South-West University

South-West University "Neofit Rilski" is situated in Blagoevgrad and functions as both a major research institution and a cultural center which serves the entire Balkan region. The university which bears the name of Neofit Rilski who was a Bulgarian educator and monk serves as the primary educational institution for the southwestern regions of Bulgaria. The university campus functions as a vital part of Blagoevgrad's social and academic activities while its modern facilities enable students to develop their intellectual abilities through multicultural interactions. The institution establishes its presence through strong regional impact and its participation in European Higher Education Area activities while maintaining its dedication to academic excellence together with community support and global partnerships.

The establishment of the university took place in 1975 when it opened as a Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" branch to provide specialized educational programs for regional students. The institution became the Higher Pedagogical Institute through its 1983 transformation into an independent organization which specialized in educator and researcher training programs. The Bulgarian Parliament granted the institution its university status through the 1995 legislation which established its current name that honors the national enlightener Neofit Rilski. The institution has developed from a regional college into a full university which operates across multiple national and international research networks through its growth of infrastructure and academic programs.

South-West University is ranked as the #3 top university in Bulgaria during 2026.