Today, 21 September, the academic community of the University of Forestry officially marked the beginning of the new academic year, embracing new knowledge, challenges, opportunities, and aspirations for success.

With a warm “Welcome!”, the University greeted its first-year students, who today embark on their journey through higher education and professional development. In keeping with tradition, Rector Assoc. Prof. Hristo Mihaylov, PhD, presented student record books to the twelve first-year students who achieved the highest admission results, representing each of the University’s twelve specialties.

The official opening ceremony brought together representatives of state institutions, academia, business, and professional organisations. Among the distinguished guests were Ms. Mihaela Dotsova, President of the National Assembly; Prof. Georgi Valchev, Minister of Education and Science; Ms. Milena Dimitrova, Secretary to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria for Culture, Education and Relations with Bulgarians Abroad; Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Food Krasimir Chakurov and Yanislav Yanchev; Eng. Stoyan Toshev, Executive Director of the Executive Forest Agency; Eng. Irena Petkova, Director of the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water – Sofia; Eng. Vasil Vasilev, Chair of the Management Board of the National Hunting and Angling Association “Union of Hunters and Anglers in Bulgaria”; Angel Stoykov, Chair of the National Representation of Student Councils; Assoc. Prof. Dragomir Stefanov, Deputy Mayor of Studentski District; as well as representatives of higher education institutions, state authorities, employers’ organisations, and professional associations.

Addressing the future students, Ms. Mihaela Dotsova highlighted the important contribution of the University of Forestry to the preparation of highly qualified professionals in Bulgaria—professionals who care deeply about and are committed to protecting the country’s natural environment and forest and water resources, and who are equipped to provide informed assessments of the impacts of climate change. Ms. Dotsova also presented Rector Assoc. Prof. Hristo Mihaylov with an honorary plaque from the President of the National Assembly in recognition of his contributions to culture, science, spirituality, sport, and society.

Prof. Valchev congratulated the students on their choice and emphasised that “when a university builds on its strengths and develops them effectively, it can move forward with confidence, continuously build upon its achievements, and establish itself as a leader in its professional fields.”

On behalf of President Iliana Iotova, Ms. Milena Dimitrova, Secretary for Culture, Education and Relations with Bulgarians Abroad, delivered a congratulatory address to the academic community.

Angel Stoykov, Chair of the National Representation of Student Councils, also addressed the students, encouraging them to take an active role in the educational process.

Congratulatory messages were also received from Acad. Prof. Evelina Slavcheva, Chair of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Prof. Eliza Stefanova, Rector of Sofia University; Prof. Krasimir Petkov, Rector of the National Sports Academy; Prof. Georgi Yankov, Rector of the National Academy of Art; Dragomir Nikolov, Director of Studentski District Administration; and Arch. Borislav Vladimirov, Chair of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria.

The addresses delivered during the ceremony emphasised the importance of the professional education provided by the University of Forestry in fields related to the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. A particular message to the first-year students was that the professional path they have chosen represents not only an education and a future career, but also a responsibility and a mission towards nature and society.

We wish all our students curiosity and a lasting passion for knowledge, perseverance, and the courage to pursue new opportunities. To our academic and administrative staff, we wish inspiration and fulfilment in our shared work.

May the 2026/2027 academic year be filled with successful initiatives, new ideas, and many reasons for pride!

On 23 September, the University of Forestry will also officially open the new academic year at its branch in the city of Burgas.