Burgas Free University has welcomed just over 1,400 new students into its bachelor's and master's programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year, rector professor Milen Baltov told BTA. The private university is also marking its 35th anniversary.

This report follows our earlier story on the planned opening of the new academic year and the university's anniversary.

"This October day is an exciting one for all of us. You are stepping over the threshold of your alma mater, and we are once again opening the page on which we try to shape and pass on light," the rector told the first-year students. "Light, freedom and connection – that's what we promise our students," he added.

Professor Baltov said the anniversary brings pride but also responsibility for the university's future growth and its contribution to the region, the country and the wider academic world. Students get Erasmus+ study and exchange trips, placements and internships with partner organisations, a chance to take part in research and publish papers, and international cooperation.

Burgas Free University is expanding its partnerships with universities abroad and belongs to the European alliance of island, port and coastal universities. New this year is a joint 3+1 programme in computer systems and technology run with a university in China.

Professor Maria Alexieva, deputy rector of the university and dean of the Centre for Humanities, led the ceremony. Those attending included the university's president, professor Petko Chobanov, rector professor Milen Baltov, and the deans of the centres for humanities, law, economics and management, and computing and technical sciences.

Burgas regional governor Diko Dikov congratulated the students and teaching staff. He said the university's long history was a sign of stability, standing and a high level of teaching and research, and that it mattered to the region's academic and economic life. Dikov urged students to make the most of the chances to grow, to seek out new knowledge boldly and never to settle for mediocrity.

Deputy mayor Mihail Nenov, who handles education, health, social affairs and youth policy, brought greetings on behalf of mayor Dimitar Nikolov. He said higher education was both a choice and a privilege, and that young people should be able to study and build their careers in their home city.

The ceremony was attended by the university's leadership, representatives of local and national government and business, lecturers and students. Guests included deputy regional governor Veselin Anestiev. Professor Sevdalina Turmanova, deputy rector of Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov". Dmytro Zakharchenko, executive director of Promet Steel AD. Vitaliy Vasylchenko, the company's director of human resources and social affairs. Georgi Georgiev, director of personnel and administration at Lukoil Neftohim Burgas. And Yanko Yankov, a member of the university's board of trustees.

Right after the ceremony, the first-year students met the deans and lecturers at their respective centres.