University of Food Technologies in Plovdiv, formerly known as High Institute of Food and Flavor Industries (HIFFI), was founded in 1953 as the only educational institution in Bulgaria and the Balkan  Peninsula specialized in the sphere of the food technologies. In 2003, after receiving its academic accreditation, with the decision of the Parliament of Republic of Bulgaria, HIFFI was given the status of a university and was renamed to University of Food Technologies (UFT). Currently, UFT offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in a variety of majors in the technology, mechanics, economics of food industry, and biotechnology. A large number of the university graduates are managers in government agencies or private companies, famous scientists and popular social figures. UFT is very proud that at the beginning of the new XXI century the university has a great team of highly educated and qualified faculties and offers a set of modern and up to date with  the latest development in the industry majors. Following its ultimate goal to continuously improve the education quality and excel in the scientific research areas, the university renovates its equipment on a regular basis. The students and faculties have access to a big sport complex with an indoor Olympic size swimming pool, a gymnasium, and tennis courts, as well as a number of libraries with a wide collection of specialized literature. In addition, UFT is extremely proud of its dance ensemble Paldin most of whose members are students and faculties in the university who are completely devoted to the beauty and charm of the traditional Bulgarian dances. Moreover, UFT has a number of programs for research, educational, and technical exchange with a number of countries such as Ukraine, Georgia, Greece, Macedonia, Turkey, Russia, Italy, China, Vietnam, Spain, etc. As a result of these exchange programs faculties have the opportunity to teach at  foreign universities, students have the opportunity to do research or take courses at foreign universities, attend lectures, symposiums, academic meetings, etc. These exchange programs help the university adhere to one of its main responsibilities of having highly educated and knowledgeable faculties who are recognized for their academic knowledge worldwide. UHT believes in continuously improving its foreign exchange programs for the faculties, students, and administration staff with leading Bulgarian and foreign universities so that everybody can actively participate in the development and utilization on new ideas and projects in higher education in Bulgaria and the European Union. |
