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Sofia University

Palo Alto, CA

private forprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Ipsa scientia potestas est(Knowledge itself is power)

Wikipedia
Public
Type
21,000
Total Students
$125M
Endowment
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Sofia University

Sofia University: Bulgaria's foundational academic pillar, empowering national growth since 1888.

Step into the rich legacy of Sofia University, Bulgaria's premier institution of higher education, established on October 1, 1888. Born from a vision to cultivate civil servants and educators, it swiftly transformed from a pedagogical course into a respected national hub for scholarship. With a vibrant student body of 21,000, Sofia University continues to be a public beacon of knowledge, dedicated to its motto: "Ipsa scientia potestas est" — knowledge itself is power.

From its early days with faculties in History, Philology, Mathematics, Physics, and Law, the university has continuously expanded its academic offerings, fostering a multidisciplinary environment. It embraced diversity early on, welcoming its first women students in 1901, and has since grown to include critical fields such as Medicine, Agronomy, Veterinary Medicine, and Theology. This extensive growth reflects its commitment to addressing the evolving needs of society and the pursuit of comprehensive academic excellence.

Beyond its historical significance, Sofia University offers a dynamic student experience. From student activism in its early years, challenging conventions, to its continued role as a center for intellectual discourse, students are part of a vibrant academic community. Supported by an endowment of $0.1 billion, the university invests in its future, ensuring cutting-edge research and educational opportunities for generations to come. Prospective students and families will discover an institution that blends a storied past with forward-thinking academic programs, preparing graduates to make a lasting impact.

Today, Sofia University stands as a testament to Bulgaria's dedication to education and scholarly achievement. Its contributions are recognized globally, even having mountains in Antarctica named in its honor, underscoring its influence far beyond national borders. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, shaping leaders and thinkers who continue to advance society.

Key Highlights

  • Founded on October 1, 1888, as Bulgaria's primary institution of higher education.
  • Home to 21,000 students, solidifying its role as a leading public university.
  • Operates with an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting extensive academic and research initiatives.
  • Adopted the inspiring motto: "Ipsa scientia potestas est" (Knowledge itself is power).
  • Pioneered inclusive education by welcoming its first female students in 1901.
  • Evolved rapidly, becoming an officially instituted university with four-year magistrate programs by 1904.
  • Commemorated globally with the Sofia University Mountains in Antarctica, recognizing its centennial and scientific contributions.

Timeline

1888
Founded on October 1st as a 'Higher Pedagogical Course'.
1889
Legally extended into a multi-departmental 'Higher School' with three-year study tracks; Faculty of Mathematics and Physics established.
1892
Faculty of Law established.
1901
First 16 women welcomed to the university.
1904
Officially instituted as a university by law.
1917
Fourth faculty, the Faculty of Medicine, established.
1923
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Faculty of Theology founded.
1924
Foundation stone of the new main edifice laid.
1934
Official opening of Sofia University's new edifice on December 16th.
2001
First Bulgarian Athenaeum to reopen a Theological Faculty ruled by the national Orthodox Church after the fall of communism.

Schools & Colleges

10 notable schools within Sofia University

🏫

Faculty of History and Philology

Established in 1888, one of the university's foundational faculties.

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Faculty of Mathematics and Physics

Established in 1889, offering core scientific disciplines.

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Faculty of Law

Established in 1892, a key component of national civil service education.

🏥

Faculty of Medicine

Established in 1917, marking a significant expansion into healthcare education.

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Faculty of Agronomy

Established in 1921, focusing on agricultural sciences.

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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Established in 1923, dedicated to animal health and science.

✝️

Faculty of Theology

Founded in 1923 and re-opened in 2001 after the fall of communism.

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Faculty of Forestry

Established in 1947, focusing on forest sciences.

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Faculty of Zootechnics

Established in 1947, dedicated to animal husbandry and breeding.

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Faculty of Economics

Established in 1947, a major addition to the social sciences.

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