site.btaSofia University Makes It into Times Higher Education Rating in 2016

113 EDUCATION - SOFIA UNIVERSITY - PATRON SAINTS DAY

Sofia University Makes It into
Times Higher Education Rating
in 2016


Sofia, November 25 (BTA) - In 2016 the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia made it into the Times Higher Education Rating for the first time, and climbed 50 notches in the QS World University Rankings, Rector Anastas Gerdjikov said at the academic event marking the University's patron saint's day on Friday.

Also, Sofia University tops Bulgaria's rating system of higher educational establishments in most subjects.

Prof Gerdjikov, who was elected Rector on November 17, 2015, said the university was starting to gain financial stability. This year it repaid obligations of 5 million leva, although its budget is unchanged from 2015, and got an extra 5 million-plus leva to its allocated budget.

He noted improvements in the functionality of the students' information system, upgrades of the procedure for students applying for mobility opportunities under the Erasmus+ Programme, and the introduction of an electronic system for registration, servicing and administration of students arriving to participate in the programme. The university has signed more than 350 bilateral agreements with over 60 countries around the world.

Gerdjikov added that the Student Internships project was being implemented. This is the first time in many years that the university has supported the State Budget Bill's appropriation for higher education because it reflects the new, fair financing principles. This is the first time in eight years that a reasonable pay rise for the teaching and other staff is being considered.
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