MU-Varna solemnly opened the new academic year with an increase in the number of Bulgarian and international students. A total of 1730 first year students, 380 of them foreigners, are to be trained in 32 Bulgarian and four English training programmes. In the presence of the Rector and the academic management, lecturers, students, official guests and parents, the academic year was launched with a festive ceremony and a solemn blessing for health and welfare, officiated by His Eminence Yoan, the Metropolitan of Varna and Veliki Preslav.
The Rector Prof. Dimitar Raykov welcomed the first year students with the words, “I am sure that you are eagerly looking forward to your first academic year! It will be filled with challenges, high emotions and new friendships. Here you will learn everything you need to become the very best physicians, pharmacists and healthcare professionals. You will be educated by proven and experienced professionals. Trust them, pursue them, demand from them! The reputation of Medical University–Varna is inspiring, and we will support you in everything that lies ahead!"
On behalf of the Minister of Education and Science Prof. Galin Tsokov, the academic management and the students were congratulated by Mrs. Yana Yotova – Head of the Department for Implementation of the Regulations at the Higher Education Directorate of the Ministry. Flotilla Admiral Prof. Boyan Mednikarov, Commandant of the Naval Academy, also congratulated the students. For the new academic year, first year students have been enrolled in the eighth Class of Military Doctors and the third Class of Military Nurses, under the joint Programme of MU-Varna, the Naval Academy and the Military Medical Academy.
The students with the highest entrance exam scores had the privilege to congratulate their colleagues from all training programmes, and on their behalf, to take the Oath of Initiation into the Medical and Health Sciences. Alumni of the Class of 2024 of the medical programme passed the baton to the first year students, symbolically putting white coats on them and wishing them to be responsible in the profession they have chosen, and to be compassionate and patient people.
The Rector wished the students 'fair winds and following seas'! The first year students were welcomed with bread and salt and congratulated by the Deans of the Faculties and the Director of Medical College–Varna.
The new academic year was also solemnly opened in the University Affiliates in Veliko Tarnovo, Shumen and Sliven. MU-Varna has successfully filled the state admission places for the new academic year under a very high competition for the most desired training programmes. There has also been increased interest in paid education. A total of 1350 students have been enrolled in 32 Bulgarian training programmes – 19 after completing secondary education and 13 – after higher education. The University has also welcomed the first classes of three new Master's programmes – Kinesitherapy in Bulgarian, and Artificial Intelligence in Biomedicine and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare in English.
380 international students from 30 countries have been admitted to the English training programmes of Medicine and Dental Medicine. The largest numbers of students come from Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, India and Turkey. For the first time in the history of MU-Varna, first year students from South Korea and Brazil have joined the large multinational academic community. The academic year for international students is to be launched on 1st October.
