The establishment and development of St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo marked a significant milestone in Bulgarian education. Founded in 1963 on the historical hill of Sveta gora, it emerged as the first university outside the capital, with a strong focus on humanities and arts education. Initially named Brothers Cyril and Methodius Higher Institute of Education, the university began with four degree courses and a dedicated faculty drawn from prestigious institutions across Bulgaria.
Led by Rector Prof. Aleksandar Burmov and Vice Rector Prof. Penyo Rusev, the university’s founders embarked on a challenging journey to establish a prominent educational institution. Inspired by the legacy of the XIV century Tarnovo Literary School, they aimed to nurture a patriotic spirit among students while emphasizing the importance of high-quality education and scholarly research. Despite initial hurdles, the university rapidly expanded its academic offerings, research activities, and international collaborations, laying a robust foundation for future growth.
In 1971, the institute attained university status, a testament to its rapid evolution and growing significance in Bulgarian academia. Symbolically linked to the rich literary traditions of medieval Bulgaria, particularly the Tarnovo Literary School, the university continues to uphold its heritage while embracing modern education standards. Today, as the largest Bulgarian university outside Sofia, St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo stands as a prestigious institution renowned for its excellence in fine arts and humanities, poised to meet the evolving needs of higher education in Bulgaria and beyond.
Based on its achievements and tradition, keen scholarly research and artistic and publishing activities, as well as the wide network of international partners and close collaboration with the business sector, St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo strives to:
- serve in the favour of national, regional and local public benefit and participate in global education, scholarly and artistic work;
- train market-oriented, socially-engaged, highly-qualified experts who can improve business and education, and, using knowledge and expertise gained at the University, successfully adapt to the society and culture of Bulgaria or any country worldwide;
- further train, improve and establish its academic staff of scholars and lecturers by consistently revising and updating its teaching methods;
- unify educational, scholarly and publishing activities by giving equal opportunity to innovative and flexible high quality education and academic environment to students, doctoral and post-graduate students of any age and background;
- support its scholars in achieving international recognition of their research and publications;
- distribute and apply knowledge and skills so that they best benefit all social strata;
- maintain and improve its material and technical foundation to accommodate contemporary, high quality and effective teaching and research alongside conditions for a modern lifestyle and leisure activities;
- function as a hub for education, science and culture, and promote innovative thinking;
- engage in entrepreneurial activities and initiate and encourage cooperation with the business sector, striving to improve education and work quality.
Here you can find more information about St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo.