Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

Sofia University, with its patron saint St Clement of Ohrid, is the oldest higher education institution in Bulgaria, being founded on 1 October 1888, just 10 years after Bulgaria’s Liberation. The university’s edifice was constructed between 1924 and 1934 with the financial support of the brothers Evlogi Georgiev and Hristo Georgiev, whose sculptures are now greeting you at the main entrance to the University, which is used only on special occasions.

Sofia University has 16 faculties and 6 departments, where 21,000 students, 10% of which are foreigners, receive their education, as the faculties provide a wide range of degrees. In addition, it also disposes of a university library, a university press, a computer centre, a sports centre and several other structures. Sofia University is ranked 754th in the world and 325th in Europe by the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities and is the best-ranking Bulgarian university.

In Sofia’s first years as capital city the university was becoming one of the most prestigious institutions. In 1907, as Prince Ferdinand opened the National Theatre, he was booed by Sofia University students, for which the university was closed for 6 months and all lecturers were fired. Not until a new government came into power in January 1908 was the crisis resolved.
The foundation stone of Sofia University’s new edifice was laid on 30 June 1924. With the funding provided (6 million golden leva) by the brothers Evlogi Georgiev and Hristo Georgiev the Rectorate was built according to the initial plans of French architect Henri Bréançon.
After the political changes of the 9th of September 1944 and the emergence of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria, radical alterations were made in the university system of the country. Communist professors were introduced to the higher ranks of university authority, as their colleagues, who did not share this view, were removed from post.
In honor of the university’s centennial and its contribution to the exploration of Antarctica a mountain range on Alexander Island, Antarctica was named The Sofia University Mountains.