The chairperson of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency: “Varna Free University fosters a culture of quality in higher education.”
14 may 2026
“Varna Free University continues to strengthen its position and build on the achievements of past years, setting an example for other universities in the country of how quality management should be approached and how data and information management systems can help foster a culture of quality in higher education.” This was stated today by Prof. Dr. Eliza Stefanova, Chairperson of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency, during her visit to Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.
On the eve of the university’s 35th anniversary, Prof. Dr. Eliza Stefanova officially presented the certificate of institutional accreditation to the Rector, Prof. Dr. Petar Hristov.
Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” received institutional accreditation with a score of 9.01 out of 10 and the maximum six-year accreditation period. The result comes at a particularly important stage in the institution’s development and represents recognition of its sustainable growth over the past 35 years.
During the meeting, new technological and management solutions used by the university to develop its quality management systems were presented. Among them is an analytical information system built on Business Intelligence principles and aligned with the criteria of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency. The system was presented by Vice Rector Prof. D.Sc. Dimitar Kanev.
The platform collects, analyzes, and visualizes real-time data on all aspects of the university’s operations. This enables management decisions to be based on accurate, up-to-date, measurable, and comparable information. Through the system, the university can more quickly identify processes that require attention, respond promptly, and improve the environment for learning and academic development.
Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” supports the efforts of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency to raise standards in higher education and views the accreditation process as a tool for development, transparency, and public trust.
Institutional accreditation evaluates the quality of education and the functioning of the university as a comprehensive academic system. The process includes an assessment of strategic management, the internal quality assurance system, academic staff potential, digital environment, research activities, administrative processes, and facilities. The evaluation is conducted according to multiple criteria and indicators and includes a self-assessment report, on-site inspections, meetings with faculty members, students, employers, and partners, as well as analysis of real data and academic outcomes.
The university management describes the institutional accreditation result as recognition of the consistent efforts of the academic community and states its ambition to maintain a university environment based on quality, transparency, technological solutions, and continuous improvement.
