On October 1, 1888, “without any noise, almost unbeknownst to society,” the first Bulgarian higher education institution opened its doors. In the newly completed building of the First High School for young men in Sofia, a Higher Pedagogical Course was introduced to “provide higher education and prepare teachers for secondary schools.” Only a few months later, it was converted into a higher education institute. Alexander Teodorov-Balan, who studied at Leipzig University and earned a PhD degree from the University of Prague, became its first rector.
Funded by the state, the University received financial support from many benefactors and philanthropists as well. The Bulgarian public has traditionally held education and learning in high esteem. Bulgarians who had amassed fortunes, middle-income people, and even citizens of modest means made contributions to support and promote higher education in Bulgaria. The donations took different forms. People bequeathed or donated money, securities, or real estate, setting up foundations and endowment funds; donated time to nationwide initiatives; gave books and entire libraries, equipment, etc. To foundations, Sofia University owes some of its most valuable acquisitions: the completion of its central building and the university library, the construction of student residence halls, support for poor students, specializations abroad for qualification enhancement, etc.
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