VFU STUDENT COUNCIL "CHERNORIZETS HRABAR" CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT

27 February 2026

The Student Council of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” celebrates 30 years since its establishment – three decades of active role in the development of student self-government in Bulgaria.

The solemn event will take place on 27 February 2026 in the Maxima Hall of the university and will bring together the academic leadership, students, alumni and partners of the Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.

Established on 6 February 1996, the Council is the first established student council in Bulgaria after the amendments to the Higher Education Act and lays the foundations of a model that subsequently developed on a national scale. Over the years, the organization has gone beyond the framework of intra-university activities and has established itself as a factor in public processes, in legislative debates and in the development of student policies.

Key achievements over the three decades:
► 1996 – Establishment of the first student council in Bulgaria after the amendments to the Higher Education Act (06 Feb 1996);
► 2000 – Initiator of the establishment of AEGEE-Bulgaria – part of the European Student Forum (Association des États Généraux des Étudiants de l'Europe);
► 2000 – Establishment of the United Varna Student Councils;
► 2006 – At the initiative of the students and the university leadership, the Career Centre is established;
► 2009 – 2010 – "Green University" - The Student Council initiated a large-scale campaign to transform the campus into an eco-zone, which later led to the design of the park by architecture students (2012)
► 2017–2018 – Achieved the introduction of preferential prices for subscription cards for all public transport lines in Varna for students;
► 2021 Awarded the honorary badge of the National Representation of Student Councils in the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the student representation;
► 2022–2024 – Implementation of the project "Choose Bulgarian Higher Education";
► 2021–2025 – Active participation in the working groups for changes to the Student Loans Act.

Sustainable initiatives and long-term activities:
► The Academic Dance Theatre – 30 years of creative laboratory at the Student Council with scholarship support for talented participants;
► Conducting large-scale information campaigns against telephone fraud and digital literacy programmes for the elderly;
► Working with students through initiatives to encourage reading – placing book houses and cap containers in dozens of schools in the country;
► Organising blood donation campaigns twice a year in partnership with the Regional Centre for Transfusion Hematology;
► Conducting a National Student Competition in Criminal Justice;
► Holding a National Psychology Competition;
► Participation in the National Mediation Competition;
► Interest clubs - Club "Ecletica" (for art and design), Music Club "Varna Free Band" and Law Club "Prof. Tamara Hinova", Law Clinic - established in 2002 and operating to this day;
► Participation in various sports events - winter and summer university, Universiades, competitions, etc.;
► Active participation in the academic and cultural life of the university.

Over the past three decades, the Student Council of VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" has established itself with its developed specialised clubs and large-scale social initiatives. The organization has won prestigious awards, including annual named awards from the Municipality of Varna for academic achievements and state recognition for contribution to student sports. Through its membership in the National Student Union and participation in international projects such as Erasmus+, the Council provides students with a platform for professional expression and protection of their rights at national level.

The celebration will bring together 12 chairpersons of the Student Council from 1996 to the present, prominent alumni, representatives of student councils from the country and partner organizations.

The programme includes never-before-seen archival footage from the early years of the university and the Student Council, stories from representatives of the leadership and chairpersons over the years, as well as artistic performances representing the development of the student community. The event emphasises continuity and a vision for development - maintaining the connection between generations, supporting personal and professional development, expanding international opportunities for learning and exchange, commitment to social causes, and sustainable use of technology as a tool for development.

The celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Student Council is part of the overall festive programme of VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar", related to the upcoming 35th anniversary of the university.
► On 23 May 2026, an alumni community meeting will be held in the Eastern Park of the university under the title "35 years - generations of knowledge and trust", which will bring together graduates, faculty and students.

Student Council, term 2023 - 2025.