The Rector of the Technical University – Sofia, Prof. Dr. Georgi Venkov, participated in a discussion forum on the future of engineering education

The Minister of Education and Science, Krasimir Valkov, gathered the rectors of state higher education institutions that train students in the field of engineering sciences at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesia. The Technical University - Sofia hosted the first meeting of the Minister with the rectors of the technical universities. At the round table, the Minister stated that a key factor for the socio-economic development of the country is to have more applicants in technical professional fields. According to him, future students should apply with mathematics, physics, and chemistry. In his words, one of the main threats to our economic development in the future is precisely the low results in mathematics and natural sciences and the small number of graduates who take these exams.

The Rector of TU - Sofia, Prof. Venkov, together with the other rectors at the meeting, supported the initiative of the Minister of Education and Science. Everyone united around the idea to start discussions on how to motivate applicants to increase their interest in applying with these subjects. The mandatory exam in mathematics is also supported by technical higher education institutions.

It was announced during the meeting that scholarships will be granted to students admitted to technical specialties with an exam or applicant test in mathematics, physics, or chemistry. Additionally, extra scholarships are planned for students in shortage specialties, where there is a lack of qualified personnel, such as nuclear energy and hydraulic engineering. Further meetings will be organized with representatives of such sectors, which have major employers and a shortage of specialists, explained Minister Valkov, and emphasized that this list can be expanded, and the idea is that the size of the scholarships in these fields should be much more attractive.

It was also proposed to link a certain percentage of admissions in desired professional fields such as "Computer and Communication Engineering" with a mathematics exam.

From the discussion, it became clear that the higher education institutions themselves are considering increasing the weight of the mathematics grade in forming the admission score, thereby stimulating applicants to prepare for the mathematics exam.

The measures are planned to come into effect from the following academic year 2026/2027. By September this year, the parameters for them are to be clarified.