More than 150 prospective students from the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, and Japan arrived at the Medical University of Plovdiv to take part in the Open Day event. Traditionally held in March, the initiative provides young people from different parts of the world with the opportunity to visit the university in person and familiarize themselves with its facilities and educational opportunities. Many of the applicants were accompanied by family members as well as current students already enrolled at the university, who recommended it to their peers.
Guided by experts from the Academic Affairs Department, Anna Georgieva and Elena Dushilova, the group first visited the Museum of Medicine, where lecturers Kiril Temelkov and Sema Kutsarova introduced the exhibits and presented artifacts from the collection, organized into four historical periods. Visitors learned about ancient Philippopolis and viewed copies of icons of healing saints, photographs, objects, documents, and nursing uniforms dating back more than a century.
A comprehensive presentation on the university and its faculties, awards, memberships in professional associations, academic programs, internship opportunities, sports facilities, and accommodation options was delivered by Anna Georgieva. She emphasized the recognition of the university’s diploma across European Union member states and highlighted that the majority of students at the Medical University of Plovdiv are international, representing 67 countries. The prospective students were informed about the examination dates from April to July, application deadlines, and were advised to review the sample tests in chemistry and biology available on the university’s website.
To share their experiences in Plovdiv and answer questions, representatives of the Student Council, Fadilah Wan and Ways Ramadan, joined the session.
“We are not only colleagues here but also friends, regardless of our year of study. We prepare for exams together, share information, and support one another. It is important to attend lectures and practical sessions regularly. Whenever you encounter a problem, you can always turn to the Academic Affairs Department, whose experts will assist you promptly and help find a solution,” Ways reassured the prospective students.
A parent of a British applicant expressed concern about whether English is widely spoken in the city, seeking reassurance that his son would integrate successfully. Students from Greece and Germany inquired about sports opportunities and accommodation fees in student dormitories.
The international visitors were particularly impressed by the Medical Simulation Training Center, which offers excellent conditions for developing practical skills. The innovations were presented by Associate Professor Milena Sandeva, Director of the Center, and Stefan Tenishev, who introduced the visitors to the modern equipment—from a comprehensive simulator for ultrasound training to an interactive pediatric simulator and virtual reality systems. They also explored high-fidelity mannequins designed to simulate clinical symptoms.
The tour continued with a visit to the Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, where Chief Assistant Professor Dr. Zdravka Harizanova provided detailed explanations of the anatomical exhibits in the department’s museum. The prospective students also observed an ongoing practical session in the dissection hall.
The visitors further explored the Faculty of Dental Medicine, including the phantom laboratories, and observed clinical practice.
The final stop of the tour was the Faculty of Pharmacy. Associate Professor Nikolina Milcheva, Vice-Dean for International Cooperation and Project Activities, welcomed the prospective students and introduced them to the faculty’s activities, modern laboratories, opportunities for participation in research and projects, as well as mobility programs under Erasmus+. Turkish and Greek students shared their impressions of their studies and recommended the Medical University of Plovdiv.
