University of Economics Varna, Varna

Founded in 1920, the University of Economics began its journey as Bulgaria’s first higher school of commerce, created in response to Varna’s burgeoning role as a commercial hub. It was formally authorised later that year and held the distinction of being the second university in Bulgaria after Sofia University to offer higher education. Today, with a student body of around 11,000 drawn from both Bulgaria and abroad, it continues to build on that heritage with global partnerships and modern academic excellence.

The main university building stands as one of Varna’s most celebrated architectural landmarks. It was recently honoured with the Building of the Year award in 2015. Blending French Renaissance with touches of Western European Baroque, its façade features a sculptural pediment above the main entrance created by artist Kiril Shivarov, depicting symbolic figures of Hermes, representing commerce, and Athena, embodying wisdom and learning.

Academically, the university offers a wide range of programmes through four faculties-Finance and Accounting, Economics, Computer Science, and Management-as well as a Language Department and a dedicated College of Tourism. Its curriculum is internationally oriented, with Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD tracks taught in Bulgarian, English, and Russian, plus numerous dual-degree options and robust mobility through Erasmus+, CEEPUS, and partnerships with universities in Germany, Finland, and beyond. The university also houses multiple research centers.