Prof. Dr. Eng. Georgi Todorov, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
"It is important to attract students, but also to retain them"
As part of the 2019-2020 applicant campaign of TU-Sofia, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering announces admission of applicants for study at the "Bachelor" educational and qualification level in two specialties: "Computer Design and Technologies in Mechanical Engineering" and "Digital Industrial Technologies".
Regarding scientific research, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has been leading at TU-Sofia in recent years in terms of the volume of conducted scientific research. Moreover, in 2009, against the background of the economic crisis, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering saw an increase in volume in monetary terms compared to the previous year. This ensures a high level of qualification of specialists and teachers and guarantees the research character and quality of the educational process. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is equipped with modern equipment in the scientific research laboratories - "Simulation Modeling in Industry", "Ecological Technologies and Management" and "CAD, CAM, CAE in Industry", which is continuously updated.
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering provides a portal for electronic and distance learning for its students, in which they have access to a virtual branch of the faculty library, electronic educational materials of the faculty and the Library and Information Center of TU-Sofia. The portal for electronic and distance learning was created under the project "Development of electronic forms for distance learning in the field of modern industrial technologies for the needs of the educational process of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at TU-Sofia" and is implemented with the financial support of the Operational Programme "Development of Human Resources", co-financed by the European Social Fund of the European Union.
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is traditionally one of the top two faculties at TU-Sofia in terms of funds attracted from scientific research and development activities. The faculty has implemented and is currently implementing both publicly funded projects and a significant number of industrial projects. The most significant publicly funded projects for the faculty at the moment are: Project "Innovation Center for Top Scientific Achievements, Development and Technology Transfer" focused on the field of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and energy recovery between the Institute of Mechanics at TU-Sofia and the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ministry of Education and Science, Head: Prof. Dr. Eng. Georgi Todorov. Project "Tribotechnological research and characterization of composite materials and coatings lubricated with biodegradable liquids" under the program of the Ministry of Education and Science, competition for bilateral cooperation between Romania and Bulgaria-2010 between the Institute of Mechanics at TU-Sofia and the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ministry of Education and Science).
Head from the Bulgarian side: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Mara Kandevo, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, TU-Sofia. Head from the Romanian side: Prof. Dr. Eng. Andrei Tudor from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Department of "Tribology and Machine Elements".
MTF conducts the "My 3D World" competition for developing 3D models for students and prospective students under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria. Since 2017, the competition has been held jointly with the "Eureka" Foundation. 3D models are developed and anonymously evaluated by an independent jury of faculty members and industry experts using a 100-point system. Students and prospective students whose works are scored at 80 points or higher have the right to enroll in a major of their choice at MTF at TU-Sofia at the "Bachelor" educational and qualification level. Students and prospective students ranked in the top three places receive special awards. Students ranked in the top three places also receive special awards.
Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivo Iliev, Dean of the Faculty of Electronic Engineering and Technologies
"At our faculty, we provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in the field of electronics, but successful implementation requires continuous improvement and development in the profession."“
What attracts prospective students to our faculty are the career prospects. The electronics industry ranks first in Bulgarian exports, thanks mainly to automotive electronics companies. Our training combines all areas of electronics – from micro- and nanoelectronics to power electronics. Disciplines such as electronic systems and devices, embedded systems, biomedical engineering, etc., are studied. Electronics is the foundation for many other engineering specialties – computer systems and technologies, telecommunications, mechanical engineering, energy, etc.
Graduates of FEET work in large hospitals and medical equipment companies, as well as in specialized companies for microelectronic components, systems, and applications. The faculty maintains contacts with major companies such as Visteon, Melexis, Smartcom, Festo, Sensata, Siemens, Behr Hella Thermcontrol, and many others.
The specific feature of FEET is that it administers and manages the Technological School for Electronic Systems (TSES) in Sofia. Our goal is to achieve integrated education – acquiring basic knowledge in secondary education and building upon it at our faculty. We strive for a project-oriented form of student training, namely classes with a practical focus, course projects, and diploma theses on topics assigned by the business sector.
There is definitely a renaissance in the demand for electronics education. However, electronics is developing extremely dynamically and placing increasingly higher demands on specialists, so we strive to train our students in accordance with the latest trends.
Prof. Dr. Eng. Valentin Kolev, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering
"Today, young people want to be warm in winter and cool in summer. But work in the energy sector is on the ground. There you fight against the wind and the sun. But high-risk work has another thrill," says Prof. Valentin Kolev
"Secondary education today does not pay attention to electrical engineering. I do not know why, but it is a fact. The students who come to our faculty have not graduated from specialized high schools. Because they withdraw from the market and believe that the specialties "Electrical Engineering" and "Electrical Power Engineering" are not promising. I firmly state that energy is a structurally defining industry in a country's economy and an essential element of national security. I hope this is understood. I will give an example. Of the 20 third-year students in the "Electrical Engineering" specialty, only one graduated from an Electrical Engineering College, and that in Dimitrovgrad, Serbia. So, this boy builds on his knowledge and becomes good at the profession, while the others catch up. Change is needed. Specifically, the state is the one that should stimulate the training of young specialists. They should come to us and know that they will have a good and reliable job, will be able to develop and move forward.
Our intake is for 100 students. I can advise them that this is a specialty that undergoes daily development, everyone is interested in renewable energy sources, electricity, and energy. But to be good, it is important to work on the subject around the clock. And it is not easy. A few years ago, we introduced scholarship programs, in which the Energy System Operator, the Chamber of Engineers in Investment Design, as well as other electricity distribution and private companies participated. We support students, although some of them are afraid to commit, but time proves that those who dedicate themselves to the profession find good realization. Every day, colleagues from state and private companies in the energy sector ask me for new, reliable personnel. There is realization, there is an absolute need for young professionals to fill the places of older colleagues in the system. Succession is mandatory! I believe that business and the state will help bring new, qualified, and interested students who will become excellent in their profession. The task is common. If there is no understanding, the process is destructive".
Prof. Dr. Eng. Iliya Iliev, Dean of the Faculty of Telecommunications
"The training at the Faculty of Telecommunications is adapted to the business. We prepare young people to be competitive in their work and to have confidence at a European level," Prof. Iliev is sure
The Faculty of Telecommunications is one of the most sought-after at the Technical University of Sofia. The field of study is one of the most promising and offers long-term career prospects. Students are prepared and, even at the beginning of their studies, start their careers at companies such as Vivacom, A1, Telenor, television stations, and telecommunications cable operators. They themselves seek out young specialists, invite them for student internships and traineeships, and additionally provide them with practical training. Of the 16 students on internship this year, two were hired directly, and two others were selected and will join next year.
The Faculty is also known for the fact that in 1953, the first cable broadcast of a television signal from one classroom to another took place. This is the birth date of Bulgarian television. The first official television broadcast in Bulgaria, via wireless transmission, started on the eve of May 1, 1954, from the then Department of Radio Engineering and Physics, now the Department of Radio Communications and Video Technologies at the Faculty of Telecommunications. This year, on May 16, at TU-Sofia, the 65th anniversary of the beginning of television in Bulgaria was celebrated. Since the early 1990s, the broad-profile specialization "Telecommunications" has been established. The state quota is for the admission of 240 students, and those wishing to study for a master's degree are around 70-80 students.
"Time is dynamic, and our specialization has wide applications. You must love your profession, and here you can quickly see the realization of your abilities. It is our task to lend a hand. After that, it is easy to reap the fruits of your labor," notes Prof. Iliev, and emphasizes that those who are dedicated to their profession become true professionals in the field..
Prof. Dr. Sc. Mladen Velev, Dean of the Faculty of Economics
"Management technologies are changing, and we must provide adequate training."
"Young people continue to be interested in management specialties, and we must respond to this unceasing interest. The management of socio-technical systems is a complex process that requires specific knowledge and skills. What distinguishes our faculty from other universities is that we teach not on a subject-based principle, but on an object-based one, with a direct focus on the needs of the dynamically developing industry. At our faculty, both industrial and information technologies are studied. The current bachelor's specialties offered are 'Industrial Management', 'Business Administration', and 'Management and Business Information Systems', the latter of which was introduced two years ago specifically to meet the demand for exactly such specialists and is quite attractive. Another emphasis in our training is e-government, which in recent years has been increasingly entering the public sphere. At the master's level, in addition to 'Industrial Management' and 'Business Administration', students can also choose 'Management in Electrical Engineering' or 'Project Management'. Graduates of the Faculty of Economics at TU-Sofia successfully realize themselves in various areas of economic and public life. Many of them hold leadership positions in small and large companies, state institutions, and non-governmental organizations."
Prof. Dr. Eng. Tasho Tashev, Dean of the Faculty for the Faculty of Anglophone Engineering Education (FAIE):
"We are proud that our faculty is international in its composition and spirit"
The Faculty of Anglophone Engineering Education was founded in 1992. The training is conducted entirely in English and follows a curriculum and study programs that largely cover the content of the specialty and its specializations at Brunel University, UK, and University College Dublin, Ireland. Distinguished teachers from almost all faculties of TU-Sofia participate in the educational process, most of whom have specialized through joint projects at foreign universities.
FAIE trains students in the broad-profile specialty 'Industrial Engineering' for bachelor's and master's degrees. Two additional master's programs are offered: 'E-Management' and 'Information Technologies for Business Management'. An interesting fact is that the training for the second specialty is carried out jointly with the company Coca-Cola Hellenic Group IT Services, which sends its own teachers for certain disciplines with a practical focus.
We are proud that our faculty is international in its composition and spirit. Here, not only Bulgarian students but also students from many neighboring and more distant countries are trained. FAIE is particularly attractive to students coming under the 'Erasmus+' program, with about 50 per semester, mainly from European Union countries. On our part, we also send students to foreign universities and companies for training and internships under the 'Erasmus+' program.
Prof. Dr. Eng. Daniela Gotseva, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Systems and Technologies
"A satisfied student attracts 10 new ones, an offended student turns away 100 applicants"
"For me, the opinion of students is the most important!"
Today is the time for students. They are the drivers of progress, the new, the dynamic, and the innovative. Many of them call from the EU, from the universities where they study, and want to return to Bulgaria, to the Technical University - Sofia. The Faculty provides knowledge with 100% employability. 90% of third-year students find jobs, and I advise the companies that hire them to offer them flexible working hours. This way, they regularly attend classes. I commit to promoting them, I want to help them by inviting companies that offer training internships. Leading companies engage our students – IBM, Intracom, and many others. Our faculty provides excellent preparation. Theory is combined with practice. We also take great care during Open Days. We personally welcome the young people, give them guidance, and advise them on what is best for them. The first specialty with us is "Computer and Software Engineering", and the second is "Information Technologies in Industry". During the applicant campaign, I meet personally with the children. I truly treat all those who wish to study here as my own children. I have personal contact with the Student Council and personally understand their problems. This way, I synchronize my watch with the new time and the requirements of the young. Priority admission is given to children from mathematical high schools, 10% of the intake is for them. Mathematics is important to us because without knowledge in this subject, it is very difficult to move forward. There is also foreign language instruction in English. This year, the intake increases to 2 groups of 30 students. After the first year, many other students from the university want to transfer to the faculty. Another thing we do is to bring our former students to teach here, on a contract basis. This way, we are sure that we are opening more windows for graduates of the Faculty of Computer Systems and Technologies. We value the school in Pravetz - the National Professional Gymnasium for Computer Technologies and Systems very much. Every term, we send 15 teachers of technical disciplines there. An important priority is ensuring the link between secondary and higher education. The better the children who come, the more the Technical University - Sofia and the economy of Bulgaria benefit.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Nina Nikolova, Dean of the Faculty of Automation
"Youth is not a vice"
Young and reliable teachers work at the faculty. They have innovative ideas, are interested in novelties, and get along excellently with students. We attract passionate, dedicated young people because there must be continuity, they should come and draw from the experience of established teachers and offer new and interesting ideas and programs to students. This way, we maintain a high level of knowledge.
The Faculty of Automation offers bachelor's and master's programs. The modules in the bachelor's specialization "Automation, Information and Control Engineering" are: "Electric Drives and Machine Automation", "Bioelectroengineering", "Industrial Control Engineering", "Information-Measuring Engineering", "Robotics" and "Systems and Control".
One of the master's programs – "Embedded Control Systems" is implemented with the support of the company "Kostal-Bulgaria". The company invests in education and emphasizes practical exercises. It deals with automobiles and attracts many followers. The curriculum is attractive to students, with many internships in production.
The other master's programs are "Automation, Information and Control Engineering" and "Systems for Energy-Efficient Control".
The good thing about automation is that the specialization is universal in its application in the economy, agriculture, building automation, construction, transport, and healthcare. There is continuous work on updating the material base and the teaching staff. A new laboratory for robotics and automation was opened, and the companies Mitsubishi Electric and "Exaton Bulgaria" AD are sponsors for its establishment. In addition, the Faculty of Automation has two laboratories in "Technopark Sofia". One is for artificial intelligence, headed by Prof. Dr. Eng. Valeri Mladenov, and the other is for bioelectroengineering, headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Vasil Galabov. Almost daily, many companies call with invitations for student internships. The Faculty has a contract with GS Group – a British company that develops automated machines for agriculture.
Prof. Dr.r Eng. Mikhail Todorov, Dean of the "Faculty of Transport"
The specialty "Aircraft Technology and Engineering" prepares personnel for Lufthansa Technik. This means that graduates directly enter the global business.
"We hire engineers in the field of automotive and railway transport" in three specialties - "Transport Engineering and Technologies", "Transport Technology and Management" and "Automotive Engineering", as well as engineers in the specialty "Aviation Engineering and Technologies". For students under the "Erasmus+" program and from countries outside the European Union, the faculty offers 2 specialties in English - "Aeronautical Engineering" and "Automotive Engineering" - bachelor's and master's degrees. The second thing we are proud of is that in recent years there has been great interest from students under the "Erasmus+" program. Currently, we have 5 foreign students in the Department of Air Transport. This year, students from Germany and Turkey were studying here, and it can be said that our international relations in this regard are at a high level.
Assoc. Dr. Eng. Alexander Tsenov, Dean of the Faculty of German Engineering Education and Industrial Management (FaGIOPM):
Get a German degree in Bulgaria
The Faculty of German Engineering Education and Industrial Management prepares engineers, engineer-managers, and PhD students through programs of German partner universities. Students at the Faculty of German Engineering Education and Industrial Management (FaGIOPM) have the opportunity to obtain a German degree as well. The training is conducted entirely in German in the specialties of "Computer Systems and Technologies", "Mechatronics and Information Technologies", "General Mechanical Engineering", "Industrial Management", and "Business Administration". Part of the training process includes internships, practical training, and one or two semesters of study at partner universities. A large part of our graduates find employment in Bulgaria in German companies. Partners of FaGIOPM are the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Braunschweig University of Technology, and the University of Applied Sciences and Management Essen. FaGIOPM was established by an Intergovernmental Agreement in 1990 and for these nearly 30 years has been funded through a project by the German Academic Exchange Service.
Prof. Dr. Eng. Kiril Angelov, Dean of the Faculty of
French Training in Electrical Engineering (FFOE)
"The French Faculty at the Technical University – Sofia issues a degree recognized by France"
At the same time, the prices for state-funded places are in Bulgarian.
Internships are held at faculties and enterprises in France, and young specialists have a 100% employment rate in international companies in Bulgaria and abroad. Our priorities are computer engineering, telecommunications, electronics, energy, and mechatronics, various and important areas of production. The Technical University – Sofia is the only one in Bulgaria that provides education for high-tech specialties recognized in France, which is a huge advantage for young people. They do not need to travel or seek opportunities to support themselves; they can study at TU-Sofia and have the confidence of being capable and knowledgeable. "Our doors are wide open. Come to us".
Thierry Bolone, Deputy Director for the Development of International Relations at the University of Technology of Troyes, France
"French diplomas open wide doors for Bulgarian graduates"
I have been to Bulgaria many times, and the collaboration between the two universities has been ongoing for years. The education here is of a high level, and most importantly, it produces highly qualified and competitive specialists for the industry. Obtaining a French diploma in Bulgaria is a significant advantage, as it is identical for both Bulgarian and French graduates. There is well-established mutual cooperation, and many French professors, my colleagues, teach here. The unique aspect is that TU-Sofia has three foreign-language faculties that prepare Bulgarian students for the global business.
In the future, we will work together in a consortium to create a European university, which will have students from all over Europe, Bulgaria, and other countries. Our creed is to unite efforts in obtaining joint diplomas, to standardize education, and to ensure that students receive a prestigious education. The global industry needs qualified specialists who will drive technical progress, have excellent professional skills, and boldly move forward in the world of technology and innovation.
Prof. Dr. Georgi Venkov, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Mathematics and Informatics
"Having your own students on internship at CERN is a source of pride for Bulgaria. Talented young people are the future for change and prosperity of our country."
The faculty has a successful program, computer science and software engineering are the leading specialties. Students easily find employment and have brilliant prospects. Salaries, when hiring students, are high from the start and grow continuously. 35 people are admitted to „Applied Mathematics and Informatics“, and in „Informatics and Software Sciences“ up to 75 students. „There are few students, but this is good because in many cases we have an individual approach to education, and those who have difficulties are noticed early on, so special attention is paid to their development. They come from Natural Sciences and Mathematics High Schools, but also from elite schools in the country, and this motivates us a lot. To be successful teachers, to keep up with the latest developments and to keep pace with the times. The children know more than us, especially in technology. In my opinion, they are born with smartphones and tablets, and all that remains is for them to learn programming with us, and they are ready. Our specialty is second in accreditation after the one at Sofia University, with a score of 9.46. This is an indisputable success and obligation. The interest from applicants is high, and we carefully select high school graduates, because we must not make mistakes. The educational standard is high, but until you reach the heights of knowledge, it is expected that you will sweat enough from studying and preparation“, notes Prof. Venkov. There is a specialty – „Applied Physics and Computer Modeling“. In it, the entire education is focused on nonlinear optics, laser technology, and nanotechnology. „It is precisely from this specialty that Bulgarian children glorify us at CERN. Their future is to learn the laws of the universe and, of course, that particle from which we were created in the Universe. I am very proud of this fact“. The Faculty has many cooperation agreements with educational institutions, BAS, and other higher education institutions. Students also participate in the „Erasmus“ program at various universities in Europe and around the world. We have very good contacts with Italy, France, Germany, Russia, and the Serbian Academy of Sciences. The Faculty has a scientific-experimental laboratory, one of which is the software group „Axtar“, which deals with geographic information systems and serves more than two-thirds of the municipalities in Bulgaria, assisting in the development of an electronic cadastre. Salaries in this laboratory are very high. „We bought a very powerful laser for this laboratory and laser equipment. We are working on annual updates of the curricula in the three specialties, in accordance with the requirements of future employers. We work together with BAIT – the Bulgarian Association of Information Technologies, Musala Soft, and the British company „Experience“. They have helped create one of the most modern laboratories in the university. Two more laboratories are scheduled for complete furnishing and renovation. Updating the material base greatly stimulates the students. They become even more passionate about acquiring knowledge and skills. This is also the future of education, real practice. These children will develop our country in the coming years, and therefore we, the teachers, must be their best helpers“, says Professor Dr. Georgi Venkov.
Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivelin Banov, Dean of the Faculty of Energy Machinery Engineering
"A state policy is needed for the preparation of engineering personnel in the field of energy. In the near future, Bulgaria may run out of specialists if the understanding of the importance of the profession is not changed"
The Energy Machinery Engineering Faculty of the Technical University of Sofia has a 56-year history and is the leading institution for obtaining higher education in the field of energy, and in terms of some specialties, it is the only one in the country. For the new academic year 2019/2020, we are accepting students for bachelor's degree programs in the specialties "Thermal Energy and Nuclear Energy", "Renewable Energy Technologies and Fluid Mechanics", "Thermal and Refrigeration Technologies and Systems", and "Design and Technologies for Clothing and Textiles". The demand for specialists in energy depends heavily on state policy in the industry. We believe that, by analogy with secondary education, there should be protected professions in energy in higher education as well. There is definitely a shortage of heating and ventilation engineers, air conditioning, and thermal engineering specialists. Graduates of certain master's programs at our faculty have the advantage of directly obtaining the right to practice as engineering designers in accordance with the Spatial Planning Act, of course, if they meet the other requirements as well. In other words, the construction industry also offers great opportunities for the professional realization of our graduates. Thanks to the support of leading companies in the industry, the faculty has a very good material base, which exceeds in many respects the bases of related specialties in the country. Computer methods for design and research are widely used in the educational process. All our teachers have very good professional and pedagogical training, as well as rich practical experience, which is so necessary for the training of future engineers. Scientific and applied activities are well developed at the faculty, with the participation of teachers, doctoral students, and students, significant national and international research projects are implemented. The faculty cooperates with partners not only from Europe, but also from China, Arab countries, etc.
"Energy is a vital industry for the Bulgarian economy, and I believe that with the joint efforts of the state, society, scientific circles, and educational institutions, we will be able to prepare the personnel who will meet the challenges of tomorrow".
Prof. Dr. Eng. Milka Vicheva, Dean of Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
"We combine traditions in engineering education with the requirements of business and the labor market to prepare highly qualified and competitive professionals"
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is a leading faculty in the field of mechanical engineering. We constantly update existing specialties and take an innovative approach to establishing new ones to meet the needs of the market and society. The range of specialties is broad – from the design of lifting and transport equipment to precision devices for measuring and controlling robots, logistics equipment, and industrial product design. Young people are inquisitive, knowledgeable, and easily "ignite" with passion for science. We are the ones who must motivate them to burn with the desire for knowledge. We maintain constant contact with our students and build trust, which ensures them a good start in their profession. "Mechanical Engineering" is a traditional specialty at the Faculty. The business sector increasingly needs mechanical engineers with in-depth knowledge and skills in IT technologies, computer-aided design and management, engineering analysis, and simulations. The specialties of "Mechatronics" and "Engineering Logistics" are relatively newer specialties that fully meet contemporary requirements. "Engineering Design" is a unique specialty in its essence, combining engineering knowledge with the imagination and talent of an artist. All bachelor programs are accredited by FEANI – the Federation of European National Engineering Associations, which is a high certificate of qualification for the engineering personnel trained at the Faculty. The master's programs are traditionally "Mechanical Engineering and Instrumentation", "Mechatronics", "Engineering Logistics", "Engineering Design". As an extension of engineering education, new master's specialties have emerged – "Metrology and Measuring Technology", "Design of Innovative Engineering Products", "Technical Safety of Working Equipment", "Medical Equipment", to which there is increased interest. "Technical Legislation and Quality Management" is a specialty with international recognition, highly rated by the UN Economic Commission. We also conduct training in English – in the specialties of "Mechanical Engineering" and "Mechatronics" for bachelors and masters, where students from various countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa are trained. The Faculty is also a leader in international projects and programs. More important and significant projects of the Faculty are: "Intelligent Automation of Rail Transport" under the European Horizon 2020 program; "Open Innovations for Enhancing Entrepreneurship Skills and Public-Private Partnership in the Danube Region" under the Danube Strategy program. Students with innovative developments participate. The Bulgarian team took 2nd place in the representation of the Danube Region. Both projects are led by Prof. L. Dimitrov. "Cybersecurity and its related logistics and IT infrastructures in the conditions of Industry 4.0" is a NATO project led by Prof. K. Dimitrov. A team led by Assoc. Prof. D. Dyakov participates in the project for the construction of a European XFEL ultra-high-frequency linear accelerator in Hamburg, Germany. The Faculty organizes an annual youth conference "Machines, Innovations, Technologies" for students, doctoral students, and young scientists, as well as a national olympiad in technical drawing – a competition for the best students.
Why choose Technical University - Sofia.
