University of Sofia

Structure and Staff

The University of Sofia is the main institution for higher education in Bulgaria. Its teaching staff is made up of different types of professors and lecturers, including regular and extraordinary professors, permanent and private docents, and lecturers.

The administration of the University is managed by an Academic Council, which elects a rector at the beginning of each year. Each of the three faculties has its own Faculty Council, led by a dean chosen by the professors of that faculty.

Library and Administration

The University library operates as a separate organization and is managed by a special librarian.

The general management of the University is handled by the secretary, while the financial department is supervised by a questor.

All members of the teaching staff, as well as the administrative staff, are appointed by the Ministry of Public Instruction. This happens based on the advice of the Academic Council and the recommendations of the rector Private Tours Bulgaria.

Courses and Examinations

The University offers courses lasting eight semesters. Students take two types of examinations: university examinations and academic examinations. These are held at the end of the fourth and eighth semesters, and successful completion leads to a doctor’s degree.

There are two categories of students:

Regular students: Must have completed high school and passed the final examination successfully.

Auditory students: Those who do not meet the full admission requirements but may attend lectures.

Students and Faculties in 1904–1905

During the year 1904–1905, the University had 943 students, including 112 women. The numbers by faculty were:

Historico-Philological Faculty – 212 students, 73 women

Physico-Mathematical Faculty – 238 students, 37 women

Law Faculty – 493 students, 2 women

Professorial Staff and Salaries

The teaching staff and their annual salaries were:

Regular professors – 17 professors, 7,200 francs each

Extraordinary professors – 11 professors, 6,000 francs each

Docents professors – 11 professors, 4,800 francs each

Lecturers – 4 lecturers

Assistant tutors – 9 tutors

The total cost of maintaining the University of Sofia was approximately 450,000 francs per year. This investment ensured high-quality education, well-equipped faculties, and strong academic supervision.

The University of Sofia was a well-organized institution providing high-level education in Bulgaria. With a structured administration, qualified professors, and a clear system of examinations, it played a crucial role in preparing students for professional and academic careers. The inclusion of women, though limited at that time, also marked the beginning of broader access to higher education.