that the training provided by the programme changes the way future experts appraisers perceive cultural heritage: “I believe that you will view these movable objects not as something displayed behind a glass or kept in a case, but simply as a value and as an art. You can determine their worth because you understand their value, not just their price”.

The professional qualification certificates were awarded by the lecturers and official guests, who shared inspiring messages with the graduates.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shteryo Nozharov, lecturer at the UNWE Economics Department and also lecturer in the postgraduate qualification program in Management and Valuation of Cultural and Artistic Assets, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary training: “The cultural property market could not grow sustainably and develop without people like you, who have received truly interdisciplinary training, academic training, academic preparation and university-level education. I firmly believe that you will continue to move forward, and we, as lecturers, will be proud of you”.

“I love structures and systems – how they are organized, how they function and how we move from good to better. The spiritual production creates ideas, values, love, faith, knowledge and aesthetics. Go forward with spirituality!”, remarked Prof. D.Sc./Soc./ Michail Mirchev from the UNWE Political Science Department, emphasizing the role of spirituality in the development of society.

Assoc. Prof. D.Sc. Irena Markova, lecturer at the UNWE Human Resources and Social Protection Department and lecturer in the postgraduate qualification program, wished the graduates continued success: “I would like to thank you for joining me over these months as we immersed ourselves together in the vast field of managing and valuing cultural and artistic assets, in search of the spiritual and the beautiful. I wish you success on your journey!”

Alexander Hubenov, Deputy Director of the University Library, also joined by extending his best wishes: “I wish you success. Thank you for being here again this year. I hope this tradition will continue in the future”.

PHOTOGALLERY

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katya Mihaylova gave as gift to the University Library a printed copy of the collection Valuation of Cultural and Artistic Assets. Second Class, prepared by the participants in the program’s second graduating class. The donation continues the tradition of adding the graduates’ scholarly work to the UNWE Library’s collection, where it’s freely accessible to lecturers, students, researchers and professionals.

Alexander Hubenov expressed his gratitude for the gesture and noted that, through this donation, the UNWE Library has enriched its collection with another significant academic publication. He also expressed the hope that this tradition would be continued by future graduating classes, so that a specialized collection dedicated to the management, valuation and insurance of cultural and artistic assets can be established.

By the graduation of its second class, the postgraduate qualification programme in Management and Valuation of Cultural and Artistic Assets has confirmed its position as Bulgaria's leading university programme for the training of expert valuers. The programme combines academic knowledge, practical training, scientific research and close partnership with the professional community.

The Master’s Students from the Public Administration Department Received Their Diplomas

UNWE — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:05:00 GMT

The Public Administration Department awarded diplomas to the Master`s degree students who completed the speciality Public Administration with specializations Health Management and the speciality Public Administration with specialization State Administration.

The graduates received their diplomas in the presence of the Rector of UNWE Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova, Vice Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies.

The special guests at the ceremony were Katya Ivkova, Minister of Healthcare, and Prof. Dr. Petko Salchev, Deputy Minister of Healthcare and lecturer in Health Policy at the UNWE.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Denitsa Gorchilova, Head of the Public Administration Department, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, the Minister Katya Ivkova and Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova /from the left to the right/

The official ceremony was opened by the Head of the Public Administration Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Denitsa Gorchilova, who greeted the graduates and highlighted their impressive academic achievements: “Numbers matter. Out of 59 Master`s degree students of the programme in Health Management, 37 have achieved grades higher than 5.50. It is an indicator to the efforts invested and the quality of the education. We have shared these three semesters together and at the end of this journey we will not try to convince you that you chose the right specialization”.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov outlined the importance of the Master’s degree programme in Health Management, describing it as traditional, sustainable, successful and one of the university’s most sought-after programmes. He related the topic to his own participation in an international forum in France dedicated to security, and noted: “Security is not only a matter of the military sphere, it is inextricably related to the healthcare.” Prof. Dimitrov encouraged the graduates to put the knowledge and skills they acquired at the University into practice in their professional careers and urged them to become capable and responsible leaders.

The Minister of Healthcare Katya Ivkova, UNWE graduate, expressed gratitude for the invitation and noted that the financial management is a challenging and multidisciplinary programme that requires knowledge in various areas, such as economics, finance, management and health policy. “You are now aware that the Health Management is not an easy discipline. The UNWE is a university that looks after its students and creates opportunities for professional development”, said the Minister, sharing her personal experience from her years as a student.

“Today is the moment when you see the results of your efforts and receive tangible proof of all the hours of hard work and perseverance you have invested. I am convinced that, alongside the knowledge you have acquired, you have also developed valuable skills that will support your successful professional development and enable you to take on increasingly higher-level positions”, greeted the graduating students the Vice Rector for Institutional and Business Cooperation and Student Policies Prof. Dr. Tsvetana Stoyanova.

A welcoming adress on behalf of the graduates was delivered by Silvia Galabova: “We are eternally grateful for the support and care you have shown us, for the knowledge we have obtained and for the way you have shared it with us. Health Management is not simply a vocation, it’s a responsibility. That’s what our lecturers taught us”.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov and the Minister Katya Ivkova awarded the diplomas to some of the graduates.

UNWE Hosted the Graduation Ceremony of the National Trade and Banking High School

UNWE — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:40:00 GMT

The UNWE hosted the official graduation ceremony where the pupils of the 113^th graduating class of the National Trade and Banking High School /NTBHS/ received their diplomas and professional qualification certificates.

The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Matilda Alexandrova, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of UNWE; Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan, Chairwoman of the Association of Economic Schools in Bulgaria /AESB/ and Head of the UNWE Accounting and Analysis Department; Mrs. Diana Stoyanova, Director of the National Trade and Banking High School; Mrs. Emilia Ivanova, Director of the Private Vocational High School of Banking, Trade and Finance and Deputy Chair of AESB; the Deputy Directors of the National Trade and Banking High School - Mrs. Lyuba Staneva, Mrs. Boyka Genkova, and Mrs. Kalina Gergova - as well as class teachers, teachers and many parents.

The ceremony was also attended by the graduates of the Private Vocational High School of Banking, Trade and Finance, who also received their diplomas.

Prof. Dr. Matilda Alexandrova, Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan, Mrs. Diana Stoyanova, Mrs. Emilia Ivanova, Mrs. Lyuba Staneva, Mrs. Boyka Genkova and Mrs. Kalina Gergova /from the left to the right/

Prof. Dr. Matilda Alexandrova welcomed the graduates on behalf of the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. She noted that the National Trade and Banking High School is a symbol of tradition, continuity and the high quality of secondary economic education, which is being built upon within the framework of higher economic education at the UNWE. “For more than 10 years, the UNWE and the NTBHS have been building a successful partnership, the results of which we see in the achievements of our graduates, who contribute to the prosperous future of Bulgaria. I wish you all to be healthy, to follow your dreams and to develop in Bulgaria”, wished the graduates Prof. Alexandrova.

Prof. Dr. Matilda Alexandrova

“Today, two wishes come together. The first is "Good luck!" from the National Trade and Banking High School, and the second is "Welcome to the University of National and World Economy!", addressed the graduates Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan and greeted them on graduating from the NTBHS - the school with the highest admission score among the vocational schools in the country, a full member of the global network of educational enterprises Pen Worldwide since 1997, with more than 500 educational enterprises established and the most educational training companies in the world, having won more than 400 personal and team awards from the USA, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Slovakia, Latvia, Costa Rica. Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan noted that the graduates' achievements would not have been possible without the exceptional dedication and professional work of the NTBHS team, of all the teachers, whose commitment had helped prepare the pupils. "Your teachers stood by you during your great successes in the national competitions of the Association of Economic Schools in Bulgaria. And the slogan of AESB is "The Road to Success Goes through the UNWE!”. I hope to see you in this hall again on 14 September, when the new academic year at UNWE begins, to be in it at your graduation as Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral students. I wish you health! Dream, because a person is as big as his dreams are. Dream and make it come true!", said Prof. Daniela Feschiyan in conclusion.

Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan

The Director of NTBHS Mrs. Diana Stoyanova was extremely excited to welcome the 113^th graduating class of the School: “Today is a day filled with pride and excitement, a day in which we send off another graduating class, ready to embark on their own path. After years of efforts, challenges and unforgettable moments, you have reached an important stage in your life - graduating from the secondary education. New opportunities and new challenges are open up before you - some will continue their education in the country, others abroad, some will continue on their professional path, but whatever path you choose, carry within you the values you have built. Do not be afraid to dream! Success is not measured only by achievements, but also by the way you overcome difficulties! The world needs educated, responsible and good people and I believe that you are such! I wish you to courageously follow your goals, to make the right choices wisely and to never give up on what you believe in!”.

Mrs. Diana Stoyanova

The first of the 263 graduates to receive the Diploma, gold medal and Honorary Diploma was Yoana Georgieva, the excelent pupil of the graduating class of 2026. The diploma was awarded by Prof. Dr. Matilda Alexandrova /in the picture below/.

Another 28 pupils of the class 2026 graduated with honors. All of them received their diplomas from Prof. Dr. Matilda Alexandrova and Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan.

Prof. Dr. Daniela Feschiyan is awarding the diploma to one of the 28 pupils who showed excellent success in their studies

The ceremony continued with the awarding of diplomas to the graduates from 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12E grades as well as to the 12^th grade pupils of the Private Vocational High School of Banking, Trade and Finance.

Good luck to all the wonderful graduates and future students!

The Rector Discussed Future Initiatives in the Field of Nuclear Security and Energy with a Representative of Pennsylvania State University

UNWE — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:10:00 GMT

Within the framework of the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the UNWE and Pennsylvania State University /Penn State/, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov met with Matthew David Zerphy – Assistant Dean for Operations, College of Engineering, Penn State.

The meeting was also attended by Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Director of the UNWE Nuclear Security Support Center and the Institute for Enhancing Research Capacity in the Field of the Nuclear Industry and Nuclear Security, lecturer at the UNWE National and Regional Security Department.

During the conversation, the possibilities for developing joint educational and research initiatives related to the nuclear security, energy, risk management, cybersecurity of critical infrastructure and the training of highly qualified specialists were discussed.

Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov outlined the importance of the active international partnership and the necessity for universities to pool expertise and resources to address the challenges facing the modern energy. “We believe the role of universities is not only to provide quality education, but also to create an environment for innovation, scientific exchange and training of specialists who can meet the demands of strategic sectors. The development of competencies in the field of energy, technology and security is among the priorities for UNWE”, noted Prof. Dimitrov and added that the cooperation with leading international academic institutions provides new opportunities for students, lecturers and researchers. “We strive to create conditions for our students and researchers to be part of global processes in science and technology. The exchange of knowledge and joint work with established partners such as Penn State will contribute to the development of new educational formats and scientific initiatives”, concluded the Rector.

Matthew David Zerphy expressed contentment with the opportunities for expanding the cooperation between the two universities and emphasized the importance of the practical focus of future initiatives. According to him the development of academic international cooperation is an important prerequisite for the exchange of expertise, promotion of innovation and creation of new opportunities for research in areas of key importance for the future of the energy sector. He outlined the importance of joint initiatives aimed at increasing the energy security, strengthening the cybersecurity of critical energy infrastructure and training specialists capable of responding to the technological challenges.

The meeting discussed specific opportunities for organizing joint training, scientific forums, exchange of lecturers and students as well as participation in international projects. Emphasis was placed on the application of new technologies, Artificial Intelligence and digital solutions to increase the security and efficiency in the energy sector.

The meeting is part of the consistent efforts of UNWE to expand the international academic cooperation and develop initiatives with leading universities in strategic scientific and educational areas.