Business proposes that higher education become free and graduates must be obliged to work for a period of time in Bulgaria.
“The Constitution states that, under certain conditions, education in state-owned universities is free. We propose the following conditions – it will be free of charge for those which stay and develop a career in Bulgaria or work for Bulgarian institutions abroad”, arguing by the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria. According to experts, the obligation must be for 5 years.
“There is a devaluation of higher education – a large quantity, low quality. It is poorly structured in the professions that are necessary,” the Association said.
Until 31 January 2018, there are 52 accredited higher schools – universities, academics, colleges, etc. The highest degree of realization after the awarded diploma has occurred in the graduates of Medicine, Pharmacy, Stomatology and Military Affairs. Among them, the unemployment rate is below 1 percent of all graduates. The number of students in 2017 decreased by 10% compared to the level in 2013, became apparent from the study. There is a decline in the Economics, as well as in the Administration and management.
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” is first under the rating system in 23 professional directions. The technical university is classified in higher education ratings as first in 6 directions. The military academy “G.S. Rakovski” is ranked first in the professional strand of Military Affairs.
Bulgaria should reduce the number of universities from 52 to 10. This was recommended by the European Commission for the country last year in a study to improve the evaluation and financing of scientific organisations and higher schools in Bulgaria. The reduction of universities is in line with the European practice, according to which for 1 million people there should be one university. If it is implemented, Bulgaria will remain with 7-8 universities, so the team offers less drastic option – 10 higher schools.
