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Awarding of Institutional Accreditation Certificates to 18 Higher Education Institutions in 2024
In 2024, official certificates for institutional accreditation were awarded to 18 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): University of National and World Economy, University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" – Burgas, Higher School of Telecommunications and Post, Higher School of Management – Varna, Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, American University in Bulgaria – Blagoevgrad, Higher School of Agribusiness and Rural Development – Plovdiv, University of Food Technologies – Sofia, St. Ivan Rilski University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski", South-West University "Neofit Rilski" – Blagoevgrad, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," University of Forestry – Sofia, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy – Sofia, University of Economics – Varna, University of Civil Engineering "Lyuben Karavelov" – Sofia, Technical University – Gabrovo, Todor Kableshkov University of Transport, Trakia University – Stara Zagora.
The accreditation processes followed by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (NEAA) is transparent and objective. It is derived from its mission, closely tied to national goals and objectives in the field of higher education.
The HEIs that received their certificates in 2024 underwent subsequent institutional accreditation. The accreditation procedure for each of them was initiated by a decision of the Accreditation Council upon the request of the respective institutions. This request must be submitted within 12 months before the expiration date of their previous institutional accreditation, as specified in the decision of the Accreditation Council. Until the completion of the institutional accreditation procedure, the HEIs retained the rights granted by its previous accreditation. The timeframe for completing the institutional accreditation procedure is 12 months, starting from the moment the respective institution pays the associated fee.
The ratings of the higher education institutions that were awarded institutional accreditation certificates in 2024 ranged from 7.91 to 9.80 from a maximum score of 10. Those that received a score above 8 are eligible to offer education at the educational and scientific degree level "Doctor" (PhD). The validity period of the institutional accreditation for each of these institutions is 6 years.
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During the ceremonial awarding of certificates at Academic Council meetings and meetings with the rectors of Higher Education Institutions, Prof. Eliza Stefanova, Chairperson of the NEAA, reminded attendees that institutional accreditation is the most important certification of the quality of education for any higher education institution. The purpose of the accreditation process is to encourage and monitor the assurance and improvement of the quality of higher education, as well as to ensure its implementation in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). |
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Institutional accreditation evaluates how an HEI, as an organization, fulfills its mission and objectives, as well as how it applies the ESGs.
Prof. Stefanova also raised important issues for universities and the academic community, such as the inclusion of Bulgarian universities in European alliances, the significance of university research and innovation for the country's economy, the role of universities in regional development, collaboration with businesses and employers, interaction with students, and many others. |
 Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the Higher School of Telecommunications and Post, Prof. Miglena Temelkova |
The President of the NEAA also expressed her gratitude to the academic community of Higher Education Institutions for their continuous efforts to enhance the prestige of Bulgarian higher education. She highlighted the ongoing drive of universities to develop in new and attractive areas, noting that this is commendable as long as it does not come at the expense of quality. Additionally, she reminded attendees that recent amendments to the Higher Education Act link institutional accreditation ratings to the evaluations of the professional fields in which universities are accredited. Prof. Stefanova called on academic communities to focus on the areas where they have traditions and the greatest capacity to provide high-quality higher education. |
 Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the Higher School of Management, Assoc. Prof. Todor Radev(Photo – HSM-Varna) |
During talks with university leaderships the challenges faced by higher education institutions and opportunities to optimize accreditation processes were also discussed.
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 Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the commander of the Nikola Yonkov Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Flotilla Admiral Prof. Boryan Mednikarov(Photo – NA) |
The events surrounding the awarding of institutional accreditation certificates in 2024 were accompanied by ceremonial meetings and discussions with the academic staff of the universities, current and graduating students, as well as visits to key departments, specialized laboratories, and research centers, including the only research ship, St. Cyril and Methodius, university libraries, and museums. |
 Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the American University in Bulgaria –Dr. Margi Ersin at the NEAA offices (Photo – NEAA |
During her visits to the universities, Prof. Stefanova also met with members of the academic staff who have participated or are currently involved in the Agency activities as members of the Accreditation Council, Standing Committees, or Expert Groups. She thanked them for their impartial and objective evaluations, expressing hope that the efforts undertaken by the NEAA leadership would lead to fair compensation for their work. |
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| Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the University of Food Technologies, Prof. Galin Ivanov, by Prof. Maria Schnitter, Vice-President of the NEAA (Photo – UFT) |
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Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate |
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| Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Prof. Senya Terzieva-Zhelyazkova (Photo – UCTM) |
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Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the University of Economics – Varna, |
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Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the Higher School of Civil Engineering "Lyuben Karavelov," Assoc. Prof. Anita Handruleva |
| Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the Todor Kableshkov Higher School of Transport, Assoc. Prof. Daniela Todorova (Photo – HST "Todor Kableshkov") |
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Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" – Burgas, Prof. Hristo Bozov
Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the South-West University "Neofit Rilski," Prof. Nikolay MarinSeveral of the award ceremonies coincided with official events and celebrations at the universities. Public participation further highlighted the achievements of the universities and the importance of their institutional accreditation.
The certificate for the Technical University of Gabrovo was awarded during a ceremonial event marking the 60th anniversary of the university's establishment.
| Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the Technical University of Gabrovo, Prof. Dr. Eng. Iliya Zhelezarov (Photo – TU-G) |
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The award ceremony at the Trakia University – Stara Zagora coincided with the celebratory event marking the 50th anniversary of higher education in Stara Zagora.
| Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of Trakia University, Prof. Dobri Yarkov (Photo – TrU) |
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At the University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski," the event took place during the celebration of the university's patron holiday and the induction of the 2024 first-year students into the Guild of Miners and Geologists of Bulgaria.
| Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski"- Sofia, Prof. Ivaylo Koprev by assoc. prof. Silvia Tsvetanska, member of NEAA's Accreditation Council (Photo – UMG) |
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The certificate award ceremony at the University of Forestry coincided with the celebration of the National Awakeners' Day and the ceremonial awarding of awards and diplomas.
| Awarding of the institutional accreditation certificate to the rector of the University of Forestry, Assoc. Prof. Hristo Mihaylov (Photo – UF) |
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The certificate for the Higher School of Agribusiness and Rural Development was awarded at an official ceremony in front of students, faculty, and staff.
| Връчване на свидетелство за институционална акредитация на президента на Висшето училище по агробизнес и развитие на регионите - доц. д-р Светла Димитрова от проф. д.н.к. Мария Шнитер, зам.-председател на НАОА (Снимка – ВУАРР) |
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During the whole six-year period of the institutional accreditations the HEIs will undergo Post-Accreditation Monitoring and Control as an inseparable part of the accreditation process.
